A Quick Tour of Cajun Country
Written: Feb 01 '00 (Updated Jan 23 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: good food, good music, lots to see
Cons: Lots of driving
The Bottom Line: Lafayette is a charming town and makes a wonderful base for a tour of Cajun Country
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| Howard_Creech's Full Review: Cajun Country |
Everybody who visits Louisiana hears about the Cajuns, their spicy food, their enthusiastic music, and their roots in the swamps and prairies of south central Louisiana. But who are they and where did they come from? Late in the 18th century France lost Canada to the English. The citizens of Acadia, the easternmost province of French Canada (present day Nova Scotia) were asked by the English to sign loyalty oaths to the English Crown. Most of the "Acadians" refused, and were consequently deported...many returned to France, a few to the French West Indies, and the rest to Louisiana. Acadian was eventually shortened to "cajun"
The capital of "cajun" country is Lafayette, a bit less than two hours drive from New Orleans. Lafayette is a good base of operations for a tour of "cajun" country. Attractions include Acadian Village, a collection of genuine "cajun" structures from all over south and southwest Louisiana, assembled in the form of a small turn of the century "cajun" crossroads village. Vermillionville, is a working reconstruction of how "cajuns" lived more than 100 years ago. Demonstrations of various pioneer crafts, cooking, and dancing are held daily. Mulatte's and Prejeans Restaurants (note: both restaurants are geared toward tourists) offer genuine "cajun" fare and a great place to shop for souvenirs is the Cajun Country Store. While in Lafayette, don't miss Borden's Ice Cream Parlor, 1103 Jefferson St. The art deco building, neon lights, scrumptious frozen treats, and friendly staff make this the place to be on a hot summer day.
About 25 miles from Lafayette is New Iberia, a lovely town filled with ancient moss draped live oaks and one of the best preserved and most complete historic districts anywhere in the state. Be sure to visit the "Shadows on the Teche" house. The Kon Riko Rice Mill offers tours of the oldest rice mill in Louisiana.
Nearby is Avery Island, home to Jungle Gardens and the McIlhenny Co. Tabasco Factory, the only source of Louisiana's famed "hot sauce". Avery Island is not really an island, but rather the tip of the largest salt dome in the U.S. The eccentric founder of the "hot sauce" dynasty built a lovely home and imported plants from all over the world to decorate the grounds....and today "Jungle Gardens" is a popular tourist destination.
Abbeville is about 30 miles southwest of Lafayette. Situated on Vermillion Bayou this wonderful little town contains historic churches, a vibrant and colorful historic district, a quaint downtown shopping area, and Dupuy's Oyster Shop...founded in 1867 and home to the freshest oysters in Louisiana (A friend actually found a "pearl" in his bowl of oyster soup on one visit). Don't miss the old Catholic Cemetery, which contains numerous wrought iron crosses and grave markers.
Just east of Lafayette is St. Martinville, the home of Evangeline, the heroine and namesake of Longfellow's poem. Local attractions include the "Evangelline Oak", and Lake Fausse Point State Park. Every October St. Martinville is host to the Louisiana Pepper Festival. Don't miss the town square and the mother church of the cajun culture. Thibodeaux's cafe, 116 S. Main St. will satisfy the hunger of even the most famished visitor. Laissez les bon temps roulez (let the good times roll) is the official motto of cajun country...have fun.
If you enjoyed reading this Louisiana travel review, please read my other Louisiana travel reviews:
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Recommended:
Yes
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Howard_Creech
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Member: Howard Creech
Location: Louisville, KY
Reviews written: 334
Trusted by: 1275 members
About Me:
Photographer/Writer fascinated by Movies, Music, Books, American Diner Food, History, "Popular Culture", and Travel.
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