Located just two hours west of New Orleans, Louisiana is Lafayette, a parish seat city named the “Happiest City in America” by the Wall Street Journal and “The Best Culinary Town in the South” by The Local Palate magazine. Lafayette is the epicenter of Cajun and Creole culture and a look into the close-knit nature of southern living. Even if it isn’t Mardi Gras season, there are plenty of things to keep you busy like touring the one and only TABASCO factory, careening around the swamps on an airboat, and catching a bite of southern comfort food. This city is just oozing with unique culture that you cannot find anywhere else.
Where To Play:
Experience the Cajun lifestyle and Lafayette’s hidden gems
TABASCO Factory
The very land that TABASCO peppers are grown from is located in Iberia Parish on a salt dome called Avery Island. has been the location of Tabasco sauce creation for over 5 generations. TABASCO is recognized as the most famous pepper sauce around the world. On the island are the pepper processing factory, museum, and gardens, all accessible through a self-guided tour. You’ll learn all about the perfect color of a pepper, how it’s skimmed and blended to perfection, and the history of TABASCO bottles. You can top off your experience with a stop at the Country Store gift shop or grab a bite to eat – with some TABASCO sauce of course – at Restaurant 1868.
Jungle Gardens
An oasis within the salt dome of Avery Island are Jungle Gardens, a botanical and wildlife refuge. The 170-acre span of land was founded by Edward “Ned” Avery Mcllhenny, The son of Tabasco sauce inventor E. McIlhenny. The land is now home to exotic and local plants from around the world and local wildlife that include alligators, deer, raccoons, and dozens of bird species. The gardens feature Bird City, a rookery that effectively brought the egret population back to life in Lafayette. Make sure to check out the 900 year old Buddha statue, shipped all the way from New York City by rail, that serves as the centerpiece of the Gardens. This area is a truly beautiful span of land that you can explore right next to the TABASCO factory.
Vermilionville Living History Museum & Folklife Park
Vermilionville is a 23-acre historic and folklife park that brings to life Acadian, Creole, and Native American cultures from the time period 1765 – 1890. The replica settlement was created back in 1990 with the mission of increasing appreciation for the history, culture, and natural resources of the native people. With gathered historic interpretations and conservation efforts along the Bayou Vermilion, guests are educated on what life was like back in the 18th and 19th century and how it applies to the lives we lead today. This historic village offers guided tours, live music, cooking classes, dance lessons, boat tours, and a gift shop. Costumed artisans occupy the buildings on site in time period clothing.
Buck & Johnny’s Zydeco Breakfast
This Cajun Italian fusion restaurant and entertainment venue is home to a special breakfast hosted every Saturday morning with live music and dancing. Fill up on savory Cajun crawfish étouffée, beignets, and omelets studded with boudin and sip on some endless mimosas to quench your thirst after dancing. As the music fills the room and drinks are flowing, families and couples show off their moves on the dancefloor as Zydeco musicians play. Zydeco is a Southwestern Louisiana style of music and dance created in the 1800’s. It’s a mix of rhythm and blues, and Creole, Cajun, and Afro-Caribbean music. Zydeco is often played with traditional instruments like the accordion, washboard, guitar, and drums. Come have some amazing food and join in on the Cajun culture!
Atchafalaya Basin Landing Airboat Swamp Tours
In the heart of Cajun Country, this family owned and operated destination offers airboat tours through the swamps of Eastern Lafayette. From beautiful towering cypress trees to a variety of wildlife, prepare to be amazed by the swamp’s breathtaking sights. Expect to see native alligators, squirrels, nutria, and deer, as well as hundreds of species of birds like ospreys, eagles, and roseate spoonbills. The tour guides are very knowledgeable and will tell you all about the swamp and its wildlife. An experience on the bayou is something you can’t miss out on in Lafayette.
Where To Eat:
Food is never an issue in Lafayette. Everywhere you turn, there’s another delicious meal that will make your mouth water.
This restaurant brings their catch-phrase of ‘simply Cajun’ to life with their authentic southern seafood boils. They serve classic southern dishes like catfish, gumbo, fried green tomatoes, and red beans and rice. Prejean’s adds their own flare to some traditional meals like the creative crawfish enchilada or nachos and a soft shell crab BLT. The menu here is absolutely massive and includes every classic southern meal you could ever desire. For dessert, try the creamy white chocolate bread pudding with whiskey butter sauce or the house made cheesecake.
Just a bit to the east in Baton Rouge, satiate your taste buds with some local farm-to-table foods and flavorful cocktails. Whether you’re traveling with family, your partner, or solo, SoLou can cater to your every foodie need. Munch on a few of their specialty dishes, including a crab & brie grilled cheese, fish tacos made with fried Gulf fish, and sweet chili glazed salmon. They also have an array of shareable dishes like crawfish beignets and shrimp corn dogs, which are great for families or larger parties.
Parish Biscuit Co.
You can’t travel to the south without indulging in some classic biscuits and gravy, which you can find at Parish Biscuit Co. in every size, shape, and flavor imaginable. Unwind after a long day of travel or grab a quick bite to eat, picking from a long list of handhelds, biscuits, and bennies. If you’re feeling up for it, you can even enjoy a Bailey’s & coffee or one of the eight different mimosa varieties offered. Each biscuit on the menu is named after a town in Louisiana, carefully capturing the delectable flavors of each region.
Five Mile Eatery
This down to earth farm-to-table restaurant has options for people with diet restrictions or those who want to have a healthier bite to eat. The dishes are full of fresh veggies and fruits to balance out the rich flavors of their Cajun foods. The menu changes for seasonal specials, so you never know what you’re going to get! If you want something light but filling, try the probiotic yogurt bowl or the caprese toast. The main dishes aren’t your typical Cajun classics, but they’re just as delicious and still feature hints of southern charm. Try out the grits and pork, jambon-beurre, or muffuletta to sneak in a bit of that Cajun spice while still enjoying food that’s fresh and organic.
Where To Stay:
Deciding which hotel to stay at is always difficult in a new and unfamiliar place. Here are a few of the best located hotels in the city.
Doubletree by Hilton
The location and amenities offered by Doubletree are hard to beat. Overlooking the Vermilion River and only three miles away from downtown Lafayette, the Doubletree offers a 24-hour shuttle that will take you straight from the airport to the hotel, making travel simple and stress free. If you want to have some great food but still want to spend the night in, the on-site restaurant SoLA serves a classic American buffet for breakfast and Cajun cuisine for lunch and dinner. Experience a bit of nightlife at Club 337 with cocktails, comedy, and dancing. Another perk is the hotel’s free parking, free wifi, a fitness center, and beautiful outdoor pool.
The Juliet Hotel
Conveniently located right in Downtown Lafayette, this one-of-a-kind boutique hotel is close to dozens of restaurants, museums, art galleries, and nightlife. The rooms are huge, have large bathtubs, and are incredibly affordable for such a great location. The hotel is decorated with old style charm, capturing the essence of southern hospitality and creating an intimate environment. Each room is equipped with a microwave and fridge; great for heating up those tasty leftovers. In the morning, stop in right nextdoor to Carpe Diem Cafe & Wine Bar for a cup of java to start your day.
Tru by Hilton Lafayette River Ranch
If you’re looking for a more modern home away from home, Tru by Hilton is the way to go. It’s located just outside the downtown area between the Acadian and Vermilionville historic villages. The hotel has complimentary on-site parking, a 24/7 market, and they even provide free hot breakfast daily. The rooms are decorated in a simple and sleek manner with cool blue tones and splashes of color here and there. After a night out on the town, you can come back and sit by the firepit next to the outdoor pool and enjoy some rest and relaxation.