Cajun Country

A February 2004 trip to Lafayette by Jim Tuttle

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In 1608 the French settled in what is now Nova Scotia. In 1755 the French-speaking Acadians, now known as the Cajuns, were forced from their homeland by the British. Many became residents of the US eastern seaboard, but the majority moved into the Bayou country of French Louisiana.

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Cajun CountryBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Week's Plantation House
The western part of Louisiana, near Lafayette, is the heart of Cajun Country, but the Cajun people can be found throughout the bayous (slow-moving river) of the southern part of the state.

On Avery Island, Edmund Mcilhenny cultivated a crop, invented a product, and founded a company--Tabasco. Over 550,000 bottles are shipped daily around the world.

The Weeks house, built in 1834 and a combination of Classical Revival and Louisiana Colonial elements, sits on 2.5 acres of gardens abounding with azaleas, camellias, gingers, and magnolia trees.

Quick Tips:

Our desire for the local food was satisfied with jambalaya and fillet of gumbo but no crawfish pie. However, these dishes can be found in many local restaurants.

Best Way To Get Around:

From Lafayette take US 90 south.

About the Writer

Jim Tuttle
Jim Tuttle
Escondido, California

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