Editor’s Note

Art Director Sarah George and her daughter Ella take in the Prehistoric Park during the cover shot.

Even as a list-making aficionado, there’s no good reason for it, but I dislike the phrase “bucket list.” Not because I have a problem with allusions to mortality. It’s just a personal preference, I suppose. A phrase I love is “to-do list.” While for many people that phrase conjures an endless catalog of (probably arduous) tasks, for me it can mean that or lists of fun things to do, such as travel destinations to visit, restaurants to try or ice cream flavors to get the next time I go for a scoop. These are the kinds of lists I’m consistently working on and don’t need the idea of my eventual demise to keep me on track.

Now that you know how much I love lists, you probably understand why I get such a kick out of offerings like our “25 Things to Do This Summer” feature for this issue. Last year we did a similar article and I still refer to it when the hubby and I are looking for a new activity to try. The angle this year was to focus on things that every Acadianian absolutely must do. While I can boast an awful lot on the list, there are quite a few I still haven’t checked off my personal list. For example, I am ashamed to admit I haven’t yet gone to Avery Island, toured a crawfish farm or visited the Chauvin Sculpture Garden. I know, it’s unforgivable. Thankfully, I have all summer long to get these excursions under my belt once and for all and, so do you! I know we can do it if we set our minds to it.

Speaking of to-do lists, have you been to see your dentist yet this year? If not, we have a great reminder for you in the way of a new feature we’ve added to our annual lineup, Top Dentists. In addition to the list of the best-of-the-best dental pros in the region, we have a feature about the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedures in Acadiana. It may come as no surprise that one of them is dental veneers. Learn more about all of the above in this issue and then go check “make dentist appointment” off of your to-do list. After you make the appointment, of course. No cheating.

The magazine includes regular favorites, too, so if you really just want to read about homes, art, food and French culture, dive on in and get that off your to-do list.

More than anything we just want you to have a fun and fabulous summer. There is always a lot to celebrate during a hot Acadiana summer and these days probably more than usual. Get out there and have a great time. Say hi if you see me at Avery Island. We can chat about what’s on your fun things to do list.

Cheers!

Melanie Warner Spencer
Managing Editor
Melanie@AcadianaProfile.com

Awards
International and Regional Magazine Association

2021
Gold Art Direction of a Single Story
Silver Covid Related Story
Silver Food Feature
Bronze Overall Art Direction
2020
Gold Overall Art Direction
Silver Art and Culture Feature
Silver Recreation Feature
Bronze Food Feature
Bronze Profiles
Bronze Art Direction of a Single Story
2019
Winner Magazine of the Year
Gold Overall Art Direction
Gold Art Direction Single Story
Gold Photo Series
Silver Photographer of the Year
2018
Gold Overall Art Direction
Gold Magazine Photographer
Gold Art Direction of a Single Story
Gold Food Feature
Gold Department
Silver Magazine Writer of the Year
Silver Hed & Dek
Silver Photo Series
2017
Gold Overall Art Direction
Gold Magazine Photographer of the Year
Gold Art Direction of a Single Story
Gold Food Feature
Silver Cover
2016
Gold Overall Art Direction
Gold Magazine Photographer of the Year
Gold Art Direction of a Single Story
Silver Photo Series