Dean-O’s, Lafayette, Louisiana

'Pizza like no other'

by Cheré Coen | July 26, 2010

For a Cajun and Creole town, Lafayette has its share of great pizzerias. Take Dean-O’s, for instance, a family-owned and operated restaurant since 1971, serving up sandwiches, Italian entrées and, of course, great pizza featuring fresh ingredients and a crispy crust baked in a brick oven.

Dean-O’s pizzas have great names to match really innovative styles. The Cajun Canaille (in Cajun, that means a mischievous person) mixes up shrimp, Louisiana …

Le Cajun Music Awards, Lafayette, Louisiana

Annual event is Louisiana's own Grammies

by Cheré Coen | July 21, 2010

In southwest Louisiana, we have our own version of the Grammies. It’s called Le Cajun Music Awards, given annually by the Cajun French Music Association, and it features a festival of music and fun as well.

Le Cajun Music Awards and Festival will be Friday and Saturday, Aug. 20 and 21, at Cade Community Center, 1688 Smede Highway in Cade, just south of Lafayette. The annual fête includes live music, great Cajun …

Children’s Museum of Acadiana, Lafayette, Louisiana

Interactive fun, workshops and more

by Cheré Coen | July 20, 2010

The Children’s Museum of Acadiana is educational based, featuring hands-on activities for children pre-K to about 10 years of age, but fun is the name of the game.

Kids can climb aboard an actual ambulance and explore its insides, shop at a faux grocery store, broadcast on a television station and dress up as a First Lady. There’s a bubble factory, an “All About Me” program that encourages healthy food and life …

Avery Island, New Iberia, Louisiana

Tabasco tours and gators make for a great outing

by Cheré Coen | July 19, 2010

There aren’t many things made the same way they were a century ago, but Tabasco is one of those rare products. The process has been tweaked a bit since its commercial inception in 1868, but not much. And that famous brand hot pepper sauce is still produced on Avery Island outside of New Iberia, just south of Lafayette.

Edmund McIllhenny was the brainchild behind Tabasco, inventing a sauce from Capsicum frutescens …

Bayou Some Stuff, Sunset, Louisiana

Shop offers a great retro fix

by Cheré Coen | July 17, 2010

The day we visited, Bayou Some Stuff in Sunset was participating in a yard sale that stretched from its sleepy town south of Opelousas to neighboring Grand Coteau, an historic town a few miles to the east. The thrift shop with a hippie theme was buzzing from a host of reasons — there were tables set up outside full of treasures, the shop’s hippie mobile, a truck painted with psychedelic colors and emblazoned with ceramic …

Anne Builliard Crownover, Lafayette, Louisiana

Artist transforms instruments into masterpieces

by Cheré Coen | July 15, 2010

There must be something in the water in Lafayette, for creativity abounds. In addition to the town’s outstanding music scene is a host of visual artists, many of whom display their creations at the galleries and art museums in town, highlighted by the monthly Second Saturday ArtWalk.

Take Anne Builliard Crownover, for instance. Crownover decided to tile the bathroom for her special needs child and found out she enjoyed the DIY endeavor. …

Live Music Venues, Lafayette, Louisiana

Music abounds in the heart of Cajun Country

by Cheré Coen | July 13, 2010

One of Lafayette’s greatest secrets is its varied and impressive live music scene. Although it’s not much of a secret anymore. The Oakland Tribune recently picked Lafayette as one of “America’s best music towns” alongside old favorites such as New Orleans, Austin and Seattle and ranking higher than the big dogs of New York and Nashville.

Those of us who have the pleasure of living in Lafayette know we’re one of the …

Lagniappe, Breaux Bridge, Louisiana

New antique mall is more than a 'little something extra'

by Cheré Coen | July 11, 2010

Breaux Bridge is one of those quintessential small towns that everyone loves to visit, from spending a long weekend enjoying the restaurants, antique shops and bed and breakfasts to a fun day trip. Being that I live in Lafayette, I choose the latter on a regular basis and every time I go there’s something new to see.

Lagniappe Antiques is the latest development, a huge open space full of antique dealers, local artists …

Lake Dubuisson, Ville Platte, Louisiana

Just past the I-49 rest area is a cool watering hole

by Cheré Coen | July 09, 2010

Interstate 49 heads north from Lafayette on its way through Alexandria, the old town of Natchitoches and then to Shreveport and the northern half of Louisiana. About 45 minutes outside of Lafayette is a hidden gem, the perfect respite for those hot and humid days that plague us in the South.

On the surface it’s just another rest area with picnic tables and restrooms. But if you turn right after leaving the interstate on …

Pack & Paddle, Lafayette, Louisiana

Outfitters host guided adventures

by Cheré Coen | July 07, 2010

Pack & Paddle is a Lafayette original, providing clothing, equipment and boats to canoeing, kayaking and hiking enthusiasts. But it’s more than that. This locally owned store also offers “guided adventures” to bayous, lakes and parks throughout South Louisiana, as well as a few others further away.

            There’s a day hike to Indian Bayou in the Atchafalaya Basin, for instance, or a kayaking class for those wanting to try out the …

Patrick Mould, Lafayette, Louisiana

TV celebrity chef offers inside view of Cajun and Creole cuisine

by Cheré Coen | July 06, 2010

It’s no secret we eat really well in South Louisiana. There’s even a joke that South Louisiana residents never move out of state — because there’s no where else to eat!

Of course the rest of the country has its specialties and we’ll give you all that, but we’re proud of our unique Cajun and Creole cuisine, the bountiful seafood, the rich smoked meats and all the great cultural elements that have joined us here …

Lake Martin, Lafayette, Louisiana

Natural paradise just minutes from town

by Cheré Coen | July 05, 2010

Residents of Lafayette, Louisiana, and surrounding cities are fortunate for Lake Martin for two reasons.

One, it’s a quick drive outside the city to the peaceful lake surrounded by wetlands, a respite from the harrowed world and a great place for nature walks, bird watching, canoeing-kayaking and fishing.

Second, it’s a great place to bring visitors to catch a glimpse of that wild Louisiana phenomenon, the alligator.

The approximately 9,500 acres of …

Jean Lafitte Acadian Cultural Center, Lafayette, Louisiana

Cajun culture and history on display at national park

by Cheré Coen | June 30, 2010

In Louisiana, there’s so much history and culture that the national parks system has to break things up and spread all that fun around.

The Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve offers several sites throughout South Louisiana, including the French Quarter, the Barataria Preserve (where pirateer Jean Lafitte smuggled goods into the state) and the Chalmette Battlefield and National Cemetery in Chalmette, where the Battle of New Orleans occurred.

Throughout …

Film Festivals, Lafayette, Louisiana

Cinema on the Bayou and Bayou Bijou brings great films to Lafayette

by Cheré Coen | June 29, 2010

The Cinema on the Bayou Film Festival was created to spotlight the artists in Acadiana who write, produce and shoot films about the culture, traditions and history of South Louisiana residents. Their mission is to advance “the understanding of Cajun and Creole cultures through film screenings, film panels and cultural exchanges among French Louisiana, the United States and the Francophone countries of the world.”

Past films have included documentaries on Cajun and …

Bakeries, Lafayette, Louisiana

Cajun cuisine has a sweet side

by Cheré Coen | June 23, 2010

You might think of Cajun and Creole cuisine when considering a visit to Lafayette, but we have our sweet side as well. The area boasts of several wonderful family-owned and operated bakeries and cafes. Here are a few:

Poupart’s at 1902 W. Pinhook Road is Lafayette’s authentic French bakery, serving up daily lunch specials as well as freshly made breads, French patisseries, and traditional French King Cakes when Carnival rolls around.

…

Fourth of July, Lafayette, Louisiana

The Acadiana Symphony offers Red, White & Boom

by Cheré Coen | June 20, 2010

Nothing stands in the way of Lafayette residents enjoying the Fourth of July, not heat, rain or mosquitoes. Because everything is cool and wonderful at the July 4 Acadiana Symphony Orchestra’s annual outdoor concert, Red, White & Boom!

The concert takes places in downtown Lafayette’s massive Parc International, with its high-tech stage and plenty of room to spread out blankets, lawn chairs and decorated childrens’ wagons (there’s a parade during …

Vermilionville, Lafayette, Louisiana

Live music, food, culture and more

by Cheré Coen | June 16, 2010

Eighteen historic structures line the Vermilion River in Lafayette as part of Vermilionville, the Cajun and Creole Folklife and Heritage Park that represents the lifestyle of Acadian settlers from 1765 to 1890. Visitors will walk through these doors and be transported back in time as they make their way around the extensive property, enjoying Cajuns and Creoles speaking French in period costume while making age-old crafts. You can also listen to live music …

Gulf Brew, Lafayette, Louisiana

Cold beer for hot times

by Cheré Coen | June 14, 2010

It’s hot this time of year, but there’s so much to do in Lafayette it’s hard to stay home. Take our sticky summers, add desire for fun and throw in a cold beer and man, what a combination!

The Acadiana Center for the Arts will sponsor another round of Gulf Brew on July 24, featuring a pay-one-price and enjoy samplings of breweries from around the Gulf South. There will also …

Acadian Village, Lafayette, Louisiana

Recreation of 1800s Cajun village offers trip back in time

by Cheré Coen | June 08, 2010

It’s one thing to read about life on the bayou of early Cajuns (Acadians) arriving in Louisiana after being expelled from their homeland in Nova Scotia beginning in 1755, but quite another to step inside their homes and experience it firsthand.

At Acadian Village in Lafayette, a village was created to offer visitors an insider’s glimpse into the homes, businesses and churches of early Cajuns in South Louisiana. The buildings were brought …

Chicot State Park, Ville Platte, Louisiana

Free Fishing Weekend June 12-13 at the multi-use park

by Cheré Coen | June 06, 2010

They call Louisiana “Sportsman’s Paradise” for a reason. The lush marshes, swamps and woodlands are teeming with wildlife and our waters filled with great seafood, including delicious fresh oysters and jumbo Gulf shrimp.

Naturally, Louisiana’s coastline has taken a tough hit with the recent BP oil spill, resulting in some fishing closures around the mouth of the Mississippi River, east toward Chandeleur Sound and west toward Cote Blanche Bay. Oyster fishing has taken a …

Grand Coteau-Sunset, Louisiana

Towns combine to offer massive yard sale

by Cheré Coen | June 02, 2010

Just above Lafayette are two country towns that are must-sees for visitors. Sunset is a quaint community of stores and country homes, and a few miles to the east sits Grand Coteau, where almost the entire town is a historic district. Grand Coteau is home to Sacred Heart School and the Jesuit Spirituality Center, lined by centuries-old trees, plus great restaurants, antique shopping and boutiques. 

On July 10, both towns …

Rip Van Winkle Gardens, Jefferson Island, Louisiana

Historic property popular spot for weddings

by Cheré Coen | June 01, 2010

A dreamy landscape of centuries-old oak trees draped in Spanish moss, a lakeside backdrop and a historic mansion with an intriguing history is what awaits brides at Rip Van Winkle Gardens on Jefferson Island, a short drive from Lafayette. Both the Joseph Jefferson Mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the lush surrounding gardens are renown, making it one of the best wedding destinations in Louisiana.

The property once called …

Gueydan Museum, Gueydan, Louisiana

Quaint town nicknamed ‘Duck Capital of the World’

by Cheré Coen | May 26, 2010

When the Acadians first came into Louisiana after being expelled from their homeland in Nova Scotia, they settled along the Mississippi River above New Orleans and in the bayou region near what is now Lafayette. From those early days, some Acadians — or Cajuns as they are now called — moved toward Texas to inhabit the wide stretches of prairie located in the southwest region of Louisiana.

Gueydan is one of the prairie …

Zoo of Acadiana, Lafayette, Louisiana

Private zoo offers more than 550 animals

by Cheré Coen | May 23, 2010

A trip to the Zoo of Acadiana provides not only great opportunities to see wild animals up close and personal in a natural environment, but a day full of fun activities as well.

There are parrot feedings where visitors can actually handle Australian parrots in their habitat, a petting zoo, and Zoo Keeper Talks that explain various animals. Kids will enjoy the Antelope Express Train rides around the 42-acre property and the Jungle …

EatLafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana

We don’t need reasons to eat out in Cajun Country, but it helps

by Cheré Coen | May 18, 2010

They call Lafayette the “Hub City” for its centralized location as the heart of Cajun Country. It can also take that honor for being the hub of great Cajun cuisine, with its hundreds of restaurants and international acclaim.

But let’s face it. For those of us who live in this rich cultural city, we tend to walk a little slower and hide inside during the Dog Days of South Louisiana summer when temperatures rise …

Memorial Day, Lafayette, Louisiana

The Givers rock downtown, and the Cajun Heartland State Fair returns

by Cheré Coen | May 16, 2010

The Givers combine various types of music, including indie rock and Afro pop, plus rich South Louisiana culture in their action-packed shows, but one word describes them best: energetic! At their recent performance at Lafayette’s Festival International de Louisiane, their hot percussion, assisted by members of the award-winning Lafayette High School Mighty Lions Band, pumped up the overflowing crowd, thoroughly rocking downtown.

This hot new band hailing from southwestern Louisiana will …

Cafe des Amis, Breaux Bridge, Louisiana

Where locals and celebs dance at the zydeco brunch

by Cheré Coen | May 13, 2010

A trip to Breaux Bridge would not be complete without a stop at Café des Amis, a restaurant known for its celebrity sightings and a place for locals to gather. On any given night it’s possible to see a world-famous musician sitting next to a resident speaking French.

You can say it’s the ambiance — the walls are covered in local artwork, signatures of past visitors and antiques from when the 1890 …

Oil Spill Update, Lafayette, Louisiana

All nine coastal parishes open for tourism

by Cheré Coen | May 12, 2010

Even with the disastrous oil spill lingering off Louisiana’s coast, most of the state’s shoreline is unaffected and open for commercial and recreational fishing, according to a release today by the Louisiana Office of Tourism.

The oil spill is affecting areas near the mouth of the Mississippi River, and more than 75 percent of Louisiana’s shoreline exists to the west with 80 percent of Louisiana’s fishing charters located in these unaffected areas, according …

Poché’s Fish n Camp, Breaux Bridge, Louisiana

Fishing, camping and good food are part of Poché's campground

by Cheré Coen | May 09, 2010

If you’re going camping in South Louisiana, you better bring your fishing pole. Down here our water table sits high with all the bayous, ponds and swamps, but that’s a good thing if you love to fish.

Poché’s Fish ’n Camp in Breaux Bridge offers the best of all worlds — seven furnished cabins with themes (such as Maison de Mojo, Louisiana Lagniappe and Maw’s Dancing With Wolves), RV parking spaces for …

St. John Cathedral Oak, Lafayette, Louisiana

Giant majestic trees are part of Acadiana's charm

by Cheré Coen | May 04, 2010

Lafayette residents are truly fortunate for the majesties among which we live, including grand sprawling live oaks that are awe-inspiring trees.

Live oaks can grow to be several hundred years old, their limbs spreading sideways as if sheltering their human kin or paying homage to the earth. With Spanish moss hanging down, it’s truly a sight to behold.

That’s why in 1934 Dr. Edwin Lewis Stephens, the first president of the University of …

Riverspa at River Ranch, Lafayette, LA

A tranquil oasis in the heart of town

by Cheré Coen | May 02, 2010

The first time I visited Riverspa at River Ranch, all the worries, stress and noise of the modern world seemed to disappear as the door clicked behind me. I was greeted by the sounds of running water and delicious aromatherapy, and I knew that tranquility was at hand.

This relatively new spa to the Lafayette scene offers a variety of services, from Vitamin C facials and manicures to couples massage and energy …

Crowne Plaza Lafayette-South Acadiana, Lafayette, LA

Hotel offers great Cajun cuisine in Bayou Bistro

by Cheré Coen | April 29, 2010

The Hotel Acadiana was a landmark in Lafayette, but she was a tired old beauty in need of a facelift. A $10 million renovation has turned the classic hotel into the new Crowne Plaza Lafayette – South Acadiana, with 14,000 square feet of meeting space and ballrooms, Jacuzzi suites, fitness room, and resurfaced outdoor tropical pool, to name just a few changes. Guest rooms include 32-inch flat-panel TVs, wet bars, coffee makers, upscale …

The Shed, Scott, LA

The Shed Barbecue & Blues Joint is hopping, rooster included

by Cheré Coen | April 23, 2010

Located in the heart of Cajun Country, Lafayette is naturally best known for its Cajun cuisine. But a barbecue restaurant is always welcome. A franchise of The Shed Barbecue and Blues Joint opened this year in the neighboring town of Scott, just off Interstate 10’s Exit 97, and already the joint is hopping.

The rustic building is part of The Shed's charm, filled with numerous picnic and regular tables and …

Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, Breaux Bridge, LA

Annual fete celebrates Louisiana's favorite crustacean

by Cheré Coen | April 20, 2010

Breaux Bridge has been named in several top small towns in America lists within the last few years, and for good reason. It’s Cajun country at its finest, with outstanding food, dance halls featuring live Cajun bands, varied accommodations, and one of the finest food festivals in the nation.

It’s also the Crawfish Capital of the World, or so says the Louisiana Legislature.

The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival turns …

Day Trip to Abbeville, LA

A little piece of history on the Bayou

by Rachel Worthy | March 23, 2010

As a writer for a weekly newspaper in Abbeville, Louisiana, I grew fond of what is called "Someplace special on the Bayou."

This historic city is located in the heart of Cajun Country, just a few miles south of Lafayette in Vermilion Parish, and is home to unique festivals, delicious Cajun food, and prominent Cajun musicians such as Abbeville native Bobby Charles. Abbeville is also the home to

The Bulldog, Lafayette, LA

When you think of St. Paddy's Day, think Beer.

by Rachel Worthy | March 09, 2010

When you think of St. Patrick's Day in Lafayette, you might not think of The Bulldog Sports and Imports, but for some, that's all there is to think about. Located in the vicinity of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, The Bulldog has long been the watering hole of choice for college students who live, work and play in the historic Lafayette area.

Featuring beers from around the world in …

University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA

Most unique campus in Louisiana

by Rachel Worthy | March 02, 2010

Have the Freshman Fever and want to see what Lafayette has to offer in regards to academia? You should visit the University of Louisiana at Lafayette—a key part of what keeps Lafayette going semester after semester, year after year.

Visitors who are planning a trip to see what the university has to offer should stop by the UL Lafayette Visitors Info Web site for more information about what to see …

Art Walk, Lafayette, LA

Culture and the arts in one unique event

by Rachel Worthy | February 22, 2010

During your Lafayette visit, you might want to become acquainted with the culture of southwest Louisiana's art and artists. Because of Acadiana's diverse Cajun culture, as well as the presence of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in the Acadiana area, Art Walk is a great event to attend.

Held the second Saturday of each month (unless otherwise scheduled), Art Walk offers Lafayette tourists and natives alike with the unique experience of …

Prejean’s Restaurant, Lafayette, LA

Award-winning Cajun cuisine

by Rachel Worthy | February 15, 2010

To make the most of your Lafayette vacation, you must experience the best Cajun food you can get—without sacrificing entertainment! This is why any Lafayette visitor must make the trip to Lafayette-North to Prejean's Restaurant: home of Award-winning Cajun cuisine.

The food is out of this world, but without hurting your budget, so come with an appetite and leave pleasantly fulfilled. Bring your dancing shoes and get ready to learn to two-step in the …

Mardi Gras 2010, Lafayette, LA

The party has begun!

by Rachel Worthy | February 08, 2010

When you think of Mardi Gras, think outside the box! There are plenty of places to celebrate the holiday aside from New Orleans. With everything that New Orleans has to offer on a smaller and more family friendly scale, Lafayette is the place to be for all the Mardi Gras action.

Lafayette Mardi Gras fans got to sample a little bit of what's to come for this year's Mardi Gras á Lafayette …

Fat Pat’s Bar & Grill, Lafayette, LA

Lafayette's premier spot for sports, food and more

by Rachel Worthy | February 01, 2010

Experience the best place to watch the game in Lafayette while enjoying a family friendly atmosphere and the "best burger and dog in town" at Fat Pat's Bar and Grill. It's not your average sports bar, but a place locals return to night after night to root for their favorite teams on one of the restaurant's big screen TVs or to simply enjoy a cold beer or signature Sherbert Margarita (ask for it specifically …

Recycled Cycles of Acadiana, Lafayette, LA

Vintage bicycle rentals and more!

by Rachel Worthy | January 28, 2010

When visiting downtown Lafayette, there is no need for a vehicle when you can rent a brand new or vintage bicycle from Recycled Cycles of Acadiana.

Located in the newly restored Tribune Printing Plant building, in close proximity to several downtown boutiques and restaurants including Agave Mexican Grill & Cantina and The Original Don's Seafood & Steakhouse, Recycled Cycles offers a solution for visitors who are looking for a fun …

Festival International, Lafayette, LA

The best thing to see in Lafayette

by Rachel Worthy | January 24, 2010

Walk to the beat of your own drum at Lafayette’s annual Festival International (Festival International de Louisiane)! Festival International is the largest FREE celebration in the United States that gathers people from French-speaking countries throughout the world gather to celebrate music, food, art and life.

Out-of-this-world music experience

Festival International hosts more than 50 bands and musicians throughout the Francophone world in over three full days (and …

Travel Guide to Lafayette

Why you should visit Lafayette

by Rachel Worthy | January 24, 2010

Food. Family. Fun. Three reasons why Lafayette, La. is a great place to visit! Located in the heart of Acadiana, which is the home to a group of people called the Acadians (commonly called Cajuns), Lafayette has much to offer throughout the year for just about anyone.

Lafayette is a gathering place located in what is called Cajun Country and, arguably, offers the most unique and authentic Cajun dining experience in …