Houma, Louisiana

Reading Time: 5 minutes

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Geographic Coordinates: 29.580000, -90.705900

Climate: Houma has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The area experiences frequent rainfall throughout the year, with the wettest months being May through September. Hurricanes are also a potential threat during the Atlantic hurricane season from June to November.

Population: 146665

Language: English

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Houma is a lively city situated in southern Louisiana, United States. It’s the largest city in Terrebonne Parish and serves as the parish seat. With a population of over 33, 000 people, Houma has become an economic hub for the surrounding area. One of Houma’s most notable features is its location on Bayou Terrebonne, Providing easy access to some of Louisiana’s best fishing grounds. The city also boasts several cultural landmarks showcasing its unique history and heritage. Visitors can explore places like Southdown Plantation House & Museum or visit one of several art galleries showcasing local artists’ works.

Another highlight of Houma is its vibrant food scene with delicious Cajun cuisine served up at many restaurants offering traditional dishes like gumbo, Jambalaya, And crawfish étouffée. Visitors can also enjoy fresh seafood caught right off the coast. In addition to cultural offerings and culinary delights, Houma offers numerous recreational opportunities. The area around Bayou Terrebonne provides plenty of opportunities for boating and fishing enthusiasts while nearby parks offer ample space for hiking or picnicking.

Despite being a relatively small town compared to other major cities in Louisiana like New Orleans or Baton Rouge – Houma has plenty to offer visitors looking for an authentic Southern experience with a unique twist on traditional culture. Overall, Whether you’re interested in exploring local history or indulging in delicious food – there’s something here for everyone!

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1. Southdown Plantation House
2. Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum
3. Regional Military Museum
4. Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge
5. The Historic Downtown Houma District
6. TARC’s Cooking Cajun – Louisiana Culinary Institute
7. Annie Miller’s Son’s Swamp and Marsh Tours
8. Bayou Black Airboat Swamp Tours
9. Greenwood Gator Farm and Tours
10. The Chauvin Sculpture Garden

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• Houma, United States is known for its oil and gas industry with several major companies operating in the area.
• The city also boasts a strong seafood industry with commercial fishing and processing being major businesses.
• Other notable industries include healthcare, education, retail, and construction.
• The Port of Terrebonne is also an important economic driver for the region.

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Noteable History

1. Native American Settlement: Houma was originally inhabited by the Houmas Indians, known for their fishing and hunting skills.
2. Louisiana Purchase: In 1803, the United States acquired Louisiana from France, which included Houma.
3. Civil War: During the Civil War, Union troops occupied Houma and used it as a base for military operations in southern Louisiana.
4. Hurricane Katrina: In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated southeast Louisiana, including Houma and caused significant damage to homes and businesses in the area.
5. Terrebonne Parish Courthouse: The Terrebonne Parish Courthouse is a notable landmark in downtown Houma dating back to 1820.
6. Senator Allen J. Ellender: Allen J. Ellender was a U.S Senator from Louisiana representing the state from 1937 until his death in 1972; he lived most of his life in Houma after being born nearby Montegut.
7. Chef John Folse: John Folse is a renowned chef recognized for his contributions to Cajun and Creole cuisine; he grew up near Donaldsonville but operates restaurants throughout south Louisiana including one located near downtown Houma.
8. Governor Mike Foster: Mike Foster owned several businesses based out of Houma before serving as Governor of Louisiana from 1996-2004.
9. Father Francis X Seelos Shrine & Museum: The shrine is dedicated to Father Francis Xavier Seelos (1819–1867), an Austrian-born Redemptorist priest who ministered throughout south Louisiana during the mid-19th century; it is located on Main Street near downtown Houma.
10. Terrebonne General Medical Center: A hospital serving Terrebonne Parish since its founding over six decades ago.

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Museums and Things To See

1. Southdown Plantation House and Museum
2. Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum
3. Regional Military Museum
4. Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center
5. The Historic Downtown Houma District
6. The Downtown Art Gallery
7. Terrebonne Folklife Culture Center
8. Chauvin Sculpture Garden and Art Studio
9. St Francis de Sales Cathedral
10. The Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center

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Sports Teams

1. Houma Braves: The Houma Braves were a minor league baseball team that played in the Evangeline League from 1934 to 1942 and again from 1946 to 1957. They won the league championship in 1939 and had several players who went on to play in Major League Baseball.
2. Terrebonne High School Football: Terrebonne High School has a long tradition of successful football teams, including state championships in 1960, 1983, and 1993.
3. Nicholls State University Athletics: Nicholls State University is located just outside of Houma and has a strong athletic program with teams competing at the NCAA Division I level. The football team has won three conference championships since moving up to Division I in 1972.
4. Bayou Bucks: The Bayou Bucks were an indoor football team that played in the National Indoor Football League from 2001 to 2005.
5. Louisiana Gators: The Louisiana Gators were a professional basketball team that played in the American Basketball Association from 2000 to 2003.
6. Bayou Bandits: The Bayou Bandits were an amateur baseball team that competed regionally throughout southern Louisiana during the early part of this century.
7. H.L.Bourgeois Braves: The H.L.Bourgeois Braves have had success on both their boys’ and girls’ basketball teams over recent years winning district titles as well as making deep playoff runs.

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Cultural Events

1. Houma Cajun Food Festival is a celebration of the rich Cajun culture and cuisine, featuring live music, food vendors, and arts and crafts.
2. Rougarou Fest is a Halloween-themed festival that celebrates the local legend of the Rougarou, a mythical creature said to roam the bayous of Louisiana.
3. Bayou Country Children’s Museum Annual Fundraiser is an event that raises funds for the Bayou Country Children’s Museum while offering family-friendly activities such as face painting, games, and live entertainment.
4. Downtown Live After 5 is a monthly concert series held in downtown Houma featuring local musicians and food vendors.
5. Voice of the Wetlands Festival is an annual music festival that raises awareness about coastal erosion in Louisiana while celebrating local music and culture.
6. Terrebonne Parish Fair & Livestock Show is a traditional county fair with carnival rides, livestock exhibits, agricultural displays, and live entertainment.
7. Krewe of Hercules Mardi Gras Parade is one of several Mardi Gras parades held in Houma each year featuring colorful floats, costumes, and throws (beads).
8. Southdown Marketplace Arts & Crafts Festival is an outdoor market featuring handmade crafts by local artisans along with food vendors and live entertainment.
9. Bayou Beer Fest is a beer tasting event showcasing craft beers from around Louisiana along with live music performances.
10. Christmas Festival of Lights at Peltier Park is a holiday-themed event featuring a light display synchronized to Christmas music along with Santa Claus visits for children to take photos with him!

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Cuisine

• Cajun cuisine: This includes dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, and boudin.
• Seafood: Houma is located near the Gulf of Mexico and is known for its fresh seafood. Some popular seafood dishes include boiled shrimp, fried catfish, oysters on the half shell, and crab cakes.
• Po’boys: A po’boy is a sandwich made with French bread and filled with meats or seafood. Some popular po’boy options in Houma include roast beef, shrimp, and oyster.
• Bayou Bluegrass BBQ: This restaurant serves up classic barbecue dishes like pulled pork sandwiches and smoked brisket.
• Big Mike’s BBQ Smokehouse: Another great option for barbecue lovers in Houma.
• Fremin’s Restaurant: This fine dining establishment offers a variety of Cajun-inspired dishes made with fresh local ingredients.
• Spahr’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar: A popular spot for seafood lovers that has been serving up fresh Gulf Coast seafood since 1968.
• Boudreau & Thibodeau’s Cajun Cookin’: A casual restaurant that specializes in traditional Cajun fare like gumbo and crawfish étouffée.
• The Shack Burger Resort: Known for their delicious burgers made from locally sourced beef patties.

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Parks and Recreation

1. Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum and Folklife Culture Center
2. Southdown Plantation House and Museum
3. Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program
4. Houma Downtown Marina
5. The Chauvin Sculpture Garden and Art Studio
6. Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge
7. Mechanicville Gym & Community Center
8. Municipal Auditorium & Civic Center
9. Peltier Park
10. Terrebonne Parish Main Library

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Pack Your Bags!

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