Editor’s Note: Camp Life is the Best Life

For as much as many of us might moan and groan about how hot and humid the summers can get here in Louisiana, we sure end up outside a lot. Not necessarily like folks in other places. We aren’t hiking or hanging out at the beach — because we don’t have much of that here. No, we have gotten much more creative about our outdoor activities. One way is by having a host of really fun festivals throughout the year. The springtime festivals are especially nice since we’ve just come out of holiday and Mardi Gras madness. The weather generally becomes more temperate, and we are itching to get outside and do something.

For many people, the festival circuit can keep their social calendars full and their days fun. The Festival International de Louisiane in Lafayette is one of the larger spring festivals. Bringing in upward of 300,000 visitors to explore the food, music, crafts and culture on display, this festival has a little bit of everything. If you love crawfish, the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival is a must-do. There are other great festivals peppered throughout the region and April and May are the ideal months to catch them.

As we move into summer, many escape their homes or cities to relax and spend time at a camp. Camp life in Louisiana looks a little different than camps in other places, and in this issue Cheré Coen checks out what camp life is all about. For many people, going to camps during their childhood holds special memories of fishing, waterskiing, riding in boats or sitting out by the fire. My family used to go spend time at our camp in Breaux Bridge, and I can still remember how excited we all were to take off on a Friday afternoon for a weekend of fun. A camp makes you feel like you’re far away when really, you might only be a couple hours’ drive. It’s a whole different world, though, and makes the hot summer months bearable.

So whether you’re hitting some festivals or chilling at a camp this spring and summer, let the good times roll!

Cheers!