Acadiana covers most of southern Louisiana, although its exact borders have been debatable.  Generally, Acadiana stretches from Calcasieu Parish along the Texas border to Lafourche Parish in the east, reaching up to Evangeline Parish and all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico.  Filled to the brim with history and culture, Acadiana is a wonderful place to call my home.

All residents of Acadiana know just what makes it the best place to live, but if you’ve never traveled down South, you may not know much about our home, aside from the popular myth that we all have alligators in our backyards (although, this has happened before).  This list doesn’t even begin to cover just how special Acadiana is, but for the sake of not writing an entire book, I’ve condensed it into four categories.

The Natural Beauty

Acadiana is a place full of natural beauty.  We don’t have rolling hills or snow-capped mountains; instead, we have wetlands.  Swamps, bogs, and marshes abound Southern Louisiana and are home to some of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet.  We’re the final stop along the Muddy Mississippi, and we’ve built nearly 600 bridges to bypass the countless other bodies of water.  Even our cities are filled with gorgeous landscaping and large century oaks.

The Music

Here in Acadiana, we love our music.  There are few places you’ll go that don’t have a live Cajun, country, or Zydeco band playing.  Nearly every festival or celebration features a local artist.  Music is just one of the many ways we preserve and celebrate our culture.  Acadiana is actually home to a few great musicians, such as Sammy Kershaw and Hunter Hayes.

The Food

It’s no question that Acadiana is best known for its food, and we take pride in everything we cook.  We’ll cook just about anything, and it’s guaranteed to taste delicious: barbecue, gumbo, etouffee, seafood, you name it!  Several locally owned restaurants specialize in authentic Cajun cuisine, always served with a smile and just the right amount of spice (okay, maybe a bit too much).

The People

Last, but certainly not least, the people of Acadiana are what truly make this place so special.  We are a very friendly people, who are always willing to lend a helping hand to a friend* in need.   We take pride in our hard work, but we also know how to have a good time!  We’re always hosting parties and attending festivals, and we’ll turn anything into a celebration.  Nothing makes us happier than having fun with the people we love most.

 

So, there you have it.  Again, this list only scratches the surface, and in order to get a full picture of our wonderful home of Acadiana, you have to experience it firsthand.  We love having visitors, so don’t be afraid to come and visit!

Lassiez le bon temps rouler!