1. You’d Better Be Ready To Shake What Your Mama Gave Ya
Music and dancing are a huge part of the culture in Cajun Country. From Cajun and Zydeco, to country and rock, Lafayette is chock-full of bars, restaurants, and dance halls to shake what ya’ mama gave ya’.
2. They’ve Got Sucking Crawfish Heads Down To An Art
From late February to June these tasty little critters pretty much dominate any talk in Lafayette. Locals will generally agree on the proper way to peel crawfish but there is widespread disagreement on how to eat them. Some suck the juice from the crawfish heads, some eat the tail, others just go for the meat.
3. Las Vegas? Pshaw...We’ve Got The Strip Of The South
It may not be as glitzy and glamorous as Vegas, but the Strip of the South gets the job done. Next to the university, this row features a wide range of bars for every type of patron—from dive to high-end and everything in between.
4. Forget Fields, Courts, And Greens—Here Sports Are Played In The Swamp
Cajun Field, the football stadium in Lafayette, is affectionately nicknamed “The Swamp” because it is situated two feet below sea level in a natural bowl. It’s the place to be to catch a University of Louisiana at Lafayette men’s football game or women’s soccer match.
5. There’s No Sound Sweeter Than That Of The Washboard
Washboard instruments are a staple in zydeco and jazz music, two genres which can be found live on almost any day of the week in Lafayette. The musician either taps or scrapes the washboard with thimbles to generate a funky, one-of-a-kind sound.
6. Lafayette Has The Best Music Festival In The World, Hands Down
The Festival International de Louisiane even tops the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. This four-day event draws talented musicians from all over the world and some of the best Cajun cuisine you will ever sink your teeth into. And the best part? Admission is free!
7. Two Wheels Are Better Than Four Here
While the city does have a bus system in place, it’s still fairly underserved and wait times can often top an hour. The city is making efforts to be more bike-friendly with bike lanes in and around the university campus.
8. Drive-Thru Has Never Seemed So Cool (Or Boozy)
Louisiana is known for its drive-thru daiquiri stores and Lafayette is no exception to the rule. Through some weird loophole it’s actually legal to purchase and drive with these tasty alcoholic beverages, the cruel trick is that you’re just not allowed to take a sip until you reach your destination.
9. Parlez-Vous Français?
Don’t be surprised if you hear a little Cajun French being spoken around town. Lafayette has deep French roots and French conversation can be heard bubbling in many of the cafes. The town is also a draw for many French-speaking bands who travel there to play and, as they say, laissez les bon temps roulez!
10. And Speaking Of French…
The French Press is a one of the most popular restaurants in Lafayette; the chef/owner Justin Girouard was named a James Beard Finalist in 2013. His food incorporates French, Cajun, and Italian elements in a casual atmosphere. The Croque Madame is a delightful twist off the traditional ham sandwich by adding a fried egg and Béchamel sauce.
11. Prejean’s Will Ruin All Other Food For You, Forever
While it may appear to be a tourist trap, everybody who has spent any amount of time in Lafayette has eaten at Prejean’s Restaurant. The 14-foot, 600-pound alligator overlooking the dining room beckons diners to abandon their diets with delicious deep-fried food and rich sauces. The gumbo is a standard Cajun staple, as are the blackened catfish étouffée and crawfish enchiladas.
12. If The Spirit Doesn’t Move You Here, You Just Aren’t Trying
In need of a place of worship? The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist is the oldest church in town and serves as a stunning representative of Romanesque Revival style. The church also features a museum with memorabilia and rotating exhibits. After confession check out the historic oak tree onsite, believed to be approximately 500 years old—one of the largest of its kind in the US.
13. Who Needs A Time Machine When You’ve Got Vermilionville?
Nestled on a 23-acre site along the banks of Bayou Vermilion, Vermilionville is a living history museum and folklife park that preserves and represents Acadian, Native American, and Creole cultures from 1765-1890. The park contains 19 attractions, and more than 13 local artisans who provide craft demonstrations of early settlers.
14. There’s Also Real Cajun History Come To Life
Acadian Village is a private cultural park containing restored Cajun homes like one might have found in the 1800s, a replica blacksmith shop, and an art gallery containing exemplary southwest Louisiana landscape paintings. Sometimes you might even catch a resident artist working onsite.
15. Play The Ponies, Or Just Listen To The Band Play
Feeling lucky? The Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino, just two miles north of Lafayette, is a fine old time. The casino has an upscale lounge, a sports bar, and live entertainment, as well as dining options and of course, plenty of tables to gamble your green.
16. The Lafayette Science Museum Is A Gateway To Another World
The Science Museum hosts a wide range of exhibits and displays that engage minds of all ages. The Planetarium features all-digital presentations including constellations and space travel.
17. Being A Ragin’ Cajun Is Actually A Good Thing (When It Comes To Sports)
The city rallies around the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s intercollegiate athletic teams. Fans of football, baseball, tennis, and basketball show their love by donning the Ragin Cajun red and white.
18. Mardi Gras Doesn’t Just Happen In New Orleans
You don’t need to travel south to partake in the festivities—Lafayette has its own bustling Carnival season. Parades start rolling about two weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday and they feature fantastic family fun and entertainment, including awesome throws, marching bands, great music, and delicious food.
19. Life Here Is Slow As Molasses, But Oh-So-Sweeter For It
People in Lafayette are generally more laid back than northerners, and even more easygoing than their neighbors to the south. After all, it’s good to stop what you’re doing every now and then to take it all in. In line with that, if you see “Gone Fishin” written on a store window sign, it’s probably not a joke. So grab your pole and go join them!
20. This Is Where To Go For Pho
With the standard list of Vietnamese menu items, Saigon Noodles is the most popular place to get your pho fix. The broth is savory and complex and you can choose from a wide variety of meat and veggie options.
21. If There’s Anything Worth Doing, It Involves A Boat
It’s not called a Sportsman’s Paradise for nothing. Lafayette and surrounding areas abound in lakes, ponds, swamps, and bayous for boating, kayaking, and fishing. Or try one of the many swamp tours to spot gators and other exotic wildlife.
22. How To Spot A Local By Their Jewelry
The South has its own jewelry designer, Mignon Faget, known for her unique gold and silver jewelry reflecting the nature and architecture of the south. Locals often show their southern spirit by wearing one of her crawfish pendants or fleur de lis rings. A new Mignon Faget location recently opened in the Parc Lafayette shopping center.
23. Show Your Love For Black & Gold At The Greenroom
The Greenroom in downtown Lafayette always has a great beer selection, a shuffleboard, pool tables, and great daily specials. As an added bonus, the bar serves up smokin’ barbecue during Saints games.
24. Sophi P. Cakes Has Your Sweet Fix
This “sophisticated-to-punk cupcakery” bakes 20 mouthwatering flavors daily. The Ports O’ Call cupcake is a port wine cake filled and topped with a chocolate ganache, infused with port wine and Grand Marnier, and topped with a hint of sea salt. Divine!
25. Here’s Where The Really Chic Chicks Shop
The place to shop for fashionable and affordable women’s clothing and accessories is definitely 7 Chics. Is shopping during normal hours too plebian for your style? Book a private package with some girlfriends—you can sip mimosas and shop til’ you drop movie star style.
26. You Might Call Downtown The “French One-Eighth”
Lafayette’s downtown scene has often been referred to as a smaller version of the French Quarter. It’s got equal parts bustling nightlife, great restaurants, and trendy shops, as well as art galleries for the serious and not-so-serious collectors.
27. Calling This Place “Just A Park” Would Be An Understatement
The Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve provides an assortment of fun entertainment for people of all ages. On any given day there may be a live Cajun music jam, a boat tour, a wetlands walking tour, or even a bit of stargazing.
28. Bird Lovers Flock Here For A Reason
Lafayette has a number of parks and trails that are excellent for bird watching. Put on your walking shoes, grab your binoculars, and go!
With so much to do, see, and experience, it’s no wonder so many choose to call Lafayette home—feathered, featherless, Cajun, or just plain Louisianan, we all love it just the same.
Feature image: Flickr user horngoddess179 
