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Lafayette

Lafayette is located in Lafayette Parish (it is the parish seat) within the Cajun Country Region. It lies west of Baton Rouge along Interstate 10, on the banks of the Vermilion River. The city is situated among forests and prairies as well as bayous, swamps and marshes.

Lafayette's first settlers were exiled French Acadians from Nova Scotia who appeared in the late 1700s. In 1821, Acadian Jean Mouton donated land for a Catholic church. A settlement blossomed around the church and in 1823, the State Legislature created Lafayette Parish. The town of Vermilionville became the new parish seat and was renamed Lafayette in 1844 after the Marquis de Lafayette.

Lafayette is known for its Cajun and Creole cuisine, Cajun and Zydeco music, and beautiful gardens. The University of Louisiana has a campus in Lafayette. January low temperatures are in the 30s and 40s. The Gulf of Mexico generates hot, humid weather in the summer. Rainfall is 61 inches annually.

Lafayette is part of the Lafayette, Louisiana metro area.

SummerFest - Carencro |
Art Angels of Louisiana | Aztec Empire Mexican Art and Gifts | Kart Ranch |
Bed and Breakfasts and Country Inns Maison Mouton Bed and Breakfast |
Education University of Louisiana at Lafayette |
Restaurants, Cafes, Delis, Bakeries Bixby's Bagel Company | Joey's Specialty Foods and Catering | Lagneaux's Restaurant | Ray's Sports Bar & Grill | Stroud's Shady Oak Steak House | University Medical Center |
History Acadian Village | St. John Cathedral, Oak Tree & Museum |
Louisiana Parishes Lafayette Parish |
Motels, Hotels and Resorts Days Inn Lafayette |
Sports and Sporting Events Acadiana Park Nature Trail and Station |
Transportation Lafayette Regional Airport |
Wildlife Viewing Gloria Switch Road Veterinary Hospital |

See more Louisiana Cities and Towns.

04/10 Coming to The area
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival New Orleans LA April25 The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, a/k/a Jazz Fest, is a 10-day cultural feast in which thousands of musicians, cooks and craftspeople welcome 500,000 visitors each year. There are two main components: the Louisiana Heritage Fair and the Ev ening Concert Series. The Lousiana Heritage Fair is the signature feature of the Festival, showcasing unforgettable music on 12 stages, delicious Louisiana cuisine in two large food areas, and crafts artisans from the region and around the world demonstrating and selling their work.
Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival Breaux Bridge LA May3-5 The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival has become one of the largest gatherings of world famous Cajun, Zydeco and Swamp Pop musicians and plays host to over 30 bands on three stages during the three-day festival.
Le Festival de la Viande Boucanee Ville Platte LA June29-30 This festival, which translates into the "Smoked Meat Festival", has a World Championship Cookoff, culinary demos, Cajun smokehouse in action, and Cajun Heritage exhibitions. Thirty hours of non-stop music are also an attraction of the festival.
Cracklin Festival Port Barre LA November8 This festival is held in November in Port Barre. Four days of fun include family entertainment, Cajun and Country music, food, cooking contests, arts and crafts, and a parade.
Pepper Festival St Martinville LA September14-15 This annual festival, usually taking place on the third Sunday of October, celebrates the pepper industry in Louisiana. Benefits kids, and attractions include Cajun food, bands, and a Poker Run. One day only. Call or write for dates and times.
Best of the Bayou Festival Houma LA September29-30 Taking place in Historic Downtown Houma, the festival features Cajun and French food, music, weddings, crafts, pirogue racing, antiques, and more.
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