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Lafayette, Louisiana, is steeped in history. Growing up and continuing to live in the North East, Tri-State area, I am immersed in the United States’ past. Narratives of the Revolutionary War and the start of the United States, percolate in my brain. This foundation now gives me a thirst, to learn about history beyond my backyard.
As part of the TBEX Travel Creatives Conference, we are offered a choice of tours. We pick the History and Cultural Tour, because the tour includes a stop, at a National Park Site.
Acadian Cultural Center
As promised, our first stop is the Acadian Cultural Center.
National Park stamp, achieved.
We watch a film about the history of the Acadian people. I’m left speechless. The film highlights, that history has many, significant stories, to share. The Acadian people originate as French Canadians, who are driven from their land, by the British, during “The Great Expulsion.” What is now considered an ethnic cleansing, results in countless deaths. Some members of this unwanted group, find a new home in Louisiana.
After the film, we wander the museum,
before moving on to Vermilionville.
Vermilionville
Vermilionville is a living history village museum. It is a loving preservation, of the daily lives of past generations. It’s a must visit, if you find yourself in Lafayette.
Read more information about our Vermilionville visit by clicking – Vermilionville
As morning activities come to an end, it’s time for lunch.
Acadian Superette
What’s better than a restaurant with yummy food? A restaurant, with yummy food, that has an interesting story.
Acadian Superette, in Lafayette, is a former grocery store, turned bbq restaurant. It is owned by Robert Autin, a full-time surgeon (go ahead; get the jokes out of your system). We meet Robert.
He’s a great guy, who gives us a tour of the eatery.
Acadian Superette‘s food, is fabulous. Brisket, and sausage, and sweet potato soufflé…mmmm.
It deserves a place on our list of favorite bbq spots. They even provide a platter, of barbequed veggies, for a vegetarian in our group.
Robert also provides and serves extreme deliciousness, at the TBEX, Festival of the Acadians, tent.
After lunch, our Lafayette Travel tour guides Eugenie and Carl, have a surprise.
Borden’s Ice Cream Shoppe
My enthusiasm for ice cream, made the last standing Borden’s Ice Cream Shoppe, my number one to-visit place in Lafayette. I’m ecstatic when Eugenie, announces it’s our next destination.
Borden’s Ice Cream Shoppe, is stepping back in time.
It retains a vintage charm. I choose the Pralines and Cream, and Banana Pudding flavors. The ice cream is rich and satisfying.
Late afternoon, the past and future overlap.
Downtown Lafayette
We drive through, current, downtown, Lafayette, Louisiana. Murals, shops, and creative restaurants, cross our vision. Downtown Lafayette, is leveling up to awesome.
St. John’s Cathedral
A quick stop at St. John’s Cathedral, is joy for our eyes. The beauty of the Cathedral is inspiring.
Even more inspiring, is the 500-year-old oak tree that lives on the Cathedral’s property. Giant, old, trees, never cease to fascinate.
The final visit of the day is Martin Accordions. It will remain one of my favorite, unexpected, travel experiences.
Martin Accordions
A family owned business that makes custom, accordions. Our group tours the workshop, and are treated to a private concert by Junior, Penny, and Joel Martin.
See our full experience at Martin Accordions by clicking – Martin Accordions
The History and Cultural Tour, offers an illuminating education, of Lafayette, Louisiana. It includes lessons of Lafayette’s past, present, and future.
History should be a continuous, life-long, study, and that is what made the History and Cultural Tour, a tour to remember.
Stay in Lafayette
