As soon as this press trip was in the planning stages, almost everyone started asking me about boobs… “Will you see any? Will you be showing yours?” (Hard no, btw…) Then the bead questions started rolling in as well and what occurred to me is that no one really knows what the hell is going on during Mardi Gras, better known as Fat Tuesday. The French saying refers to events of the Carnival celebration, beginning on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday. There’s also Lundi Gras, the Monday before Fat Tuesday which kicks off that week’s festivities but honestly, these hardcore Southerners throw down all month long… and perhaps the month before and after that, too.
Delving right into Cajun culture was actually on my puddle hopper flight down South via United Airlines connecting through Houston, Texas. This massive airport is almost too much. A brief moment in time connected me and another passenger running for their gate watching service dogs dropping turd bombs on the floor and clueless passengers narrowly avoiding certain shoe stomping and rolling luggage wheels. We pointed it out mid-run to security who joined in on the shit show and hopefully took care of it. By the time we all piled into the tiny, head almost touching the top of the plane, I was ready to sit down and catch my breath. Fortunately for me, I had a nice Southern woman next to me who dubbed herself as the “cool, party aunt” traveling back from Chicago and ready to start her festivities upon landing with Mexican food and margaritas. I instantly liked her and showed her our planned itinerary which she approved of every stop along the way and suggested some more fun stops.
Once we landed, I became fast friends with another blogger on our plane joining the fun, Sharon from DailyDream360.com, a Toronto, Ontario travel and lifestyle blogger. Arriving at the tiny airport in Lafayette, Louisiana, we waited on my forced checked luggage (seriously just include the damn bags, United Airlines… so annoying) and we were on our way to meet our fearless leader Jesse Guidry, VP of communications for Lafayette Travel, who began teaching us about Cajun culture straight away. Almost all the hotels in neighboring New Orleans all the way to two hours west Lafayette were booked up for the party that never stops, but our group was able to stay at the newly constructed Holiday Inn Express in Lafayette West. The rooms were clean, beds were awesome and breakfast every morning made for an enjoyable stay as this was home base for the week (aka crash pad). After we all settled in our rooms and took a load off, we met in the lobby for dinner and at this point I was starving!
Blue Dog Café has served Acadiana since 1999.Through their modern take on Cajun cuisine they honor founder, artist George Rodrigue.Painting of the blue dog are seen throughout the restaurant. Legend has it that the blue dog aka Loup Garou (also known as rougarou) is a French legend of a human who changes into a wolf at his/her own will. The word “loup” is a French word that means wolf and “garou” is an old Frankish word similar to “werewolf”.Going straight into the eye of the storm with a hurricane as the craft cocktails are outstanding at Blue Dog Café with Bayou Spiced and Satsuma rum, pineapple, cranberry and orange juice.Every single time I’m down South, I start with fried oysters for some reason. These were cornmeal crusted with buttermilk cream at Blue Dog Café and perfectly greasy.Cornbread at Blue Dog Café is not what you’re used to cooked in a cast iron with blue corn, it almost tasted like a cake or decadent, buttery dessert.Throwing some seafood wontons in the mix was unexpected, but tasty finger food at Blue Dog Café.When in Cajun country, you have to try the gumbo at Blue Dog Café. The key to keep eating is pick out all the spicy sausage, salmon and seafood and skip the ever-expanding in your belly white rice.No joke, I had a dream during my power nap about pork chops, so naturally had to order the pepper jelly glazed pork on top of cream corn at Blue Dog Café. It was hard to stop eating this dish.Our fearless leader went with a nice BBQ shrimp and grits which was meaty and not as hearty as it seems at Blue Dog Café.A nice palette cleansing aperitif after dinner was the Sandeman Rainwater Madeira at Blue Dog Café.Since we couldn’t decide on one dessert, we ordered them all including this flan-like concoction, fruit cobbler, flourless chocolate cake and bread pudding at Blue Dog Café.But the award winner was these fresh, doughy beignets with cane syrup butter sauce at Blue Dog Café. Executive Chef Ryan Trahan is well known and revered in the Lafayette culinary scene and we can see why.
Right after dinner, it was time to have some fun and dance off some of that delicious Southern food at the Feed & Seed Bar with live music by Horace Trahan & The Ossun Express. Feed & Seed is a non-smoking, rustic warehouse bar with lounge seating, a large wooden dance floor and an outdoor patio area. Horace Trahan is a world renowned Cajun and Zydeco artist, respected for his ability to pull the hell out of an accordion and belt out vocals that will give you chills. Judge for yourself…
The outside of Feed & Seed Lafayette at night.A guest singer jams out and warms up the crowd at Feed & Seed Lafayette.The interior jam packed full of Mardi Gras dancing at Feed & Seed Lafayette.One more guest singer before the main talent takes the stage at Feed & Seed Lafayette.Finally Horace Trahan takes the stage at Feed & Seed Lafayette. We were loving the custom made washboard as well!There’s nothing like a saxophone solo at Feed & Seed Lafayette.Then Horace Trahan does his own solo on his pimped out accordion at Feed & Seed Lafayette.
Feeling fine that night, I woke up around 3 a.m. running straight to the bathroom. I knew the feeling well and assumed it was food poisoning or I had picked up some wicked bug on the plane. That morning was super rough for me with not much rest, but being the Type A+ person I am, I couldn’t miss out on the action. So I rallied that morning with my ghost white face and nibbled on bread and tea because next up was Zydeco Breakfast at Buck & Johnny’s with live music by Chubby Carrier. Mardi Gras doesn’t stop even at 8 a.m. at this place that provides a unique Cajun twist on Italian classics featuring locally sourced ingredients featuring Zydeco Breakfast on Saturday mornings.
The place had a line out the door at 8 a.m. at Buck & Johnny’s.The place has a line out the door at 8 a.m. at Buck & Johnny’s. Fortunately we had prior arrangements to visit!We got to meet the man and legend Chubby Carrier before his set which was good because I was down for the count and needed to rest.
Everyone else’s looked amazing with Bloody Marys and more flowing, but sadly, the sight of food and sounds were too much for my delicate stomach at this point. So out to the van I went and reclined the seat back after my pathetic breakfast of fruit, bread and ginger ale. I drifted off a few times and told everyone to have fun and not worry about me! Soon the gang was back and vivacious, pumped full of good tunes, booze and delicious Southern food and ready for the next adventure.
Welcome to the Atchafalaya Basin Landing & Marina swamp tour! I was super excited even with a stabbing stomach for this experience as I love water and weird creatures.On to the air boat we all climbed and a little too cocky that we didn’t need blankets… which we were kicking ourselves for later!And soon we were off into the water which soon changed quickly.The vivid green swamp water and we wonder what lies beneath.It was an eerie, overcast day that worked perfectly for this swamp tour!Our first gator spotting was a baby to our right just hanging out. We wouldn’t have noticed if it wasn’t for our trusty tour guide Tucker.Then the green cleared and we were left with eerie reflections.An osprey flies around and guards its nest.Under the bridge we go to the next stop only Tucker knows.Tucker calls his swamp puppy, Marie, lovingly in French and hits the water with his oar. He then lures her nearby with some chicken. Do not try this at home kids, this man is well trained and used to swim with the gators until one whacked him upside his head and now his neck is forever jacked up and he has constant physical therapy.He then pets her snout and Marie seems just like a large lizard… until you see her teeth. Check out the video on ExplorewithCassie’s Instagram feed for the alligator in action.This is Marie right next to the boat, eyeing me up. It was exciting and scary at the same time as I was closest to her minus Tucker!Marie then just chilled next to the boat until we moved along. This print is now hanging in my kitchen because she was so awesome (and my middle name happens to be Marie as well).
Part of the fun of the swamp tour was also listening to Tucker’s stories that were straight out of Crocodile Dundee. Whether you’re interested in photography or a wildlife adventure, your visit would not be complete without an exciting airboat swamp tours and a stop at Turtle’s Bar.
At this point my stomach was starting to grumble with hunger which was a good sign but needed to be cautious so I bought some peanuts as road snacks for the drive to the TABASCO Pepper Sauce Factory. Located on Avery Island, this place looks like something out of Harry Potter especially on our wet, dreary day with the birds flying above and mist rolling off the grass.
Looking like Hogworts is the TABASCO Pepper Sauce Factory on Avery Island, Tennessee.We were on a mission for food first and headed straight toward Café 1868.We were on a mission for food first and ready to enjoy spicy, authentic Cajun dishes and classic Southern comfort food – all seasoned with TABASCO® Sauce. They also had a build your own Bloody Mary bar.The land of Tobasco sauce indeed with all the flavor options! I’m not one for super spicy and especially not at that moment with an upset stomach but lots of heat lovers paradise here.I played it safe with a good ol’ chicken salad with two warm biscuits with iced tea and downed the whole thing. Slowly but surely, I was coming back to life!I love taking group shots of people eating on press trips because that’s when people are the happiest!
Café 1868 is the place to eat at the home of TABASCO® sauce featuring spicy, authentic Cajun dishes and classic Southern comfort food – all seasoned with TABASCO® Sauce. There is also a build your own bloody mary bar to try all the flavors! After our bellies were full, it was time to explore the expansive property.
The barrels are full of hot peppers and covered in salt to keep them fresh.Tobasco pepper quality control! When the peppers are ripe to the proper red, it’s time to harvest.Giant peppers adorn the ceiling on the Tobasco tour.Also on the grounds is this surprising Buddha temple at Tobasco.And the jungle gardens at Tobasco. We didn’t have time to tour it, but what Instagram-worthy dream photos could happen here!One of the large salt rocks used to seal the barrels for freshness at Tobasco.
Tabasco is arguably the best hot sauce and the history behind it is fascinating as well. Learn everything you ever wanted to know about McIlhenny Company, its family, and the history of Tabasco on Avery Island. You could easily spend a full day there wandering around the lush landscape and gardens!
Soon we were back at the home base hotel and I was taking a much-needed power nap to restore myself to normal status. When I awoke, everyone exclaimed how I wasn’t as white as a ghost anymore and indeed I felt human again! Thanks goodness because it was just in time for the Krewe of Bonaparte Parade. In 1972, a new Mardi Gras Krewe was established to help promote the tradition of Mardi Gras in Acadiana and to encourage Lafayette’s young citizens to participate in Mardi Gras.
Some local liquor was very tempting but I just dipped my tongue in to taste and that Sweet Crude fine rum is outstanding and disappeared fast!You have to have a pecan praline when down South, this one was from a vendor and all sugar not much pecans at all!And the floats officially begin for Mardi Gras!You gotta watch your face as those beads are wicked painful when thrown at your face!And don’t underestimate the elderly, they will cut a bitch for a good get at Mardi Gras!That was just the beginning and a little teaser to the fun in store that week at Mardi Gras.We love silly puns that reference Micheal Jackson!
And just like that, I was ravenous after the floats went by which was convenient because right down the street was our dinner spot! Pamplona Tapas Bar does not mess around. My favorite fine dining restaurant of this press trip, it’s no wonder Hemingway, bullfighting and flamenco vibes abound with superior Spanish wines in Downtown Lafayette. And for all your fancy lushes, they have cocktail happy hour all day Wednesday and Tuesday through Friday from 2-7 p.m.
The view when you step inside Pamplona Tapas Bar.The bar scene at Pamplona Tapas Bar.A very nice couple at the bar noticed I was wearing a peace frogs hoodie so they gave me this peace frog they caught from the Mardi Gras floats. I had an empty space across from me, so he joined us for dinner at Pamplona Tapas Bar.We love when chefs send out random amuse bouche at Pamplona Tapas Bar. This scallop with citrus and peas was a splendid mix of texture and flavors!Bacon wrapped dates hit the spot at Pamplona Tapas Bar. A little sweet with salty grease is perfection!Quail eggs at Pamplona Tapas Bar… I just can’t get down with the slimy yolk no matter how tiny! But our crew devoured these easily.The best, fresh salmon ceviche at Pamplona Tapas Bar with house made plantain chips.Just look at this paella spread and its beautiful display at Pamplona Tapas Bar.My belly wanted comforting carbs so this truffle mac and cheese really hit the spot at Pamplona Tapas Bar.A little afraid to delve into seafood, I opted for a tall, juicy steak that brought me back to life at Pamplona Tapas Bar.We’re not sure what these frothy, boozy desert drinks were but everyone was raving about them at Pamplona Tapas Bar! If there was one place I missed out on drinks, this was it. But I had a full week of tasting to do and didn’t want to make myself worse. Just another excuse to return!
That night I took a nice hot bath and slept for what seemed like mere minutes before we were back up and at ’em in the morning for… wait for it… more eating! The beds at the hotel are excellent and anymore, that’s what makes up 75% of my ratings because if you don’t sleep well, your day is not enjoyable at all.
Off we went to Social Southern Table & Bar for a DJ brunch. The experience was a stylish Southern scene and hipster haven. Lots of designer duds but also some ironic mustaches and gobs of makeup for brunch. It’s dubbed an innovative place to enjoy locally sourced cuisine, hand-crafted specialty cocktails and real Southern hospitality.
Welcome to Social Southern Table & Bar!Everyone was in the Mardi Gras spirit at Social Southern Table & Bar including the staff.The beautiful bar scene at Social Southern Table & Bar.The leather lounge tables made things nice and cozy at Social Southern Table & Bar.We love a good sense of humor at Social Southern Table & Bar.The gravy and biscuits are a Southern staple at Social Southern Table & Bar.The hangover cure for sure the Walk of Shame Frites at Social Southern Table & Bar. French fries and cheese? Yes, please!Can you call it brunch without granola crusted french toast at Social Southern Table & Bar?Press people starting their day with a buzz and a kick at Social Southern Table & Bar with a bloody mary.A classic mimosa, my preferred brunch drink at Social Southern Table & Bar.Chicken fried green tomatoes were perfectly fried at Social Southern Table & Bar.The DJ rocking those beats at Social Southern Table & Bar.
After all that decadent food, I was happy to get some walking in for our next adventure! Even though it was raining out, exploring Vermilionville: the Cajun/Creole/Native American Heritage & Folklife Park was very memorable and a fascinating step back in time. This historic village showcases life in Acadiana from 1765-1890. The location features self-guided tours; costumed, bi-lingual artisans, live music, cooking school, a restaurant, boat tours and a gift shop.
A Native American woman tells the tale of what life was like at Vermilionville.The beautiful knitting she is working on at Vermilionville.Boats docked at Vermilionville.The swampland looking green and luscious at Vermilionville.Imagine this is your living space at Vermilionville.Have a seat and sit a spell at Vermilionville.A woman in period costume tells us about quilts at Vermilionville.People would sew certain symbols into quilts to help slaves escape and point them in the right direction in Vermilionville.Walking by the herbal house at Vermilionville.A one room schoolhouse at Vermilionville.Speaking French was once forbidden as English ruled the land at Vermilionville.A carpenter shows off his wood skills at Vermilionville.He spends most days creating creatures at Vermilionville.A picturesque moment in time at Vermilionville.We thought we heard a donkey at Vermilionville!Spring has sprung in Vermilionville however this Arizona girl was freezing.There’s something eerily calming about the swamp at Vermilionville.When times were much more simple at Vermilionville.It would be wonderful to have a yard like this at Vermilionville.
So the next part of our day I was super excited to experience because I love fashion and used to sew a lot! Local Mardi Gras costume maker Robin Miller gave us an eye-opening overview of the tradition of the courir de Mardi Gras as well as the costumes. The Courir de Mardi Gras Mask & Capuchon Workshop gave us a chance to make our own Mardi Gras mask and capuchon (cap) which we could wear during Mardi Gras and take home. Forget the Dollar Store masks you have in mind and learn some real history!
Some of the gorgeous gowns on display at the Courir de Mardi Gras Mask & Capuchon Workshop.A dress fit for a queen (and a Cassie) at Courir de Mardi Gras Mask & Capuchon Workshop.Imagine wearing that headpiece at Courir de Mardi Gras Mask & Capuchon Workshop.The king and queen costumes are outstanding craftsmanship at Courir de Mardi Gras Mask & Capuchon Workshop.The most surprising part is under all that fabric is a paper cone and super glue at Courir de Mardi Gras Mask & Capuchon Workshop.We were all so dedicated to our masks and hats we rarely looked up during our Courir de Mardi Gras Mask & Capuchon Workshop. Can you tell which one is mine?
Courir de Mardi Gras is based on old school begging rituals, close to celebrations by mummers, wassailers and Halloween. I’m down for any excuse to dress up and let my freak flag fly! We were all so lit up and inspired by creating our Mardi Gras characters, it was time to celebrate.
Enter Rock N’ Bowl with live music by Chubby Carrier, a one stop dine & rock! We only planned for a little bit of bowling fun… but ended up staying late into the evening enjoying local beer, snacks and more.
We were expecting just another bowling alley at Rock N’ Bowl.But we were blown away by the live music, the revelry and me almost face planting at Rock N’ Bowl. No one caught a photo of it so I re-enacted it for the Tennessee tourism folks!
We’re pretty sure the plan was to then enjoy a Southern Louisiana dinner at The Sainte Marie then head back to the hotel but we had too much fun bowling! Go with the flow they say… besides we had plenty of leftovers to munch on before bed. After a good greasy diner breakfast in the morning, we were on our way to what Mardi Gras is like in the deep country. Much like the French in France, meat abounds and is not hidden away but rather displayed proudly.
The best way to taste Louisiana is at an old time boucherie (butcher shop). The Lundi Gras Boucherie features dishes prepared by Acadiana’s best chefs. The event takes place every year in Eunice, Louisiana on the Monday before Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday). We were in for a visual treat and also reminded no one packed layers for this! It’s like being in Pennsylvania for winter so pack well.
You know things are gonna get weird when there’s a disco chicken hanging around.Cajun French singer and band mate playing catchy ballads at The Lundi Gras Boucherie.Some artwork on display at The Lundi Gras Boucherie.We loved these fancy pants at The Lundi Gras Boucherie.Blood soup at The Lundi Gras Boucherie.Cutting up the pig is a ritual at The Lundi Gras Boucherie.Each table is responsible for different parts of the pig at The Lundi Gras Boucherie.A pile of meat… perhaps liver at The Lundi Gras Boucherie.You have to keep stirring the blood stew or it will coagulate at The Lundi Gras Boucherie.Head cheese from the pig tastes like meaty jello at The Lundi Gras Boucherie.
There was hot chocolate, coffee, booze and light dancing going on, however, we can imagine this place getting pretty lit as the day goes on and the sun goes down. People come from all over the state to camp and party! Soon we were on our way back into town in the toasty warm van with a pit stop to buy more layers, hats and gloves.
I don’t know about you but when I wake up earlier than usual, I am famished by lunchtime. I guess the ol’ furnace kicks on and needs fuel! Pop’s Poboys is a Louisiana classic shop with interesting interpretations and exciting twists on the area’s favorite sandwich plus appetizers, salads, sides and soda and boozy beverages all in a relaxed casual setting.
We followed our fearless leader Jesse’s lead for what to order at Pop’s Poboys.There’s pop himself on the rug at Pop’s Poboys.A fry fanatic, I loved these perfectly slim, yet greasy with a crisp crunch at Pop’s Poboys.Someone had to get the mac & cheese and it didn’t disappoint at Pop’s Poboys.Splitting a spinach salad makes you feel so much healthier at Pop’s Poboys.But the best part is the sandwich with slightly crispy bread and spongy insides at Pop’s Poboys. I ordered the shrimp and beef but should have gotten the Vietnamese style!
After we ate, I am always interested in seeing local fashion so was happy we meandered downtown to poke around some shops like Parish Ink and Genterie Supply Co. which offers boutique style Southern fashion.
A downtown scene in Lafayette, Louisiana.You have to take a photo by the sign and make yourself the “Y” in Lafayette, Louisiana.
The party doesn’t stop and we were all set for the Queen Evangeline Parade that evening in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana. The press/VIP booth is set up right behind the photo above with the gold, green and purple tent and if we got there early enough, we were in a prime elevated location to grab some goodies.
And the festivities begin with a marching band for Queen Evangeline’s Parade.There is the lady herself leading the way at Queen Evangeline’s Parade.So much creativity is put into these floats at Queen Evangeline’s Parade and beads are flying already from the queen’s maids.It’s Marie at the front of this float at Queen Evangeline’s Parade. Imagine building that!We love the colors at Queen Evangeline’s Parade and you can see the endless rows of beads!It looks like another queen with her king at Queen Evangeline’s Parade.Watch your face for certain bead pelting… it happens to everyone at least once at Queen Evangeline’s Parade.A king rules this float at Queen Evangeline’s Parade. This was a short and sweet “run” as the locals call it but got us right back in the spirit regardless.
With all that bead catching, face dodging and revelry, we worked up an appetite for dinner at Agave, literally across the street from were we were standing. It is dubbed a retreat right in the heart of Downtown Lafayette, bringing together traditional Mexican Cuisine with huge portion sizes. With over 40 of the finest tequilas in the world, this is the perfect location to sit back, relax, and have a margarita on the patio (weather willing).
What a huge and refreshing mojito at Agave in Lafayette, Louisiana.The interior is relaxed and casual at Agave in Lafayette, Louisiana.Nothing makes me happier than a plate of steaming fajitas at Agave in Lafayette, Louisiana.
Then we were off to check out some live music to get a taste of some of the night scene in Lafayette which is my kind of crowd! It was also pretty rad to experience it all with France’s writer for Rolling Stone (which was my dream job as a teenager).
Artmosphere was my favorite kind of music venue… a small hole in the wall where you could discover new talent with ease.Artmosphere also had a nice outdoor patio that is probably popping in the Spring and Summer.
With live music by Brass Mimosa and Sailor Mouth the night we went, Artmosphere would be my go-to place (much like the Grape Room in Philadelphia was for 12 years). It has everything you could want including that neighborhood grill vibe, live music and large outdoor dining space. The old fashioned drinks were flowing and even when my feet decided they had enough, I sat at a booth and grooved to the music. It was hard to peel myself away however we had a full day of fun the next day!
Up and at ’em in the morning at Billy’s Boudin!
Located in Scott, the boudin capital of the world, Billy’s Boudin serves the most boudin in the area and are known for their fired boudin balls, specialty meats, and fried corn. It was a little much for my bourbon belly from the night before, but the fried food lovers in my group were all over that spread!
And just like that Ossun’s Courir de Mardi Gras began! We were in for a treat and it began at with learning about the Cajun and French culture with an expert.
Barry Ancelet and his wonderful wife opened their home to us which means the world to a group of traveling journalists. People usually do not open their homes to outsiders.
According to Wikipedia, Barry Ancelet “is a Cajun folklorist and expert in Cajun music and Cajun French. He has written several books, and under the pseudonym Jean Arceneaux he has written Cajun French poetry and lyrics to Cajun French songs”. He would speak French and I would try to decipher what they were saying as all the words had a Cajun Southern twang to them. I can only imagine how horrible my French sounded to… well, everyone! After we learned more about country Mardis Gras it was time to experience it…
We headed right out back on their farm. This chicken smartly runs away from the camera.We walked out back to certain chaos at Ossun’s Courir de Mardi Gras.A group of decked out tricksters played us a song at Ossun’s Courir de Mardi Gras.A crawfish field as muddy as it is long right behind the house at Ossun’s Courir de Mardi Gras.We were not sure what the hell was happening here except some sort of newbie initiation at Ossun’s Courir de Mardi Gras.Looks like someone got in trouble and had to take their “medicine” which is a jello shot in a needle-like tube at Ossun’s Courir de Mardi Gras.And of course someone had to get thrown in the mud at Ossun’s Courir de Mardi Gras.A young man carries a fire red rooster at Ossun’s Courir de Mardi Gras.Then everyone loads up onto the wagon to go harass other local people and businesses for Ossun’s Courir de Mardi Gras.The next stop is certainly full of victims during Ossun’s Courir de Mardi Gras. The truck reads “pas bon” which means not good.We can get down with this shirt during Ossun’s Courir de Mardi Gras.And so the nonsense begins with tricksters pushing each other in shopping carts during Ossun’s Courir de Mardi Gras.My partner in crime Sharon from Daily Dream 360 got her shoelaces tied together during Ossun’s Courir de Mardi Gras!
Watch the chaos above!
And when we tried to leave, someone was trying to steal our ride at Ossun’s Courir de Mardi Gras! He didn’t get far.At our next stop, all the tricksters settled in to sing some French songs led by the capitaine (leader) at Ossun’s Courir de Mardi Gras.
Listen to a traditional French Cajun song above!
The capitaine holding his beer loving rooster at Ossun’s Courir de Mardi Gras.The “medicine” of jello shots in one of the trickster’s bags at Ossun’s Courir de Mardi Gras.Some of them were hiding out in trees waiting to cause more mischief at Ossun’s Courir de Mardi Gras.The horses were looking at everyone sideways and would run away at Ossun’s Courir de Mardi Gras.Soon it was time to part ways and we gave them our leftover boudin and spare change at Ossun’s Courir de Mardi Gras.On to our next adventure, we decided to experience a drive though margarita shop!A boozy cheers in the van, thank goodness for having a designated driver!
After watching so many parades, it was our turn to ride on a float and do the throwing for the Independent Parade which stretches about 3.9 miles through Lafayette’s Downtown and other main streets.
We climbed aboard the Independent Parade float and were well stocked with beads as the marching bands prepared their route. It’s a very efficient system within the chaos!Back up beads are key, you wouldn’t believe how many we churned through at the Independent Parade.These lovely ladies were happy to assist with some face stickers and other bedazzled items for us to wear during the Independent Parade.Throwing beads and not hitting people in the face we learned is a refined skill at Independent Parade. The key is to make eye contact and warn the partygoers beads are coming!The scene behind us at Independent Parade was pure revelry!A view from the float at Independent Parade. It is quite a workout chucking beads at everyone! We were using beer muscles at this point as there is no glass allowed on the floats.A bead tree in all its glory at Independent Parade.When the sun was out, it was a warm Spring day at Independent Parade.Professionals use ladders at Independent Parade.And just like that, the parade was over, the sun was setting and we were chilly at Independent Parade. What a whirlwind experience! We were grateful for this once in a lifetime experience and also happy to learn they recycle the leftover beads each year.
With our workout for the day in place, we were starving and ready to throw down Cajun style for dinner! Randol’s Restaurant with live music by the Cajun Ramblers was totally two steppin’, toe tappin’ and taste temptin’. The place was a nice mix of young and the old folks where you “Laissez les bons temps rouler” (let the good times roll).
Diving right into the alligator bites at Randol’s Restaurant, tastes like chicken.. kind of.Can you demolish a whole container of spicy crawfish at Randol’s Restaurant? We totally did with lips burning and loved every bite!
And somehow it was all over that night with a flight back in the morning to sunny, warm Arizona. We made some new Canadian friends, some French friends and have a new affinity for Mardi Gras. Check this experience off your bucket list at least once, you won’t regret it!
