Opelousas

Sunset is the "Rubboard Capital of the World" as proclaimed by the 2014 Louisiana Legislature via Resolution SRC81. A rubboard is only one of four musical instruments founded in the United States, and lifelong resident Tee Don Landry and his family are the reason for this designation. To date, he has handmade 2,200 rubboards and keeps a map of where each one calls home.

In addition to making its’ mark on music culture, Sunset is known for its contributions to the agricultural industry as a leading producer of sweet potatoes. But today it is also known for a popular horticultural event, The Celebration of Herbs and Gardens. Held each May, the Sunset Garden Club hosts this daylong event. Seventy-five vendors display native plants, herbs, vegetable plants, yard art and herbal products. Just on the outskirts of town and well worth the drive, is Chretien Point Plantation. Once the center of a 10,000-acre cotton plantation, this home’s history includes stories of the Civil War and a staircase that was replicated and used in Gone With the Wind!

The town has flourished in the past few years with small, entrepreneurial business owners setting up antique markets, thrift shops, antique stores, fused glass art galleries and studios, restaurants, and a Saturday morning farmers' market. Every March and September you can visit these shops for discounts on antique items during the Exit 11 Yard Sale, which includes the neighboring community of Grand Coteau.

Start planning your trip to Sunset, LA here.