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Things to Do in Cajun Country

Things to Do in Cajun Country

Cajun Country Louisiana, USA Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Tour the area's diverse natural environments.

Hiking and Trekking Routes

Cypress Lake Trail

University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus: An easy walking trail around a picturesque lake dotted with cypress trees. A peaceful urban escape.

Lake Martin Levee Trail

Near Breaux Bridge: Scenic views of the lake and its abundant wildlife from an elevated pathway, good for observation.

Palmetto Island State Park

Near Abbeville: Various trails through swamp and marshland, opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.

Water Sports and Wildlife Encounters

  • Swamp Tours: Most popular water activity, with quieter pontoon boat tours and faster, more thrilling airboat tours.
  • Kayaking/Canoeing: Rentals for exploring bayous and lakes at places like Lake Martin or the Bayou Teche.
  • Fishing: Opportunities in bayous, lakes, and Gulf Coast for freshwater and saltwater species (redfish, bass, catfish).
  • Birdwatching: Lake Martin a major rookery for various bird species, including herons, egrets, and roseate spoonbills.

Booking & Timing

  • Book swamp tours in advance for peak seasons.
  • Early morning tours often the best for wildlife sightings.
  • This secures your spot and preferred time.
  • Check weather forecasts.

Photography Tips

  • Bring binoculars for better birding.
  • A wide-angle lens captures landscapes.
  • A long lens for wildlife photography.
  • Capture the unique wetland environment.

Safety Considerations

  • Use insect repellent, particularly in hotter months.
  • Stay on marked trails.
  • Do not feed wildlife.
  • Keep a safe distance from alligators.

Important Reminder

Remember to keep a safe distance from alligators and other wildlife. Never approach or feed wild animals. It is dangerous and disrupts their natural behavior.

Cultural Immersion: Connect with Local Traditions

Deeply engage with Cajun culture through hands-on experiences and traditional events.

Workshops and Classes

  • Cajun Cooking Classes: Offered by various organizations, including the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Center.
  • Music Workshops: Opportunities to learn about Cajun and Zydeco instruments and styles at cultural centers or during larger music festivals.
  • Community Initiatives: Support local musicians, artisans, and family-owned businesses. Engage with locals at dance halls or markets.
  • Language Learning: Hearing and engaging with Cajun French speakers, especially older generations, an unique cultural insight.

Cultural Performances and Traditional Ceremonies

Fais Do-Dos Cajun Dance Halls

Attend weekly live music and social dances at venues like Randol's Restaurant & Dance Hall or Blue Moon Saloon. An energetic way to experience Cajun music.

Cajun Rendez-vous Liberty Theatre, Eunice

A live radio show with traditional Cajun music, dancing, and humor every Saturday night. An authentic, community-focused cultural gathering.

Mardi Gras Local Style

Celebrated in many Cajun Country towns (Lafayette, Eunice, Mamou) with distinct, often more classic and family-friendly parades and events.

Major Festivals

Festival International de Louisiane (Lafayette, late April), Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival (May), Festivals Acadiens et Créoles (Lafayette, October).

Guided Food Tours

Consider a guided food tour to sample local specialties and learn about culinary history. Discover various culinary neighborhoods.

Local Art

Look for local artists selling pottery, paintings, sculptures, and traditional crafts inspired by Cajun and Creole culture.

Relaxation & Wellness: Unwind in Acadiana

Cajun Country has ways to relax and rejuvenate amidst its natural beauty and peaceful pace.

Wellness Spots

  • Spa Centers: Lafayette has several day spas massages, facials, beauty treatments for a restful break.
  • Pool Access: Many hotels in Lafayette have swimming pools, a way to cool off and relax during warmer months.
  • Coastal Access: Cypremort Point State Park has beach access for a day trip, though Cajun Country is inland.
  • Tranquil Spots: Find a quiet spot by a bayou or in a park for reflection and tranquility. Natural sounds are soothing.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music Venues

Blue Moon Saloon & Guest House (Lafayette): an iconic venue for live Cajun and Zydeco music. Randol's Restaurant & Dance Hall (Lafayette): live Cajun music and dancing nightly. Artmosphere Bistro (Lafayette): diverse live music. Liberty Theatre (Eunice): Saturday night Cajun Rendez-vous radio show.

Nightclubs and Dancing

Lafayette contains a couple of nightclubs, but the emphasis in Cajun Country nightlife is more on traditional dance halls and venues featuring live Cajun and Zydeco music, where the focus is on dancing.

Bar Districts

Downtown Lafayette has a concentration of bars and pubs, various atmospheres from informal dives to more high-end lounges.

Late Night & Planning

Late Night Options

Mainly focused around live music places and bars, especially on weekends. Outside of Lafayette, late-night options are more limited.

Event Listings

Check local event listings or the Lafayette Travel website for up-to-date information on live music schedules and special events.

Local Etiquette

Do not fear trying to dance at a fais do-do. Locals often guide you through a simple two-step or waltz.

Shopping & Markets: Take a Piece Home

From unique local handmade items to iconic food products, shopping in Cajun Country opportunities to find authentic souvenirs and gifts.

Traditional Markets

  • Lafayette Farmers & Artisans Market: A weekly market with local produce, baked goods, prepared foods, and crafts.
  • Local Meat Markets/Boudin Shops: Essential stops for specialty meats, sausages, boudin, and cracklins. Many have vacuum-sealed items for travel.
  • Artisan Workshops: Look for local artists selling pottery, paintings, sculptures, and traditional crafts inspired by Cajun and Creole culture.
  • Artist Stories: Ask artists and vendors about the story at the back of their crafts. This often interesting context and value to your purchase.

Souvenir Recommendations Food & Drink

Cajun/Creole Cookbooks

Excellent choices Paul Prudhomme's Louisiana Kitchen or Acadiana Table: Cajun and Creole Home Cooking from the Heart of Louisiana.

Local Music CDs/Vinyl

Purchase directly from musicians at live venues or from specialized shops like Floyd's Record Shop in Ville Platte.

Tabasco Products

From the factory on Avery Island, you find a wide range of hot sauces, branded merchandise, and one-of-a-kind gifts.

Cajun Spices/Seasonings

  • Bring the flavors of Louisiana home.
  • For your own cooking adventures.
  • Local spice blends are unique.
  • Great for gifts.

Local Art

  • Paintings or sculptures depicting bayou scenes.
  • Local musicians, or cultural motifs.
  • Meaningful souvenirs.
  • Support local artists.

Alligator-themed items

  • Leather goods (check for legal sourcing).
  • Figurines, or other novelty items.
  • Popular souvenirs.
  • Authentic regional keepsakes.

Shopping Guidelines

Ethical Shopping
  • Support local artisans and businesses that directly benefit the community.
  • Be mindful of purchasing items made from protected wildlife (e.g., ensure any alligator products are legally sourced).
  • Consider sustainable and locally sourced products.
Shipping and Customs Information
  • For international travelers, know the customs rules for food products (e.g., cured meats, spices).
  • Pack liquid items with care to avoid damage in luggage.
  • Check agricultural product restrictions for your home country.

Planning Your Shopping

Research specific shops or markets for items you are seeking. Check opening hours, especially for smaller, independent stores. Affiliate resources are also available for booking activities.

Activity Planning Summary

Considerations

  • Balance: Mix outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, dining, and relaxation.
  • Transportation: A car for exploring the broader region.
  • Seasonal: Factor in weather and festivals to ensure the best possible time.
  • Local Interaction: Engage with locals for authentic insights.

Important Points

  • Flexibility: Be open to spontaneous discoveries and local recommendations.
  • Budget: Plan spending for activities, food, and lodging.
  • Research: Consult local guides and websites for current events.
  • Capture Memories: Take photos and keep a journal of your experiences.
Things to Do in Cajun Country. Activities, Experiences, Adventures