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Thrifting on the bayou


Rotary Centennial Plaza. Houma, LA.

Houma may not come to mind when you think of thrifting in South Louisiana but I'm here to share the secret that Houma boasts some fantastic locations to discover thrifting gems! And as an added bonus (or should I say lagniappe, which means "something extra" in French), you can also enjoy some amazing authentic Cajun cuisine!


Spend the day on the bayou at some of my favorite places.


Jocias Vintage Market is one of Houma's newest gems for vintage finds. It is a multi-vendor venue with a mix of handcrafted finds and vintage treasures. It is well organized and AIR CONDITIONED in the heart of Houma {and near lots of places to eat...that's important you know!} AND drum roll....in late August The Simple Vintage Life will have a booth at Jocias Vintage Market. Be sure and stop by. . . I'll be the booth with all things Maw Maw Chic!


Tabernacle Thrift & Antique Store usually has a 25 cent table! In addition to clothing, furniture and home decor they have a good selection of hardware/plumbing items. {This is where I found Tante Greta’s pitcher.}


Imperial Flea Market is Houma’s largest flea market and it sits on the bayou. It is two stories of treasures housed in an old furniture store that once had a small post office in it. There a numerous booths here with anything from coins to furniture and everything in between. {I could kick myself for not getting a vintage Stanley thermos i saw a few months ago!}

Books and more books at Junk in the Trunk. I could spend hours browsing through all of these.

Junk in the Trunk is going to overwhelm you{in a good way}when you walk in but its a treasure hunters delight! They have a little bit of everything, including a great selection of Mardi Gras memorabilia. The book section is my favorite {Most of the books I’ve shared with you have been found here. My favorite

being the Crossroads to Charm book.} Cash is a good idea here.


Missions Possible Thrift Store is one of the most organized shops I’ve ever been in anywhere. Every week there is a new selection of items. They have a terrific selection of season holiday decorations. The profits are used to support missions in the community and around the world. I got a great deal on some vintage punch bowl cups here..FREE! You may want to get there early...it’s a popular spot!


After some thrifting you are going to work up an appetite so let's talk food {one of my favorite subjects}!


Boudreau & Thibodeau’s Cajun Cookin - with that name you KNOW you are getting some good food! The boiled seafood and grill oysters are my favorite here. And they do these skillet potatoes as a side that are c’est bon {that’s good}! {Near Tabernacle Thrift & Antique Store and Jocias Vintage Market}


Downtown Jeaux -If you get to town early and want breakfast or just looking for a good cup of coffee this is the hotspot. It’s a quaint restaurant in the heart of downtown and they have the BEST beignets I’ve ever eaten. The lunch menu is fantastic also. If the weather permits, enjoy your coffee and beignets on the new Rotary Centennial Plaza. Tell Tommy I sent you! {Near Imperial Flea Market & Junk in the Trunk}


Ground Pat'i - a Houma staple since 1971. It may not be a cajun restaurant {but I do recommend the cajun seasoning on your fries} However, they are known for a great hamburger. My personal favorite is the grilled chicken sandwich. Oh, and they give you the best roasted peanuts to snack on! {Near Jocias Vintage Market, Imperial Flea Market and Tabernacle Thrift & Antique}.


Lumiere Blues & Jazz Bistro is another downtown hotspot that  sits on the bayou in Houma. If you happen to be here on a Saturday {the only day it’s available} the fried chicken is a must. They are also known for delicious carrot cake. {Near Imperial Flea Market  & Junk in the Trunk}


The Shack of Houma is a local favorite for seafood of any kind. Boiled, Fried, Grilled, you name it they’ve got it! This is my go to place for a shrimp po-boy. {Near Missions Possible Thrift Store}


Houma offers many other things to do, see and eat. Visiting bayou country is an experience you won’t soon forget. In fact, you will want to visit often! Learn more about what we have to offer at explorehouma.com.


Be on the lookout for me. I’ll be the redhead in her thrifting pants {aka yoga pants}! You are likely to find me looking at books or dishes. Before you head “down the bayou” be sure and check to see when these thrifting gems are open. Most are only open on Friday and Saturdays.


One last tip...if you happen to be in town the first Saturday of the month be sure to stop at Market at the Marina. It takes place from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. rain or shine. You can find fruits and vegetables, bread, jellies, tea, meat and seafood, baked goods, and much more! I found the best homemade peanut butter, fresh lump crabmeat and beautifully local grown flowers from The Haven Flower Farm. I’m sure the vegetables were good too but...darn my hands were full with peanut butter and flowers!


Enjoy a trip "down the bayou" and let me know what you find!


With humor and hot flashes,



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