Lafayette, Louisiana, USA
IFWTWA thanks our members’ hosts and local tourism for coordinating their stay. All opinions expressed are the individual writer’s and not those of or influenced by IFWTWA.
Eight IFWTWA Journalists participated in this extraordinary Cajun & Beyond Media Trip. What made the event so special? Imagine a five- day immersion trip into the heart of Louisiana.
The group toured the best Lafayette has to offer. The Southern spirit was ever present as they were absorbed into the Cajun and Louisiana Creole culture. From swamp boat tours to rum tasting, zydeco breakfasts, regional dinners, and a cooking class at the famous Tabasco Factory, the participants had a impressive hands on experience they can’t wait to share with their readers.
IFWTWA thanks our hosts, Lafayette Travel, for a memorable visit. Their vision, “…to have the most progressive, efficient and creative destination marketing organization in the state of Louisiana as an accredited Destination Marketing Organization” was on display with each activity presented. We applaud them for their innovative marketing efforts that bring greater awareness of Lafayette.
IFWTWA Writers in Attendance:
- Liz Mays
- Elaine Masters
- Chrissy Taylor
- Linda Kissam
- Linda Milks
- Kathleen Walls
- Mary Chong
- Cat Lin
Social Media:
#Lafayette #Louisiana #FeedYourSoul
IFWTWA media trip participants utilize Twitter, Instagram, Insta Stories, Facebook, Facebook Live and/or Facebook Stories in addition to social media promotion by IFWTWA and its pages.
Media Placements:
Masters, Elaine. Trip Well Gal, December 1, 2018
“Find the best taste of Louisiana in Lafayette“
Where to find the best bites and sips of Louisiana in and around Lafayette
Masters, Elaine. Trip Well Gal, December 14, 2018
“Alligators by Airboat – Atchafalaya Swamp Tour“ on YouTube
Get up close to ancient cypress trees, vast mysterious waters, and of course, the alligators of the Atchafalaya Basin. Atchafalaya Swamp Tours with BasinLanding.com take you into the bayou and you may meet Hercules, the Alpha gator who has befriended Captain Tucker.
Masters, Elaine. Trip Well Gal, December 18, 2018
“Alligators, Airboats and Acadians — Explore the rich waters of Atchafalaya Basis, Louisiana“
It’s all about the water in the Atchafalaya Basin. The swamps and marshes offered refuge to exiled Acadians when the Spanish lured them south and promised a permanent home, according to Captain Tucker of Basin Landing Swamp Tours. He would know after spending decades living here …
Chong, Mary. Food Wine Travel Magazine, December 19, 2018
with Liz Mays, Linda Kissam, Kathleen Walls, Linda Milks, Cat Lin & Elaine Masters
“Favorite Discoveries in Travel from Lafayette, Louisiana“
Traveling is all about discoveries, whether it involves learning something new about a culture, eating a unique food item you’ve never tasted before, meeting new people, or discovering something new about yourself through the journey.
Walls, Kathleen. World Footprints, November 28, 2018
“Cajun Culture in Lafayette Parish”
In Southern Louisiana, French Canadian migrants settled and intermingled with the existing community to create a unique ethnic group, the Cajuns, whose culture continues to thrive today. Visitors can learn more about the Cajuns through a visit to Lafayette Parish, where they can explore their history, customs, music and food.
Walls, Kathleen. American Roads and Global Highways, November 30, 2018
“Cajun Food: A Way of Life in Lafayette”
Food is an intricate part of Cajun culture. Let’s visit some of Lafayette’s most fun eateries.
Walls, Kathleen. Weekender Extended, December 5, 2018
“Things to do in Lafayette, Louisiana”
Steeped in Cajun culture Lafayette Parish’s blend of cultures make it unique.
Kissam, Linda. Big Blend National Parks & Travel Magazine, December 3, 2018
“Authentic Lafayette, Louisiana” Article & Radio Podcast
Ladies and Gentleman. Foodies, wine aficionados, beer lovers, shoppers, bowlers and fellow travelers. Come along with me to experience the authentic Lafayette, Louisiana and… Bons Temps Rouler (let the good times roll)!
Lin, Cat. For Two, Please, January 5, 2019
“12 Sensational Stops For The Best Food In Lafayette, Louisiana”
Lafayette, Louisiana, the heart of Cajun country, presents one-of-a-kind culinary experience for food lovers. It is where you can try crawfish etouffee, boudin, and other food that are unique to Louisiana! To give you a taste, I have rounded up 12 best places to eat in Lafayette.
Milks, Linda. Toasting Food Wine Travel, January 9, 2019
“Lafayette–Land of Boudin, Alligators, and Zydeco Music”
The melodic sound of the squeezebox accordion and scraping of thimbles on a washboard as couples glide around the dance floor (with the aroma of smoked bacon wafting through the air) gave me my first clue to why Lafayette was voted “Happiest City in America.”
Willis, Priscilla. She’s Cookin | food and travel, May 9, 2019
“Pioneers of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir“
In 1985, well before the 2004 movie “Sideways” sparked widespread Pinot Noir mania, Oregon Pinots shocked the world of oenophiles at a tasting at the International Wine Center in New York when a group of wine experts was unable to distinguish between Oregon Pinot Noirs and better known, more expensive French Burgundies resulting in the panel choosing three Oregon Pinot Noirs as their favorites. The rest is history as Willamette Valley Pinots have risen to their rightful place amongst the world’s most highly regarded wines.
Milks, Linda. Big Blend Radio & TV Magazine, February 8, 2019
“Lafayette, a Slice of Another World” Article & Radio Podcast
Feet glide and clickety-clack on the wood floor. Tapping and scraping emanates from a washboard being played with thimble-covered fingers. Melodic organ-like notes flow from the accordion, fondly referred to as a “squeezebox” with diatonic buttons.