Lafayette Named Louisiana’s Most Underrated Vacation Spot, Here’s Why

When people think of vacationing in Louisiana, obviously New Orleans is the first place that comes to mind.

Baton Rouge is pretty much the second city that most people think of when planning a trip to Louisiana.

However, according to the folks over at Southern Living, Lafayette is where people need to be booking their trips.

Southernliving.com has just named Lafayette "Louisiana's Most Underrated Vacation Spot" and have also listed what they think are the best things to do in Lafayette.

Louisiana's Most Underrated Vacation Spot

Earlier this year, Southern Living named Lafayette as one the "15 Friendliest Cities In The South".

From southernliving.com -

"This is a place that’s proud of its heritage and isn’t afraid to let everyone know it. Every year, the city welcomes thousands of visitors to the three-day Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, which celebrates the music, crafts, art, and food of South Louisiana."

Lafayette is certainly friendly, but honestly everywhere in Acadiana in just as welcoming.

Southern Living goes on to say "Experience authentic Cajun and Zydeco music, savor nationally-renowned cuisine, and meet people who are deeply passionate about their hometown. With its lively festivals, historic architecture, and warm, welcoming spirit, Lafayette offers a unique window into the heart of Creole and Cajun culture."

What To Do In Lafayette, Louisiana

Southern Living didn't just stop at naming Lafayette the most underrated vacation spot in Louisiana, they additionally compiled a list of they feel are the best things to do and experience while visiting Lafayette.

Tour The University Of Louisiana At Lafayette

Although having an actual swamp on campus might sometimes be lost on us because we're just so used to things like this here in Acadiana, it's actually incredibly unique.

Most people are in disbelief when they find out we have actual alligators swimming around on the UL campus.

Downtown Lafayette

Downtown Lafayette has a unique charm that blends Louisiana's Cajun and Creole cultures with a vibrant, modern arts and music scene.

Lafayette is known as the "Happiest City in America," partly because of its love for music, especially Cajun, zydeco, and blues.

Downtown Lafayette hosts numerous festivals celebrating the region’s culture and music, like Festival International de Louisiane, the largest free Francophone festival in the U.S., which draws artists from all over the world every spring. There’s also Downtown Alive!, a free concert series featuring local and regional bands.

Lafayette’s Scenic Parks

Whether it's Acadiana Park, Acadiana Park Nature Station, Moncus Park, or any of the other great scenic parks around Lafayette, there's a great time waiting for you.

Southern Living says about Moncus Park -

"On Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, you can attend the Lafayette Farmers & Artisans Market, where you can shop as you enjoy the swells of live Cajun music."

Avery Island

Avery Island is a unique and beautiful destination, known primarily for being the birthplace of Tabasco hot sauce and for its stunning natural landscape.

Located just a short drive from Lafayette, it’s not technically an island in the traditional sense but a salt dome surrounded by marshes and bayous, which gives it a distinctive “island” feel.

Spend the day at the Tabasco Factory and Museum and Jungle Gardens, a 170-acre botanical garden established by Edward McIlhenny, a member of the Tabasco family. It features lush landscapes, with beautiful azaleas, camellias, bamboo groves, and century-old oak trees draped in Spanish moss.

You'll also find Bird City at Avery Island. Bird City is one of the most unique spots in Jungle Gardens, home to thousands of snowy egrets that nest here each year.

Edward McIlhenny established Bird City to help save the snowy egret population, which was endangered in the early 20th century due to feather harvesting.

Where To Eat In Lafayette

Obviously, food is a corner stone of our culture in Lafayette and Acadiana, making Lafayette a delicious destination for any foodie.

From southernliving.com -

"When in Lafayette, you’ll never run out of places to try authentic Louisiana cuisine. The Cajun Table is the type of place where you can roll up your sleeves and dive into a plate of boiled crawfish without a care in the world.

For an elegant, wine and dine experience, SoLou serves dishes inspired by south Louisiana, including Zydeco cauliflower, boudin queso, and of course, gumbo."

Southern Living also talks about other great local restaurants The Chimes, Spoonbill Watering Hole & Restaurant, Central Pizza, Pop’s Poboys, Sunday’s Soda Fountain, and more.

Where To Stay In Lafayette

Lafayette has some really incredible, uniquely Acadiana places to stay while visiting.

A few of Southern Living's favorite places includes Blue Moon Saloon & Guest House, Maison Mouton Bed & Breakfast, and The Juliet Hotel.

Want to read more about why Southern Living has named Lafayette as the most underrated vacation spot in Louisiana?

Read the full article over southernliving.com.