CAJUN COUNTRY BUCKET LIST GO TO A FAIS DO-DO Joie De Vivre Café in Breaux Bridge, Feed & Seed in Lafayette and the Blue Moon Saloon in Lafayette host Cajun dance parties known as fais do-dos (pronounced “fay-doh-dohs”). > LAKE CHARLES AREA “We’re lucky to live here,” Capt. Sammie says of his hometown of Lake Charles. He offers a long list of scenic spots to check out, including Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge, Calcasieu Lake and the Sabine River. The Creole Nature Trail All-American Road runs through or near all of them. For fishing or hunting charters, Capt. Sammie suggests calling up Hackberry Rod & Gun in Hackberry or Grosse Savanne in Lake Charles. If you’d prefer your meal already cooked, Capt. Sammie recommends down-home Big Daddy’s Sports Grill and Chastain’s Food & Spirits in Lake Charles, and LeBleu’s Landing in Sulphur. LEARN THE HISTORY IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME… • Walk the White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area ’s birding trail near Gueydan • Dine your way across the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail Cajun traditions are honored at E.D. White Historic Site in Thibodaux, the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice, Vermilionville in Lafayette and Le Vieux Village Historical Park & Heritage Museum in Opelousas. SEE THE SWAMPS INSTAGRAM.COM/LOUISIANATRAVEL An amazing meal at Avery Island prepared with fresh @laseafoodboard #OnlyLouisiana. –buddyboe Bayou Black Airboat Swamp Tours in Gibson and Cajun Jack’s Swamp Tours in Patterson will get you close to the action. PHOTOS: (FROM TOP) Festival Acadiens et Creole ©Philip Gould ; Fishing ©Lake Charles CVB ; (SIDEBAR) Musicians meet at Joie De Vivre Café; Vermilionville artisan spins cotton ©Denny Culbert LouisianaTravel.com 91
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