News Summary

Bunkie, Louisiana is transforming into a popular tourist hub with its revitalized downtown and new attractions. Key spots include Griffin’s Service Station, Gator Grounds Resort, and local eateries and shops. This renaissance is attracting visitors and redefining Bunkie’s image, promising memorable experiences and community growth.

Bunkie Transforms into a Tourist Destination with Revitalized Downtown and Attractions

Bunkie, Louisiana, has undergone a notable transformation into a vibrant tourist destination, attracting visitors with its revitalized downtown and new attractions. The city is now drawing attention for its unique offerings, including popular photo opportunities and bustling local businesses.

Griffin’s Service Station: A Local Landmark

At the heart of Bunkie, Griffin’s Service Station has emerged as a must-visit spot for travelers. Located along U.S. 71 on Main Street, the gas station features a large mural of a Bunkie postcard, along with retro gas station signs, making it a favored photo location. The establishment provides full-service fill-ups with attendants available to assist customers with fueling their vehicles and cleaning windshields.

Diverse Attraction Options

Another highlight in Bunkie is Griffin’s Antiques and Main Street Market, which harkens back to the original department store once housed in the building. This market combines a café serving fresh daily pies and lunch items with an antiques mall located in the back and upstairs. Visitors can explore a variety of local goods while savoring delicious treats.

Gator Grounds Resort: Family Fun and Relaxation

For those seeking leisure and recreation, Gator Grounds Resort, an RV park in Bunkie, stands out. The resort features a waterpark, an indoor pool, a recreation facility, and a nine-hole golf course. In addition to accommodating RV campers, Gator Grounds offers cozy cabins for guests who do not have RVs.

Shopping and Novelty Finds

Hoover’s 5 & 10, a general store located on U.S. 71, adds to Bunkie’s charm with its offerings of novelty items, including retro candies and quirky soft drinks such as “Bacon Soda.” This store, formerly Hoover’s Dry Cleaners, has become a local favorite, drawing in nostalgia seekers alongside curious tourists.

Highlights of Local Culture

Photo opportunities featuring cardboard cutouts of celebrities like Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce can be found at Griffin’s Antiques and Main Street Market, further enticing visitors. Bunkie is also home to St. Anthony Padua Catholic Church, which boasts beautiful stained glass and serves as a historical site worth visiting.

Lodging and Dining Options

For accommodations, Evergreen Bed & Breakfast offers luxurious stays at 1461 E. La. 29, providing convenient access to local tourist sites. Dining options abound in Bunkie, with local eateries such as Rocky’s Tails & Shells, Dugout Neighborhood Grill, Zapote Mexican Grill, and Bunkie Pizza Shack serving a variety of cuisines to cater to diverse tastes.

Community Transformation and Tourism Growth

The revitalization of Bunkie’s downtown area is significant, with new businesses replacing previously shuttered buildings, while retaining the names of original proprietors. Gregory B. Kojis of Gibko Signs played an essential role in this transformation, helping to reshape the community’s image from a previously closed-off town to a buzzing hub for tourism.

Annual Events and Expectations

The annual Louisiana Corn Festival, held every second weekend in June, features entertaining activities such as corn shucking contests and live music, attracting both locals and visitors alike. The Bunkie train depot is managed by the Bunkie Chamber of Commerce, which provides information on local events, making it easier for new visitors to engage with what the city has to offer.

A New Image for Bunkie

Thanks to these enhancements and attractions, Bunkie’s increasing popularity among tourists is evident. The city’s shift from a less favorable reputation to a lively destination for families and individuals seeking memorable experiences marks a new chapter in its history. With ongoing developments and a commitment to community growth, Bunkie is poised to continue attracting visitors and defining itself as a vibrant tourist destination.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• The Advocate: Bunkie, Louisiana Transforms into a Tourist Destination
• Wikipedia: Bunkie, Louisiana
• KALB: Louisiana Corn Festival Coming Up in Bunkie
• Google Search: Bunkie Louisiana
• The Town Talk: Red River Cyclery to Host Free Training Rides
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Louisiana

Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER

NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.