C'est Bon in Lafayette, Louisiana

As most Nova Scotians know there's a huge connection between Nova Scotia Acadians and the Cajuns of Louisiana. As we had all learned a bit of the expulsion we were eager to learn more from the Cajun side. Our stop in Lafayette was strategic to visit the Acadian Cultural Center. We were all delighted with the area as it offered so much more!
We visited the NPS Acadian Centre and learned about the history of the area as well as the culture that is alive and thriving today! The kids started their junior ranger books and learned that Jean Lifette Historical park was a bit unique as it has 6 locations. If junior rangers visit 4 of the 6 sites they get a special patch and a badge... challenge accepted! After the cultural centre we walked over to Vermillionville, which is a living Acadian/Cajun village museum. We spoke to a man who was more than delighted to talk to us about our Nova Scotian roots. He told us about his ancestors and which parts of NS they came from. He even played us some music on his accordion and let the kids give it a try. We were even lucky enough to see an alligator at the village! After our brains were filled with knowledge we headed over to a locally recommended Cajun restaurant, Prejean's to fill our bellies. We tried traditional chicken cracklins, gumbo, catfish, hush puppies, crawfish, shrimp and alligator nuggets.
The next day we headed out to the bayou to take a swamp tour. We knew we had the right guide when he had fake snakes hidden on the seats of the boats. He took us through the swamp to see alligators, turtles and local birds. The alligators weren't enjoying the cooler temperatures that moved into the bayou a couple days prior. Most of the gators were hiding out in the warm waters. We did manage to see a few gators that braved the cold. The real treat was the untouched beauty of the cypress trees, Spanish moss and green blankets of water that wound through the swamp and then later to the bayou. We all enjoyed the tour and would be more than happy to go back again!Read more