Acadiana Profile - August-September 2025

Editor's Note: Staying Cool

While August and September may be the start of fall in some places, here in Louisiana, we’re still dealing with summer temps. It’s pretty hot here until maybe late October, so during these months, I still wear shorts and flip…

Pools, Patios and Outdoor Spaces Around Acadiana

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…

Where to Live Next in Acadiana

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…

Ruffino’s on the River's The Back Porch Cocktail Recipe

As summer wanes and September ushers in the peak of hurricane season, Ruffino’s Back Porch cocktail provides a perfect counterpoint to the lingering heat. Bright, zesty notes offer a crisp, refreshing first sip. The bracing libation includes a hibiscus ice…

Where to Eat, Stay and Shop in Washington, Louisiana

It’s hard to imagine steamboats docked along Bayou Courtableau, bustling activity moving cotton, cattle, sugar and molasses into the town of Washington. Today, the sleepy St. Landry Parish town dating to 1720 French settlement boasts of historic homes and businesses…

How 531 Liberty's Owner Traded Spreadsheets for Sauté Pans

One fateful night over a decade ago, after being called out yet again for work, Houma native and then- chemical engineer David Sonnier was feeling overworked and stressed. “My wife, [Tiffany] says, ‘Quit your job, go to culinary school’,” says…

Lafayette's Hawaii Grill Delivers on Flavor

Forty-three-year-old Sky Huang is sharing a few things in Lafayette that make diners at the Hawaii Grill happy and coming back for more. The eatery's owner cannot help himself. He has to share the most comforting smile along with a…

Fall Foodie Favorites Around Acadiana

Lake Charles The third annual Louisiana Food and Wine Festival (September 18-21) brings foodies, oenophiles and cocktail enthusiasts to Lake Charles for a chance to hobnob with celebrity chefs and pitmasters, winemakers and distillers at a variety of revered tasting…

Krystal Jones

A top producer for Keller Williams Real Estate, Krystal Jones will soon be showcased nationally on The American Dream TV show, a program that highlights real estate professionals across the country as they work and grow within their local markets.…

Meet The Builder: Missy Manuel

Manuel Builders has been building homes for over 65 years, earning a reputation for both quality craftsmanship and a strong, people-first culture. Rooted in the values of community, excellence, and integrity, the company takes pride in delivering a positive homebuilding…