Lafayette - Louisiana - United States. Guide & Hotel Reservations from Cheap Hotels

Located in the region of Louisiana well-known for its Cajun and French heritage, a vacation here will be the thrill of a lifetime. Rent a country cottage where a Southern breakfast is delivered to you each morning or stay at one of the many bed and breakfast establishments. If hotels are more your style, then you have many of these to choose from ranging in price from luxury to budget. You are limited only by your imagination and your wallet. There is a wealth of restaurants that serve Cajun and Creole cuisine, but you can also get American, Japanese, Mexican, Italian or whatever food you prefer. The many fast food locations are always handy to serve you a snack to go and the coffee houses serve exquisite flavors that make you want to have that second cup.

To learn about the Cajun culture, the Acadian Cultural Center should be your first stop. Then you can go on to the Alexandre Mouton House, a museum with period pieces and artefact's from the 1800s. The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist features Dutch Romanesque architecture and has a 500-year old oak tree outside. This site also has a museum and a gift shop. Acadian Village is a replica 19th century town where you will feel as if you have been transported back in time.

Downtown Lafayette is the scene of many outdoor concerts and events, as well as historical walking tours. The many art galleries here will be a welcome sight to the art lover, where he/she can wile away many happy hours discovering the work of local artists. Some of these include the University Art Museum, the Gallery 912 and the Artists' Alliance.

Nightlife is alive and well with the variety of bars and clubs featuring live entertainment. Take in the many festivals that take place, such as the Acadian Village Courir de Mardi Gras, the Festivals Acadiens or Downtown Alive. There are many tour companies that will show you all the sights, even a private home with its own ghost.

Enjoy the peaceful setting of Acadiana Park with its picnic areas and miles of nature trails. The scenic tree-lined fairways of the Acadian Hills Country Club have to be seen to be believed and for the ultimate adventure take a rafting trip into the Atchafalaya swamp.

The Acadiana Mall is the premier shopping center, but there are many quaint gift stores and specialty boutiques throughout the town. The Cajun culture will remain with you long after your vacation is over and will keep drawing you back.