ST MARTINVILLE

Two older men, the Romero brothers, entertained us as we sat under the Evangeline Oak Tree, along the river Teche.  They played Cajun songs with a triangle and an accordion. 

This is the "Evangeline" Oak tree.  This is where "Evangeline" is 
united with the father of her lost love.  "Evangeline" is a really big deal 
in Cajun Country.  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow immortalized the struggle 
of the Cajun people in his famous poem / book titled "Evangeline."

Our room at the Old Castillo Hotel/Place D'Evangeline Bed & Breakfast Inn overlooked the "Evangeline" tree and park.  St. Martinsville has one of Louisiana's most charming, historic small old downtowns. The City's investment in historic preservation here, including a new opera house is resulting in an increasing number of visitor oriented businesses but there is still plenty of opportunity waiting. The star of the town center is St. Martins Catholic Church. Three museums including a Mardi Gras museum are nearby as well as numerous statues including Evangeline.