Lacombe

Most visitors come to Lacombe to do one of three things: Eat, play or pray. Two of the Northshore’s most beloved dining institutions – Sal & Judy’s and La Provence – are in this little unincorporated town. Almost surrounding it, however, is the 15,000-acre Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, a federal reserve rich in soft adventure opportunities like kayaking, fishing, hiking and bird watching. You don’t even need to bring anything with you; local outfitter Bayou Adventure can rent whatever you need, whether it’s a kayak for paddling down Cane Bayou or gear for fishing or crabbing off Lake Road. Find time for reflection at the petite Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel, built in 1923; doors are usually open and guests welcome. If in the area for All Saints Day, be sure to check out Les Lumieres du Morte, a haunting dusk candle-lighting ceremony at area Creole cemeteries.