Lafayette, Louisiana

The Dining Companion and I recently spent some time in Lafayette, Louisiana. We were there so that I could visit an exhibit at the Rodrigue Studio Lafayette. George Rodrigue is one of my favorite artists. He is best known for his famous Blue Dog. This iconic image appeared in most of George's art and also commercially in ads; famously for Absolute Vodka. George passed away in December of 2013 and this year each of his three galleries are holding a Memorial Retrospective.

Examples of George Rodrigue's art - Hurricanes

Turns out it was a perfect weekend for visiting an art gallery, it rained the entire time we were there. We still managed to eat, drink and be merry, just soggier than we would like. Because of the weather I wasn't able to get out in the city as much as I wanted to. I did get a few pictures...

Beautiful, stately trees seem to be everywhere

These trees are old and majestic. A tree this size could be over 100 years old.

To figure the approximate age of a tree, measure its girth four feet from the ground, convert that measurement to inches and divide by 1.5. An oak will add an average of 1.5 inches to its girth each year, although the older ones grow at a considerably lesser rate.

A charming Double Shotgun - Please pardon the raindrops

From the gumbo to the boudin and everything in between, the food is awesome. Beignets for breakfast, po'boys for lunch and a bowl of gumbo for dinner; it doesn't get much better than that.

Lafayette embraces city sophistication and small town warmth in equal measure. There is something here for almost everyone. You can take a swamp tour, visit a museum and tour the nearby historic homes and view the beautiful gardens.

Lafayette is located in the heart of Cajun country. What that will mean to visitors is that you have arrived in the epicenter of all things good. Great food, warm and welcoming people, fun festivals and so much more.

Lafayette is a great base for your visit to Cajun Country. Its central location in the region makes it perfect for planning day trips to the surrounding communities. You'll be in the heart of everything. This region is a destination in its own right. With all there is to see and do you can easily plan a weeks stay and never lack for something to do. A part of the country you really need to see.

Happy travels!