“There are many reasons to visit Lafayette, Louisiana, which was named the Happiest City in America by The Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch.com,” says Kaylie LeBlanc of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission. “What makes this destination vibrant, colorful, and full of joie de vivre is our mix of festivals, culture, and music, and the unique culinary scene.”
Louisiana is known as a hotbed for music, and the accordion is at the heart of Cajun, Creole, and Zydeco. For over 30 years, Martin Accordions has hand-crafted its namesake instruments for musicians in the area and across the globe. Travelers can visit the shop just off Interstate 10 in Lafayette to learn the history of the instrument and see how the popular single row, diatonic accordions are constructed. Groups also can see demonstrations and performances.
South Louisiana is home to the greatest free party on the planet, Mardi Gras, and LeBlanc says her organization has put together a special program for groups that is based around the popular event.
“We’ve created a unique free experience that has all the revelry of Mardi Gras in a family-friendly atmosphere,” she says. “It includes reserved bus parking, access to our VIP bandstand, and a viewing area that’s complete with covered seating and private restrooms. In addition to prime-time parade viewing, your group will sample king cake and boudin, and sip on Lafayette’s signature cocktail, The Rouler.”
To learn more, reach out to Kaylie LeBlanc of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission or go to lafayettetravel.com.
Top Attractions
Vermilionville Living History Museum & Folklife Park
TABASCO Hot Sauce Factory Tour
swamp tours in the Atchafalaya Basin
Lake Martin Rookery Preserve
Top Culinary Options
Cajun food tours
Crawfish Haven Farm Tours
Cajun Boudin Trail
Top photo: Mardi Gras parade viewers
Photo by Philip Gould
