Lafayette

Situated in southern Louisiana (about 55 miles from Baton Rouge), Lafayette is rooted in Cajun heritage. The region is known as the heart of the state’s Acadiana country. A large population of Acadians (an ethnic group descended from the French) settled in the area in the mid-18th century and eventually shaped the Cajun culture that travelers can experience there today.

To catch a glimpse of Acadian life in the 19th century, tour Lafayette’s Acadian Village, which features restored structures filled with period furnishings, including a doctor’s residence and a blacksmith shop. Or spend a couple of hours at the Lafayette History Museum, a historic home that now occupies exhibits on the city’s past. You can (and should) taste Lafayette’s rich Cajun heritage at its many delicious restaurants. Devour charbroiled Louisiana oysters and shrimp étouffée at Don’s Seafood; feast on fried oysters and hushpuppies and avocados stuffed with crawfish and shrimp salad at Mandez’s Seafood Bar & Grill; and don’t miss the crab or crawfish boils (depending on what’s in season) at The Cajun Table.