Visiting Cajun Country

Louisiana Cajun Country is anchored by the city of Lake Charles in the west, Lafayette in the center and small towns like Houma and Galliano in the southeast bayou. Alive with a rich heritage and culture, Cajun Country beckons travelers for a visit. From Mardi Gras balls to boat rides through the bayou the region is filled with sights and sounds for everyone.

Lake Charles, in southwestern Louisiana, is easily accessible on Interstate 10 and is located on the shores of its namesake lake. Residents and visitors to Lake Charles enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings and the excitement of a thriving urban environment. Winter and spring are full of interesting sights and events to enjoy and take part in.

Through March, the Arts and Cultural Center at Historic Lake Charles City Hall presents the “Frederic Remington Makes Tracks” exhibit. Remington is one of America's most famous artists, known for his illustrations and bronze statues depicting iconic themes of the American West. The Lake Charles Civic Center, in Downtown Lake Charles, hosts the Black Heritage Festival the first weekend in March. This is a terrific family event, featuring talent shows, a kid’s zone and games, along with a marketplace and performances by well known headliners. Special seminars will be scheduled on topics like genealogy and scholarships.

East from Lake Charles, the town of Iowa hosts a unique and fun festival with events nearly the entire month of March. The Iowa (Louisiana) Rabbit Festival celebrates its 24^th year in 2010, starting with the Tiny Tot Pageant and the Miss Bunny Pageant the first two weekends. The festival culminates with an exciting weekend of music, events, a parade and, of course, rabbit shows. There is even a rabbit cook-off in the schedule. Bring the entire family for a weekend of fun!

The center of Cajun Country is Lafayette. The region highlights the mixed cultural heritage of Louisiana with the influences of the French, Spanish, and Caribbean ancestry – all are reflected in Lafayette art, architecture, music, dance, food and festivals. April 21-25, Lafayette hosts the Festival International de Louisiane, the largest French speaking festival in the United States. Celebrating the French heritage of southern Louisiana, the Festival schedule reaches deep into the soul of the region to inspire audiences. You will be amazed by the exceptional cuisine, music and arts brought together for the weekend. As an added bonus, admission to the Festival is free.

Discover the mysteries of Louisiana's swamp in the wetlands south of New Orleans. Towns like Houma or Galliano sit in the heartland of the Cajun swamps. Popular activities include air boat swamp tours, charter fishing trips, wildlife viewing and, of course, eating Cajun food. Bring the family to Houma this spring and add a rodeo to the schedule. The Terrebonne Livestock Association has mid-month rodeos scheduled for March, April and May.

Best Western Hotels are conveniently located throughout Louisiana Cajun Country. With affordable accommodations for an overnight stay or an entire vacation, Best Western Hotels are a great choice for a visit to Southern Louisiana.

Cajun Country Hotel Map