IFWTWA Media Trip
Lafayette, St. Landry and St. Martin Parishes
October 16-19, 2025
This FAM takes you to three different parishes, each offering a distinct perspective on Louisiana’s culture and cuisine. During this post-conference press trip, you will discover what makes each one special.
*NOTE: This FAM will allow you to stay in the same room you had for the conference. No room changes will be required. You will not be billed for the three FAM nights, October 16 – 18, 2025.
Lafayette Parish
Heart of Cajun & Creole Country – Lafayette is at the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole Country, a region celebrated as the Happiest City in America, where people visit for an authentic Cajun and Creole experience.
Lafayette has a distinct culinary identity as the epicenter of Cajun and Creole cuisine, earning it the title of Best Food City in the USA. Lafayette’s culinary scene is steeped in tradition and continues to evolve with a new generation of chefs making it an incredible place to eat.
No matter what time of year you visit Lafayette, there will be something for you to celebrate. Whether your passion is for their rich cultural heritage, the vibrant culinary scene, or the distinctive blend of Cajun and Zydeco music, you can be sure to leave with a smile on your face.
St. Martin Parish
Where Cajun Began – From dancing to shopping to exploring nature, St. Martin Parish offers a variety of activities for every traveler’s enjoyment. With options ranging from houseboats to boutique hotels, St. Martin Parish offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs.
Food is central to the culture here in St. Martin Parish. Many important things happen around the food and family table. Weddings, birthdays, celebrations of all kinds, wakes, hard conversations, long nights, and even the everyday, just-getting-by-on-a-weeknight meal all revolve around food. Food not only sustains us but also nourishes our souls. Food is everything to us. It’s not just about a meal. It’s a way of life.
St. Landry Parish
It’s Gumbo for Your Soul – St. Landry Parish is a rural, heritage destination in South Central Louisiana, a place infused with Cajun spirit and Creole soul.
Her people are resourceful, spiritual, and friendly, serving as the patrons of the diverse cultures who settled here – African, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Visitors can embrace the culture by exploring the parish’s twelve municipalities, including Arnaudville, Cankton, Eunice, Grand Coteau, Krotz Springs, Leonville, Melville, Opelousas, Palmetto, Port Barre, Sunset, and Washington.
What Lafayette, St. Landry, and St. Martin Parishes Seek from Media Participants
Create two pieces of content about the destinations. The following are acceptable:
- Published article(s) in a recognized travel, food, or lifestyle publication.
- Blog post(s) on a personal or affiliated website.
- Video content or social media series.
IFWTWA Writers in Attendance:
Media Placements:
- Talking Turkey With Madonna Broussard by Sharon McDonnell
- How to Visit the Zydeco Capital of the World by Sharon McDonnell
- How to visit the ‘Zydeco Capital of the World’—and it’s not New Orleans by Sharon McDonnell
- The Secret Behind Breaux Bridge, Louisiana’s Most Exclusive Dinner by Amy Piper
- 9 Best Places to Eat in Lafayette, Louisiana by Amy Piper
- The Secret Supper, An Enchanting Evening at Maison Madeleine in Beaux Bridge Louisiana by Robin Dohrn-Simpson
- Lafayette, Louisiana: The Happiest City in America by Terri Guthrie