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Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save This article is brought to you by Lafayette Travel. With abundant sunshine, lower humidity and cooler temperatures, Lafayette comes alive in the fall with vibrant festivals that showcase the region’s rich Cajun and Creole traditions, as well as an increase in activities in the area’s pristine natural landscapes. The Bayou Vermilion Festival and Boat Parade combines both of these on Saturday, Sept.
28 during a community celebration that honors and explores the Vermilion River. Whether you’re in a canoe, kayak or motorboat, you can join in on a 10-mile scenic journey down the bayou. The festival and parade is the perfect opportunity to promote the Vermilion River as a regional recreational gem while also honoring local conservation and cleanup efforts.
The trip ends at Southside Park with food, drinks, games and live music. If you can’t make it to the festival or want to spend even more time on the Vermilion River, there are plenty of opportunities to do so. Use the interactive paddle trail map at apps.
lafayettela.gov/paddletrail to customize your trip by choosing your launch point and the sites of interest you want to make sure to see along the way. One favorite route begins at the Vermilionville Living History and Folklife Park, then goes upstream for about 1.
5 miles until it forks, with the Vermilion continuing to the left and Bayou Tortue branching off to the right. If you follow Bayou Tortue for another 1.4 miles, you’ll discover Lake Charlo, which is home to cypress and tupelo trees, plus wading birds, raptors and alligators.
While the Vermilion is one of Lafayette’s most iconic landmarks, Festivals Acadiens et Creoles is one of its best-known annual events. The 2024 edition takes place from Friday, Oct. 11 to Sunday, Oct.
13 in Girard Park. To mark the 50 th anniversary of the festival – one of Louisiana’s largest free public events – there will be a ceremonial cutting of the boudin at 5 p.m.
Oct. 11. The rest of the weekend will be filled with live music on six stages, the Bayou Food Festival, Louisiana Craft Fair, children’s activities, jam sessions and more.
The South Louisiana Black Pot Festival and Cookoff may be relatively newer, as it marks its 18 th year in 2024, but in that time, it has become one of Lafayette’s most anticipated fall events. This year’s festival is on Friday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct.
26, and will continue to pay homage to the traditional cast iron black pot cooking method. The aromas attract thousands who are ready to sample gravy, gumbo, cracklins, jambalaya and desserts prepared the old-fashioned way. It’s a communal atmosphere with a healthy dose of friendly competition thrown in.
Fall festivals have been a major factor in Lafayette earning numerous accolades over the years for its hospitality and atmosphere, but the unique natural landscape that can’t be found anywhere else also draws visitors, especially during one of the most beautiful times of the year. In addition to the Vermilion River, Lake Martin has emerged as a must-see destination for bird-watchers, nature lovers and photographers. At last count, at least 240 bird species have been spotted in Lake Martin.
Plus, the calm waters and draping cypress trees make for lasting photographic images that are great for framing as holiday gifts or for decorating your own home. Lastly, Moncus Park in the heart of Lafayette is an ideal place for everything from quiet reflection in nature to activities that are fun for the whole family. The 100-acre parcel along Johnston Street has walking trails and greenspaces that have become popular for both locals and visitors alike.
It’s also a community gathering spot, with weekly yoga sessions on Wednesdays, Food Truck Fridays and local farmers and artisans selling their homemade goods during Saturday morning markets. Plus, with an increasing number of amenities being constructed, it’s not difficult to spend an entire fall day at the park. Whether you’re looking for a lively festival with hours of upbeat music, a place to sample the best food in the region or a serene area to disconnect and unplug – or perhaps a little bit of all three – the Lafayette area has a place for you this fall.
Visit www.lafayettetravel.com for more trip ideas and to plan your visit today.
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