When four ladies from the Louisiana Bed and Breakfast Association were invited to participate in a “Crawfish Experience” at Crawfish Haven/Mrs. Rose’s Bed and Breakfast, not only were they excited about being offered a unique experience, but they realized it would be a wonderful opportunity for the tourism industry as well as for promoting Crawfish Haven. For these 4 LBBA members, this was not only an educational experience but fun, as well, and they were excited about the chance it would give them to share their experience with friends and fellow members of their industry.
Crawfish Haven/Mrs. Rose’s Bed and Breakfast was opened by Barry Toups in November of 2014. Located north of Kaplan, Louisiana, surrounded by crawfish ponds and rice fields, it offers a unique “Crawfish Experience”. A complete “experience” includes spending the night at Mrs. Rose’s Bed and Breakfast, enjoying breakfast before heading out to catch crawfish on Barry’s boat where you will participate in bagging the crawfish, then going back to Mrs. Rose’s pavilion to boil them, and then peeling and eating to your heart’s content.
The girls’ experience began with attending the Open House on April 1, 2015, which gave people a chance to tour the home and learn about the bed and breakfast and the crawfish excursions Crawfish Haven offers. Jambalaya, cooked in a “kettle” by the owner, Barry Toups, was offered to guests, along with crawfish dips and other food. The kettle is about 50 years old; Barry has owned it for about 20 years.
At approximately 5:00 pm, the Grand Opening was celebrated by a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony sponsored by the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce. A cake made by Candice Hebert of Candi Cakes in the shape of acrawfish pot with molded candycrawfish and veggies, which was completely edible, served as the centerpiece, set on the dining room table. The table, handmade by Barry, adds to the authentic nature of the home.
Later, the ladies enjoyed the comfort of the living room of Mrs. Rose’s Bed and Breakfast, with conversation in the seating area. It was a beautiful evening, perfect also for spending time in rockers on the wrap-around porch. Mrs. Rose’s B&B is located where one can experience the quiet of the countryside. Even at that late time of the night, far off in the distance, tractors could be seen plowing the rice fields.
Waking up to a fresh pot of coffee and the smell of a crawfish omelette being prepared was a true delight. Barry and his wife, Karla, prepared a tasty breakfast just as the sun was rising and wood ducks were flying in the area.
A short truck ride and the girls were introduced to the crawfish boat and given instructions on what their jobs would be to help catch the crawfish during the Crawfish Excursion. The crawfish boat itself was interesting. It is powered by a steel wheel controlled by hydraulic motors.
Barry also explained the difference between a male and female crawfish and information about the little crustaceans that so many of us enjoy. What an educational experience!
The crawfish were caught amid lots of laughter and silliness – 2 ½ sacks of crawfish. The guide provided them with lots of information about the crawfish, ponds, boat, and what it takes to get the crawfish to the table. They learned about such things as alligator grass and why it is beneficial to have it growing in the ponds; other methods of catching crawfish; wild predators who “rob” the crawfish traps and what can be done about them; and so much more.
Mrs. Rose’s Bed and Breakfast also serves as an accommodation for hunters, and fishermen will enjoy its close proximity to the coast. Since it is centrally located near Lafayette, Abbeville, Kaplan, Crowley, and Rayne, Louisiana, it offers an easy drive to other activities such as local festivals, shopping, music, dancing, and dining. The “Crawfish Excursion” is perfect not only for travelers and tourists, but for local residents, as well, and offers a great educational opportunity for children.
For more information on Crawfish Haven/Mrs. Rose’s Bed and Breakfast and the Crawfish Excursions, please visit the website: www.crawfishhaven.net.
The ladies who were fortunate enough to participate in this experience were:
• Janice DeLerno (Owner/Innkeeper of The Stockade Bed and Breakfast, Baton Rouge; and President of the Louisiana Bed and Breakfast Association [LBBA]);
• Sherry Gomez, Association Manager of the LBBA;
• Carolyn Segrera (Manager/Innkeeper of The Caldwell, Abbeville, Louisiana); and
• Mae Mayeux (Southern Internet Marketing; Director of Social Media, LBBA).