Barrier Island Honored by Budget Travel Magazine

Grand Isle, Louisiana, has been selected as one of America’s 10 Best Winter Retreats. A recent issue of Budget Travel Magazine selected Grand Isle based upon its mild winter climate and ample fishing opportunities.

The article states Grand Isle’s winter temperature averages highs of “67/63 in December/January (Average water temperatures of 65/61).  In the winter, the population of this barrier island off Louisiana’s Gulf Coast shrinks back down to its 1,600 permanent residents from its summer high of 14,000. But temperatures remain warm enough to sunbathe, and you can do so without the crowds. Anglers adore this island thanks to the more than 280 species of fish in the surrounding waters, and many flock to Grand Isle State Park to fish in its calm waters. Those not obsessed with reeling in The Big One head to the beaches. Although the 2010 oil spill closed all beaches on the seven-mile-long island this summer, a three-mile stretch of golden sand recently reopened in August, with a full rollout coming soon, after an intensive cleanup effort.”

“We are so excited to be selected as one of the top 10 winter retreats. Thanks to the determination of the Town of Grand Isle officials, Jefferson Parish officials and citizens, we have survived many disasters, from hurricanes to the major oil spill,” said David Camardelle, Mayor of Grand Isle.

“Grand Isle offers a taste of everything unique about southeast Louisiana: good people, great food, and an atmosphere that offers both fun and relaxation.  We are excited to share this secret with the rest of the world,” said District 1 Councilman Chris Roberts.

Grand Isle is the only inhabited barrier island on Louisiana’s Gulf coast.  The island is one mile wide and has approximately 10 miles of public beaches.  Individual recreational fishing is available on the beach, private dock, and from the Old Fishing Bridge, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Since the recent hurricanes of 2005 and 2008, Grand Isle has flourished with new restaurants, shops and residential developments.  The island has hundreds of incredible beachfront camps and campsites available, ranging from primitive tent camping to hotel-quality cabins.

The island is rich in history and nature and is a favorite of bird watchers. It is home to thousands of brown pelicans, shorebirds, and waders on the beaches and in the marshes.  Grand Isle has a Butterfly Conservancy. The butterfly dome has several different species of butterflies and the plants needed to sustain them. Grand Isle is widely known for its many fishing rodeos. One of the most popular is the Grand Isle International Tarpon Rodeo which is held the last weekend in July. Visit http://www.tarponrodeo.org for the latest information.  Established in 1928, this rodeo is one of the oldest and most successful fishing events in the nation.  It attracts thousands of fishing competitors to the prolific water offshore.

For more information on what Grand Isle has to offer, visit www.grand-isle.com.