Live the good life in Acadiana

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1 Live the good life in Acadiana

Acadiana Living Downtown Living 650,000+ Population within nine parishes (counties) 5 th LOWEST IN TOTAL TAX BURDEN Louisiana s

$75,000 HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION Louisiana s homestead exemption means less money spent on taxes for your home and more money that

Classic Main Streets Country Living 8 th LOWEST IN PROPERTY TAXES Louisiana is one of the most affordable states in the country

2 Acadiana Living Downtown Living 650,000+ Population within nine parishes (counties) 5 th LOWEST IN TOTAL TAX BURDEN Louisiana s total individual tax burden ranks as one of the country s best. $75,000 HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION Louisiana s homestead exemption means less money spent on taxes for your home and more money that stays in your pocket. Classic Main Streets Country Living 8 th LOWEST IN PROPERTY TAXES Louisiana is one of the most affordable states in the country to own a home. 2 GIGS PER SECOND Citywide Fiber- Optic System TOTAL COST OF LIVING Relative to the average of all other metropolitan/non-metropolitan areas that comprise the Cost of Living Index (average equals 100) *Metro-area includes: Acadia, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Martin, and Vermilion Parishes.

Sitting at the crossroads of I-10 and I-49 and served by the Lafayette Regional Airport, our region is easy to navigate.

Acadiana offers work-life balance, with an accent on life. Acadiana is a dinner table with friends.

It s a people with deep roots in the new world French experience.

3 Welcome Home Acadiana /ə-kā dē-ä na/ n. a constellation of communities, offering everything from urban living to country retreats. Sitting at the crossroads of I-10 and I-49 and served by the Lafayette Regional Airport, our region is easy to navigate. Ask why people call this place home, and you will begin to understand. Acadiana offers work-life balance, with an accent on life. Acadiana is a dinner table with friends. A corner of the country that breathes with its passions and captivates the imagination. It s a people with deep roots in the new world French experience. It s music with an overture of accordion and a southern melody. It s food filled with stories of heritage and hope. A cornucopia of cultural curiosities found nowhere else on the planet. This may well be the last cohesive cultural enclave in the United States, having preserved its own language, its own music, a celebrated cuisine and a proud and welcoming temperament that is immediately evident. Let Our Culture Shape Your Lifestyle

Outdoors Shopping Welcome to a sportsman s paradise for outdoor adventure. Home to both the Atchafalaya Basin (the largest wetland in the U.S.) and the Bayou Teche (Louisiana s largest bayou), Acadiana is nationally recognized for its outdoor activities.

Here, you can choose from top-flight shopping hubs featuring national brands, big box retailers, hip boutiques, farmers markets, and shops with a distinctly local flare.

Tastiest Town in the South Southern Living It s easy to define Acadiana by food, music, and culture, but it s the people that call Acadiana home that sets it apart. Education Healthcare Hike. Hunt.

4 Outdoors Shopping Welcome to a sportsman s paradise for outdoor adventure. Home to both the Atchafalaya Basin (the largest wetland in the U.S.) and the Bayou Teche (Louisiana s largest bayou), Acadiana is nationally recognized for its outdoor activities. Explore parks and quaint downtowns, walk through Lafayette s 100-acre urban park, or visit the South s largest health club with over 195,000 square feet of amenities. Here, you can choose from top-flight shopping hubs featuring national brands, big box retailers, hip boutiques, farmers markets, and shops with a distinctly local flare. Whether you re an antique hunter in search of the perfect piece or a connoisseur of classic American Main Streets, you will feel right at home shopping in Acadiana. Tastiest Town in the South Southern Living It s easy to define Acadiana by food, music, and culture, but it s the people that call Acadiana home that sets it apart. Education Healthcare Hike. Hunt. Fish. Paddle. Here you will find Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, more than 80 A and B rated schools, charter and magnet-style options, exceptional private schools, a nationally recognized university, and thriving community colleges. In addition, many districts support Schools of Choice and/or gifted programs with specialized academies that allow families to select the right fit for their child. Many public schools also provide language immersion programs. As a regional medical center, Acadiana offers first-class comprehensive healthcare with ever expanding specialized medical services and state-of-the-art facilities. The cutting-edge highspeed fiber optic network has supported a medical sector boom in Lafayette, with Lafayette General Health, Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, and Women s and Children s Hospital anchoring the region s healthcare and hospital options.

ARTS AND CULTURE Walk around Acadiana and you ll find live music, murals, galleries, and

Whether you re creatively inclined or simply appreciate art, you will be inspired.

Mouton House Avery Island, home of TABASCO Children s Museum of Acadiana George Rodrigue

Acadian Cultural Center Lafayette Science Museum Louisiana Swamp Pop Museum

Hilliard University Art Museum Shadows-on-the-Teche Vermilionville Living History Museum

Sawmill Museum Enjoy our flourishing symphony and ballet or stop by one of our historic

Acadiana Center for the Arts (AcA) Cite des Arts Grand Opera House of the South Heymann

5 ARTS AND CULTURE Walk around Acadiana and you ll find live music, murals, galleries, and theatergoers. Whether you re creatively inclined or simply appreciate art, you will be inspired. Acadiana Center for the Arts (AcA) Acadian Cultural Center Acadian Village Alexandre Mouton House Avery Island, home of TABASCO Children s Museum of Acadiana George Rodrigue Studios International Petroleum Museum & Exposition Jean Lafitte National Historical Park Acadian Cultural Center Lafayette Science Museum Louisiana Swamp Pop Museum Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site NUNU Arts and Culture Collective Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum Shadows-on-the-Teche Vermilionville Living History Museum & Folklife Park Washington Museum & Tourist Center Wedell-Williams Aviation and Cypress Sawmill Museum Enjoy our flourishing symphony and ballet or stop by one of our historic live performance venues for Broadway shows, productions, and national performers. Acadiana Center for the Arts (AcA) Cite des Arts Grand Opera House of the South Heymann Performing Arts Center Iberia Performing Arts League Performing Arts Society of Acadiana Acadia // Evangeline // Iberia // Jeff Davis // Lafayette // St. Landry // St. Martin // St. Mary // Vermilion

A C A D I A N A I S H O M E T O D O W N T O W N A L I V E!

Fall in love with our distinctive mix of Cajun, Creole and Zydeco music at a

For a good time, two-step to live entertainment seven nights a week from both local

Acadiana Center for the Arts (AcA) Bach Lunch Blue Moon Saloon Café des Amis Zydeco

Performing Arts Center Liberty Theatre Mercredi Show NUNU Arts and Culture

6 A C A D I A N A I S H O M E T O D O W N T O W N A L I V E! - T H E L O N G E S T R U N N I N G, F R E E W E E K L Y C O N C E R T S E R I E S Fall in love with our distinctive mix of Cajun, Creole and Zydeco music at a multitude of community events with live performances and free concerts year-round. For a good time, two-step to live entertainment seven nights a week from both local and award-winning national artists at various venues across the region. Acadiana Center for the Arts (AcA) Bach Lunch Blue Moon Saloon Café des Amis Zydeco Breakfast Downtown Alive Grand Opera House of the South The Grouse Room Heymann Performing Arts Center Liberty Theatre Mercredi Show NUNU Arts and Culture Collective Pont Breaux s Cajun Restaurant Randol s Restaurant Rhythms on the River Warehouse 535 Whiskey River Landing Vermilionville LafayetteTravel.com

KIDS ACTIVITIES Avery Island Tabasco Tour Explore the Tabasco Museum, factory, and finish with a culinary tour of Cajun cuisine.

Children s Museum of Acadiana Hands-on participatory museum with interactive exhibits, special services, performances, and workshops.

Lafayette Science Museum and Planetarium Hands-on experience for all ages with exhibits and installations that enlighten and educate.

Nature Station Acadiana Park 150-acres with a 6 mile trail system, kayak launch, educational programs, and abundant wildlife.

Red s Over 195,000 sq. feet of activities including 5 pools, with a lazy river, splash pad, and water slide.

7 KIDS ACTIVITIES Avery Island Tabasco Tour Explore the Tabasco Museum, factory, and finish with a culinary tour of Cajun cuisine. Enjoy 170-acre garden with semitropical foliage and abundant wildlife. Children s Museum of Acadiana Hands-on participatory museum with interactive exhibits, special services, performances, and workshops. Downtown Lafayette Activities year-round include Movies in the Parc, ArtWalk, Downtown Alive. Lafayette Science Museum and Planetarium Hands-on experience for all ages with exhibits and installations that enlighten and educate. Louisiana State Arboretum Chicot State Park 600-acres of natural growth with 6 hiking trails and a large Nature Center. Nature Station Acadiana Park 150-acres with a 6 mile trail system, kayak launch, educational programs, and abundant wildlife. Nutty Scientists of Acadiana Innovative and interactive programs related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Red s Over 195,000 sq. feet of activities including 5 pools, with a lazy river, splash pad, and water slide. Numerous youth camps, basketball, tennis, and more. Vermilionville Living history museum and folklife park with 19 attractions and 7 restored original homes. Cultural excursions include lessons on dancing, cooking, and boat tours. Zoo of Acadiana Over 750 animals from 130 species in a 45-acre park with walking paths, a petting zoo, and playground.

OUTDOOR LIVING Whether you are enjoying sun-filled swamps, soaring birds, colorful sunsets, or a myriad of outdoor activities, Louisiana State Parks offer you

Mary Loop, Vermilion Loop Our birding trails offers nature-lovers a unique view of a vast number of birds, including many species native to the region and

Chicot State Park Covering more than 6,400 acres of rolling hills and water, experience and enjoy all of the natural resources with numerous hiking and cycling

Cypremort Point State Park A half-mile stretch of man-made beach provides the perfect getaway for relaxing, picnicking, fishing, crabbing, sailing, water

Lake Fausse Pointe State Park Formerly the home site of the Chitimacha Indians, the 6,000- acre site offers a perfect point to explore the natural and cultural

Louisiana State Arboretum State Preservation Area Established in 1961 as the first state-supported arboretum in the US, the Louisiana State Arboretum s more

Palmetto Island State Park For outdoor enthusiasts, Palmetto Island State Park offers visitors access to the Vermilion River for fishing and boating, while the

8 OUTDOOR LIVING Whether you are enjoying sun-filled swamps, soaring birds, colorful sunsets, or a myriad of outdoor activities, Louisiana State Parks offer you and your family the perfect place to experience the natural beauty of our State. America s WETLAND Birding Trail Atchafalaya Loop, Lacassine Loop, St. Mary Loop, Vermilion Loop Our birding trails offers nature-lovers a unique view of a vast number of birds, including many species native to the region and about 450 species that migrate to or through the area each year. Chicot State Park Covering more than 6,400 acres of rolling hills and water, experience and enjoy all of the natural resources with numerous hiking and cycling trails, primitive campgrounds, or fishing spots. Cypremort Point State Park A half-mile stretch of man-made beach provides the perfect getaway for relaxing, picnicking, fishing, crabbing, sailing, water skiing, and much more. The 185-acre park, also holds an abundance of wildlife, perfect for nature enthusiasts. Lake Fausse Pointe State Park Formerly the home site of the Chitimacha Indians, the 6,000- acre site offers a perfect point to explore the natural and cultural heritage of South Louisiana. Enjoy fishing, boating, and canoeing, as well as hiking trails. Louisiana State Arboretum State Preservation Area Established in 1961 as the first state-supported arboretum in the US, the Louisiana State Arboretum s more than 300- acres is home to many plant and animal species indigenous to the State, along with beautiful nature trails. Palmetto Island State Park For outdoor enthusiasts, Palmetto Island State Park offers visitors access to the Vermilion River for fishing and boating, while the interior lagoons provide canoers and kayakers an up-close look at the native plant and animal life. Pack your sleeping bag, pitch a tent, or park your RV, and enjoy a relaxing overnight stay at one of Louisiana s spacious campgrounds. Acadiana Park Nature Station Chicot State Park Cypremort Point State Park Lake Fausee Pointe State Park Palmetto Island State Park Louisiana State Parks Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism Acadia // Evangeline // Iberia // Jeff Davis // Lafayette // St. Landry // St. Martin // St. Mary // Vermilion

L O U I S I A N A S T A T E P A R K S A R E C O M P R I S E

Explore Louisiana s water trails on your next paddling or

Observe wildlife up close, enjoy the peaceful waters of the

Fuselier Bayou Vermilion District Bayou Teche Lake Fausse

Martin Atchafalaya Swamp Base Bayou Vermilion Paddle Trail

paved paths to challenging, offroad terrains, you re sure to

9 L O U I S I A N A S T A T E P A R K S A R E C O M P R I S E D O F M O R E T H A N 3 0, A C R E S O F L A N D. Explore Louisiana s water trails on your next paddling or fishing adventure. Observe wildlife up close, enjoy the peaceful waters of the wetlands, or cruise a moderate-to-strenuous kayaking trail for an adventure you won t forget. Acadiana Park Nature Station Atchafalaya Basin Bayou Fuselier Bayou Vermilion District Bayou Teche Lake Fausse Pointe State Park and Canoe Trail Henderson Swamp Lake Martin Atchafalaya Swamp Base Bayou Vermilion Paddle Trail app Lafayette Travel Pack and Paddle From lightly traveled, paved paths to challenging, offroad terrains, you re sure to find a unique biking trail in Louisiana that best suits you. Acadiana Park Mountain Bike Trails BikeLouisiana.com BikeLafayette.org Cajun Cyclists Bicycle Club

10 What are people saying about Acadiana? Happiest City Lafayette residents are the happiest in the U.S. according to a study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research. Researchers measured life satisfaction of each city s residents based on data collected from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey. First National Water Trail in Louisiana The Bayou Teche has been added to the National Water Trails System by the National Park Service, a first for Louisiana and 17th in the U.S. The Bayou Teche has 13 established access points for paddle trips as short as 7 miles and as long as 135. Best Cities for Jobs Lafayette is ranked 27th in the 2014 Best Cities for Jobs by Forbes. Lafayette ranked fifth in mid-sized communities. Best College Town Travel & Leisure named Lafayette the 17th Best College Town in America. Towns were nominated via social media, then voted on in 55 categories. Lafayette beat out more than 700 towns to secure its spot on the list. According to the magazine, if there was a most well-rounded category, Lafayette would have swept the competition. Historic and Hip ConventionSouth cited Lafayette, home of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in its South s Historic College Towns with Hip Group Appeal list. After researching news articles and talking with local tourism bureaus, the magazine editors picked one city in each of the 15 states it covers. Fastest Internet Lafayette was named as having the fastest home Internet in the world, according to the Open Technology Institute s report, 2014 Speed Leaders for Home Broadband. Lafayette s Gig connection, with equal upload and download speeds, puts the Hub City on par with world cities like Seoul, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. Most Beautiful Towns and Small Cities Acadiana is home to four of Louisiana s top 10 beautiful towns and small cities according to the Culture Trip. Breaux Bridge, St. Martinville, Henderson, and Opelousas. Top 100 Farmers Market in the Country The Daily Meal named the Delcambre Seafood and Farmers Market one of the best farmers markets in the country to get fresh local produce. 804 E. St. Mary Blvd. Lafayette, LA OneAcadiana.org

11 JUST A GLIMPSE We ve selected these materials just for you, but Acadiana has so much more to offer just ask! EXPLORE OUR REGION ACADIA EVANGELINE IBERIA JEFF DAVIS LAFAYETTE ST. LANDRY ST. MARTIN ST. MARY VERMILION

All Inclusive Trips to Cajun Country

All Inclusive Trips to Cajun Country 2 Day & 4 Day Tours Filled with Music, Fun, Food and Swamp Adventures DISCOVER swamps and bayous by boat, spotting wildlife with our naturalist guides TASTE local delicacies