Born and raised in the small Cajun town of Opelousas, I have been living in South Louisiana for almost four decades or most of my life. I have now traveled to over 45 countries and more cities than I care to count. I have had conversations with thousands of travelers from around the globe and most of them center around the fact that New Orleans is not really that “Cajun”.
Yes, the “Big Easy” is one of my favorite cities in the world and I would even call it my second home. However, I warn my new friends that when visiting NOLA that if you see the word “Cajun” advertised for a tour, restaurant, music event, or any other attraction to be wary of it’s authenticity. The 22 parishes (counties in any other U.S. state) that make up Acadiana, or what some affectionately refer to as “Cajun Country”, is a different story. Maybe there is bias here, but I have truly yet to find a more unique and spicy culture than that of the one I call my own.
Planning a trip to south Louisiana? Apprehensive about what to see and do when you get there?
No need to worry…
This is CAJUN!
These are in no particular order:
1) SWAMP TOUR
Located in Henderson is the Atchafalaya Basin Landing & Marina. There, you can get a stunning look into America’s largest river swamp with licensed tour guides who know the water like the back of their hand. You can book guided swamp tours OR create your own swamp tour by renting a kayak with Champagne’s Swamp Tours in the world famous Lake Martin in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana.
These trips are perfect for visitors and photographers alike to
immerse themselves in the stunning views of the swamp.
2 – EAT!
Visiting Cajun Country and not eating the food – well,
you might be missing out on almost half the culture.
Light is shining on the Cajun flavor and its seasoning as it spreads
across the country, but tasting the food from its root is the real
magic.
Here are some must-tries:
Gumbo (Click Here for my authentic recipe)
Cupid’s is an excellent choice, especially if paired with boiled crawfish or crabs.
3 – CAJUN FOOD TOURS
Don’t know the best places for each food items
listed above? Chances are, Cajun Food Tours is going to have you
covered.
Not only will you get to stop at several of the best renowned Cajun
delights, you will also cruise in their cozy tour bus as they guide
you through the town, telling you wonderful tales of Acadiana’s
history.
Cajun Food Tours also offers all day trips that covers a swamp tour,
Vermilionville Historic Village, and Cajun Dance lessons. For more details, click here.
4 – Attend a festival
Top 3 pick:
Festival International (Apr. 22-26, 2020)
Black Pot Festival (Oct. 25-26, 2019)
Festival Acadiens (Oct. 11-13, 2019)
Honorable Mention: Cajun Mardi Gras (Feb 22 – March 5th, 2020)
- Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival – Similar to New Orleans, Lafayette has parades and live music all around town, complete with a Mardi Gras ball with nominated king and queen to finish the night.
- Courir de Mardi Gras – literal translation of “Fat Tuesday Run”, this elaborative event takes place in rural areas that heightens the community presence by singing, dancing, begging, and riding horses to houses to ask for the gumbo ingredients, and at the end of the night, cooks and shares gumbo for folks of all ages.
5 – Listen to live Cajun music and Zydeco Music
Take Zydeco music dance lessons! For an authentic Zydeco expericence, I recommend La Poussiere in Breaux Bridge. Also check out REAL Cajun music seven nights a week at Prejean’s or Randol’s. Every Wednesday evening at 9 p.m. the locals gather at
Blue Moon Saloon. Click here to get more information.
6 – Visit the Acadian Cultural Center at Vermilionville or Acadian Village
Explore the rich history of how the Cajuns came to be as you immerse yourself through the living museum with knowledgeable rangers as your guide. The exhibit will showcase wonderful encapsulated history through what remains to this day. There will be a film of the history of the Acadian people. Educational but fun, these cultural centers are a must.
7 – Visit the Lafayette Science Museum
A planetarium, virtual reality lab, virtual aquarium, crawl space, and so many other exciting things science museums are known to be — fun and compellingly interactive. The Lafayette Science Museum will capture your attention with every walk. It is inexpensive and located right in the middle of downtown.
General admission:
Adult (18-61): $5 plus tax
Seniors (62+): $3 plus tax
Children (4-17): $2 plus tax
3 and under: FREE
8 – Farmer’s Market at Moncus Park
Currently under renovation with millions of dollars being poured in, this park will be the top visit for years to come. It is approximately 100 acres located right in the heart of Acadiana. Gardens, amphitheater, wetland pond, boardwalks, and so much more — it will be a lovely stroll through the community that is Acadiana. The Farmer’s Market is held every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to noon.
9 – Evangeline State Park
A step back in time, this park offers daily tours, hiking trails, a museum and historic buildings, picnic areas, and more. Different from the Acadian Village, Longfellow – Evangeline State Historic Site explores more than just Acadians, they tie the stories of the Creoles, Indians and Africans, Frenchmen and Spaniards, slaves, and all people of color and weave them into their tales.
Admissions:
$4 per person
FREE for seniors (62+) and children under 3.
10 – Tabasco Brand Factory Tour & Museum in Avery Island
You know the sauce. And if you don’t, you will soon as you visit places throughout the area. It’s worth a shot if you want to explore what makes the sauce THE sauce. See major sneak peeks of the process from beginning to end in their home factory — the place where it all happens. Fascinating museum and tour, cool cooking classes, and not to mention the Jungle Garden tour of ancient oaks and bayous, it’ll be a quite visit.
Admissions:
$5.50 per person, and FREE for children under 4.
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