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We've made the trip from Alexandria to Baton Rouge hundreds of times on U.S. 71 and U.S. 190, and in later years on I-49.
During this journey, one of the best stopping points along the way has always been one of our favorite Louisiana towns: Bunkie.
Located in Avoyelles Parish, Bunkie is the home of about 5,000 residents. Nearby towns include LeCompte, Cheneyville, Morrow, Cottonport, Hessmer, Mansura, Marksville, Meeker, Turkey Creek, and LeBeau.
Bunkie is the site of the ever-expanding Louisiana Corn Festival each June. In the center of town is the restored train depot, on the National Register of Historic Places, and now housing the Bunkie Chamber of Commerce.
The depot was originally constructed by the Texas & Pacific (T&P) Railway, now part of the Union Pacific Railroad.
Among the area's main economic industries are sugar cane, cotton and corn farming and forestry products. Most years one can also buy and sell pecans that are grown locally in the area.
Bunkie has long been known to antique dealers and antique shoppers.
Also located in Bunkie is the historic Bailey Hotel, built in 1907, and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
Shown below is an image of Kent Court, just south of Bunkie, from the Louisiana Postcard Collection.
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