FRED’S LOUNGE – MAMOU, LOUISIANA
MAY 26 – 29
By Chris and Rochelle Schrowangen (FOGS!)
It’s been a few years since the chapter has gone to Fred’s Lounge, so we’re doing it again! Jim
Cook originated this ride to his home state. Mamou, LA, located about 200 miles west of New
Orleans, was once part of a vast grassland called “Mammoth Prairie.” Frenchmen called it
“Mamou.”
But no one would care if it weren’t for Fred’s Lounge – an establishment mentioned in a 1990
National Geographic article. Peter Jennings, Charles Kuralt and major television networks have
visited and aired stories about Fred’s. Fred’s is the shrine for Cajun culture. In 1962, Ville Platte
radio station KVPI started broadcasting live from Fred’s every Saturday morning, streaming live
Cajun music with Cajun French breaks to anyone tuned in to 1050 AM. More than 50 years
later, you can still tune in every Saturday to hear the fais do-do. Fred’s is only open on Saturday
for six hours. It’s a small bar — shockingly small — with the dance floor cut in half by the band,
which plays from a small roped-off area. When you scoot yourself to the front of the drink-
ordering line, you have a few options. Bloody Mary’s, Screwdrivers, a $2 can of Shlitz, or the
house favorite Hot Damn. Tante Sue de Mamou no longer visits Fred’s after a falling out during
Mardi Gras, but we’ll hopefully see her down the street at Judy’s. We’ll take a group picture at
9:30a.
How we travel – We leave at the stated departure time. We eat off the rack. Two minute warning
means we’ll be leaving in two minutes.There is not a lunch stop planned for Friday.
So here’s the plan. Choose to follow or revise to fit your own travel schedule:
Friday, May 26 – 9a departure from the Shell Station at 1215 S Loop 12 / Shady Grove. There
is a Braums next door if you want to eat before we leave.
Route – Loop 12 to 408 to I20 to 175. First stop is in Athens.
175 to Jacksonville to 69 to Lufkin. 69 to Jasper for fuel stop
190 to Deridder, LA for possible stop at Henry’s fuel.
190 to Eunice for hotel check in
Party by the pool at the Best Western
Dinner at DC’s Sports Bar & Steakhouse
Saturday, May 27 – Leave for Fred’s at 8:30. Mamou is only 13 miles away. Party for as little or
long as you like. After leaving Fred’s, consider lunch at Prejean’s in Lafayette, a stop at the
Harley shop, more drinks at the Geaux Cup, and/or back to the hotel.
Sunday, May 28 – Depart on your own or listen for group departures. We’ll travel 13 to I49 for
115 mile ride to Natchitoches. Be cautious of highway patrols on 13. In Natchitoches, be sure to
get a meat pie at the French Market Express. Check in, hang out by the pool. There are many
great places to eat in town by the river.
Monday, May 29 – Again, depart on your own or travel in a group. Liberty City is half way on 1-
20 at exit 583. A Whataburger is great for that hangover.
Hotels:
2 nights - Eunice – Best Western – 1531 W Laurel Ave. (337) 457-2800 (only has a couple of
rooms remaining)
Days Inn & Suites (sister hotel and only a mile from BW), 1251 E Laurel Ave. (337) 457-3040
Natchitoches – there are several hotels at the intersection of 49 and 6. Most will stay at either
Best Western or Fairfield Inn and Suites. Both have outdoor pools. Others on this same corner
are Comfort Inn and Holiday Inn Express