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New Orleans, LA
· Visit one of the many historical music sites around town and embrace the music that made New Orleans the legendary birthplace of jazz. Visit Preservation Hall with nightly performances or enjoy one of the many music clubs in the area.
· Explore historical courtyards of the French Quarter with a walking tour accompanied by a French speaking guide.
· Visit above-ground tombs with a unique cemetery tour and immerse yourself in the history and architecture that makes New Orleans unique.
· Discover the treasures and stories that have been part of Louisiana since 1812 at the Historic New Orleans Collection. The 18th Star: Treasures from 200 Years of Louisiana Statehood.
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Go back in history aboard one of the hallmarks of the city and enjoy a river cruise in the mighty Mississippi. The iconic paddlewheel boats offer music, food and a magnificent view of the city.
· Experience the Creole culture first-hand through the story of one of New Orleans’ families with Le Monde Creole Tours.
· Continue your journey at Laura Plantation and follow the lives of the Creole Dynasty of a family who lived in the region for four generations.
· Visit the Basin Street Station, a visitor center that currently houses the 1915 model of the French Quarter built by French artists and presented to the city of New Orleans by the French Government in 2007.
Houma, LA
· Stay overnight at one of our French-speaking Bed and Breakfast locations
· Stop by the Visitor Center for information on Cajun music at area restaurants and locations
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Take a swamp tour with one of our many French speaking guides
· Visit the Jolly Inn on Friday and Sunday night for Cajun music and dancing with locals
· Shop and pick-up Cajun music CDs from a wide variety at LA Cajun Stuff
· Take a scenic bayou drive down one of our many bayous and hear natives speaking French
· Visit the Terrebonne Parish Library’s Genealogy Room for extensive genealogy resources
Lake Charles Area
Hit the Boudin Trail-The Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail winds throughout Calcasieu Parish and parts of Cameron Parish. The trail has a brochure that plots out places to try boudin as well as attractions along the way. Visitors might want to drive part of the trail or stop in and pick up Southwest Louisiana’s favorite finger food – BOUDIN!
Visit area parks- Sam Houston Jones State Park is a gorgeous place to explore nature, with hiking trails, picnic areas and majestic scenery
GPS activated hand held video tour of the Creole Nature Trail-The CPS handheld video tour device is available for check-out free of charge at the Lake Charles / Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau, 1205 North Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, LA (337) 436-9863. The knowledgeable staff at the bureau can provide visitors with French and English versions of the tour to take with them as they explore Louisiana’s outback.
Visit the Mardi Gras Museum-The Mardi Gras Museum in Lake Charles houses the largest display of Mardi Gras costumes anywhere in the world. There are themes dedicated to various aspects of Mardi Gras from king cake to costume making to chicken runs and Mardi Gras royalty.
Visit Local Art Galleries-The Imperial Calcasieu Museum is the treasure trove of history in Lake Charles / Southwest Louisiana. Furniture, jewelry fashion and documents, it is a peek into the lives of the founders of Lake Charles and the heyday of the lumber barons. The museum will also feature an evening showing of “Belizaire, the Cajun.”
Carriage rides through downtown Lake Charles (private bookings)-Local carriage companies will offer visitors a ride through downtown Lake Charles, along the lakefront and through the Charpentier Historic District to see the Victorian Mansions. There is also a detailed brochure on the historic district that guides visitors through the area, telling stories along the way.
Jeff Davis Parish
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The 31st Annual End of Season Stearman Fly-In, October 1, 2011, located at the Jennings Airport grounds behind the Days Inn Hwy. 26. For more information call 1-800-264-5521or www.jenningsstearmanflyin.com
· Grand Reveil Acadien Program October 13, 2011 - 7 p.m. Strand Theatre, Jennings, LA Featuring Hert LeBlanc and his band from New Brunswick, Canada and the Louisiana groups Les Amies Louisianaises and Chris Miller and Bayou Roots with Bruce Daigrepont. Concert is being brought in part by BP and the Jeff Davis Parish Tourist Commission. Tickets are $10.00 and are available by calling 1-800-264-5521
· The Vietnam Traveling Wall October 14, 15, & 16, 2011 Louisiana Oil & Gas Park (I-10 exit 64) Jennings, LA. Schedule of Events Friday, Oct. 14 - Wall Visitation 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15 - Wall Visitation Vietnam Veterans Parade of Honor begins at 2 p.m., on Main St., ending at the I-10 Park. Parade Lineup begins at 1 p.m. at Founders Park, Main St. Jennings. Sunday, Oct. 16 - Wall visitation 6 p.m. Sunday Services For more information or to enter the parade call (337) 821-5532 or email: polly@cityofjennings.com
· Last Resort Car, Truck & Bike Show - Last Resort Show is one of Louisiana's best custom car, truck and bike shows with coverage from national magazines such as Mini Truckin, Street Trucks and Truckin' and also production companies like Crime Pays Video. Louisiana Oil & Gas Park, Jennings, LA. For more information call Stu Daigle @ (337) 329-3959; email: lastresortshow@yahoo.com or http://www.lastresortshow.com
Acadia Parish
Roberts Cove- Take an Aqua-culture farm tour Kelly’s Landing Agricultural Museum & Farm Tour, to learn the procedure used to produce rice and crawfish.
Crowley-Visit Mouton Accordions & Music, hear and see how Cajun Accordions are made by taking a tour of the workshop. www.moutonaccordions.com
Basile- Visit D.I.’s Cajun Restaurant with live Cajun music and dancing nightly, Cajun Specialties, Seafood and Steaks
Downtown Crowley- visit the Ford Motor Company Building home to museums, Rice Interpretive Center, J.D. Miller Recording Studio & Ford Automotive Museum
Church Point- Le Vieux Presbytere Museum 1887 structure (Parsonage Home) Le Vieux Presbytere Museum tells the story of Church Point, a Predominantly Cajun community on the prairies of Acadia Parish. One of the last structures to use folk craft of mud wall construction which is known as bousillage.
Crowley- Stop by the Acadia Parish Convention & Visitors Commission for more information on the area and our Festivals. www.acadiatourism.org
Rayne- Stay overnight at our French-speaking Bed and Breakfast, walking distance from historical and cultural sites. www.dabovalbb.com
Rayne-Worthmore’s 5-10-25 Cent located in Rayne, everything and anything you want, they have it! Est. in 1936, Store is truly a step into the past with all its nick-knacks and memorabilia.
Rayne is home to Candyland Cottage & Ice Cream Shoppe, a friendly old-fashioned candy store atmosphere, Sit down, take in the old-fashioned surroundings with the antiques and history while you enjoy your treats.
Crowley-75th International Rice Festival, Downtown Crowley, 10/20-22- Free to the public- One of the oldest and largest agricultural festivals in the state. Live music on two stages, numerous food booths featuring Cajun food, two parades, carnival rides, Arts & Crafts Show in the Park, www.ricefestival.com
Lafayette Parish
Let’s go to Lafayette, where folks are friendly, festivals are lively, cuisine is world-famous, and Cajun & Zydeco Music thrive. Feel the beat, taste the heat and share the “Joie de Vivre” (Joy of Life) in Cajun Country and the Heart of French Louisiana!
Jean Lafitte National Park Acadian Cultural Center -FREE museum that includes extensive artifacts with a film on the deportation of the Acadians in the mid-1700s from Nova Scotia
Acadian Village or Vermilionville -Visit one of these historic villages that bring the story of the early Cajun and Creoles to life.
Downtown Lafayette- Tour Museums including: Lafayette Science Museum, Children’s Museum of Acadiana, Acadiana Center for the Arts, Alexandre Mouton House.
Visit the historic Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, cemetery and see a 500 year old oak tree.
Eat Lafayette- Dine at some of our many local restaurants and discover why Lafayette has been Voted Best Food City by Rand McNally & USA Today for 2012!
Mulate’s, Prejean’s or Randol’s -Cajun and Creole dinner and dancing at one of Lafayette’s “Fais do do” restaurants that offer live music 7 nights a week.
· Mama Redell’s La Maison de Begnaud- An authentic experience like no other at this true heritage center! Several groups programming options available including: Rural Cajun Mardi Gras, Cajun Dance Lessons, Bal de Maison (House Dance) and more! On Friday- Jam Session open to ALL musicians.
Cooking School- Enjoy lunch with a local cooking school experience
Martin Accordions -Learn how these world-famous accordions are made & listen to the Martin family play Cajun, Zydeco & Swamp Pop music*groups only.
Dinner Downtown- Taste the variety of food Lafayette has to offer such as traditional American, Lebanese, Mexican, Cuban, Sushi or Tapas Bars with a bit of spice-Cajun & Creole too.
Downtown Alive- Kick off the night on Friday October 14 by listening to great local band in Downtown Lafayette the stay and listen locals at Blue Moon Saloon
FESTIVAL ACADIEN & CREOLE- Dance to world-renowned Cajun and Zydeco bands. Listen to Cajun and Creole music jam sessions. Savor authentic Cajun cuisine prepared by the best chefs and restaurants in Acadiana. Witness demonstrations by traditional and contemporary artisans from across Louisiana. You can experience all of this and more as Festivals Acadiens pays tribute to the Cajun and Creole cultures with a combination of free festivals.
Tintamarre- as part of the closing ceremonies of the Grand Réveil Acadien 2011 to be held during Festivals Acadiens et Créoles in Lafayette's Girard Park on Sunday October 16th, 2011.
Vermilionville – Historical Village
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David Greely presents the 4th annual Fiddlers on the Bayou, a concert featuring the skill, variety and creativity of at least a half-dozen South Louisiana fiddlers, on Thursday, October 13, 2011. Ticket $20 in Advance. Tickets and information are available by calling 1-866-99BAYOU
· " Bête 5", a group of young singers/fiddlers from Nova Scotia will perform Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 1:00 pm
· Fete des Jeunes (youth music/non-traditional) – Open to the Public - $8 – Dinner Optional – October 15, 2011 atn7:00 p.m.
Vermilion Parish
Sure, we’re known for our food, but we’re more than a great meal. This bilingual, coastal parish features authentic Cajun culture, festivals, marshlands, nature, true Southern hospitality and more. Come for a visit...your place at the table is ready!
Art Exhibits:
10/5 - 10/31 – “Unique Beauty.” Gueydan Museum. Members of the Lafayette Photographic Society display their photographic skills. Wed.-Fri., 1 p.m.-5p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (337) 536-0443, www.gueydanmuseum.weebly.com
10/3 - 10/30 – “Coastal Cowboys.” Abbeville Cultural & Historical Alliance, Museum & Gallery, Abbeville. An exhibit that features photos, artifacts and displays on the southwestern Louisiana cowboys and the cattle industry in Vermilion Parish. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (337) 898-4114, www.abbevillemuseum.org
10/3 - 10/30 – “At The Movies.” Abbeville Cultural & Historical Alliance, Museum & Gallery, Abbeville. An exhibit that features the artwork of local artist that has painted portraits of famous movie actors, actresses and scenes from movies. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (337) 898-4114, www.abbevillemuseum.org
Festivals and Events:
10/6, 13 - Sounds on the Square. Downtown Abbeville. Live concert series featuring great music under the oaks in Magdalen Square. Refreshments sold by Allumé Society. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and your family! 5:30-9 p.m. Free. (337) 893-8550, 337-893-4110.
10/8 – Kaplan’s Farmers Market. Turnley Park, Kaplan. Seasonal produce, food and more. Held every second Saturday of the month. 8 a.m.-noon. Free.
(337) 643-2400.
10/8 - Cajun Jam Sessions. Museum Cafe, Erath. Come enjoy live Cajun music every other Saturday afternoon. 2-6 p.m. (337) 937-0012.
10/14 – In Conjunction with the Grand Reveil Acadien, “Bienvenue avec Beignets à Maurice.” Musée de Maurice, 218 Chief H. Fred Ave., Maurice. The Maurice Historical Preservation Society welcomes everyone to a beignet and coffee gathering to include beignet cooking demonstrations and tasting, music, art show and historical marker unveiling. 8-10 a.m. Free. (337) 984-2888, www.facebook.com/mauricehistoricalpreservationsociety.
10/14-16 - Louisiana Cattle Festival. Abbeville. Music on three stages, food, two parades, carnival rides, pageants and more. Fri., 6 p.m.-midnight; Sat., 10 a.m.-midnight; Sun., 1-5 p.m. Free. (337) 385-2397, (337) 652-0646, (337) 652-2292, www.louisianacattlefestival.org
10/15 – Mangez, Dansez, et Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler à Kaplan. Turnley Park, Kaplan. Demonstrations on making cracklins, boudin and tarts along with French music by local musicians, food sales. A celebration of Cajun life! 9:30-11 a.m. Free. (337) 893-7968.
10/15 - Touchet’s Jam Sessions. Touchet’s Bar, Hwy. 167, Maurice. Live music and dancing every other Saturday afternoon. 2 p.m.-until. Free.
(337) 893-9882.
Iberia Parish
Eat gumbo at the World Championship Gumbo Cookoff Oct. 7-9 at Bouligny Plaza in downtown New Iberia
A visit to Louisiana’s Hot Side would not be complete without touring the most famous pepper sauce factory in the world, TABASCO®
Visit America’s oldest rice mill, Conrad Rice Mill/KONRIKO® Company Store
Visit the Gulf South’s only National Trust for Historic Preservation house museum and garden, Shadows-on-the-Teche
Walking tours of the national award-winning Main Street in New Iberia the setting captured by Edgar Award-winning author and native son, James Lee Burke
Visit Rip Van Winkle Gardens the retreat mansion and garden of the 19th century American stage actor Joseph Jefferson famous for his portrayal of Rip Van Winkle
Visit Antique Rose Ville Tea Room and Gardens, Jeanerette Sugar Museum and Bayou Teche Museum
Stop by the Iberia Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau for information on local restaurants, events, Cajun music venues and shops.
St. Martin Parish
Stay A While in Breaux Bridge
· Come stroll and shop our downtown Historic District.
· Stop by the Welcome Center to enjoy a cup of coffee and maybe speak French to one of the Travel Counselor.
· Walk on the board walk to get a closer look at the Bayou Teche.
· View the bridge for which our town was named by.
· Notice the top of the bridge where the crawfish was painted by a local artist.
· Breaux Bridge is the Crawfish Capital of the World. View on one side the name of the town is in English, the other side is in French.
· Enjoy eating at our wonderful restaurants. You can even enjoy Cajun music and dancing at night and Zydeco every Saturday morning for breakfast!
· Enjoy a swamp tour with one of our French speaking guides or just a pleasant drive to Lake Martin.
Stay a While In Henderson
View the majestic Atchafalaya Basin at the top of the levee in Henderson, the Gateway to the Atchafalaya Basin
Enjoy Cajun & Seafood Cuisine at one of the family owned restaurants
Take a ride on the wild side by airboat or pontoon boat
Stay a While in St. Martinville
· At the Acadian Memorial, our French and English speaking docents will guide you through Acadian history in Louisiana.
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Visit the Cultural Heritage Center and learn about Acadian and African-American History in the St. Martinville area.
· Shop, eat, and promenade along Main Street in the Historic District.
· Explore St. Martin Square and the historic “Mother Church of the Acadians,” St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church.
· Schedule a 1.5 to 2-hour French/English tour through Evangeline Oak Park and Historic St. Martinville.
· Stay at one of our bed and breakfasts, Bienvenue House or the Old Castillo Hotel both of which are on the National Historic Register.
· October 13th 6:00-10:00pm, L'Ordre du Bon Temps Banquet. Re-enactment of the first social eating club in North America. (Limited Seating/Ticketed Event
October 15th 8:30-11:00am, Re-enactment of the arrival of the Acadians on the Bayou Teche, renewal and reconnection with St. Martinville’s sister cities and attractions.
· Contact the Tourism Office for ticket information and details on any of these activities (337) 394-2233.
St. Landry Parish
Come dance to the Cajun music of Hadley J. Castille and the Sharecroppers at the Friday night Music and Market outdoor concert series in Opelousas. Oct. 14th, 6pm-8:30pm
Experience a tradition that has been taking place every Saturday morning since 1966. Marc Savoy, renowned accordion maker and musician, and his wife Ann, author and musician, host a Cajun jam session that has become a regular event for many local and visiting musicians. Bring an instrument to play or just come to listen. Oct. 15, 9am- noon
Visit the Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center to view the archives of the Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival. Oct.13-15, 9am-5pm
Visit the Liberty Theater in Eunice where every Saturday night the internationally recognized Rendez-Vous des Cajuns live Cajun French radio and TV show goes on the air in a restored 1924 movie house that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Oct. 15., 6pm-7:30pm
While in Eunice, visit the Cajun Music Hall of Fame & Museum and the Eunice Depot Museum to learn the history of the people who settled the Cajun prairie. Oct. 13-15, 9am-5pm
Tour the historic town of Washington, Acadiana’s Antique Capitol. Visit the many antique shops and take a walking or trolley tour of the historic buildings and homes, many of which are on the National Register of Historic Places. Oct. 14-16, 9am-5pm
Participate in the St. Landry Catholic Church Cemetery Tours in Opelousas. An historical reenactment, voices of the past, will walk you through the history of the people of St. Landry Parish. Oct. 15 at 6, 7 & 8pm and Oct. 16 at 2 & 3pm.
Stroll through the historic district of Grand Coteau, which is one of the few primarily rural districts on the National Register of Historic Places. Tour the grounds of the Academy of the Sacred Heart and hear the story and visit the shrine of the Miracle of Grand Coteau, the site of a documented miracle.
Tour the Jean LaFitte National Park & Preserve Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice, which tells the story of the Acadians who settled the prairie region of southwest Louisiana. Music and foodways demonstrations take place Saturday afternoons at 3pm. Oct. 13 -15.
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