LAFAYETTE (AND SURROUNDING AREA), AKA ACADIANA, LOUISIANA, USA -- You don't have to be in Lafayette long, or even talk to anyone, to know that you're someplace special. There's just a different vibe in the air here. People are somehow nicer, friendlier, more welcoming. Everywhere you go you're offered delectable foods, accompanied by lively music, set against a backdrop of Spanish moss draped trees lining gently flowing bayous and rivers.

This is the heart of Cajun Country, also known as Acadiana -- twenty two south Louisiana parishes (known as counties in other areas of the country).

A short glance at the grueling history of these resilient people gives immediate insight into why the place is so special -- Cajuns are the ultimate optimists! Despite a bitter and cruel forced exile from New Brunswick in the 1755 and subsequently arriving in an unwelcoming Louisiana, the Cajuns have lived and thrived here ever since. Despite all the hardships endured Cajun Country is celebratory, with almost any occasion serving as an excuse for a party or to get together with friends and relatives and socialize.

Lafayette is the hub of the heart of Cajun Country, which includes Lafayette, Acadia, Iberia, Evangeline, Vermillion, St. Martin, St. Mary, and St. Landry parishes Throughout the area you'll find lots to remind you that you are indeed in the midst of a unique culture, from the spicy foods and even spicier music, to the frequent festivals and celebrations, to the Acadian French (and English with a heavy Cajun French accent) spoken everywhere.

Exploring Cajun History

The area is rich with Cajun history. In St. Martinville you can even see the actual oak tree (pictured at right) where the Emmeline Labiche, the alleged real-life inspiration for Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's tragic heroine Evangeline, first saw her lover Gabriel, whom she had been torn away from during the Acadian's forced exile from Nova Scotia. Unfortunately, Louis Arceneaux, the real life counterpart to Gabriel, had already remarried by the time his former lover arrived in Louisiana. Emmeline lost her sanity and reportedly died of a broken heart. A memorial, complete with statue of actress Dolores Del Rio in character as Evangeline (she played her in the 1929 movie of the same name) can be found in the nearby churchyard of St. Martinville's Catholic church.

While Evangeline and Gabriel are symbols of the Acadian struggle, visitors can learn about the actual people and their epic journey to Louisiana at the National Park Service's Acadian Cultural Center at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve. In addition to displays highlighting the Acadian culture and music, visitors can watch an excellent film that follows the history of the Acadians from their humble beginnings to the present day.

Nearby Shadows on the Teche mansion, a living history attraction, portrays the plantation life of those who settled in the area between 1765 and 1890. Strolling through the meticulously restored plantation home and surrounding grounds can really give modern day travelers a feel for what life must have been like in a way that reading a book can't duplicate.

More Than History

There's a lot more to visiting Cajun Country than history. This area is a vibrant thriving community today, with lots to see, do, and especially eat. The articles in the deep blue box below will get you on the right track, but there are so many terrific places to visit here, you're bound to find some of your own favorites as well.

Practicalities

The city of Lafayette is located at the intersection of I-10 and I-49 between New Orleans and Houston -- only 35 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico. For more information about visiting Lafayette click to www.lafayettetravel.com.

The Evangeline Oak and memorial can be found in downtown St. Martinville, Louisiana. Learn more about visiting St. Martinville from the St. Martin Parish Tourist Commission, phone 337-298-3556 or click to www.cajuncountry.org.

Acadian Cultural Center at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve can be found at 501 Fisher Road Lafayette, LA 70508. Phone 337-232-0789 or visit www.nps.gov/jela/Acadianculturalcenter.htm.

Vermilionville is located at 300 Fisher Road Lafayette, LA 70508. Phone 866-992-2968 or click to www.vermilionville.org.

For more information about visiting the state of Louisiana in general contact the Louisiana Office of Tourism at 225-342-8100 or click to www.crt.state.la.us.

Cheri Sicard, in addition to being the editor of FabulousTravel.com and its sister site, FabulousFoods.com is the author of The Great American Handbook: What You Can Do For Your Country Today and Every Day and The Low Carb Restaurant Guide, and the co-author of US Citizenship for Dummies. To learn more about Cheri, click here.