Lafayette

Lafayette, Louisiana (originally named Vermilionville) was founded in the mid-to-late eighteenth century along the banks of the Vermilion River. Acadians arrived from Canada as part of the Great Expulsion and settled in south Louisiana. The settlers married other settlers creating the Cajun culture we know today. Lafayette was renamed for Marquis de Lafayette in 1884.

Average temperatures for Lafayette range from the mid-60s during the winter months to the mid-90s during summer. Rainfall averages 4.8 inches per month but can vary greatly due to tropical systems and the threat of hurricanes from June-December. Lafayette is located in the south-central portion of the state between Lake Charles and Baton Rouge, on the western edge of the Atchafalaya Basin.

Lafayette is known as the ‘Hub City’ as it is home to the intersection of I-10 and I-49, railroad stop, and a stable population. Some of the major landmarks of the city include the Cajundome, St. John’s Cathedral, and Vermilionville tourist center.

Lafayette is the home to the University of Louisiana-Lafayette and the Ragin’ Cajuns as well as South Louisiana Community College.

Lafayette is well-known for festivals including Festival International de Louisiane, Festivals Acadians et Creoles, and more. Lafayette is also well-known for food offerings from Cajun/Creole, Asian fusion cuisine, po-boys, plate lunches, and some of the best food you can find in a gas station around any corner.

Lafayette Quick Facts

Elevation – 36 ft
Population – 126,199 (city limits), 244,390 (city-parish)
Zipcodes – 70501, 70502, 70503, 70504, 70505, 70506, 70507, 70508, 70509, 70583, 70593, 70596, 70598
Area Code – 337

Pete's Lafayette Reveals Major Upgrades Ahead of Reopening
Pete's Lafayette Reveals Major Upgrades Ahead of Reopening
Pete's Lafayette Reveals Major Upgrades Ahead of Reopening
In August of 2023 we reported that the Lafayette staple Pete's restaurant and sports bar was engulfed in flames due to a grease fire. Later that week they announced they would be using this time as an opportunity to fast track their already planned restaurant upgrades and would be back better than ever.
Jet Coffee Reveals Collab with Caroline's Cookies in Lafayette
Jet Coffee Reveals Collab with Caroline's Cookies in Lafayette
Jet Coffee Reveals Collab with Caroline's Cookies in Lafayette
There are two things Lafayette is obsessed with and no, for once we are not talking about boiled crawfish. The Acadiana community has supported Caroline Merryman since she was selling her beloved cookies at the Farmer's market before she ever had a brick and mortar, let alone two. Now she is making moves once again that has fans of her giant cookies ecstatic.

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