Lafayette was officially established in 1821, then known as “Vermilionville.”
While New Orleans draws millions of visitors each year thanks to its vibrant nightlife and eye-catching architecture, one of Louisiana’s most underrated cities can be found just three hours west of The Big Easy. With well over 100,000 people residing within city limits, Lafayette has given rise to a wealth of captivating attractions, with plenty of opportunities to explore the distinct Cajun culture that’s formed across Louisiana over the years.
Though it tends to fly under the radar compared to larger nearby cities, those who venture to Lafayette will be richly rewarded with a seamless blend of time-honored tradition and contemporary charm, with a thriving seafood scene, esteemed museums and plenty of cozy shops to explore all across the region.
Uncovering the History of Acadiana’s Culture
Throughout the 1600s and 1700s, thousands of Acadian people settled in modern-day Louisiana either … More
Given its large concentration of Cajun Americans, Lafayette and its surrounding parish are often referred to as the “Heart of Acadiana”—and for a thorough immersion on the roots of this storied culture, Vermilionville is the perfect destination. Measuring in at 23 acres, this living history museum comes equipped with a wealth of restored 19th-century homes, with plenty of interpreters on-site to provide insight into the daily lives of Lafayette’s historic Cajun, Creole and Native American communities. Throughout each visit, guests can enjoy woodworking demonstrations, learn about the indigenous history of the region and experience lively zydeco music performances, with each session held in hopes of preserving the unique cultural heritage of the Acadiana region that’s developed across the centuries.
Louisiana has long been renowned for its culinary culture, and while top-tier restaurants abound across Lafayette, history buffs should be sure to book an excursion with Cajun Food Tours for a double dose of Acadiana lore paired with incredible dining. During an Original Cajun Food Tour, guests will be treated to lengthy tales about the history of the Acadian people, with opportunities to dine on local staples like gumbo and king cake throughout the day. Meanwhile, those interested in a more international perspective on the city can opt for an Around the World tour, with Latin American, Asian and Mediterranean cuisines all highlighted during the excursion.
Exploring Lafayette’s Thriving Dining Scene
The Louisiana crawfish was designated the state crustacean of Louisiana in 1983.
Once you’ve gained some insight into the history of Louisiana’s food scene, it’s time to sample some of the state’s most lauded dishes, with The Cajun Table serving as the perfect destination for a classic crawfish boil. Options span from three pounds to fifteen pounds of freshly-caught crawfish, with plenty of potatoes, boiled sausage and Cajun table dip to pair with the bugs—and as an added bonus, there are plenty of other preparation styles to sample, with alternate options including crawfish fettuccine, crawfish half and half and crawfish-topped Bloody Marys. Beyond The Cajun Table, other beloved local spots include Spoonbill and Pop’s Poboys—and once you’ve had your fill of savory seafood, Borden’s Ice Cream Shoppe is the perfect dessert spot, drawing customers with its freshly-made dairy products since 1940.
Lafayette has mastered the art of traditional Pelican State favorites, but the city is no slouch when it comes to innovative contemporary dining either. During morning hours, Five Mile Eatery wows customers with its carefully-crafted plates that come packed full of locally-sourced produce and protein, with probiotic yogurt bowls, microgreen-topped caprese toast and syrup-soaked waffles all gracing the menu—and when it comes to evening fine dining, it’s tough to find a better destination than Vestal. Specializing in classic Southern fare with a modern twist, this polished space offers tantalizing dishes like Thai chili-loaded mussels and yuzu butter-infused half shell redfish, while the cocktail program is just as impressive, with options like the agave-heavy You’re in Trouble and tropical fruit-forward Happy Disaster serving as two must-try menu items for spirit aficionados.
Discovering the Charm of Modern Lafayette
The American alligator is a prominent cultural symbol across Louisiana, serving as the state reptile … More
While Lafayette is renowned for its time-honored Cajun culture, the city also offers a glimpse into the charm of contemporary Acadiana, with plenty of eye-catching shops to explore across the downtown area. To kick off the day, visitors can make their way to Rêve Coffee Lab to snag a cappuccino, then set off just a few steps down the street to explore Lagniappe Records, a cozy shop that’s home to a colossal music selection spanning from cassettes to CDs to vinyl. Just across the street, Cavalier House Books also draws guests in droves thanks to its diverse collection of works, while spring and fall visitors should be sure to swing by Parc Sans Souci to enjoy Downtown Alive!, a Friday night concert series that’s perfect for catching a traditional zydeco band in action.
After a thorough deep dive into downtown Lafayette, visitors can gain ample insight into the local arts scene with a trip to the Hilliard Art Museum. Established in 2004, this esteemed institution is dedicated to highlighting the storied beauty of Acadiana, with a captivating collection of bucolic landscape paintings, intricate sculptures and high-definition photography on display across the space. Meanwhile, the late night hours bring the opportunity to catch all sorts of enthralling live performances across the city, with sites like the Blue Moon Saloon and Hideaway on Lee drawing local talent to the stage with plenty of cocktails and local craft beer to enjoy along the way.
