4 Lessons I've Learned Since Living in Lafayette

Local Radio Personality Shares Her Lafayette Lessons

By Vicky Roe

Well, I did it- I took that leap of faith and moved 13 hours away from my family and my friends to live out a dream.

I’ve wanted to have my own radio show for years and when the opportunity presented itself in Lafayette, Louisiana, there was no hesitation. My family and I packed up two cars worth of my stuff and got on the road. Now that I’ve been here four years, here are a few things I’ve learned about The Hub City.

There is no shortage of medical offices, drive thru daiquiri spots and donut shops.

Need a primary physician? There’re offices for that! Urgent care? Plenty! A specialty doctor? You’re covered! One of the first things I look for when I move is a doctor’s office- the fact that I had so many at my disposal made me feel super comfortable. Plus, if there was an emergency, there were hospitals scattered across town, so I knew it wouldn’t take long to get to one. And now, in the coronavirus era, it’s even more of a blessing to have so many skilled frontline workers just a phone call away. As my family and I reached Lafayette, another one of the first things I noticed were the daiquiri spots that had drive thru’s! I’ve never seen anything like it, but my first thought was ‘’how convenient!” I am all about things that are easily accessible and that’s what you call easy access! Don’t get it mistaken though, this is NOT an invitation to drink and drive; they securely cover the top of your drink and you should absolutely wait until you get home to indulge.

The very next thing I noticed were how many donut shops there were. Can you say Heaven on Earth?! Whether you want a regular glazed donut, a Mardi Gras inspired one, or even a full-on king cake, you have your fair share of places to go. I’m still making my way through all the different shops and trying out all the different options; someone must do the hard work right?!

There is a festival for any and everything.

Rice, Strawberry, and Frog are just a few of the festivals that you can experience in Lafayette and surrounding areas. This is one of my favorite parts about living in Lafayette. Waking street after street, checking out the different vendors and (of course!) eating all the amazing food. I also got to meet so many people from all walks of life who were nice enough to make me feel like part of the community. I love the fact that regardless of your food preference, there is a festival for you!

You can get all four seasons in one day.

Before I moved to Lafayette, there were several people who told me the weather was in a lane of its own. I don’t think I truly understood what they meant until I actually experienced it. I laughed the first day I had to wear a jacket in the morning, was looking for a swimsuit by the afternoon and had a mixture of rain and a cool breeze by the evening! It was such an experience, but I will say, the changing weather helped me to realize that I needed to be prepared for anything at all times.

The people are the happiest.

That’s not just a statement I support, it’s an actual fact! In 2014, Lafayette was named the happiest city in the United States! It’s not surprising to me; when I moved to Lafayette, everyone was extremely nice and helpful. Whether I needed food or apartment recommendations, to dancing with complete strangers in the street during Mardi Gras, the people here are just different...in all the best ways possible.

I often tell people that I think everyone should live in Louisiana at least once in their lives, particularly the place with a special spot in my heart, Lafayette. When asked why, I can’t give an answer; there’s no way to put it in words, it’s simply an experience worth having.

With Vicky Roe, you’re getting the best of both worlds - born and raised in New York City but growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina gives her the Concrete Jungle hustle with a solid serving of Southern Hospitality!

After numerous opportunities, including working for “American Idol” during their stint in Charlotte, to interning for the “Rachael Ray Show”, to becoming a Television News Reporter in Alabama, she ultimately made her way back to Charlotte where she worked as the Executive Producer for a Morning Radio Show. The experience both behind the scenes and on the mic, set her up to be the next powerhouse on Q95.5 in Lafayette, Louisiana, and now contributing writer for 337 Magazine.