Lafayette LA Community Profile

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LAFAYETTE Louisiana COMMUNITY

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GUIDE

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THE ART AND SCIENCE OF PURE FLOWER AND PLANT ESSENCES

HAIR • SKIN • MASSAGE • NAILS 2319 Kaliste Saloom Road | 337-981-0608 | www.spamizan.com

Mention this ad and receive $20 off your first service

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COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL www.barrysairconditioning.com

337-232-4741 SALES • INSTALLATION • SERVICE

Wright, Moore, DeHart, Dupuis & Hutchinson, LLC

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337.781.2036

Certified Public Accountants

John WCPA Wright, CPA • James H Dupuis, John W Wright, • James H Dupuis, CPA • Jan HCPA Cowen, CPA Jan HECowen, CPA • Lance E Crappell, Lance Crappell, CPA • Micah R Vidrine,CPA CPA••Micah Travis RMVidrine, Brinsko,CPA CPA Travis Brinsko, CPA • Rick LRStutes, ChristineHRSpiess, Dunn,CPA CPA Rick M L Stutes, CPA • Christine Dunn,CPA CPA •• Damian Damian H Spiess, • Joan CPA Joan Martin, CPACPA • Bridget B.Martin, Tilley, CPA

WMDDH Your Partners In Business

P.O. Box 80569 • 100 Petroleum Dr. • Lafayette, LA 70508 (337) 232-3637 • (337) 235-9455 • FAX (337) 235-8557 • www.wmddh.com

Bridging the Gap Between Full-Service Benefits and Self-Storage Prices

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• Climate Control Non Climate RV - Boat • Covered Loading & Unloading • 8 Foot Wide Hallways • 30 Day to 12 Month Leases • Recorded Surveillance Cameras Office and Access Hours: 8am - 6pm, 7 days a week 2510 Ambassador Caffery | 337-988-6206 2108 Verot School Road | 337-981-5500 LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA 3

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CONTENTS 6

LEDA WELCOME

16

REAL ESTATE & RESIDENTIAL LIVING

7

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

18

EDUCATION

8

WELCOME TO LAFAYETTE

20

HEALTH CARE

9

GOVERNMENT & IMPORTANT INFORMATION

10

TRANSPORTATION

11

MAP

12

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

15

HISTORY

15

NONPROFITS

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22

ARTS & ATTRACTIONS

26

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

29

SPORTS & RECREATION

30

MONCUS PARK

31

SHOPPING

32

DINING GUIDE

34

OTHER INFORMATION

35

ADVERTISER INDEX

EMPLOYEE-OWNED

Copyright© 2020 Town Square Publications P.O. Box 280, Arlington Heights, IL 60005 www.townsquarepublications.com Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The Chamber and Town Square assume no responsibility for misinformation. Please contact the Chamber with any additions or corrections. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the Chamber and Town Square is prohibited.

Chairman, CEO and Publisher | Douglas K. Ray President and Chief Operating Officer | Scott Stone Vice President / Director | Scott Ray Production Manager | Joseph Nugara Editor | Gail Gaboda Senior Project Coordinator | Stefanie Nugara Production Coordinator | Amber D. Burger Graphic Designer | Kirsten Riedl Senior Advertising Coordinator | Tiffany Hogan Advertising Coordinator | Jan Bruns Directory Coordinator | Michael Sumrak Contributing Writer | Erin Bass Contributing Photos | Travis Gauthier

Acquisition & Sales Manager Steve Rogers (337) 781-1384 For advertising information in the next publication please email srogers@tspubs.com

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LEDAWELCOME Bienvenue a Lafayette! We’re happy to welcome you to Lafayette, Louisiana. By the time you leave – if you leave – we know you’ll fondly remember your time in Lafayette, the Heart of Cajun Country. There’s so much for you to love about our community. The warmth of our people, the love we have for family and friends (both of which you’re likely to become), the spirit we pour into work and play. Home to a more than 250,000 people, Lafayette Parish is the second smallest geographically of Louisiana’s 64 parishes – but we pack a big cultural punch. You can hear conversations in Cajun and

Creole French. You’ll enjoy music with a sound that’s been distilled through the ages and yet remains fresh and surprising. Our cooking is world renown, whether in restaurants or in homes. We’re pioneers in marine energy exploration and computer technology, and through our municipally-owned utility, we have some of the fastest internet in the world. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are waterways that snake through South Louisiana. Just a few miles east of Lafayette lies the Atchafalaya Basin – the largest wetland in the country – where fish, fowl and countless other species teem among cypress trees and lilies.

At the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, professors are Gregg Gothreaux training the next generation of technology professionals needed for our growing tech sector. At LEDA’s Opportunity Machine, we’re incubating and accelerating the next generation of entrepreneurs as we prepare to move to downtown Lafayette in 2020. Many of the OM’s graduates are contributors to our tech ecosystem. We hope your experience in Lafayette leaves you smiling and wanting to return – and stay. After all, we were crowned “The Happiest City in the U.S.” for a reason. w

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E C O N OM I C D E V E L O PM E N T

Lafayette, Louisiana, strives on economic development. Being one of the top 10 cities in the United States for economic growth, Lafayette is an amazing place to raise a family and work. Lafayette Economic Development Authority focuses on creating new jobs for the community.

LEDA’s goal is to ensure that businesses are expanding, recruit corporations and ensure the growth of new businesses are transforming the economy in Lafayette. LEDA shows a strong foundation for growth. With business expansion and outreach, LEDA works with all companies looking to expand and/or relocate. Business recruitment and relocation are booming in Lafayette Parish.

With LEDA’s innovation to produce more jobs, there are many opportunities for employers to seek new business and relocate their company to Lafayette. Lafayette is the focal point for energy, which also helps create jobs in mining, manufacturing and health care – the No. 1 industry in the city. With the economy increasing, Lafayette is a great place to live and start a company. w

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G

Recent Accolades

á No. 4 in The 10 Hottest Cities for Young Millennials by Realtor.com á Best Food Tourism Destination in the Southern U.S. by Lux Life Magazine á UL Lafayette was named among the nation’s “Best 385 Colleges” by Princeton Review á Named No. 4 Most Affordable Destination for Fall Travel by Travel + Leisure Source: lafayettetravel.com

Welcome to Lafayette Known as the “Happiest City in America and one of “10 Hottest Cities for Young Millennials,” Lafayette is located in the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole region called Acadiana. Home to more than 272,000 people, Lafayette Parish is filled with history, cuisine, live music and local culture. Lafayette’s “work hard, play hard” attitude makes it a fun place to live and also a thriving place to do business. The number of entrepreneurs rivals that of local musicians in Lafayette, which has diversified its roots from oil and gas to technology, health care, construction and manufacturing. A strategic location at the crossroads of interstates 10 and 49, a world-class workforce and an unmatched quality of

life are just some of the reasons to reside in Lafayette. The city boasts the largest free, outdoor Francophone event in the U.S. known as Festival International de Louisiane, along with tons of other free festivals and community events, mild temperatures and some of the fastest internet in the world – giving it a metropolitan appeal. Lafayette Regional Airport makes it convenient to travel both to and from Lafayette, while the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Ragin’ Cajun spirit is recognized around the world. Lafayette is also a regional health hub and home to several world-class hospitals and research and specialty treatment centers. Louisiana is truly a “Sportsman’s Paradise,” and Lafayette, situated on the Vermilion River, has access to fishing, hunting, boating, golfing, kayaking, camping and

more. The subtropical climate with 214 days of sunshine a year makes Lafayette an enjoyable place to live year-round. Affordable housing can be found in historic neighborhoods with sweeping oaks, planned neighborhood developments and more than 100 apartment complexes. Residents can enjoy a consolidated government with more than 2,000 employees who work hard to make Lafayette the best community to live, work and play. w

More Information LEDA: www.lafyette.org LCVC: lafayettetravel.com

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GOVERNMENT & IMPORTANT INFORMATION Lafayette Consolidated Government was established by a home rule charter in 1992 and officially went into effect in 1996. The government is run by two nine-member councils, one for the city and another for the parish. The departments of the government, ranging from police and fire to public works and community development, are run by directors. Five smaller parish municipalities, including Broussard, Carencro, Duson, Scott and Youngsville, are not governed by Lafayette Consolidated Government but by their own elected mayors.

Louisiana state sales tax is 4.45%. The cities of Lafayette, Carencro and Scott have a local sales tax rate of 4%, while Broussard has a rate of 4.5% and Youngsville 5.5%. There is no state property tax in Louisiana and the state has a homestead exemption of parish taxes, which means homeowners do not pay property taxes on the first $75,000 of their property’s fair market value. The property tax rate is not stated as a percentage, but rather as a millage. The City of Lafayette property tax millage is usually around 17.94 mills and the parish millage is usually around 83 mills. w

City Departments Police (337) 291-8600 Fire (337) 291-8701 Community Development (337) 291-8402 Lafayette Utilities System (337) 291-5858 Planning, Zoning & Development (337) 291-8013 Public Works (337) 291-8502 Transit (337) 291-8570 Lafayette International Center (337) 291-5474 Parks & Recreation (337) 291-8361

Contact

Lafayette Mayor – President Josh Guillory (337) 291-8300 | lafayettela.gov MayorPresidentsOffice@LafayetteLA.gov

The assessor's primary responsibility is to find the fair market value of your property. Assessors are mandated by state law to reassess property at least every four years. The next mandatory reassessment will be in 2020.

Conrad T. Comeaux Lafayette Parish Assessor

Louisiana’s laws allow the application of several exemptions or abatements of property taxes. • Homestead Exemption - Residential properties often qualify for homestead exemption of up to $7500 of the assessed valuation. • Special Assessment Level Abatement - Senior citizens, certain disabled individuals and widows of certain veterans can apply for this abatement to "freeze" the assessed value of their homes. • Restoration Tax Abatement - This abatement is available to business owners and homeowners who expand, restore, improve or develop an existing structure in a downtown development district, economic development district or historic district. • Industrial Tax Exemption - The industrial tax exemption is available only to manufacturers new to the state as well as new investments and miscellaneous capital additions to existing facilities in Louisiana. See our web site at www.lafayetteassessor.com for: • Information on property valuations, tax calculations, available property tax exemptions and various other topics about property assessment and tax. • Downloadable forms • Database searches by either street address or assessment numbers; viewing a map of the property. • Use of the tax estimator to get an unofficial estimate of taxes.

1010 Lafayette Street • Suite 402 • Lafayette, LA 70501 337.291.7080 • 337.291.7086 fax www.lafayetteassessor.com LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA 9

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Transportation Traveling to and from Lafayette Parish is

BY WATER

easy due to the city’s strategic location at

Six ports are located within 70 miles of the city, including West St. Mary, Vermilion, Iberia, Greater Baton Rouge Twin Parish and Port of Lake Charles. Fifty miles east of Lafayette, the Port of Greater Baton Rouge has the most channel depth at 45 feet and is located at the convergence of the Mississippi River and the Intracoastal Waterway. Located just 20 miles south, the Port of Iberia offers a channel depth of 13 feet and has expanded its waterfront property to offer 2,000 acres of strategically located industrial and manufacturing space.

the intersection of interstates 10 and 49. Currently underway, the I-49 Connector project will revitalize the city’s gateway and provide a critical transportation link. Lafayette can also be reached by three railways, Lafayette Regional Airport and the Intracoastal Waterway.

Contact

Lafayette Transit System (337) 291-8570 ridelts.com Amtrak (800) 872-7245 www.amtrak.com Lafayette Regional Airport (337) 266-4400 lftairport.com

BY ROAD A central location for major distribution centers, Lafayette has an abundant supply of carriers from FedEx to UPS and Roadway. Within the city, the Lafayette Transit System operates day and night service from 5:45 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. All buses are ADA accessible, have audio stop announcements and security cameras.

BY AIR Lafayette Regional Airport has three runways – the longest coming in at 8,001 feet – and is serviced by American Airlines, Delta and United, with at

Cycle Lafayette

Lafayette is becoming more bike-friendly thanks to organizations like Bike Lafayette and T.R.A.I.L. New bike lanes can be found throughout the city, along with increased awareness and safety measures for cyclists, who have the option to transport their bicycles aboard city buses for free.

least 18 departures daily. The airport is undertaking a multi-year, more than $100 million project to build new terminal facilities and improve services to enhance the experience for the traveling public. Acadiana Regional Airport is located 13 miles to the southeast in New Iberia. The airport, and its 125-acre industrial park, features true intermodal transportation opportunities, including an 8,000-foot lighted runway, 5,000-foot lighted seaway, an on-site Louisiana Delta rail spur and easy access to Highway 90. In 2017, this airport opened its first passenger terminal and has more plans for expansion through 2021.

BY RAIL Union Pacific, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railways and Louisiana & Delta Railroad all service Lafayette, carrying freight to Houston, New Orleans and other surrounding areas. Amtrak offers passenger service from Lafayette to Los Angeles in the west and Orlando, Florida, in the east. w

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Biz Stats

á Unemployment Rate: 4.4% á Number of businesses in Lafayette Parish: 17,000

Top 5 Employers

á Lafayette Parish School System á Lafayette General Health á Wood Group Production Services á Lafayette Consolidated Government á University of Louisiana at Lafayette Source: One Acadiana

BUSINESS &INDUSTRY

With a diversified business climate and high-tech infrastructure, Lafayette is THE place to do business. Over the years, the city has positioned itself as a medical, transportation, finance,

technology, entertainment, education and retail hub. Lafayette is still the core of the oil and gas industry, with hundreds of related businesses located in the parish, and a highly skilled workforce makes the city attractive to companies across all industries.

A range of tax and business incentives are available to companies, along with financing assistance. The Quality Jobs Program provides a cash rebate for new direct jobs for up to 10 years, and the Enterprise Zone offers Louisiana income and franchise tax credits to a new or existing business creating new full-time jobs. Work opportunity, entertainment and research and development tax credits make doing business in Lafayette even more exciting.

MAJOR INDUSTRIES CONSTRUCTION Fueled by new concepts in residential development, Lafayette’s construction sector has remained strong. Improvements made by local government, the university and private companies have also propelled the industry forward, with new activity reaching $281 million in 2019.

RETAIL Retail sales in Lafayette Parish are one of the best economic indicators, remaining positive since 2006 and breaking records by reaching $6.4 billion in 2014. Sales have grown by 9% since 2017 and reached $5.2 billion in 2019. More than 20% of retail spending in the parish comes from people outside the area, traveling to Acadiana for a fun shopping experience. ›

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Downtown Stats

á People who work Downtown: 7,000-plus á Businesses in the Downtown district: 800 á Residential units currently in development: 200-plus á Average number of people attending Downtown Alive!: 24,000/year á Live performances: 1,500/year á Restaurants: Over 40 á Museums: 5 á Public parks: 4

TOURISM

“From humble agricultural roots to a booming energy hub, Lafayette is the center of a region that’s both multicultural and multiindustrial. Lafayette is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and wildcatter mentality – making the region a testbed for new business development and innovation. Through innovative collaborations with business, government and education, Lafayette’s stakeholders strive to grow the community’s business base for future development and diversification.” — Gregg Gothreaux, Lafayette Economic Development Authority president and CEO

Tourists flock to Lafayette to find out what makes it the “happiest city.” Lafayette’s culture, entertainment, recreational opportunities, dining scene and mix of businesses make it a popular destination for both national and international travelers. More than a million tourists are estimated to visit the area each year and have their pick of 59 hotels with 5, 488 rooms

FINANCE Banking institutions in the Lafayette market total 36, with an estimated $12.7 billion in deposits as of the third quarter of 2019. Their services range from savings and checking accounts to commercial investments. Eleven credit unions are also located in the parish, as well as several wealth management firms.

MANUFACTURING Thriving manufacturing businesses can be found in all sectors of Lafayette, from jewelry to oil and gas and food production. Innovation drives this sector, which represents 7.9% of the workforce, as manufacturers transform their industries into high-tech environments with state of the art computers, robots and automation.

HEALTH CARE Three major hospitals – Lafayette General, Our Lady of Lourdes and Women’s & Children’s – along with two surgical specialty hospitals, make up Lafayette’s health care landscape. The Heart

Hospital of Lafayette and several specialty treatment centers also add to the worldclass services available in this health hub.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY In more recent years, Lafayette has positioned itself as a “wired” city open for technology business. A high-speed fiber optic network makes cutting edge communication and data transfer possible at low cost. Other technology infrastructure, skilled workers, research institutions and economic development incentives have also attracted business.

LEGAL Lafayette has a robust legal community of attorneys and legal professionals who practice all aspects of law. According to the Louisiana State Bar Association, there are currently more than 1,000 attorneys practicing in the area. Contact Lafayette Bar Association (337) 237-4700. w

Contact

Lafayette Economic Development Authority (337) 593-1400 lafayette.org One Acadiana (337) 233-2705 www.oneacadiana.org

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HISTORY Geographically Speaking Acadiana is part of an eight-parish region, with Lafayette being one of the smallest parishes in the state. The parish has an area of 178,560 acres or 279 square miles. Lafayette Parish is bound on the north by St. Landry Parish, on the east by St. Martin and Iberia parishes, on the south by Vermilion Parish and on the west by Acadia Parish.

The 22-parish area known as Acadiana was officially designated in 1971, but its history goes back much further. The first known inhabitants to populate the Lafayette area were the Attakapas Indians in the 1700s, but the migration of the Acadians from French Canada in the 18th century would have the greatest cultural impact on the city.

Approximately 18,000 French-speaking Catholic inhabitants settled Acadie (now Nova Scotia) in 1605 and lived there under French rule until 1713 when the region went into English hands. Refusing to pledge allegiance to the British crown, the Acadians were expelled in 1755 in what is known as “Le Grand Derangement.” Families were separated, and more than half of the Acadians lost their lives during the journey. In 1784, the King of Spain allowed the Acadians to settle in South Louisiana. They joined others who had arrived as early as 1765 from the Caribbean and the East Coast, settling along the bayous of south central and southwestern Louisiana where they could live according to their own beliefs and customs. Their first settlement was a small trading post on the banks

of the Vermilion River that came to be known as “Pin Hook,” now a major road in Lafayette. The years of 1765-1785 marked the immigration of great numbers of Acadians due to land grants given by the French and Spanish governments. The Spanish took possession of the territory in 1766 and with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the area came to belong to the United States. In 1821, Acadian Jean Mouton donated land for the construction of a Catholic church. A settlement grew around the church, now St. John the Evangelist, and in 1823, the Louisiana Legislature created Lafayette Parish. The town of Vermilionville became the new parish’s seat and was renamed Lafayette in 1884 in honor of the French Marquis de Lafayette. w

nonprofits Top 5 Nonprofits á United Way of Acadiana á Goodwill Industries á Habitat for Humanity á Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana á Community Foundation of Acadiana

Lafayette’s community spirit extends into the nonprofit realm, as so many organizations fulfill their mission to help others. w

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Living Stats for Lafayette Parish á Cost of living: 2.1 percent below national average á Number of households: 98,388 á Median household income: $52,194

Home Prices

á Median home price: $225,723

Real Estate & Residential

LIVING Historic homes, traditional neighborhood developments, compact patio homes, rural properties

Quality building materials with expert advice and friendly service to contractors, builders and homeowners. LAFAYETTE NEW IBERIA BREAUX BRIDGE 1601 Verot School Rd. 3206 Old Spanish Trail E 1801 Rees St. 981-1145 365-7925 332-5201 4950 Johnston St. RAYNE VILLE PLATTE 984-2110 Hwy. 90 Parkview Plaza COVINGTON 334-7567 363-2106 LAKE CHARLES Building on a Tradition of Service • www.dougashy.com

and even tiny homes – real estate in Lafayette comprises something for everyone. The city’s geographic areas range from historic Downtown to suburban neighborhoods and what was once considered the outskirts of town. Developments can be found along the Vermilion River, in growing Upper Lafayette and Southside areas of Broussard and Youngsville.

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Planned communities like River Ranch and Couret Farms represent the “smart growth” idea with built-in restaurants, shops, spas and entertainment areas. Le Triomphe Golf & Country Club was founded in 1986 as a master-planned community built around one of the top five courses in Louisiana. For historic charm, established neighborhoods like the Saints Streets, Bendel Gardens, Freetown and the bordering cities of Carencro and Scott have affordable real estate along with centuries-old oaks. With space to spread out but still retain easy access to amenities, areas like the Northside – home to Acadiana Nature Station – and the southwest corner of the parish, which is still heavily agricultural, are becoming more desirable. Lafayette’s “Restaurant Row” is located on Ambassador Caffery Parkway, where you’ll find the hustle and bustle of the city. Kaliste Saloom Road is another area experiencing much commercial development but also heavily residential and bounded by several neighborhoods. Walkability is becoming more important to the homebuying process, and TNDs like River Ranch, along with Downtown, can offer sidewalks, bikeable streets and access to city landmarks. Downtown features public parks, museums, Acadiana Center for the Arts and the main branch of Lafayette Public Library. Options for townhouse and apartment living are also plentiful in Lafayette. There are approximately 124 apartment complexes in the parish made up of one- to four-bedroom units in all price ranges. For those looking to downsize even more, Tee Tiny Houses is Louisiana’s first tiny house business and has several models under development.

LAFAYETTE NEIGHBORHOODS UPPER LAFAYETTE Experiencing a rebirth, this section of the city contains older homes in rural areas, as well as new neighborhoods. Parks and playgrounds, the Acadiana Park Nature Station, Couret Farms development, two public libraries and two golf courses combine with rolling hills and new commercial development to make this area a desirable and affordable place to live.

OIL CENTER The largest area of neighborhoods surrounding the Vermilion River, this area is also home to retail and commercial hub known as the Oil Center. Residents have easy access to Lafayette General Medical Center, two boat launches, Girard Park, Heymann Center for the Performing Arts and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

KALISTE SALOOM/AMBASSADOR CAFFERY Heavily residential and also featuring much commercial growth, Kaliste Saloom Road and Ambassador Caffery Parkway – known as Restaurant Row – are two major thoroughfares that run through this area. Both old and new neighborhoods, including River Ranch and The Settlement, have access to The Heart Hospital, Women’s & Children’s Hospital, The Mall of Acadiana and several parks and health clubs.

YOUNGSVILLE/BROUSSARD The fastest-growing section of the parish, the communities of Broussard and Youngsville retain a small-town feel with big real estate options. The traditional neighborhood development of Sugar Mill Pond is located in Youngsville, while Broussard offers historic homes. Public libraries, the Zoo of Acadiana, Lafayette Regional Airport and plenty of shopping and restaurants add to the amenities.

SURROUNDING AREAS Bordering Lafayette are the smaller cities of Carencro, Scott and Duson. Located just minutes from the city, these areas have quaint main streets, historic homes, agricultural terrain and increased commercial growth. w

A C A D I A N A’ S

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CENTRAL/DOWNTOWN Representing the original section of Lafayette, then known as Vermilionville, Downtown features many historic buildings and subdivisions with homes on the historic register, along with museums, art galleries and the main branch of the public library. Surrounding areas include landmarks such as the Cajundome, University Medical Center and University Research Park, as well as sprawling neighborhoods along Johnston Street in a variety of price ranges.

Contact

The Realtor Association of Acadiana, founded in 1947, includes more than 1,000 local Realtors and can be reached at (337) 233-0086 or realtoracadiana.com.

Van Eaton & Romero, a Latter & Blum Company 2000 Kaliste Saloom, suite 101, Lafayette, LA (337) 233-9700 office vaneatonromero.com LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA 17

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EDUCATION Lafayette’s variety of public and private schools give parents a range of choices when considering what’s best for their child’s education. High-dollar improvements to facilities represent a continued commitment to excellence in Acadiana, as schools implement hightech ideas, expand enrollment and meet demand in growing areas. The Lafayette Parish School System has 43 schools under its umbrella – eight high schools, 12 middle schools and 23 elementary. The opening of Southside High in Youngsville for the fall 2017 school year represented the first new high school in more than 50 years for the school system.

The school system has a Gifted & Talented Program for academically advanced students. Schools of Choice and High School Academies offer specialized programs ranging from arts and technology to world languages for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. A partnership between the school system and South Louisiana Community College provides for the Early College Academy, which gives graduating students an associate degree in general studies. Private and parochial schools offer an alternative to public school, many of them run by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette. Thirteen Catholic schools are located from one end of the parish to the other. Two episcopal schools, a Christian academy and private girls and boys academies also add to the parish’s offerings.

South Louisiana Community College is one of the state’s largest, most comprehensive community colleges, offering technical diplomas, workforce training, high school dual enrollment and two-year degree programs that transfer to four-year universities. Serving more than 60,000 students, the college strives to increase the opportunities for Louisiana’s workforce and recently began offering courses in oil and gas production technology.

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SCHOOL OFFERINGS PUBLIC Lafayette Parish School System operates 43 schools, from elementary to high school, one early childhood education center, five schools of choice, six high school academies and the W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center, along with Gifted & Talented programs.

PRIVATE The Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette has 13 Catholic schools, ranging from elementary to high school. Other private options include Episcopal School of Acadiana, Ascension Episcopal School, Westminster Christian Academy and Schools of the Sacred Heart.

HIGHER EDUCATION University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a four-year, public institution with more than 19,000 students. South Louisiana Community College has 11 campuses and offers more than 30 majors ranging from nursing to welding and information technology.

OTHER For those in search of a nontraditional education, the parish has resources like Acadiana School of Cosmetology, Blue Cliff School of Massage, Burk Baker School of Real Estate and Louisiana Technical College. w

Contact

Lafayette Parish School System (337) 236-6800 | www.lpssonline.com Diocese of Lafayette (337) 261-5500 | www.diolaf.org University of Louisiana at Lafayette (337) 482-1000 | louisiana.edu South Louisiana Community College (337) 521-9000 | solacc.edu

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HEALTH CARE

By the numbers á 3 hospitals á 25 nursing homes á More than 160 dentists á More than 400 physicians á More than 1,300 beds

Lafayette’s medical industry has positioned the city as a regional health center. The industry employs 17% of the city’s workforce, with area hospitals representing major employers. Three major hospitals – with more than 1,000 beds – cover much of the parish and offer everything from cancer services to neuroscience, pediatrics and emergency medicine. Numerous surgery centers, rehabilitation hospitals, specialty hospitals, chemical dependence facilities and support groups contribute to the medical landscape in Acadiana. Lafayette also has robust dental, opthalmology, dermatology and plastic surgery communities. The parish has a 911 emergency response system and serves as headquarters for Acadian Ambulance, the country’s largest rural ambulance company with a fleet of 550 ambulances offering both ground and air service. For senior citizens, a variety of nursing home options, along with all-inclusive assisted living and memory care facilities, are available. Excellent medical care, coupled with a low crime rate, affordable housing and moderate climate, make Lafayette a great place to retire.

HOSPITALS HEART HOSPITAL OF LAFAYETTE Focused entirely on heart disease care and prevention with a Heart Emergency Center open 24/7, this specialty hospital is owned by Our Lady of Lourdes in partnership with a group of investors, including physicians.

LAFAYETTE GENERAL HEALTH Made up of Lafayette General Medical Center, Lafayette General Orthopaedic Hospital, Lafayette General Surgical Hospital, University Hospital & Clinics, St. Martin Hospital, Acadia General Hospital and Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital, LGH is Acadiana’s largest nonprofit, community-owned regional health system. ›

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LAFAYETTE PHYSICAL REHABILITATION HOSPITAL This state-of-the-art, 32-bed specialty hospital offers a unique blend of acute care and rehabilitation services with programs ranging from stroke and brain injury to rehabilitation nursing.

OUR LADY OF LOURDES REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER Recently constructed with the patient in mind, Lourdes is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. Made up of more than 400 physicians, this hospital offers a world-class medical experience with all the comforts of home.

VERMILION BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SYSTEMS Lafayette’s leading addiction and mental health treatment center and hospital, Vermilion treats adolescents and adults with a wide range of conditions and disorders.

WOMEN’S & CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

Contact

Since its humble beginnings as a birthing hospital, Women’s & Children’s has been providing specialized health care services for women and children for more than 30 years. Services range from women and infant care to pediatric, emergency and cancer care. w

Lafayette General (337) 289-7991 | www.lafayettegeneral.com Our Lady of Lourdes (337) 470-2000 | lourdesrmc.com Women’s & Children’s (337) 521-9100 | womens-childrens.com

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Arts

& ATTRACTIONS Lafayette’s thriving arts scene encompasses visual art, theater, live music, film and more. The city is filled with art galleries, cultural centers, museums and performance spaces, with events happening every day of the week. Acadiana’s distinct mix of Cajun, Creole and Zydeco also plays a part by infusing performances and events with local culture and local talent. Cajun jam sessions, Zydeco dance lessons and bilingual shows spoken in French and English are just some of what you’ll find. Lafayette is also home to the new Rock ‘n’ Bowl, a New Orleans-based live music venue and bowling alley downtown.

Art isn’t just for adults either. Children are welcome at all of the city’s museums, some like Lafayette Science Museum and Children’s Museum of Acadiana catering just to them. Acadiana Center for the Arts also has youth programs and camps throughout the year, while Hilliard University Art Museum hosts Toddler Time once a month. A second Saturday ArtWalk held Downtown is a great way to experience Lafayette’s arts and cultural offerings all in one spot, as galleries open their doors, new exhibits are on display and impromptu performances pop up in the streets.

Cajun

A Louisianian descended from Frenchspeaking immigrants from Acadia. Traits include a love of food, music, dancing and a work hard, play hard attitude.

EXPERIENCE THE ARTS ACADIANA CENTER FOR THE ARTS A true community arts organization, this state-of the-art Downtown facility serves the entire region through arts education, outreach and more than 40 annual exhibits and 150 annual events featuring every genre of the performing arts.

CITÉ DES ARTS Cultures connect at this multi-use center Downtown, which includes a 100-seat theater, several gallery spaces, classes and an arts cafe and bar. › LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA 23

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HEYMANN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

ACTING UP (IN ACADIANA)

LAFAYETTE SCIENCE MUSEUM

Located adjacent to the Oil Center, this 2,200-seat auditorium holds bimonthly performances from Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, along with world-renowned artists and entertainers, Broadway hits and dozens of other community functions throughout the year.

Founded in 2003 by Amy Waguespack, Acting Up is the resident theatre company at the Acadiana Center for the Arts. Ensemble-driven work is performed in many “non-theater” spaces.

With more than 10,000 square feet of exhibition space, this Downtown museum also houses a planetarium and virtual aquarium, along with workshops, films and other programs for children.

LAFAYETTE ART ASSOCIATION A nonprofit established by artists, this member-driven organization operates a public gallery and Green Apple boutique.

HILLIARD UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM A place of learning and a destination for families, this museum serves students, faculty and staff of the university, as well as the public. The museum holds a permanent collection, along with 11,000 square feet of rotating gallery space.

SEE THE STAGE ACADIANA REPERTORY THEATRE This theater company focuses on the development and production of new works, working hand in hand with playwrights. Expect to be engaged, inspired, entertained and challenges at one of their shows performed on stage at Cité Des Arts.

UL LAFAYETTE PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT This university department presents two main stage performances each semester, one in dance and one in theater. Events are held at Burke Theatre in BurkeHawthorne Hall on campus.

VISIT A MUSEUM ALEXANDRE MOUTON HOUSE/ LAFAYETTE MUSEUM

HEAR THE MUSIC ACADIANA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA One of only two symphonies in the United States associated with a Conservatory of Music, ASO strives to make orchestral music available to as many people as possible through annual concert seasons and community events.

CHORALE ACADIENNE

Named for the first Democratic governor of Louisiana and once home to Vermilionville founder Jean Mouton, this house museum is run by a group of 24 civic-minded ladies who offer guided tours Tuesday through Saturday.

This organization’s mission is to present the great masterpieces of choral literature to the people of Acadiana by performing four concerts a year, including Christmas by Candlelight at St. John Cathedral.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF ACADIANA

A part of the Lafayette musical community since 1982, the LCB is comprised of 80 woodwind, brass and percussion instrumentalists who perform throughout Acadiana. ›

A hands-on participatory museum serving children and their families, schools and community organizations, exhibits include a full-sized Acadian Ambulance, Cafe des Enfants, a mini grocery store and TV station.

LAFAYETTE CONCERT BAND

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WE’VE GOT WHAT YOU’RE CRAVING Go all out with a visit to Paragon Casino Resort. Play your way across our gaming floor. Enjoy live entertainment or a visit to one of our pools or the spa. Relax with a movie, round of golf or fine meal. Whatever you love, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.

DOWN HERE, THIS IS HOW WE PLAY ParagonCasinoResort.com MARKSVILLE, LA

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VIEW THE SCREEN CANE FIRE FILM SERIES This independent film series is held the second Monday of each month at Acadiana Center for the Arts.

MOVIES IN THE PARC Downtown’s Movies in the Parc, presented by LUS Fiber, offers family-friendly movie events featuring crowd favorites under the stars in spring and fall.

Contact

Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission (337) 232-3737 lafayettetravel.com Downtown Lafayette (337) 291-5566 www.downtownlafayette.org

SOUTHERN SCREEN FILM FESTIVAL

JEAN LAFITTE ACADIAN CULTURAL CENTER

Held each November, this festival presents four days of film screenings, live music, screenwriting, live podcast, workshops, parties and more.

One of six cultural sites, the Acadian Cultural Center showcases the history of the Acadian people who settled southeast Louisiana through ranger talks, films, exhibits and other programs.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN CULTURE ACADIAN VILLAGE This attraction preserves a piece of early American heritage by recreating a typical 1800s Cajun village with authentic homes, a chapel and event pavilion.

VERMILIONVILLE Lafayette’s living history and folklife park promotes the cultural resources of the Acadian, Native American and Creole people from a 23-acre site on the banks of Bayou Vermilion. The park includes 19 attractions, ranging from restored original homes to local artisans demonstrating essential crafts. w

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Festivals

The popular saying “laissez les bon temps

&Events

MUSIC FESTIVALS

rouler” means “let the good times roll,”

FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE LOUISIANE

and that’s just what locals in Lafayette do

The largest international music festival in the country takes place right in Downtown Lafayette. Each April, more than 300,000 festival goers gather over a span of five days for musical performances by artists from more than 20 French-speaking countries, along with workshops, exhibits, visual art, theater and more.

almost every weekend. No matter what time of year, there’s a festival or event happening, complete with food, music and good times. In the spring and fall when temperatures cool off, Lafayette’s events really heat up. Several free concert series make Lafayette the self-proclaimed “Free Music Capital of the World,” and even some of the best festivals are free. While Cajun and Zydeco music are most plentiful, the area’s musicians are talented enough to add country, swamp pop, blues, pop and gospel into the mix. And the same goes for food. Sure, you can find all the Cajun delicacies at most any festival, but you’ll also notice French, Spanish and Hispanic influences. Seasonal and holiday celebrations are plentiful as well, and almost all events are family-friendly.

FESTIVALS ACADIENS ET CRÉOLES One of the largest Cajun and Creole celebrations in the country, Festivals Acadiens takes place the second full weekend in October at Girard Park each year. The four-day, family-friendly event includes local music, food and cooking demonstrations, the Louisiana Craft Fair, a children’s area, symposium and other cultural events.

SOUTH LOUISIANA SONGWRITER’S FEST AND WORKSHOP Held for the first time in 2018, this unique event takes place on six stages at Blue Moon Saloon and Warehouse 535 and combines the intimate, intensive and

creative songwriting process with a publicfacing festival. Songwriters collaborate for four days in May, then debut their creations, offering a true behind-thescenes look at the “stories behind the stories.”

FOOD FESTIVALS ACADIANA PO-BOY FESTIVAL Celebrate the legacy of the humble poboy sandwich during this April festival with more than 20 vendors selling poboys, along with arts and crafts, kids activities and live music.

BOUDIN COOK-OFF Sample boudin from across the state at this October event held in Parc Sans Souci. A boudin eating contest, live music and children’s activities are also included.

SNOBALL FEST One of Downtown Lafayette’s newest events celebrates a cool summertime treat. Held in August at Parc International, this festival includes snoball tastings, kids activities and live music. ›

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FARMERS MARKETS

MUSIC SERIES

THE MARKET AT MONCUS PARK

BACH LUNCH

Find seasonal, farm-based products and artisanal creations from local producers, along with a Cajun jam session, every Saturday at the Horse Farm off Johnston Street. See pg. TK for more information.

Presented by the Lafayette Science Museum, this concert series is offered during spring and fall and pairs boxed lunches for purchase with free, local live music at Parc Sans Souci.

OIL CENTER HUB CITY FARMERS MARKET

CONCERTS AT COURET

Held every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, rain or shine, in the Grant Mollet parking area across the street from Champagne’s Market, vendors sell everything from produce to artisan foods and arts and crafts.

Offered once a month during summer. Held at Abilene Park in Couret Farms in Upper Lafayette.

SEASONAL EVENTS MARDI GRAS

Contact

Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission (337) 232-3737 | lafayettetravel.com

Downtown Lafayette (337) 291-5566 | www.downtownlafayette.org

Carnival season in Lafayette features both city and country versions of Mardi Gras, with krewes holding balls, parades rolling down the street and masked riders chasing chickens in the countryside. Events culminate on Fat Tuesday with a festival at Cajun Field, several parades and a Mardi Gras Indian competition.

MERRY & BRIGHT DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS Celebrate the holiday season during December in Downtown Lafayette with a Christmas tree decorating contest, concerts, pictures with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, shopping and more.

DOWNTOWNALIVE! Also seasonal, this Downtown concert series happens on Friday evenings and presents some of the best regional bands on stage for free.

LOUISIANA CROSSROADS An intimate concert series hosted by Acadiana Center for the Arts, Louisiana Crossroads pairs local and national musicians for live music and conversation.

RHYTHMS ON THE RIVER Offered in the fall and spring, this six-week, free concert series is held on Thursday evenings in River Ranch Town Square and presents local bands, along with food and beverages for sale.

SUGAR JAM Offered once a month MarchNovember. Held at Sugar Mill Pond Town Center in Youngsville. w

SAFARI OF LIGHTS For the holiday season, the Zoo of Acadiana lights up with dozens of animal displays, an Elves’ Eatery and pictures with Santa.

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Lafayette’s largest park is home to the Fabacher Field Baseball Complex and Les Vieux Chenes 18-hole golf course. This park joins Youngsville Sports Complex – named one of Sports Events Magazine’s “American Ballparks Every Planner Must See” – with seven batting cages, six soccer fields, five baseball fields and four softball fields – in bringing more recreational amenities to the Southside of town. On the Northside, 117-acre Acadiana Park is popular for its campground, disc golf course, hiking, jogging and biking trails and Nature Station. Right in the center of town, Moncus Park is under construction on approximately 100 acres of rolling hills, open meadows and forested ravines. An opening date is set for late spring, and plans include an amphitheater, great lawn, boardwalk and sculpture garden.

SPORTS & RECREATION

Cajun BMX Park is an all-dirt bicycle track at Picard Park in Lafayette Parish. This public-use facility hosts weekly races and is open for practice during daylight hours. Located in the Oil Center, Girard Park has a 1.25-mile walking and jogging trail, tennis courts, covered picnic area, pond

and children’s playground. Downtown’s network of parks are more urban and host live music on public stages, along with other community events. A favorite of children and families is the Zoo of Acadiana, an accredited zoological park filled with more than 750 exotic animals. Located on 45 acres off of Highway 90, the zoo, which calls its experience “Zoosiana,” has a Safari Train Ride, live animal show, petting zoo, Giraffe Feeding Station and more. Lafayette also has plenty of indoor recreational opportunities, from skating rinks and indoor ice skating to bowling, rock climbing, paintball and two trampoline parks. w

Contact

Parks & Recreation Department (337) 291-8361 lafayettela.gov/ParksAndRecreation

Lafayette Consolidated Government’s Parks & Recreation Department exists to promote entertainment, pleasure, relaxation and physical development in the city’s green spaces. With 36 parks, 10 recreation centers, four swimming pools, three golf courses, three senior centers, two tennis centers and numerous athletic fields, Lafayette has recreational opportunities for all ages.

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Thanks to a lead gift from Mr. Jim Moncus, as well as donations from thousands of other community members, construction of Phase 1 began in spring 2018, with additional park elements being built out as funds are raised. Phase 1 includes exciting features such as a dog park, new 4-acre lake, over 2 miles of walking and biking trails and gardens.

MONCUS PARK Moncus Park is a beautiful 100-acre green space in the heart of Lafayette, Louisiana. After a community-wide campaign to preserve the property from commercial development, the University of Louisiana at

Opening in 2020, Moncus Park will be a beautiful, new gathering space for Acadiana families to come together to celebrate, relax, learn and take advantage of the endless opportunities that a regional park of this size provides. It will not only serve as a destination for events and leisure, but will also offer a broad range of classes and programming intended to build a sense of community. Programming will be geared toward diverse audiences of all ages and will focus on health and wellness, arts and culture and environmental education.

Lafayette sold the former “UL Horse Farm” to Lafayette Consolidated Government. In a public-private partnership, Lafayette Central Park, Inc. was formed as the nonprofit entity to design, build, operate, and maintain the new community park with a 99-year lease from LCG.

Whether you’ve visited the award-winning farmers market on Saturday mornings, explored the park or are invested in the future of our community, Moncus Park aspires to be a special place for everyone. The park not only honors its past, but also provides new, memorable experiences for families and visitors to the Acadiana region. w

To learn more about Moncus Park, venue rental opportunities and grand opening festivities, visit www.moncuspark.org.

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Shopping People from all over Acadiana head to Lafayette Parish to shop. More than 600,000 shoppers a year frequent the area’s boutiques, big box stores, retail centers and antiques shops and flea markets. Retail sales in Lafayette remain strong from year to year, often breaking records, and are fueled by new developments like Ambassador Town Center, anchored by Costco on the Southside of town, and Stirling Lafayette on the Northside, featuring Target and JCPenney. A longtime shopping destination, The Mall of Acadiana now sports an H&M among its more than 100 specialty retailers and welcomes more than 15 million shoppers each year. Ambassador Town Center consists of more than 430,000 square feet of retail space near Lafayette’s “Restaurant Row.” A premier regional shopping destination, this 58-acre property contains a Costco Wholesale, Field & Stream, Nordstrom Rack, Half Shell Oyster House, Home Goods, Orangetheory Fitness, Panera Bread, Red Robin and lots more. When it comes to shopping for food, Natural Grocers opened in Parc Lafayette in 2020, and Downtown is getting a new grocery store called Handy Stop in 2020. w

Ring it Up á Louisiana state sales tax: 4.45% á Lafayette sales tax: 4% á Retail sales in 2019: $5 billion

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DINING

Iconic Lafayette Foods BOUDIN A sausage casing stuffed with meat and rice, this breakfast delicacy can be found at boudin shops and gas stations all over Acadiana. POBOYS French bread gets layered with meats, cheeses, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise for the ultimate sandwich. GUMBO A sort of Cajun stew that starts with the holy trinity and ends with sausage, chicken, seafood or okra. The key to gumbo is making a roux. ETOUFFÉE Crawfish or shrimp get smothered in a roux-based sauce and served over rice topped with green onions. SNOWBALLS A summertime treat, shaved ice is covered with sweet syrup in a variety of flavors.

One of the things that makes Lafayette

CAFÉ VERMILIONVILLE

the “Happiest City” is the cuisine. People

Located on the site of Lafayette’s first inn, this local institution features historic architecture, elegant cuisine and an outdoor courtyard. Keep an eye out for resident ghosts while sampling some crawfish beignets, turtle soup or Steak Louis XIII.

in Acadiana live to eat – and talk about their next meal. So many international cultures, from Cajun to Creole, French and Spanish, have had an influence on local food, and chefs and cooks continue

CEDAR DELI

to evolve the area’s most popular dishes. Sure, you can find great gumbo, etouffée, poboys and even snowballs in Lafayette, but you’ll also see fresh-caught local seafood, sushi, tapas, tacos, gyros, samosas and pad thai on area menus. The city has restaurants overlooking the Vermilion River, family-friendly buffets, plate lunch dives, poboy shops, pizza joints, drive-thru daiquiris, fine dining and everything in between. The EatLafayette promotion that runs from June through September is a great time to try more than 100 participating local restaurants.

10 DON’T-MISS RESTAURANTS BLUE DOG CAFÉ For a side of local art by the late George Rodrigue with your Cajun cuisine, look no further than this Pinhook spot. Menu favorites from Chef Ryan Trahan – crowned 2018 King of Louisiana Seafood – include seafood wontons, crawfish bisque, crabmeat tortilla salad, crawfish enchiladas and honey-glazed duck. A Sunday brunch buffet is also served with live music and free mimosas.

Lafayette has no shortage of Greek and Lebanese influence, and one of the best places to experience it is by having lunch at this deli and grocery. Muffalettas, falafel, gyros, kibbi, grape leaves and more traditional dishes make up the menu.

CREOLE LUNCH HOUSE Known for its stuffed bread and homestyle plate lunches, this off the radar spot has been serving local favorites like chicken fricassee, red beans and sausage and catfish coubillion for close to 30 years.

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DON’S SEAFOOD HUT

THE CAJUN TABLE

One of Lafayette’s oldest establishments, Don’s Seafood Hut on Johnston Street is known for its charbroiled oysters, hush puppies, gumbo, bisque, seafood platter and seafood dinners.

With Cajun music playing 24/7, The Cajun Table is open for lunch and dinner serving fresh pork rinds, plate lunches, poboys, gumbo, seafood platters, boiled crawfish and lots more. Visit their location off Ambassador Caffery Monday through Saturday.

FEZZO’S Rated the best Cajun restaurant for the ninth year in a row by Times of Acadiana, Fezzo’s is a wonderful place to eat. Specializing in seafood, steak and even offering an oyster bar. Fezzo’s has three locations to serve you in Acadiana.

SPOONBILL WATERING HOLE One of Downtown’s newest spots located in the old Filling Station is run by Executive Chef Jeremy Conner and named after South Louisiana’s resident pink wading bird. On the menu are locally inspired dishes like Alligator Au Gratin and a Louisiana Caviar Plate, along with more international fare from Bibimbap to a selection of tiki drinks.

OLDE TYME GROCERY Topping TripAdvisor’s list of “Top 10 Bargain Dining Restaurants,” Olde Tyme is the place for po’boys and snowballs in Lafayette, this grocery dates to 1982. Weekly specials include $6 whole poboys starting at 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and Murph’s Olde Tyme Snowball Stand is open from April through September right behind the grocery.

RUFFINO’S Overlooking the Vermilion River, Ruffino’s has a passion for local and seasonal ingredients. With Italian specialties like Veal Parmesan to wood-fired pizza, Cedar Plank Redfish and an excellent wine list, Ruffino’s represents Lafayette’s only ItalianCreole fusion restaurant. w

Catering

What’s the difference between

Cajun and Creole?

The easy answer is that Creole food has tomatoes and Cajun doesn’t, but of course it’s a bit more complicated than that. Many ingredients in the two cuisines are similar, so the difference is really in the style. Cajun food – descended from the Acadians – is famous for having lots of flavor, sometimes spicy, and seasoning comes from cayenne pepper along with the “holy trinity,” a mixture of onion, bell pepper and celery. Creole cuisine includes New Orleans culture, as well as Italian and African, and its dishes feature creamy soups and sauces. There are versions of both Cajun and Creole gumbo and jambalaya, so look for the presence of tomato to tell the difference.

www.fezzos.com

Weddings Rehearsal Dinners Crawfish Boils BBQS Family Reunions Parties Banquets Company Luncheons Crowley 337-783-5515

Scott Broussard 337-261-2464 337-330-2302 LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA 33

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Other Information

T

he Lafayette Office of Motor Vehicles is at 3241 N.W. Evangeline Thruway, Ste. A, and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. An out-of-state driver’s

license is valid for 30 days after establishing residency in Louisiana. To obtain a license, you must provide proof of your identity through an out of state license, birth certificate, passport and/or Social Security card. Call (337) 896- 8121 for more information. w

Geaux Vote

To register to vote in Louisiana, you must be: á A U.S. citizen. á 18 years old. á Not be under an order of imprisonment for conviction of a felony. á Not be under a judgment of full interdiction for mental incompetence or partial interdiction with suspension of voting rights. á Reside in the state and parish in which you seek to register. á Registered at least 20 days prior to an election if registering through the GeauxVote Online Registration System or 30 days prior to an election if registering in person or by mail. Register to vote online at www.sos.la.gov or apply in person at the Registrar of Voters office at 1010 Lafayette St., Ste. 313.

34 LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA

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INDEX A D V E R T I S E R

ACI Hearing and Balance Center, Inc. ........................................ 20

Lafayette Parish Assesor ............................................................... 9

Ascension Episcopal School ....................................................... 19

Lofton Staffing Services/Lofton Security Service Inc. ................. 13

Barry’s Air Conditioning, Inc. ........................................................ 3

Paragon Casino & Resort............................................................ 25

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana ........................................... 22

Red’s ........................................................................................... 29

Bridge Storage ............................................................................. 3

Spa Mizan ..................................................................................... 2

Deep South Media/Bass Consulting .......................................... 13

Teche Drugs................................................................................ 21

Doug Ashy Building Materials .................................................... 16

Van Eaton & Romero .................................................................. 17

Dr. Curtis Roy and Associates ..................................................... 36

Vermilionville .............................................................................. 26

Fezzo’s ....................................................................................... 33

Wright, Moore, Dehart, Dupuis & Hutchinson, LLC ..................... 3

Lafayette Economic Development Authority ............................... 7

Zoom Photo Studio ...................................................................... 3

FAYETTE LA Louisiana NITY COMMU

GUIDE

Connect your business to newcomers and locals

Contact Steve for more information Acquisition & Sales Manager Steve Rogers (337) 781-1384 For advertising information in the next publication please email srogers@tspubs.com

EMPLOYEE-OWNED

OVER 100 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN PRINT PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

www.townsquarepublications.com LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA 35

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GENERAL DENTISTRY

Dr. Curtis H. Roy & Associates Curtis H. Roy, D.D.S. David B. Chambers, D.D.S. Luan A. Nguyen, D.D.S. Established 1970

Complete Dentistry For Individuals Families & Businesses! www.drcurtisroyandassociates.com

337-981-9811 • 800-433-5138 3703 Johnston St. • Lafayette

Our Office • Has 4 Full-Time Dental Hygienists • Offers A Dental Credit Card • Electronically Files For You • Accepts Workman’s Comp Insurance • Sees Emergency Patients The Same Day They Call • Speaks English, Spanish & Vietnamese • Makes Our Own Crowns, Bridges & Dentures • Offers Implants 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday - Friday • Saturday Appointments Available

Dr. Curtis H. Roy & Associates offers a 12-Month-Interest-Free DENTAL CREDIT CARD Apply online! Call 337.981.9811 for details! la-laf-cw-20 DESIGN.indd 36

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