Author: Ashley Bravata

Editor's Note: Nice and Easy

This year is a challenging one for keeping on track, health-wise. Christmas and winter holidays have rolled right into Mardi Gras, which is early this year. That means it’ll be extra difficult to keep up with our fitness routines and…

Lighten Up Your Day

It isn’t just  about reducing sugar in a recipe or using low fat milk instead of cream. It’s about making healthy choices and thinking of making the food as flavorful as possible. How can we make our food surprisingly good…

The Good Kind of Change

There’s something about this time of year that invites reflection. The whirlwind of the holidays has passed, and life begins to find its rhythm again. The decorations are packed away, routines start to feel familiar and we get a chance…

Top Doctors

Castle Connolly: Your Source for Best-in-Class Healthcare Castle Connolly is a trusted and credible healthcare research and information company with over 30 years of experience researching, reviewing, and selecting best-in-class healthcare providers and institutions. Our mission is to help people…

Naturally Nurtured Style

In 2022, Charles Sarver was ready for a change and set his sites on a home with, not only a larger footprint, but also one located in a more desirable neighborhood near Lafayette’s Moncus Park. The one he found had…

You Are What You Eat

Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, a celebrated French gastronome (“epicure, food-lover”), opens his 1826 book The Physiology of Taste with a series of twenty culinary aphorisms, the most famous of which is: “Tell me what you eat : I will tell you…

Newly Notable

Youngsville The locally owned fast-casual Tropical Smoothie Café is making its debut (in the former Zorba’s space on Chemin Metairie Parkway) with a menu of made-to-order smoothies, wraps, bowls, flatbreads, breakfast items and salads. The new Dumpling Hour restaurant (also…

Traitement as an Approach to Health and Healing

Do not thank the treater. Do not pay the treater, though you may leave a gift. Treatments cannot cross a body of water. These are just a few traditional guidelines when requesting traitement (treatment) from a traiteur, or faith healer.…

Family Ties

Richard and Lori Hurst, the husband-and-wife team behind Poor Boy’s Inn Riverside Inn in Broussard, foster a legacy dating back to 1932. When Richard’s grandfather, Hulo “Poor Boy” Landry, developed an allergy to flour from working at the Evangeline Maid…

It’s Rayneing Frogs

Like many southwestern Louisiana towns, Rayne got its origins in the western expansion of the railroad; the town was named for Rayne Grey, an engineer for the Southern Pacific Railroad. But it would be frogs that put the agricultural town on…

Welcome to the Lunaverse

Lake Charles Chef Dave Evans can’t help himself. He is driven to express himself, and food is an area of his expertise. Evans has grown the Lunaverse — the restaurant, nonprofit organization and culture Evans has developed — with the…

February 2026 Lake Charles Mardi Gras Events

LAKE CHARLES, La – From parades and mask-making to all that’s in between, February is full of Lake Charles Mardi Gras events. As we quickly approach the final two weeks leading up to Mardi Gras, we want to make sure…

Ember Orchid Mocktail Recipe

As Lent settles in following the indulgent whirl of Carnival season, Lafayette’s Ember Kitchen + Cocktails has unveiled a new entrant in the city’s fast-rising zero-proof movement. Bar manager, Deanna Scott, leans into that trend with her latest creation, the…

Lafayette Travel President & CEO Receives 2026 Louey Award

LAFAYETTE, La (press release) – The Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) announced Lafayette Travel President & CEO Ben Berthelot as the recipient of the prestigious Marion “Butch” Fox Advocacy Award, as part of the 2026 Louey Awards, at its annual meeting…

One Acadiana Events: Dave & Buster's, Rock 'N' Bowl and More

ACADIANA, La – One Acadiana, the economic development organization serving a nine-parish region in Acadiana, will host three One Acadiana events in February: Chamber Connections, Member Meetup and Legislative Outlook.  One Acadiana strives to host a dynamic program of events…

Opelousas Museum Offers Creative Workshops with Local Artists

OPELOUSAS, La (press release) – The Opelousas Museum will offer workshops in visual, literary and musical arts in February and March. The workshops will use the current exhibit, "Where We Live: Opelousas Neighborhoods," as inspiration, which features the images and…

Lafayette to Host 2026 LHSAA State Golf Championships

LAFAYETTE, La (press release) – The Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission (LCVC) announced that Lafayette will serve as host city for the 2026 Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) State Golf Championships. The LCVC shares that this continues a tradition…

Three New Exhibitions at Historic City Hall in Lake Charles

LAKE CHARLES, La (press release) – Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center will celebrate the opening of three new exhibitions on Friday, Feb. 6, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. The opening reception will include light refreshments and is free…

Leadership Institute of Acadiana Unveils Leadership Lafayette '26

LAFAYETTE, La (press release) – The Leadership Institute of Acadiana announced its Leadership Lafayette cohort for 2026, culminating the 39th year of the program. “Leadership Lafayette continues to serve as a powerful space for leaders to gain perspective and grow…

New Vermilion Voyage: Paddle 50 Miles of Vermilion River

LAFAYETTE, La - Lafayette Travel and the Bayou Vermilion District partnered to host the Vermilion Voyage, a three-day overnight paddle down the Bayou Vermilion, from March 20-22.  The voyage will begin at the Acadiana Park Nature Station and end at…

Acadiana MLK Day Events Celebrated Today

MLK Day, happening every third Monday of January, honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. According to the online Congressional fact sheet, MLK Day was established  "to be a time for Americans to reflect on the…

Full Guide to Lafayette Parish King Cake

It’s Carnival season, which means it’s time to eat king cake for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Whether your seasonal goal is to share your favorite with coworkers, bring the best to friends or explore a new bakery each week, we’ve…

Walmart Will Invest $330M in Acadiana Distribution Center

OPELOUSAS, La (press release) – Louisiana Economic Development announced that Walmart plans to invest more than $330 million to modernize its regional distribution center in Opelousas. The company is expected to retain its workforce and transition roles toward higher-skilled positions…

Free Events for George Rodrigue Exhibit in Lake Charles

LAKE CHARLES, La – The Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center announced a series of free, public events celebrating the opening weekend of "Rodrigue: A Louisiana Cowboy," a major exhibition honoring the life, legacy and Louisiana roots of iconic…

New One Acadiana Executive Committee Leaders Appointed

LAFAYETTE, La (press release) – One Acadiana announced three new appointments to its executive committee for a one-year term in 2026, made by Immediate Past Chairman Al Patin, CEO of Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center. “Each of these three business…

JPA Brings Musical Comedy to Lafon Performing Arts Center

LULING, La (press release) – Jefferson Performing Arts (JPA) presents “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” one of the longest-running Off-Broadway musicals in history, at the Lafon Performing Arts Center. As part of Lafon’s Community Series, JPA will present…

Upcoming Events at the Acadiana Center for the Arts

ACADIANA, La – The Acadiana Center for the Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering art and culture throughout Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary and Vermilion Parishes. The Acadiana Center for the Arts, located…

Your Guide to Local Coffee Shops in Lake Charles

A delicious cup of coffee you can't get at home, a locally-made pastry, the barista who has your order memorized, the quirky decor – these are the things that make local coffee shops so special. The list of local coffee…

Free Alzheimer’s Caregiver Conference in Lafayette

LAFAYETTE, La (press release) — The Alzheimer’s Association Louisiana Chapter announced that its free Caregiver Conference, originally scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 7, is rescheduled to Wednesday, March 18. The Caregiver Conference will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the…

Friday Night Live Music in Lafayette Parish

LAFAYETTE PARISH, La – With the holiday season behind us, many may be looking for a little fun to liven up their weekend. Friday night live music in Lafayette Parish is the perfect addition to any itinerary, and Lafayette Travel…

Select Local Businesses Named One Acadiana Ambassadors

Lafayette, La (press release) – One Acadiana (1A) announced its 2026 ambassadors, comprised of 62 business and community leaders. Serving as advocates for Acadiana’s economic growth, the Ambassador Program is One Acadiana’s most hands-on way to get involved with the…

Special George Rodrigue Exhibit Will Open in Lake Charles

Lake Charles, La (press release) – Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center in Lake Charles will open a special exhibition celebrating one of Louisiana’s most iconic artists, George Rodrigue.  The exhibit, “Rodrigue: A Louisiana Cowboy,” explores Rodrigue’s deep connection…

Advertise - Healthy Living

There is a lot to know when it comes to living healthy. Showcase your wellness clinic, spa, studio, and/or an programs you offer for healthy living in the February/March issue. The Health Issue Acadiana Profile Magazine is the premiere cultural…

Advertise - Women Who Lead

  Coming in the April/May issue of Acadiana Profile Magazine Women Who Lead is a special promotional section celebrating women. Acadiana Profile magazine will spotlight women who possess entrepreneurial spirit, professionalism and devotion to our local community. Deadline March 6…

Advertise - Top Lawyers

In the April/May issue of Acadiana Profile magazine, we will publish the Top Lawyers listing.The list will be produced from a peer review survey conducted for Acadiana Profile by an Independent firm, Professional Research Services based in Detroit. The Top…

New Opelousas Museum Exhibit Showcases the Life of the Local

OPELOUSAS, La (press release) – The Opelousas Museum will open the "Where We Live: Opelousas Neighborhoods" exhibit on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, from 1 - 3 p.m. The exhibit showcases photographs contributed by residents of Opelousas, featuring everyday scenes, historic…

Acadiana New Year's Eve Events

ACADIANA, La –  Christmas Day planning, decorating, cooking and gift-wrapping is now over. After all of the hard work, it's time to celebrate 2025 and ring in a new year with Acadiana New Year's Eve Events near you. See the…

All Acadiana Christmas Events to End December

ACADIANA, La – Christmas Eve is here. It's time for food and family gatherings. But, if you're still looking to celebrate the season with Acadiana Christmas events you may have missed earlier, see the full list around the region below.…

Entergy Awards Lake Charles Annual $10k for Community Events

Lake Charles, La (press release) — The City of Lake Charles announced that Entergy awarded a $10,000 annual sponsorship to support three of the city’s signature community events: Downtown at Sundown Red, White, Blue & You Light Up the Lake…

USDA Gives UL Lafayette $200k for Rural Economic Development

LAFAYETTE, La (press release) — The United States Department of Agriculture selected the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's Rural Economic Development Innovation (REDI) Initiative as the recipient of a $200,000 grant. The USDA’s Rural Development Grant will bring the REDI…

"What the Constitution Means to Me" Comes to Lafayette

LAFAYETTE, La (press release) – "What the Constitution Means to Me," a play that explores how the U.S. Constitution affects our lives, will be on stage at the Theater at Baranco in Lafayette for one show only. Organizers share that…

2025 Regional Highlights for One Acadiana

LAFAYETTE, La (press release) – On Wednesday, Dec. 3, One Acadiana (1A) hosted its 2025 Regional Celebration, honoring the organization’s tenth anniversary and celebrating major milestones.  “Acadiana’s success over the past ten years has demonstrated that a united, regional approach drives…

New Screening Series Will Host “Ratified” Film Director

LAFAYETTE, LA (press release) – LoudMouth Entertainment, a subsidiary of LoudMouth Marketing, announced the debut of its documentary screening series. The series, which starts Jan. 16, will feature the highly acclaimed Independent Lens…

Lafayette Holiday Events to End the Season

LAFAYETTE, La  – With less than 10 days until Christmas and just over two weeks until the new year, don't miss out on your last chances in 2025 to celebrate the holidays in Lafayette. See all of the Lafayette holiday…

Holiday Snacks to Wow Your Guests

The holiday season is ramping up. This is a time for joy, celebration, giving, friends, family – but, mostly, it's time for snacking. Whether it’s bonding with Grandpa over which pre-dinner dish on the table is the best, or using…

5 Acadiana Holiday Drinks from Local Favorites

Your curated Acadiana Holiday Drinks list from local favorite spots is here! Holiday parties are in full swing as 2025 comes to a close. The pressure is on. Will you meet the expectations that last year's host set at the…

Shop Acadiana: 1A's Directory of 700+ Local Businesses

ACADIANA, La – Shop Acadiana with One Acadiana's local online business directory. One Acadiana (1A), the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, encourages shopping small and locally this holiday season. 1A shares that local businesses are the heart of Acadiana. To…