Have Some Summer Fun in Lafayette
Lafayette, Louisiana, offers entertaining and exciting activities throughout the year, but it’s especially enjoyable during summer. Whether you live in the area or you’re just visiting, if you’re searching for some fun things to enjoy this summer, be sure to check out a few of these top options.
LARC’s Acadian Village
LARC’s Acadian Village is an open-air museum that showcases what Acadian life was like in southwest Louisiana during the 19th century. If you’re looking for something the entire family will enjoy, stop by the park to take a tour of the village. Some of the buildings you’ll see include a replica blacksmith shop and Doctor Salles’ House, which belonged to the first dentist in the area. The park also has special events happening during the summer. The Pop Up Summer Camp is open to children between the ages of 7 and 9 and offers educational science activities.
Read the rest of this entry »5 Extraordinary Features of the 2019 Cadillac CTS
The 2019 Cadillac CTS is a stunning sedan that offers incredible good looks and outstanding features throughout. If you’re interested in a vehicle that provides a remarkable driving experience and some of the best luxuries available, take a look at everything the 2019 CTS has to offer.
1. Sophisticated Exterior
The outside of the 2019 Cadillac CTS offers clean and sculpted lines that help create some head-turning good looks. To add to the vehicle’s style, the CTS comes standard with 17-inch painted alloy wheels, heated and power-adjustable side mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators, and LED daytime running lights. Both you and your passengers will appreciate the available UltraView power sunroof, which spans the front and rear seats. Other outstanding features available on the CTS include rain-sensing windshield wipers, IntelliBeam automatic headlights, and auto-dimming side mirrors.
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The 2019 Cadillac ATS-V is a nimble coupe that is just as comfortable racing down the track as it is being a daily commuter. The vehicle screams of luxury, both inside and out and has a powerful engine that goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 3.8 seconds. With a powerful engine, high-tech equipment, and luxurious appointments, the ATS-V is a ride that makes any drive even better.
Power and Performance
The 2019 Cadillac ATS-V is a two-door coupe that has sleek lines and an aerodynamic design that give it a classy, yet aggressive style. A front scoop and black grille add sporty design elements that complete the look.
The 2019 Cadillac ATS-V has a 2.6-liter twin turbo V-6 engine under the hood that is paired to a six-speed manual transmission. Also available is an eight-speed automatic transmission with magnesium paddle shifters. The engine cranks out an impressive 464 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. The engine has a number of tech features that make for a smooth and comfortable ride, including active rev matching, no-lift shift, launch control, magnetic ride control, electronic limited-slip differential, a ZF Premium steering system, and a carbon-five aero performance package. A performance traction management system helps the ATS-V handle sharp corners with ease.
The ATS-V rides on v-forged 18-inch premium painted alloy wheels as standard equipment. If you prefer, 18-inch polished face forged alloy wheels or 18-inch After Midnight dark finish forged alloy wheels are available as well. Front and rear Brembo performance brakes make sure you stop when and where you want. Driver selectable modes allow you to choose the best mode for the driving conditions.
Luxurious Interior
The seating inside the Cadillac ATS-V was handcrafted cut-and-sewn and the driver and front-passenger seats are heated and 12-way power adjustable. RECARO performance seating and a suede microfiber steering wheel and shifter are optional. Treat passengers to amazing views of the stars with the UltraView power sunroof, which is also optional on the ATS-V.
Read the rest of this entry »3 Amazing Local Things to Do Around Lafayette
Lafayette, Louisiana, is known as the heart of the state’s Cajun and Creole Country. With delicious food, a rich history, and a thriving cultural scene, the city is ripe with amazing sights both indoors and outdoors. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or live in Lafayette, be sure to check out these amazing spots the city has to offer for a day of fun.
1. Step Back in Time
Get a true sense of Lafayette’s history by visiting Vermilionville, a Cajun and Creole living history museum. The museum features period buildings, including seven original buildings that were moved to the site and restored. Explore the flora and fauna exhibits and watch demonstrations concerning the state’s weather. Take a self-guided tour of the grounds and soak up the knowledge from local historians located throughout the buildings.
At Larc’s Acadian Village, you’ll find 11 structures from the early 1800s, such as Doctor Salles’ House, the Billeaud House, and a Blacksmith Shop. Step inside the Doctor’s Museum to see a collection of medical and dental instruments, period furnishings, and medical books dated from the late 19th century. Guided tours are available.
Read the rest of this entry »All About the Upcoming 2020 Cadillac CT5
The 2020 Cadillac CT5 is a new mid-size luxury sedan coming from Cadillac and replaces the CTS and ATS. The luxury mid-size sedan will be available in three trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. Combining power, performance, high tech, and plenty of luxury, the CT5 is a piece of art that you will enjoy driving or even just eyeing. The 2020 Cadillac CT5 is truly a treat for the senses.
Plenty of Power
The 2020 CT5 is powered by either a high-tech 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6. Both engines are paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0-liter engine gets 237 horsepower, while the 3.0-liter engine cranks out 335 horsepower.
The Sport trim level includes Brembo performance front brakes. The CT5 will feature a futuristic option for those wishing to kick it to the next level – Super Cruise. This Level 2 autonomous driving feature will steer, brake, and accelerate your vehicle without driver input.
Aggressive Exterior
The CT5 has an aggressive style and artistic appearance with a low and wide performance stance, fastback profile, and deep creases that run up the hood. All three models come standard with LED headlights and tail lamps. Opt for the Sport trim level and you’ll get sport grilles, fascias, rockers, and spoiler. Memory outside mirrors and auto-dimming mirrors are found on the Premium Luxury model.
Read the rest of this entry »3 Fun Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors in Lafayette
1. Paddling and Bird Watching
Surround yourself with nature at the Cypress Island Nature Preserve at Lake Martin. The lake features a swampy ecosystem that supports colonial nesting water birds, alligators, nutria, turtles, frogs, snakes, lizards, and native flora and fauna.
Lake Martin is an excellent spot for bird watching as it’s one of the state’s largest nesting colonies for a number of species. Be on the lookout for great blue heron, anhinga, snowy egret, black-crowned night heron, and more. The lake is also home to a large nesting population of alligators. You can typically spot the alligators from Rookery Road, which runs along the lake’s shoreline.
Bring your kayak and paddle around the lake to catch a glimpse of the animals that call the lake home. If you prefer to stay on dry land, take a stroll around the lake or head to the visitor’s center to check out the boardwalk that is over the swamp.
2. Watch the Wildlife
Made of 860,000 acres of swamp, water prairies, and lakes, the Atchafalaya Basin is the largest river-basin swamp. The basin cuts a 15-mile-wide path across the state and is teeming with wildlife, making it the perfect spot for a day in a natural ‘zoo’. It is home to more than 300 species of birds. During the winter, you’ll find the country’s largest wintering population of American woodcock, along with wintering ducks and coots. The Floodway is home to more than 50,000 ibises, egrets, and herons, as well as the largest nesting concentration of bald eagles in the south central portion of the United States.
The basin isn’t just home to birds, as more than 90 species of crawfish, fish, shrimp, and crabs can be found in the waters as well. Additionally, you’ll find the American alligator and 65 species of amphibians and reptiles.
3. Hiking and Boating
Pack a picnic and go for a hike at Lake Fausse Point State Park in St. Martinville, about 16 miles southeast of Lafayette. The park it situated on 6,0000 acres that were once part of the Atchafalaya Basin and is surrounded by land that was once the home of the Chitimacha Indians. Bring your boat and launch it from one of the ramps to explore the waterways and pitch your tent for a night under the stars. The park also features a nature center with fun and entertaining programs and activities that teach the family about the environment. Take a hike down one of three hiking trails to get a close-up view of the wildlife and fauna. Tours are offered of nearby historic sites, such as Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site.
Head outside to explore the natural beauty of Lafayette and the surrounding area. With so much to do, the hardest part will be trying to decide what to enjoy first.
Image via Bettina Arrigoni via Flickr used under CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original
5 Reasons to Buy the New 2019 Cadillac ATS
The 2019 Cadillac ATS is an impressive display of performance and luxury that showcases what American car companies will do in order to compete with their European and Asian counterparts. Check out some of these key features that make the ATS one of the best cars in its class.
1. Packs a Punch
Under the hood, the 2019 Cadillac ATS has two engine options that are both built for quick acceleration and high top speed. The base trim comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that puts out 272 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The upper two trims come with a 3.6-liter V-6 that generates 335 horsepower and 285 pound-feet of torque. Both engine options can utilize either an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.
2. A Smooth Ride
All trim levels of the ATS are available with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The suspension features Magnetic Ride Control Technology that is able to adapt and adjust to road conditions in real time by using a magnetorheological fluid located in the monotube dampers located beneath the springs. The result is an incredibly smooth ride even over rough or bumpy terrain. The ATS has four-wheel disc brakes with ABS technology and optional high-performance rotors and calipers.
Read the rest of this entry »Best Indoor Places for Kids Near Lafayette, LA
As the fourth-largest city in Louisiana, Lafayette is about two hours west of New Orleans and features a mix of French, Indian, Spanish, and American Influences. Known as the capital of Cajun country, Lafayette is a great spot to bring your family to experience delicious food, historical sites, and excellent weather. If you’re in the area and the weather isn’t cooperating and you’re hoping to let your kids burn off some energy, you have plenty of options. Keep reading to find out more about the best indoor play places for kids near Lafayette.
Children’s Museum of Acadiana
Found on East Congress Street, the Children’s Museum of Acadiana is a hands-on museum that serves children, schools, and community organizations. Opened in 1990, the museum has exhibits for children age 2 through 12 with certain areas geared just for preschoolers. Wee Acres lets children role play and play games, while the Bubble Factory and Cafe des Enfants let kids be servers and pretend to cook for customers.
Jump!Zone
Jump!Zone, located on Ambassador Caffery Parkway, offers a variety of special events and open play times. The indoor play center encourages children under the age of 12 to play and jump. The location has eight themed giant inflatables for sliding, bounding, and climbing while younger children can enjoy a bounce house and chutes. This lets all children have a chance to play safely. They can also go through an obstacle course and use an air hockey table. Check the location’s calendar since it features special events and discounts on certain days. Remember that all jumpers must wear socks.
Lafayette Science Museum and Planetarium
Offering interactive learning that focuses on science, technology, natural history, and math, the family-friendly Lafayette Science Museum and Planetarium is located on Jefferson Street in the heart of downtown. Another hands-on museum, this museum features a variety of exhibits and installations geared toward just about any age. It also has a special activity area for toddlers. The Interactive exhibit lets you use touch screens to learn about plasma, while the virtual aquarium encourages you to tap on the glass as the animated fish react to vibrations.
The Learning Train
The Learning Train, found on Verot School Road, features a children’s play program that includes either parent and child classes or drop-off enrichment classes. These sessions allow children to develop physically, emotionally, and socially. The activities help children to improve their coordination while encouraging them to work in a group setting. Sessions are divided by age groups so that children can get the most out of the experience. During these interactive sessions, children can sing and dance as well as play instruments.
While in Lafayette, you won’t have to worry about inclement weather throwing off your outdoor plans. Instead, load the kids up and take them to one of these indoor spots. Whether you want to take them to a museum and engage in some pretend play, have them jump all their energy out of their system, or sing and dance along with other children, Lafayette has you covered.
Image via Flickr by Infrogmation of New Orleans used under CC BY 2.0
The Cadillac CTS-V is a high-performance sedan built to outmatch the fastest and most advanced competitors on the market. Read on to see some of the features of the CTS-V and learn what all the hype is about.
Supercharged Engine
The Cadillac CTS-V might be categorized a sedan but it features a supercharged engine that makes it both track-ready and exciting, even on your daily commute. Powered with a 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine, you can enjoy an adrenaline-producing 640 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with sporty paddle shifters, you are in for the ride of your life. This Cadillac CTS-V offers a 0-60 mph in just 3.7-seconds. You will also want to find your way to the nearest track to show off a top track speed of 200 mph.
Incredible Performance
The exceptional power capabilities are not the only thing that makes the Cadillac CTS-V an exceptional choice. Cadillac has earned a reputation as one of the most comfortable and luxurious brands on the road and the CTS-V is no exception. Despite its power, you will enjoy a refined and comfortable drive. The Brembo high-performance brakes are designed with a lightweight steel material meaning you can easily come to a stop, even from full speed.
Read the rest of this entry »5 Incredible Hiking Places Near Lafayette, LA
Lafayette, Louisiana, is surrounded by beautiful forests and countryside that offers some amazing opportunities to get out on the trails. Check out these five hiking spots near Lafayette and plan your next outdoor adventure.
Lake Fausse Pointe State Park
Located about 40 minutes east of Lafayette, Lake Fausse Pointe State Park offers over 6,000 acres of woodlands with three hiking trails and one canoe trail. The park was formerly home to the Chitimacha Indians who inhabited the land until the mid-1700s when French and Arcadian settlers started moving in. The park is open year-round and costs three dollars per person to enter.
Chicot State Park
Found about an hour north of Lafayette, Chicot State Park has over 6,400 acres of land that includes multiple trails, a beautiful lake with boat access, fishing pier, primitive campgrounds, and a few lodges. While there are a number of trails throughout the park, one, in particular, is worth checking out. It completely encircles Lake Chicot and offers some of the best scenery in the entire place. Chicot State Park is open to visitors from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and costs three dollars per person to enter. Extra fees apply for camping.
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