Things to Do During a Solo Weekend in Lafayette, Louisiana

'Laissez les bon temps rouler!' Let the good times roll on a solo weekend getaway to Lafayette, Louisiana, and travel through Cajun Country to experience Acadian culture, an authentic slice of America. Although traveling alone, the region's warm hospitality will ensure you're not traveling lonely. Following is my list of things to do and taste as a solo traveler navigating through Cajun Country.

Solo Weekend of Cajun Things to Do in Lafayette, Louisiana
Lafayette Acadian Cultural Center - Before beginning a solo getaway through Cajun Country make this your first stop. Located in Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, it is near the Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) and open daily between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (Closed Christmas and Mardi Gras.) The Cultural Center walks visitors through the history of Acadians (Cajuns) and offers an overview of what will be experienced during a Cajun Country journey. (501 Fisher Rd., Lafayette)

Vermilionville - Not far from the Lafayette Acadian Cultural Center is this Cajun/Creole heritage and folklife park where Southern Louisiana life from 1765 to 1890 is reenacted with period buildings and costumed interpreters. A culinary school teaches Cajun and Creole cooking techniques. If the school is not offering a class during your visit, enjoy lunch at the restaurant, La Cuisine Maman. Check out the Performance Hall to see if Zydeco performers are playing music. Vermilionville is open Tuesday through Sunday, closed major holidays and an admission fee is charged. (300 Fisher Rd., Lafayette)

Solo Weekend of Cajun Things to Do Near Lafayette, Louisiana
Conrad Rice Mill - Rice is the stable of Cajun and Creole cooking so taking a tour of the oldest working rice mill (founded in 1921) in the United States adds greater appreciation for the grain. The walking tour originates in the Konriko General Store where rice products processed onsite are available for tasting and for sale. Depending on the day, visitors can watch rice being processed. Tours are offered Monday through Saturday, closed major holidays and a fee is charged. Conrad Rice Mill is located about 30 minutes south of Lafayette. (307 Ann Street, New Iberia)

Tabasco Pepper Sauce Factory Tour - The zesty scent of Tabasco sauce wafts in the parking lot's air. Learn the sauce's history- like why it was first bottled in perfumed bottles - during a free, hour-long tour and receive a Tabasco Pepper Sauce sample. Be sure to check out the country store filled with a variety of Tabasco souvenirs. Tabasco Sauce Pepper Factory is open daily, including holidays and located on Avery Island which has a $1 per car toll and is about 40 minutes south of Lafayette.

Jungle Gardens- Located a short distance from the Tabasco Pepper Sauce Factory is the 250-acre jungle founded by son of the Tabasco pepper sauce inventor. A driving tour is a loop through Louisiana wilderness with trails leading through lush gardens with the highlight being a 900-year-old Buddha statue. This is a great place to spot alligators. Jungle Gardens is open daily, an admission is charged and located on Avery Island.

Cajun Things to Taste in Lafayette when Traveling Solo
Poupart Bakery - Pop in for a sweet breakfast, lunch, dinner, or "just because" treat. The bakery is known for its king cake and in addition to pastries is perfect for breakfast, lunch and early dinner. (1902 West Pinhook Rd., Lafayette)

Prejean's Restaurant - A popular spot for tourists and locals, the restaurant serves up Cajun flavors and music. Along with gumbos and bisques, try Prejean's Seafood Platter with frog legs, shrimp, oyster, catfish, alligator, stuffed shrimp and stuffed crab. (3480 N.E. Evangeline Trwy. (I-49), Lafayette)

Randol's Restaurant - Another popular restaurant for tourists and locals, nightly music and Cajun fare such as etouffee and gumbos are on the menu. Sample the Seafood Platter with cup of seafood gumbo, fried oysters, fried catfish, fried deviled crab, fried frog legs and crawfish etouffee. (2320 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Lafayette)

Where to Stay in Cajun Country when Traveling Solo
There are a host of accommodations meeting every solo traveler's price point. I stayed at the Hilton Lafayette which proved to be an ideal location to explore Cajun Country and offered the security for a solo, female traveler. (1521 West Pinhook Road, Lafayette, Tel: 337-235-6111)

Sources:

Oct. 2008 Visit
Conrad Rice Mill
Hilton Lafayette
Jungle Gardens
Lafayette Acadian Cultural Center
Poupart Bakery
Prejean's Restaurant
Randol's Restaurant
Tabasco Pepper Sauce Factory
Vermilionville