In some ways, Louisiana is a pretty unique state in the South. Cajun and Creole culture have heavily influenced huge swaths of the state, making it distinct from some other Southern states. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have some true Southern towns—and I believe Pontchatoula, Louisiana, is one of the most Southern. Historic, community-oriented and centered around a single crop—there’s a lot to love and explore in this sweet town.

Like all good Southern towns, Ponchatoula has a really great Main Street.

Flickr.com / Jen Dubin This historic downtown road has some special shops and unique family run businesses.

And of course, like many Southern towns, there are old gas stations not quite in use.

Flickr.com / Jen Dubin There is a gentle, sleepy feeling here that always reminds me of the South. This town was founded as a mining camp in 1820, and incorporated into a town in 1861. By 1863, the town was pillaged by the Union Army during the Civil War.

Paul’s Cafe, at 100 E Pine St., is a great place for you to start your visit,

Yelp.com / Angela D. It’s a classic cafe that will make you feel right at home.

Just looking at this breakfast spread makes me feel like I am deep in the South.

Yelp.com / Jerry M. Where else can you get such an awesome spread of grits, biscuits and gravy, eggs, and hashbrowns?

By the turn of the century, Ponchatoula’s central economy became strawberries.

facebook.com/ponchatoulajaycees/ These delicious treats have become central to the town of Ponchatoula. Their annual strawberry festival is one of the most popular regional festivals. Who doesn’t love a Louisiana strawberry?

Like all great Southern towns, Ponchatoula is no stranger to awesome festivals and celebrations.

facebook.com/ponchatoulajaycees Their annual Jambalaya cook-out is a great gathering.

Just looking at these ingredients makes me hungry.

facebook.com/ponchatoulajaycees The great food tradition here is really special.

We think you are going to be charmed by the beautiful nature of the people here in this town.

facebook.com/ponchatoulajaycees There is a tight-knit community that is welcoming to all and ready to embrace one another.

It’s just a truly charming, relaxed Southern town that is great to raise a family in.

facebook.com/ponchatoulajaycees That’s why I believe Ponchatoula is the most Southern town in all of Louisiana.

Where do you think the most Southern town in all of Louisiana is? Have you ever visited in Ponchatoula? Let us know what you think! We love to hear your ideas and opinions.

Flickr.com / Jen Dubin

This historic downtown road has some special shops and unique family run businesses.

There is a gentle, sleepy feeling here that always reminds me of the South. This town was founded as a mining camp in 1820, and incorporated into a town in 1861. By 1863, the town was pillaged by the Union Army during the Civil War.

Yelp.com / Angela D.

It’s a classic cafe that will make you feel right at home.

Yelp.com / Jerry M.

Where else can you get such an awesome spread of grits, biscuits and gravy, eggs, and hashbrowns?

facebook.com/ponchatoulajaycees/

These delicious treats have become central to the town of Ponchatoula. Their annual strawberry festival is one of the most popular regional festivals. Who doesn’t love a Louisiana strawberry?

facebook.com/ponchatoulajaycees

Their annual Jambalaya cook-out is a great gathering.

The great food tradition here is really special.

There is a tight-knit community that is welcoming to all and ready to embrace one another.

That’s why I believe Ponchatoula is the most Southern town in all of Louisiana.

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