Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler – Spring Time in Acadiana
Acadiana, “The Heart of Acadian” is the name given to our Nova Scotian French settled region here in Louisiana. People living here (Cajuns) have a “work hard, play hard” kind of attitude, which is why our area hosts so many events. There’s a reason why Lafayette is known as “The Hub City” of Louisiana. Over the past few years, the city has experienced many changes with the help of technology and with tourism booming, not a single day goes by when Lafayette is not celebrating something.
Springtime in Acadiana is beautiful and filled with great outdoor activities. The good times continue well into summer in Cajun country. One of the best things about Lafayette is that this place always has something to celebrate. Our festivals run year-round, spotlighting everything from shrimp to pigs to sugar cane, from beer to boudin, gumbo to gratons, Cajun and Zydeco music, amazing visual artistry and countless Cajun cultural exhibits.
With springtime days being mild and featuring one of the loveliest climates, Lafayette comes alive with all its activities, some of which are listed below:
Acadian Cultural Center
First up is the Acadian Cultural Center, which is dedicated to spreading knowledge about Cajun people and their culture. This is the first place you should visit during your tour to kick start it by knowing about the people who played a big role in making Acadiana what it is today.
The center focuses on the movement, settlement and the origins of the Acadians, who hailed from Canada. Portable media players can be borrowed from the Visitor Center to make the tour more interesting.
There are various exhibits such as the rangers programs, local traditions that include story-telling, food, music and dance, the mysteries waiting to be explored at Atchafalaya Basin and a 35-minute film called The Cajun Way: Echoes of Acadia that tell the history about how the Acadians moved from Canada to South Louisiana. There are also ranger-guided tours on a boat called Cocodrie.
Champagne’s Cajun Swamp Tours
Feeling a little wild? Why not book one of the Champagne’s Cajun Swamp Tours to discover what lies at the bayou’s heart. This fun and educational tour explores Louisiana’s swamp regions. The tour starts from the Lake Martin Cypress Island Preserve covered Spanish moss and cypress trees. On the tour, you will get to see different kinds of wildlife such as the heron birds, woodpeckers and owls. But wait… that’s not it! As the tour proceeds, you will come within walking distance of snakes and alligators, which are truly a rare sight.
Nature Tours at Avery Island
Home to the world-famous McIlhenny Tabasco Company, the Avery Island property occupies a place in the heart of the bayou. The Bird City and the Jungle Garden attractions are open every day… ready for the public to explore. The nature preserve offers views of various plant and flower species such as many varieties of bamboo, camellias and azaleas.
As for the Jungle Garden animal kingdom species, to name a few, you will get to see egrets, deer and alligators. For those who prefer not to do too much walking, no worries; you can drive your vehicle through the park to get great experiences and take plenty of pictures!
Scott Boudin Festival
Boudin, one of the most famous Cajun foods, is a delicious rice dressing mixture served in casing – think sausage but different. You can score some at many local restaurants, including the famous Boudin King Cajun Way restaurants in nearby Crowley and Jennings! However, if you’re lucky enough to visit during the Scott Boudin Festival, well look out! Your visit won’t be complete until you have been a part of this festival. Here, you can try all the famous dishes made by the locals and enjoy the true taste of Acadiana.
Are you excited? The Scott Boudin Festival will take place on 21st April and will last three days. This gives you the perfect excuse to pack your bags and book a room at the Louisiana Cajun Mansion Bed and Breakfast. This luxurious and affordable bed and breakfast is located near to all these great natural beauties of Acadiana area. Give us a call at (337) 453-5606 and we will make sure the room is ready for you to rest before you set out to explore the beauty Lafayette offers.