If you live in Lafayette, you’re in luck. The city has earned the nickname “Hub City”, due to a multitude of interesting destinations worth exploring no matter which direction you choose. So gas up the car, pack the camera and plenty of snacks, and check out our picks for great weekend road trips.
1. Abbeville
Have you ever wanted to see giant cans of corn syrup? Then you need to drive 21 miles out of town and visit Steen’s Syrup in Abbeville. Snap a photo and then head inside and purchase your own miniature bottle to take home as a souvenir. The Steen Mill has been in operation since 1930, but it isn’t the only historic building in town.
Stroll historic Main Street and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. Or join a walking tour and see highlights like Gordy House, Lyon House, and the Richard Cattle Auction Barn. The town also hosts many unique festivals throughout the year such as the Giant Omelette Celebration in November.
Exterior (Overall Design)
The overall exterior designs are similar, and both of these vehicles have roof rails, power sunroof, illuminating door handles, front LED cornering lamps, and more. They both feature the iconic Cadillac grille with a sweeping yet aggressive design that signals class and power at the same time.
There are a few differences to note, and these are mainly to do with the bigger size of the ESV. The ESV is actually 10 mm shorter than the Escalade’s 1,890 mm height, but the Escalade has a smaller wheelbase of 2,946 mm to the ESV’s 3,302. Both also offer key security features once you’re out of the vehicle, to keep it safe. They both come with wheel-locks, for example, and an engine immobilizer you can control remotely as needed.
5 Popular Holiday Shopping Spots Near Lafayette, LA
You better watch out, you better not cry. But you better get shopping, because the holiday season is right around the corner. We know what it’s like to need some last-minute presents. Below you’ll find some of our picks for the best places to check off your list this season, all without leaving the Lafayette area.
1. Caroline & Company
Want to shop at a locally-owned business for your gifts? Stop in and visit Caroline & Company. They have a great selection of all sorts of gifts, from home décor items to trendy accessories and fragrances. They also have some unique toys for the kids that you aren’t likely to find anywhere else. Their personalized gifts custom-made with a name sewn onto them will offer a nice touch to any gift as well.
2. The Rajin’ Cajuns Store
Need to check off your list with gifts for fans of college sports? Stop here for all of your Cajuns-branded gear, from hoodies and t-shirts to authentic game-day cowboy boots. Whether you need men’s, women’s, or kid’s apparel, you can find the perfect present for anyone who wants to rep their love for the University of Louisiana.
Experience True Luxury in the 2020 Cadillac XT6
There is no experience more luxurious than cruising down the highway in the 2020 Cadillac XT6. Here’s why this mid-size SUV is a great choice for those who love a little pampering.
Basics About the 2020 Cadillac XT6
Cadillac first released this luxury mid-size SUV in 2019 for the 2020 model year. This SUV is built to provide its driver and passengers with a first-class experience that maximizes luxury and comfort.
Pricing
There are two luxurious trim options for the 2020 XT6. The first is the Premium Luxury. It comes with a signature interior design, a unique exterior style with Galvano finishes, and all-exclusive 20-inch 6-Split Spoke alloy wheels with a Polished/ Android finish. The 2020 XT6 Premium Luxury has a starting MSRP of $52,695.
The other trim option is great for those who want a luxurious car with the ultimate athletic performance. It’s the 2020 XT6 Sport. This model’s exterior has its own unique design, including high gloss black appointments. Its wheels are Sport 20-inch 12-Stoke alloy with a Pearl Nickel finish. The interior is styled with athletic accents, and it has the powerful Twin-Clutch Sport Control AWD. The XT6 Sport starts at $57,095.
Luxurious Features
Advanced Technology at Your Fingertips
Your 2020 XT6’s information center is as modern as ever. That means you get access to the Cadillac User Experience. This intelligent system just requires you to connect your smartphone via Bluetooth or USB and you can access your important apps through your XT6’s center display.
For a simple, hassle-free charging experience, just place your compatible device on the 2020 XT6’s standard wireless charging pad. Now you can ditch the cables when you head to your car.
Top 5 Places to Enjoy Pizza in Lafayette, LA
When you’re trying to decide what’s for dinner, why not consider going out for a pizza? There are many fabulous Italian restaurants in Lafayette, LA, that serve up some of the best-tasting pies you’ve ever had, all fresh out of the oven and ready for you to devour. Whether you’re in the mood for something chic and intimate or quick and casual, you won’t be disappointed in these five enjoyable eateries.
1. Deano’s
Deano’s is the best Italian restaurant for delicious food and family fun. Forget about cooking dinner and go here to enjoy a satisfying menu of authentic Italian dishes, including specialty pies. Enjoy a custom slice or your very own personal pie. Deano’s is famous for having toppings that most restaurants don’t offer, such as pepper jelly and candied jalapenos. Plus, with an entire menu of different specialty pies, you will certainly not go hungry here!
If you own an exceptional Cadillac vehicle, servicing it should be a priority. Your service requirements should measure up to the car’s impeccable standards. Dealerships offer routine maintenance as well as major repairs. Having your Cadillac serviced at an exceptional dealership is the best move as your vehicle is diagnosed and fixed by highly trained technicians with meticulous skills. Here are some essential services you’ll find at your local Cadillac dealership.
1. Oil Change
Your Cadillac must undergo maintenance, which includes an oil change. Oil changes ensure your car runs properly. Over time, dirt builds up in your car’s engine, thus keeping it from running efficiently. Apart from keeping your engine clean, regular oil changes give the engine a longer life, thus adding to your Cadillac longevity. Changing your car’s oil also helps protect other engine parts and gives you the advantage of better gas mileage.
8 Reasons to Love Living in Lafayette, LA
With a population of 120,000, Lafayette, LA is big enough to offer all of the advantages of a city while still retaining the charm of an engaged community. The Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch named it “America’s Happiest City” for several good reasons, and southern hospitality is just the beginning.
1. Cost of Living
The cost of living in Lafayette is about 4% lower than the average for the rest of the country. That includes housing, health care, utilities, groceries, transportation, goods, and services.
2. Weather
The city’s climate is extremely mild year-round, with temperatures rarely falling below freezing, which makes it perfect for all types of outdoor activities. The community enjoys boating, fishing, camping, golf, hiking and biking. In fact, cycling is often used as a favorite method of transportation in the central parts of the city. This is due not only to the flat terrain, but also the increase in cycling safety awareness, as well as the number of bike paths and lanes.
The new 2020 Cadillac XT4 captures Cadillac’s vision of a small and athletic vehicle. It provides a superb driving experience enhanced by the modern, spacious interior and an impressive technology interface.
1. Solid Performance
Drivers enjoy a silky smooth powertrain that provides excellent linear power delivery with this Cadillac. A nine-speed automatic transmission combines with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four-cylinder engine, featuring auto stop/start, active fuel management, and direct injection.
The engine produces 258 pound-feet torque and 237 horsepower, sufficient for a confident performance. Front-wheel drive is standard and an all-wheel-drive option is available.
Located a few blocks away from downtown Lafayette, the Vermilionville Historic Village is one of the most interesting sightseeing places in the area. It is a living history museum in which the Cajun and Creole traditions of southern Louisiana are represented for people who want to learn more about the local historical heritage. Whether you are a resident of Lafayette or are visiting this town for a couple of days, it is worth taking a few hours to tour Vermilionville.
1. Visit the Vermilionville Village Website
While Vermilionville is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, and it is possible to tour the place on your own, participating in one of the site’s programs and events can make your experience even more enjoyable. Vermilionville regularly hosts guided village tours, Cajun jam sessions, concerts, plays, and more.
Something that is worth taking into consideration is the fact that Vermilionville stops receiving visitors at 3 pm, as the administration believes that a regular visit in which all the major attractions are seen would take around one and a half hours. The site is closed on Mondays and most national holidays.
2. Bring Your Student Card With You
The regular price for admission to the Vermilionville Village is $10, but there are discounts that allow students, children, senior citizens, and other individuals to enter the place for a reduced rate. Those carrying a valid student card pay just $6, while senior citizens aged 65 or more pay $8.
The hiking is a gratifying experience. Taking a leisure walk in nature is calming and conveys benefits that exceed what you acquire from everyday exercises. This workout helps to sharpen your mind, improve your creativity, and make for happier relationships. Whether you cherish taking a leisure stroll or are up for a more challenging hike, Louisiana got you covered. Below are some of the most popular parks and trails in and around Lafayette.
1. Acadiana Park Nature Station
If you reside in this southern Louisiana city, you are only a few minutes away from Acadiana Park Nature Station. This 2.9 kilometers lightly trafficked trail is a fantastic place to take a peaceful walk as you relish the wildlife. For the novice hiker, you can stick to the boardwalks that take you through the hardwood forest. There are guided tours with passionate naturalists who will explain the various animals and exotic plants along the way.

