Essential Advice About the Store
- Medric Martin took over the store from his uncle in 1935 and has been running it every day since.
- Located just off Louisiana Road 182 in Franklin, the store is steps away from the Bayou Teche, a long winding bayou in the Atchafalaya Basin in the heart of Cajun Country.
- Mr. Martin built the benches in the shop himself. Instead of polish, their "finish" comes from years of use.
- The "side room" of the store houses a few old farming tools and some tables and chairs, but it used to house a jukebox and was the central social gathering spot for people in the area a generation ago.
Around the Store
- The Irish Bend area of Franklin, La., was home to several large plantations. Large and small antebellum homes can still be seen in the area.
- Irish Bend was also the site of a Civil War battle. Martin has recovered several Civil War bullets, which he keeps in a case at the front of the store.
- Oak Lawn, the Governor's private residence, is close to Martin's Grocery and is open for tours.
- Franklin is a great stop along Highway 182. It has an especially beautiful historic district and town center.
- For a trip through the incredible swamps and bayous of the Atchafalaya Basin, check out Cajun Jack's Swamp Tours. The tour is fun and fascinating with a highlight on Cajun humor and local customs and wildlife. Tours run as long as Jack wants them to — but expect to be busy for at least two hours.
The Drive is Alive
- A great drive of Acadiana (Cajun Country) begins in Lafayette and ends in New Orleans along Highway 182 and 90. Don't miss the smaller towns, like New Iberia, Franklin and Jeanerette.
- Highway 90 is slated to become a freeway, so all of the strip malls and fast-food places are already in place. Stick to Highway 182 as much as possible for sights of beautiful antebellum homes, small town historic districts, breathtaking scenery and wonderful, authentic Cajun food.
- The 90 isn't a freeway yet, though, and the drive from Morgan City to New Orleans along this small highway is worth the detour off I-10.
Contact Information
Martin's Grocery
2518 Irish Bend Road
Franklin, LA 70538
337-828-0305
Cajun Jack's Swamp Tours
985-395-7420
jack@cajunjack.com
www.cajunjack.com | 
)
