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A note from Kristen, our Project Director

Looking for somewhere to stay or want to explore the rural towns in St. Landry, St. Martin, Iberia and Evangeline Parishes? Here are some of the places I love to support because they help promote and perpetuate art, music, environmental & local economic sustainability, and community spirit.

When you come in to town, tune your radio to KRVS 88.7, pick up an Independent and Country Roads. Meander through the small towns and explore Grand Coteau. You can wander the grounds at the Jesuit Spiritiuality Center, stop by Creola Cafe for a leisurely lunch, take a peek in the antique shops, find a new dress and hat at the Dress Shop, dab on some essential oils at Earth-N-Herbs, indulge in a cup of coffee and Gateau Nana at the Kitchen Shop and pick up the perfect gift at Casa Azul. Want to stay overnight in Grand Coteau? Casita Azul is a private cottage and is perfect for good friends or a small family.

In Arnaudville, nothing is better than staying at Bayou Blues Guest House. From the guest house you can walk to NuNu's Nightlite & Cafe grab a cup of coffee or organic iced tea and stroll through the Deux Bayou Gallery. If you need a new string for your fiddle, you're in luck because Tom's Fiddle and Bow is right next door! Russell's is conveniently located in the center of town so groceries are just a step away.

Prairie Laurent, five mile north of Arnaudville, offers a remodeled shotgun vacation house that sleeps up to 10. Palms on the Teche is located on Bayou Teche and a nice get away for the whole family or all your friends.

In Breaux Bridge, you can get your boots shined on the street and then scuff them up at Cafe des Amis or unwind while you enjoy coffee, Hummingbird cake and conversation at the local coffee house, the Coffee Break. If you are impressed with food in Louisiana, wait until you walk into Lucullus Culinary Antiques and find the perfect flatware or linen napkins to bring to the table.

St. Martinville is home to the Acadian Memorial, Cajun and Creole museums and a host of historic preservation sites along Bayou Teche. If you begin the day with an eclair from Danna's Bakery your day is bound to perfect. Le Petite Paris Cafe is a quiet place to sit and enjoy a leisurely breakfast and La Maison Restaurant and Alligator Bar is a great place for lunch or dinner in the town square. If history and cultural preservation are your thing, you'll enjoy St. Martinville.

New Iberia can not be missed. At Clementine, you will be more then filled with good food and drink, your soul will be filled by interesting art, too! Just thirsty? Check out their century old bar in its original condition. Take a tour at Shadows on the Teche and if you are a Dave fan, and you know who you are!, be sure to drive around and put a place to the names of all his haunts you read about!

Want to get out and enjoy nature? Why not rent a kayak at Lake Fausse Point, go on a guided eco swamp tour with a biologist named Butch at Lake Martin, discover more history about Bayou Teche at the Longfellow-Evangeline Historic Site or be inspired by the egrets at Avery Island? After you load up on the CDs at Floyd's, take a hike and enjoy the woods at Chicot State Park or the nearby state arboretum!

For more information, take a look at http://www.atchafalaya.org/.

There's a lot to explore in the rural parishes of Acadiana. These are just some of my personal favorites I want to share with you. I'm still exploring out there, too, so by this time next year I'm sure the list will be longer!

Please call or email if you have any questions about the concert or want to know some of my other favorite places. frederickstage@gmail.com or 337-323-9228

Enjoy and safe travels to Louisiana!