Under $100: Madisonville

The sleepy, riverside town of Madisonville feels like the Louisiana of bygone days, where life moves a little more slowly and historic Creole cottages sit under old oak trees dripping with Spanish moss.

A handful of businesses revolve around boating and seafood, two favorite pastimes here. Start your day with coffee and breakfast at the charming Abita Coffee Roasters, which fronts the river and offers a lovely view with your meal, for which you’ll pay about $15.

© RIRFStock | Dreamstime

Next, spend some time exploring one of the state parks nearby. There’s Fairview Riverside, which runs alongside the Tchefuncte River and houses an old Plantation home and plenty of swampy south Louisiana scenery. Entry fee is $2 per person.

Dine on fresh Louisiana seafood dishes at the Crabby Shack, which specializes in po boys and fried seafood. Expect to spend around $20.

St. Tammany Trace © Saint Tammany | Flickr

While away the afternoon with a walk along the Lake Pontchartrain waterfront in nearby Mandeville or along the scenic St. Tammany Trace. Both activities are free, as are tours of the Abita Brewery in Abita Springs, a few miles away.

Return to Madisonville for dinner at any number of great restaurants, including Water Street Bistro, Morton’s or Friends, all situated along the river.