Summers in Acadiana are brutal, but fun in the sun is a must. This quandary leaves sunseekers in search of resort-like pools and outdoor spaces that ensure time in nature year-round. Enter the pools, patios, pavilions and pro-level outdoor kitchens…
One of life’s significant, yet fun, challenges is deciding what city and neighborhood to live. The region offers many places to build and grow, depending on where a person or family is in their life path. Here are three areas…
Some people may think they just don’t have a “green thumb” when it comes plants, but the origins of the phrase tells us something different. One theory says “green thumb” came out of the reign of King Edward I in…
In the summer of 1960, John Kennedy Toole lived in a small apartment on the corner of Convent and Lafayette streets in Lafayette. His friend and fellow writer Joel L. Fletcher remembers him describing it in Conradian metaphor as “a…
While Acadiana is a destination that beckons any time of year, the summer is an especially great time to enjoy all that Cajun Country has to offer. In addition to authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine (and an all around stellar…
In Acadiana, we have an abundance of fresh ingredients available year-round. If you use fresh fruits or vegetables, consider adding a few ice cubes to keep your smoothie cold. If the produce you desire isn’t in season, you can always…
In the movie world, the term “summer blockbuster” means a successful feature film with a big budget and promise of an escape from the summer heat. Most of these movies are made on a Los Angeles set or filmed in…
The prairie town of Eunice bursts with Cajun and Creole music history and a good day to visit is Saturday when several museums dedicated to music are open and it’s almost a given live music will be playing somewhere. They…
It’s way past happy hour and the blistering sun is melting into twilight. You’re by the pool or on the porch, craving a sweet, ice-cold cocktail and some fresh seafood. Consider the Coastal Berry Crush, a fruity summertime sipper from…
Tiffany Lowery The Nature's Clay, Moss Bluff As a freshman working toward a journalism degree at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Tiffany Lowery was talked into taking an elective pottery class. “I was against it,” says Lowery, a Moss…
At Butte La Rose, the Atchafalaya River makes a sharp turn east-northeast in yet another bid to lure the Mississippi into its path. The river here runs black. It’s slender, smooth as paper. On a warm morning in late December,…
There’s nothing like checking into a resort with girlfriends, kicking back and letting loose. Lake Charles casinos L’Auberge and Golden Nugget offer everything friends would want for an enjoyable getaway — and you never have to leave the property! Both…
Let’s face it, we are hardwired to want to eat more in winter. Although early humans might have needed to put on weight in the winter, when food was harder to come by and to stave off the cold, we…
The word “wellness” often gets a bad rap. We lump it into the ever-growing pile of unscientific woo-woo with jade eggs (for the unfamiliar, Google this along with actress and lifestyle guru Gwyneth Paltrow’s name) or sleeping with onions on…
With more consumers gravitating towards healthier beverage options, Acadiana imbibers are…
It appears that the holidays are upon us, and I have done little to nothing in preparation. I checked the pantry and freezer and the stash of liquor in the bar cabinet. Not too bad. While it was rather late…
While the Louisiana winter is a sometimes pleasant, sometimes harsh reminder that we are indeed a part of the North American continent, and while, culturally, we do share many historical connections with our French cousins far to the north, as…
Now that we’re rolling into the holidays, it’s time to think gift-giving, but how about saving the earth at the same time? Antiquing, thrifting and perusing consignment shops are the ultimate recycling, not to mention finding that elusive item your…
Acadians are bursting with creativity, whether it’s coming from our indigenous culture or from visiting visual and performing artists. Literally every corner of our region offers special cultural experiences. Whatever your passion desires when it comes to the arts, Acadiana…
When you walk into Super Taters and More, the pictures of dishes prepared in the eatery are displayed on the right side wall. The custom-stuffed potato selection is on the far-left side, and hot sandwiches are featured in the middle.…
Any realtor or home designer will say that time and money used for upgrading a kitchen is well spent, but what if there’s not much money or it’s spent on the wrong things? Kitchens not only impact your home’s resale…
YOUNGVILLE’S SUGAR MILL POND Best community for families The City of Youngsville is the rock star of family communities; it’s growing at a record pace and was recently named one of the Best Places to Live in America by 24/7…
In the days leading up to a rapidly intensifying hurricane, we anxiously await the updates, wondering if it’ll be the next Big One. Should we ride it out or hit the road before it’s too late? When there’s no time…
My mother was known for “putting up” okra, maque choux, figs, pears and pickled anything, but her favorite was mirlitons (she called them "mellie-tons”). Around this time of year, she headed out in search of these for her final “putting…