Discover Hub City’s mouthwatering bites, diverse culture and coziest corners in this episode of Eat Play Stay Nola: Lafayette.
Where is Lafayette?
Lafayette, Louisiana is a quick two-hour drive west of New Orleans. This tech-savvy community is both the heart of Acadiana and home to some of the friendliest locals in the state–even the Wall Street Journal once dubbed the town “the happiest city in America.”
EAT – RESTAURANTS IN LAFAYETTE
The Rusted Rooster
Ready to start the day off on the right foot? Try breakfast at The Rusted Rooster, a casual eatery that has been in operation since 2012. Regulars’ favorites include the amusingly-named Cock-a-doodle-Two.
Reve Coffee Roasters
When you’re ready for your morning coffee, head on over to local company Reve Coffee Roasters. Baristas experiment to create signature coffee drinks like the King Cake Cappuccino, and all of their tasty concoctions point to the meaning behind the company’s name–Reve means “dream” in French.
The Best Stop Supermarket
Located in Scott, La. on the “Cajun Boudin Trail,” Best Stop is one of the top specialty meats stores in the area. Locals often stop in to grab some breakfast boudin, which Best Stop manager Damion Cormier calls “the breakfast of champions,” but the shop also offers a variety of other products like sausage or cracklins.
Parish Brewing Co.
Based in Broussard, La., Parish Brewing Co. boasts a taproom where patrons can try every beer they produce in one place. One of their popular offerings, Ghost in the Machine, is tropical and “hoppy,” but not overly bitter.
PLAY – THINGS TO DO IN LAFAYETTE
Vermilionville
A 19th-century living history museum might not be the first thing you think of when visiting Lafayette, but there’s nothing more rewarding than diving through layers of history at Vermilionville on a lazy afternoon. This museum thoughtfully preserved some of the typical buildings of the time and also boasts a working blacksmith, a program that shows how music protected the dying Cajun French language, and a friendly bunch of farm animals.
Martin Accordions, Inc.
If the presentation at Vermilionville had your fingers itching for a traditional Cajun instrument, look no further than Martin’s. This shop is run by a father-son duo who repair and build accordions by hand.
Cupid’s Daiquiris
When the heat starts to become too much, head for Cupid’s to take the edge off with a sweet treat. Grab a Long Island Fruit Punch from the drive-thru (of course, never drink and drive) and do your best to avoid a brain freeze.
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STAY – LAFAYETTE BED AND BREAKFAST
Crawfish Haven at Mrs. Rose’s Bed and Breakfast
Ready to catch your own crawfish? Stop by the Crawfish Haven at Mrs. Rose’s Bed and Breakfast near Kaplan, La., where “farm to table” takes a Southern twist…and you can stay the night.
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