Moving Forward Archive

If shopping for antiques, collectibles, or treasures hidden in a jumble of castaways is your forte, there are few places in south Louisiana to match St. Landry Parish as the place to spend a day or a weekend in quest of a special item for your home, or a surprise find that is perfect for gifting.

As Acadiana’s Antique Capitol, shoppers can browse among the more than 500 vendors within a 20-mile radius in the parish. Special signage along the Zydeco Cajun Scenic Prairie Byway, a scenic roadway that winds through Acadiana, will lead you to shops and galleries in Arnaudville, Grand Coteau, Sunset, Opelousas, Washington, and other historic communities—where you will also find delicious Cajun and Creole cooking all along the way, and even a few places to stop and dance a two-step, even in the afternoon.

“St. Landry provides a one of a kind experience that brings a whole new meaning to antiquing,” according to Raquella Manuel, president and CEO of the St. Landry Chamber of Commerce. “Yes, you will see countless shops and beautiful local art, but when you ‘go antiquing’ here, you become a part of the culture and tradition of our unique parish.

Twice each year, on the third Saturday of each March and October, rain or shine, bargain hunters from across the state converge on Highway 93, as it winds through Arnaudville, Grand Coteau, and Sunset for a Seven-Mile Yard Sale that offers crafts, food, antiques and furniture, jewelry, glassware and one-of-a-kind items of every description.

Also each spring and fall, on the second weekend of each April and October, the Old High School Antique Mall in Washington puts on its Antique Fair and Yard Sale. The old Washington High School, built in 1934, offers 40,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles, 

vintage clothing, jewelry and primitives. Some 200 vendors fill the six-acre campus during the twice-yearly yard sales.

The Washington antique mall is open each Friday through Sunday, and the old school house itself is worth exploring as a piece of architecture. Several other shops on Main Street offer antiques, glassware, and more, and the Historic Washington Art Gallery just a few blocks away from the old school features the work of eight local artists.

In Arnaudville, the NUNU Arts and Culture Collective fills the 5,000-square-foot former Singleton Hardware Store with arts and social activities that celebrate St. Landry’s living French culture, as well as a place to shop for locally produced art and crafts.

Throughout then parish you will find cooperative shops such as Spotted Cat Antiques in Opelousas (80 dealers in 3,000 square feet), Becky’s Barn in Eunice (50 vendors in 8,000-square feet), the Sunset Rail Stop Flea Market (6,000 square feet), that offer furniture, art, jewelry, collectibles, and memorabilia.

In addition to individual antique shops, you’ll find studios and galleries where local artists offer painting, photography, unique works made from reclaimed materials, glasswork, or furniture made from old logs salvaged from the Atchafalaya Basin.

“Going antiquing in our parish makes for a unforgettable weekend. Whether you are on the hunt for the perfect home decor, browsing one of a kind masterpieces, or just enjoying a getaway with friends, we invite you to experience the amazing foods, entertainment, history, and shopping that flourishes in St. Landry.” Manuel said.