Exploring America’s Cajun and Creole Heartland
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Posted May 1, 2012
The crawfish are pouring out of Cajun country in a torrent at this time of year. It’s an incredible – and very specifically Louisiana – harvest, and naturally Louisiana greets it with a harvest festival. As always, the first weekend in May means it’s time for the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival.
Posted April 26, 2012
It’s an extremely busy time for festivals around south Louisiana. While Jazz Fest in New Orleans tends to suck most of the oxygen from the room due to its sheer size, rich history and general awesomeness, the Festival International de Louisiane two hours down the highway in Lafayette is an increasingly appealing draw as well.
Posted December 16, 2011
Christmas Eve bonfires along the Mississippi River represent deep tradition for some Louisiana families, though for others making the trip to experience this amazing spectacle can be tricky. Family obligations and other traditions on Christmas Eve might preclude a road trip, even a short one. But it’s worth the effort, and with just a little advance planning — to put the in-laws on notice perhaps, or to organize a group for the outing — it can turn into an unforgettable part of your holiday.
Posted November 3, 2011
I’ve racked up a lot of miles in search of iconic Louisiana food, and while I don’t regret a bite of it, in the future when I need a concentrated dose of our distinctive local flavor I might just drive straight to Abbeville, a place I’ve come to love as one of the great eating towns of Acadiana. You’ll find Abbeville at the end of a two-hour road trip west from New Orleans, about 20 miles south of Lafayette along the Vermilion River, surrounded by cane fields, cattle ranches and fishing villages. With a population of about 12,000 people, it’s a small town with an historic core and an outsized culinary personality, one that will be in full bloom next weekend, Nov. 5 and 6, with oysters, omelets and more.
Posted October 28, 2011
The French Food Festival, one of the best eating weekends in south Louisiana, is coming up Oct. 28-30 down on Bayou Lafourche, and it’s well worth marking the calendar for a short road trip to experience it.
Posted October 14, 2011
There is noting remotely seasonal about andouille sausage. But there is no denying that the urge for andouille goes through the roof at this time of year, as summer weather slackens and the first whiff of Louisiana’s fall and winter weather hangs in the air.
The capital for andouille is LaPlace, and it’s no coincidence that this time of year, with the seasons change, is when this riverside town hosts its annual Andouille Festival, which happens Oct. 14th through 16th.
Posted October 13, 2011
The intergenerational transfer of Cajun culture happens on hunting trips and at fishing camps, in kitchens and campsites, at music jams, in horse stables, during Mardi Gras and at family gatherings, from weddings to funerals. That’s where the deep fermentation happens. But for the traveler, a good south Louisiana festival is a chance to experience the contemporary culture firsthand, to participate in the celebration and to watch it all bubble over the top.
I am an unabashed fan of Cajun country festivals, and a great showpiece of what they’re all about is coming around this weekend with the Festivals Acadiens et Creoles. It happens Friday, Oct. 14 through Sunday, Oct. 16 in Girard Park, right in the heart of Lafayette and it’s free.
Posted May 5, 2011
I’m thrilled to report that I’ll be signing copies of Louisiana Rambles at Jazz Fest this Saturday, May 7.
Posted April 29, 2011
It’s an extremely busy time for festivals around south Louisiana. While Jazz Fest in New Orleans tends to suck in most of the oxygen in the room due to its sheer size, rich history and general awesomeness, the Festival International de Louisiane two hours down the highway in Lafayette is an increasingly appealing draw as well.