Known for its swampy bayous, rollicking roots music, and dishes that are stuffed, smothered, and stewed, Cajun Country is a bastion of American regional culture. The history of the twenty-two-parish region dates to the mid-1700s, when French-speaking settlers exiled from present-day Canada fled southward, taking refuge in the prairies and swamps of South Louisiana. Acadiana’s decidedly rural culture is a stark contrast to that of cosmopolitan New Orleans to the east, but the two are both home to defining culinary traditions. At the region’s geographic and cultural center is Lafayette, a city where chefs and artisans honor their roots. It won’t be hard to make the most of the “most important meal of the day” if you stop by The French Press for modern twists on regional flavors. A must-see spot is Johnson’s Boucanière where their legacy of boudin and smoked meats carries on for the past ninety years. For a bit of Louisiana culture, try Don's Seafood, a staple since 1934.For some booze to end the night with a buzz, try Bayou Teche Brewing or Parish Brewing.
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Snapshot: Lafayette, Louisiana
Known for its swampy bayous, rollicking roots music, and dishes that are stuffed, smothered, and stewed, Cajun Country is a bastion of American regional culture.
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Enjoy a Taste of Lafayette
Lafayette is at the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun & Creole Country, an area known as the Happiest City in America.
In the Field
Lafayette’s Global Cuisine
Acadiana’s multicultural heritage has inspired food from around the world in the heart of Louisiana's cajun and creole country.
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Lafayette Puts a Spring in Your Two-Step
Spring in Lafayette, Louisiana, is festival season, crawfish season, garden season, getting-out-in-nature season, and all-around-enjoying-life season.
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Our Guide to Top Culinary Towns
We've scoured the South for small towns making a big culinary impact, here find a selection of 9 favorites listed here.
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Get to Know Lafayette, Louisiana | Listen
Lafayette, Louisiana is the winner of The Local Palate's first-ever readers' poll for the South's best culinary town.
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Celebrate Year-Round Events in Lafayette
Explore Lafayette's Cajun and Creole delights. Dive into a year-round celebration of music, food, and culture!
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