Introducing Cajun Country
One of the truly unique parts of the US, Acadiana is named for French settlers exiled from L’Acadie (now Nova Scotia, Canada) by the British in 1755. As they lived alongside Native Americans and Creoles, ‘Acadian’ eventually morphed into ‘Cajun.’ The harrowing journey to Louisiana and the fight for survival in its swamplands are points of cultural pride for modern-day Cajuns, and do a lot to explain their combination of toughness and absolute ease in their own skins.
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Cajuns are the largest French-speaking minority in the US – prepare to hear it on radios and in the sing-song lilt of their English. While Lafayette is the nexus of Acadiana, getting out and around the waterways, villages and ramshackle roadside taverns really drops you straight into Cajun living. It’s hard to find a bad meal here; jambalaya and crawfish étoufée (a thick Cajun stew) are prepared slowly with pride (and cayenne!), and if folks aren’t fishing, then they are probably dancing. Don’t expect to sit on the sidelines…allons danson (let’s dance).
Last updated: Jul 22, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Houston for a conference - where can I explore afterwards?
by MLM192 21 July 2011
The drive to New Orleans takes you through Cajun Country--great food and some interesting places to see. You could drive there in a day,…
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RE: New Orleans or New Mexico in mid-October??
by mrpenney 22 June 2011
It sounds like you want an opinion. If it were MY vacation, and I had to choose, I'd fly to New Orleans. Both Louisiana and New Mexico…
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RE: Florida - Georgia - Tennessee - Mississippi - Louisiana - Florida Roadtrip
by MLM192 11 April 2011
If you have an interest in the outdoors, be sure to visit "Cajun Country" in Louisiana, not just New Orleans. We stayed in Breaux Bridge,…
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