Thibodaux – A Memory Never to Forget

As stated in an earlier blog, one of the pillars of my trip was to meet new people and gain new perspectives.

Thibodaux was the epitome of this pillar.  It exemplified the importance and fun of community and family.

Honestly writing, Thibodaux, I thought, was merely a stopover on my way to Breaux Bridge, Louisiana.  I left Grand Isle, Louisiana this morning and made a beeline to Thibodaux as the weather was rainy and I was hoping to avoid getting caught in a downpour.  I arrived in Thibodaux at 11:30 AM, checked into the Carmel Inn and Suites, a very nice accommodation and headed out to explore Thibodaux.

I walked to town and into a tavern called the Red Goose Saloon where I sat down to watch the Duke Rhode Island NCAA Men’s Basketball game.  Catherine, having attended Duke, gave me every reason to root for Duke (Duke won the game).  I sat at the bar for about an hour, by myself, nursing a couple of beers, or maybe more.

After about an hour, a gentleman walked into the tavern, spends a few minutes and then goes to the front door of the bar and opens it to the street.  He comes back and tells me that the tavern needed some fresh air.  I agree, thinking that it was not my place to make that decision.  He then tells me it is OK for him to leave the door open because he owns the bar and it is at this point that I meet Tommy Toups.  The day changed immediately for the better.

Tommy was a most gracious host, introducing me to his friends and family, including his wife Wendy, his brother Buddy, and Buddy’s wife Sheila, Tim, who had just returned from Daytona Bike Week and AJ, another relative of the Toups family.

 

Today, being St. Patricks Day was a special celebration in Thibodaux with events on the Bayou, bands, and dancing.  First, Tommy invited me to watch the Cardboard Boat Races.

 

People lined the shore to catch the action.

 

 

 

Next on the agenda was musical bands that brought everybody out into the street.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was easy to get loose at the Red Goose Saloon in Thibodaux.

One sad note is that Thibodaux is the home of Nicholls State University.  The Colonels Women’s Basketball Team made the NCAA DI Tournament this year but lost to the Mississippi State Bulldogs.  But, the town overcame the disappointment and still managed to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day.

Final note, the Red Goose was founded in the 1930’s as the Red Goose Shoe Store by Tommy’s family.  Later, the family decided that there was more profit in Adult Beverages than in shoes and the Red Goose became a tavern.  Today, Tommy and his family own the Red Goose Tavern, and it is truly a family affair.  I encourage anybody who visits Thibodaux to visit the Red Goose Tavern as it is a special place.

It was an honor being invited not only into the Toups’ celebration but invited to be part of the Thibodaux community.  I had a great day and it will be a memory I will never forget.

Tomorrow I am off to Breaux Bridge, Louisiana where on Monday I am going on a swamp tour.  Speak on Monday.

Keep Wheeling.