Lafayette, Louisiana, is a vibrant city of 121,000 located in south-central Louisiana. Lafayette is in the heart of Acadiana, a region heavily influenced by French, Cajun, and Creole cultures. Famous for its Cajun and Creole heritage,and known as the “Happiest City in America,” it is well known for numerous festivals, lively Zydeco and Cajun music, and a delicious assortment of Cajun and Creole inspired foods. The city even has a top-rated research institution in The University of Louisiana Lafayette, home of the proud Ragin Cajuns, in south Lafayette.
Lafayette in South-Central Louisiana
Where is Lafayette, Louisiana?
Cajun and Creole Zydeco Music and Dance
Lafayette is the center of the very popular Zydeco, Creole, and Cajun music traditions brought to the area by the Acadians, French-speaking exiles from Nova Scotia in Canada who settled in Louisiana in the 18th century. Zydeco brings together a rich blend of blues, R&B, and traditional Creole music for a lively, upbeat, and funky sound that is very popular at nightclubs, dances, and festivals throughout the area.
During our long weekend in Lafayette, we were privileged to attend live music events with Ray Boudreaux at Rhythms on the River; Gerard Delafose & Zydeco Gators at Buck and Johnny’s Zydeco Breakfast in Breaux Bridge; and Geno (Gerard’s brother) Delafose & The French Rockin Boogie Band at Paques in the Parc in Vermilionville. At each event, the music was hopping and happy folks were dancing and tapping to the beats of this uniquely fun Zydeco music.
Cajun Food Tours
Cajun Food Tours is the number one-rated tour company in Lafayette, with the extremely popular Cajun Food Tour in and around Lafayette being the most popular. Other tours include the Breaux Bridge Walking Food Tour, the All-Day Cajun Experience, and the Around the World: Ethnic Food Tour. Led by our very knowledgable and personable guide Jay, our group spent a fun three hours sampling tasty food at five culinary legends in Lafayette.
Our lineup included gumbo at Bon Temp’s Grill, cracklin and boudin at Billeaud’s Meat and Grocery, shrimp po boys at Old Tyme Grocery, and fried alligator with red beans and rice at Prejean’s of Broussard. At our final stop (which was also our starting point), we satisfied our sweet tooth with a delicious bread pudding with a generous topping of freshly made rum sauce made by Tait, the President and CEO of Wildcat Brothers at Gator Cove.
Atchafalaya Basin Landing Airboat Swamp Tours
Atchafalaya Basin Landing Airboat Swamp Tours is a fantastic way to experience the flora and fauna of the expansive swamp environment of the Atchafalaya Basin, America’s largest freshwater swamp. Owner Tucker Friedman, along with family members and key staff, have grown this business into the largest attraction of its kind in the area. Julie and I had a wonderful time skimming through the beautiful swamp amid towering cypress trees. At one point, we stopped for a very interesting talk about the area from Nick, our outstanding guide.
We had a couple of visitors while moored motionless in the swamp. Two reptilian residents approached our boat, knowing that they would be treated to some tasty snacks. These alligators entertained us for a while, and luckily we did not see any ghosts or Rougarou – Cajun werewolfs! The solidtude and vastness of the Atchafalya Basin was surreal and calming.
Tabasco Factory
Founded in 1868 on Avery Island by John McIlhenny, the Tabasco Factory near New Iberia is a fascinating stop. Built on Avery Island – actually a raised salt dome surrounded by bayous and wetlands – the Tabasco Factory has been making its trademark hot sauces for over 150 years. The fascinating self-guided tour takes visitors through the history and production of this universally loved sauce. View the tabasco peppers in the greenhouse, view a movie about the history of Tabasco, and sample a variety of flavors available in the gift shop. Beware of the Scorpion Sauce!
Jungle Gardens
Also on Avery Island just minutes from the Tabasco Factory is the tranquil Jungle Gardens, a 170-acre semi-tropical garden and wildlife sanctuary. Jungle Gardens was created by Edward McIhenny, son of the founder. Visitors are greeted by giant oak trees, a peaceful Buddhist Pagoda, sago palms, snowy egrets, and even a few alligators. Guests can walk or drive slowly around the ring road through the gardens. Friendly staff in the the Visitor Center and gift shop offered advice and answered our questions before we drove this fascinating property.
Buck and Johnny’s Zydeco Breakfast
Buck and Johnny’s Zydeco Breakfast is a very popular event held on Saturday mornings in nearby Breaux Bridge. A $10 cover charge will get you three hours of lively, upbeat Zydeco music and dance. You can also order breakfast, drinks, and even endless mimosas! Julie tried their sweet potato pancakes, while I enjoyed the delicious Zydeco Omelet and giant biscuit along with our orange, pineapple, and cranberry mimosas. The band playing was the popular Gerard Delafose & Zydeco Gators, playing a variety of Zydeco numbers for the appreciative crowd. The dance floor was seldom empty, filled with all ages – from young children to elderly couples and everything in between.
Vermilionville
Vermilionville is a unique collection of homes, a museum, activities, and landscapes designed to educate and entertain visitors. The fascinating history and culture of Native Americans, Creoles, Acadians, and African Americans is depicted from the end of the 1800s. Ivy, our knowledgeable guide, took us through the lives of early settlers in the area, including an original 1790 home, fur traders, and blacksmith trades. We even got to witness some folks reenacting the skills of spinning yarn from cotton and making homemade quilts. For a taste of life in the 1800s, Vermilionville provided for a fun and educational experience.
On this Saturday we were also treated to some live Zydeco music and dancing in the main hall, with music provided by three excellent bands throughout the afternoon and evening. When we were at Vermilionville, the fabulous Geno Delarose (brother of Gerard) & The French Rockin Boogie Band was rocking the joint!
Five Mile Eatery
If you are looking for a healthy, natural, sustainable alternative for breakfast, Five Mile Eatery is an excellent choice. Co-founders Chef Kelsey Leger and Sarah Trotter run this popular female-owned restaurant located in Lafayette’s Oil Center. Specialties are organic, seasonal dishes made with fresh ingredients and no seed oils. I had the delicious Five Mile Breakfast, a healthy choice of egg, baked sweet potato, and arugula salad. Served in a comfortable surrounding by the friendly staff, it was the perfect breakfast to get us started on our day.
Laura’s Two, James Beard Nominee
Madonna Broussard, Chef and owner of Laura’s Two, recently received a well-deserved James Beard nomination for Best Chef:South. She is a semi-finalist for this prestigious award. Madonna’s stuffed turkey wings, grilled pork chops, rice with gravy, and other soul food specialties have been legends in Lafayette since the original restaurant was opened in her grandmother’s home in 1968. Since January of 2000, Madonna has carried on the family tradition in the current location with Laura’s Two, serving many of the same dishes made famous by her grandmother.
In addition to being a master chef, Madonna is a very friendly, family-oriented woman. Her inviting restaurant is simple but elegant, and welcomes diners six days a week from 10:30 to 2:30. Other dishes include BBQ Ribs, Fried Catfish, green beans, red beans – and, of course, fried chicken. Hungry diners come in the front door and order choices from the friendly staff in a buffet style serving area.
Vestal Restaurant
Vestal Restaurant is a popular restaurant located at 555 Jefferson in downtown Lafayette. This elegant, modern eatery is in the building formerly occupied by Antlers, the oldest bar in Lafayette. Specialties include steak, fresh seafood, and a carefully curated cocktail menu. Vestal’s style has been described as “new southern,” and the upbeat and friendly staff made for a very enjoyable evening.
Julie and I both started with the grilled wedge salad, an outstanding combination of tomato, onion, candied pecan, bacon, and miso gorgonzola mixed with fresh lettuce and a flavorful dressing. For mains, Julie ordered the Ora King Salmon, served with bok choy, beech mushrooms, miso garlic, pickled daikon, and black sesame. I had an excellent filet cooked to perfection, and we shared a tasty sweet potato cooked with nuoc mam, candied pecans, jalapeno, cilantro, and mint. We paired our meal with excellent wines – Julie had the Decap “Majoli” Ruche Di Castagnole Monferrato and I enjoyed a flavorful Jermann Friuli-Venezi Pinot Grigio, both from Italy. With outstanding service from our friendly server, Molly, and the rest of the welcoming staff, we thoroughly enjoyed our evening at the very special Vestal Restaurant.
SpringHill Suites Lafayette South at River Ranch
SpringHill Suites Lafayette South at River Ranch is a great choice to experience the many attractions of Lafayette. We stayed here for three nights, and found it a very convenient location for our stay. Most of our destinations were within 10 to 15 minutes from the hotel, and only 40 minutes from Avery Island, home of the Tabasco Factory and Jungle Gardens. SpringHill Suites is also close to The University of Louisiana Lafayette, the regional airport, and River Ranch.
Rooms were modern and spacious, and the beds were very comfortable. Free WiFi, a modern fitness center, outdoor pool, mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee makers give you all the comforts of home. The convenient complimentary breakfast included hot items as well as cereals, yogurt, fruit, and pastries. SpringHill Suites is an ideal retreat to enjoy all that Lafayette has to offer.
Lafayette: Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!
Visit Lafayette and experience the outstanding food, music, history, activities, and friendliness that makes it so special.
Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler! – Let the good times roll!
