Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/821088
Lafayette truly comes alive in the fall and spring when the remarkable weather com- plements the multitude of events and festivals. One unique Lafayette offering during those seasons is the free weekend concert series, where you can kick off Thursday with Rhythms on the River, a free evening concert held in River Ranch's Town Square. Then there's Bach Lunch, a free pop- ular lunchtime music series that takes place on Fridays in Downtown Lafayette, where visitors can enjoy local food and music. The fun continues into the evening with Down- town Alive!, another local favourite free concert series offering music by regional artists showcasing all genres. TIME-HONOURED CUISINE When it comes to food, Lafayette has the Cajun and Creole flavours you crave, along with the freshest Louisiana seafood. While tradition plays a big part in the cuisine, there is always a little something unex- pected from homegrown chefs putting an inventive spin on time-honoured recipes made with the freshest local ingredients. But don't take their word for it. Lafayette has received many awards for its cuisine, including being named the Tastiest Town of the South by Southern Living magazine, Best Food Town by Rand McNally, and a Top 10 Foodie City by Livability.com. One staple to the area's unique cuisine is the smoked pork and rice delicacy known as boudin. While the ingredients may be basic, the variations are endless, which is why you should definitely take a trip down the Boudin Trail. Stretching across the metro area there are a dozen restaurants cooking boudin every which way you can imagine— and some you can't. For those looking for a historical culinary experience, Cajun Food Tours takes you through some of the mainstays of Cajun culture, while sharing tidbits of history. Leave the driving and decision-making to a local as you sit and soak in everything Lafayette has to offer. NATURE'S BOUNTY There's also something special in store for nature lovers. Lafayette happens to be situ- ated on the Mississippi Flyway and the Atchafalaya Loop of America's Wetland Birding Trail, where nature watchers and photographers can access some of the best birding sites in North America, including Spanish Lake. At last count, birders have spotted 240 species in its expansive shore- line and bottomland hardwood forest. If paddling is your passion, Lafayette is the perfect starting point to explore the region's rivers, swamps and bayous. The newest addition to Lafayette's paddle trail is a four-day, three-night paddle trip that takes you through two parishes and multiple cities where both primitive camping and lodging are available. There's no other place where you can experience multiple types of fresh and salt- water fishing—all within a short drive of Lafayette. Cast your line from the shore of some of the most peaceful fishing spots along the banks of Lake Martin or the Atchafalaya Basin. Or paddle or launch your boat near the Gulf of Mexico to discover the abundant species of fish, crabs and shrimp that can be caught and cooked in a day. Whether your passion is for the rich Aca- dian history, the bustling culinary scene, the great outdoors or the distinctive blend of Cajun and Zydeco music, you can be sure you will leave Lafayette grinning from ear to ear. DS SPRING/SUMMER 2017 DREAMSCAPES 31 Plan your Lafayette escape at LafayetteTravel.com. T R A V E L P L A N N E R OPPOSITE: Join in the festivities at the Festivals Acadiens et Creoles held in the fall. © Tim Mueller/Lafayette Travel LEFT: Enjoy a bowl of gumbo, one of the area's signature cuisines. © Denny Culbert/Lafayette Travel BOTTOM: A plethora of outdoor activities awaits you in and around Lafayette. © Jamie Orillion/Lafayette Travel