What to do in Lafayette, LA
Looking for some ways to let the good times roll in Lafayette, LA? Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there are so many great ways to partake in our “Joie de Vivre” or Joy of Living here in Acadiana.
Take a Cajun Food Tour! Lafayette’s Cajun Food Tours are rated #1 on Trip Advisor and offer any tourist or local a chance to taste the best of the best foods in the area while also learning about our history and culture! They currently offer a variety of tours including the original Cajun Food bus tour, the Around the World bus tour, and their newest Historical Breaux Bridgewalking tour.
Visit Vermilionville! This outdoor living history museum located on Bayou Vermilion, provides a time traveling experience back to Lafayette’s beginning. In addition to the museum, this quaint little town also hosts a free Cajun Jam session every Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m., a “Bal du Dimanche” held each Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. with live Cajun music and dancing, and their very own restaurant “La Cuisine de Maman” that serves up Cajun favorites.
See some alligators! Cypress Lake, located in the middle of UL’s Campus, is known as “The Swamp” and serves as a habitat for gators, native irises, turtles, birds, fish, and beautiful Cypress trees. If you want to hop on a boat to see some gators, and explore Bayou Teche, consider taking a Cajun Country Swamp Tour!
Spend time Downtown! In addition to its 30+ bars and restaurants, Downtown Lafayette has 17 art galleries. On the 2ndSaturday of each month, all are welcome to view Downtown’s art galleries’ artwork during the Art Walk, a free event with trolley rides, refreshments, and plenty of…you guessed it…art! Downtown also hosts Downtown Alive (DTA) on most Friday evenings during the fall and spring which is a free live music concert for all to enjoy.
Book a Room at Blue Moon Saloon! Within Downtown Lafayette is the perfect guest house for music lovers! The Blue Moon Saloon has become one of America’s premier venues for roots music from around the world. They host different musicians almost every Wednesday through Sunday nights and offer comfortable rooms for visitors to stay in.
Drop by St. John’s Cathedral! In the original hub of Lafayette’s conception is the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Johnthe Evangelist. On the cathedral grounds, visit the museum, gift shop, and religious art gallery. Also, right outside of the cathedral is the 3rd oldest Live Oak tree in the U.S.; this humongous and magnificent oak is a must see!
Shop the Farmers Market! Located at the Horse Farm in Lafayette, this Farmers & Artisan Market is held every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. until noon. This marketplace is an outdoor venue for handcrafted artwork, local foods, farm fresh produce, and live music.
Dance at Rhythms on the River! Similar to DTA, each fall and spring, River Ranch Town Square of Lafayette hosts free concerts every Thursday evening from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Young and old are invited to sit back and listen or kick their feet up and dance while talented musicians do the rest.
Now, get out there, and “laissez les bons temps rouler!”
By: Whitney Ross, Lafayette Native