St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, one of Thibodaux's most Historic buildings, towers along Canal Boulevard drawing the attention of numerous passersby. Thibodaux, a predominantly Catholic town, fills the inside of St. Joseph on Sundays with regular parishioners.

St. Joseph Church dates back to 1819 when a small wooden church was built in honor of St. Joseph. Father Charles Menard, one of the  church's  first pastors assisted in the development of other local churches and parishes during this time.  Menard's other church parish was located along Highway 1 where St. Joseph Cemetery is located today. After his church burned down in 1916, the construction of St. Joseph Cathedral began.  The church was completed in 1923, and the first mass was celebrated. 

Next time you are riding along Canal Boulevard on a Sunday, try to attend a mass at St. Joseph. The interior of this Romanesque style cathedral will take your breathe away!
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Not many college students have the chance to attend college across the street from a bayou. If you're a Nicholls Colonel, you are lucky enough to be able to participate in pirogue races, bonfires, and eat crawfish at campus events. 

People may ask, "Why does Thibodaux have a college?" Well given the small population and hidden beauty within Thibodaux, Nicholls is a perfect fit. With an average class size of 30 students, and a one-mile-long campus, it is more than easy to dive into involvement at Nicholls while getting to know so many people along the way. Others compare Nicholls to the "Thirteenth Grade" for local high schools, but this small university is overflowing with opportunities to branch out.

Built along LA 1, beautiful Elkins Hall is the core of the university. Standing tall since 1948, Elkins Hall is the first building that stood on Nicholls' campus. Since then, the university has grown tremendously with a total of 60 buildings and 6000 students.

Both of my parents are Nicholls graduates, and being from Thibodaux, the campus was second nature to me. My mom has always worked for the university and has played such a large role in my life. Her dedication to serving students and ability to make each person feel special as they walk through her doors truly defines the atmosphere of Nicholls. The small class sizes and familial atmosphere are what draws people into this university.  I am lucky enough to give tours to perspective students, I am blessed to share my passion for this university with them. 

When you are accepted to Nicholls, you are not just another student, you become a part of something bigger.  A family!
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I bet you know someone who lives in Rienzi Subdivision in Thibodaux. Where did this up-and-coming neighborhood get its name? Rienzi Plantation, one of Thibodaux's forgotten jewels is located along Bayou Lafourche on Highway 308. Built between 1814 and 1825 during Spanish colonial days, Rienzi Plantation was built for the Queen of Spain according to legend. Two of the home's oak trees are registered with the Live Oak Society and one, named “The Pilgrimage Oak,” is one of the society's original 43 trees. Each tree was planted around 1800, so they are a true part of history!

If you read my last post, you know that I live along Bayou Lafourche in my quaint townhome. My home is located directly adjacent to this Plantation, and I was raised in Rienzi Subdivision, so I have not moved far from home at all! We definitely have one of the best views in Thibodaux in both our front and backyard! Don't forget to take a look at Rienzi Plantation next time you are cruising down Highway 308.

What's better than being from Thibodaux? Being able to experience its beauty everyday. I am lucky enough to wake up each morning to scenic Bayou Lafourche in my backyard! When I first started college, my parents agreed that I would be able to move into an apartment my second year, and my grandmother was going to be buying a home in Thibodaux with plans to move later! The apartment hunting began, and when we visited the quaint, bayou-front town home, my grandmaw fell in love. The builders broke ground, and we began picking out light fixtures, flooring, and paint colors. A few months later, we moved into our new home!

Ever seen the show House Hunters on HGTV? If not, home-buyers are shown three homes, each with a quirky name describing its characteristics. We decided to name our town home "The Bayou Front Charmer."  My two roommates who are now my best friends, have made living here an even better experience.  Shelbi and Liza have made being a college-age girl easy. From being a best friend to a workout partner, my roommates are amazing! Sitting on the back porch with a cup of coffee or tea while chatting about life's crazy twists and turns are what college is all about.  I love the Bayou Front Charmer, and I love my friends!