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Located a few blocks away from downtown Lafayette, the Vermilionville Historic Village is one of the most interesting sightseeing places in the area. It is a living history museum in which the Cajun and Creole traditions of southern Louisiana are represented for people who want to learn more about the local historical heritage. Whether you are a resident of Lafayette or are visiting this town for a couple of days, it is worth taking a few hours to tour Vermilionville.

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Lake Martin is a great place for discovering the swamp and wildlife found in Louisiana. Take a tour or explore on your own to make some amazing discoveries.

7 Amazing Things to See in Lake Martin, LA

Alligators 

Alligators are some of the most popular residents of the lake and swamp. The swamp is home to alligators from about 3 to 14 feet long. If you are lucky, you will see alligator nests, babies, and alligator mothers keeping watch over their offspring.

It is recommended that you not bring small pets to the area and to closely watch your small children because alligators may attack.

Nesting Birds

Expect to see a striking variety of waterbirds. These are some of the most visible wildlife of this region, and many birds will come to the swamp to make their nests. Bring your binoculars to observe various species who live here throughout the year.

Some of the birds you may see include the Great Blue Heron, the Snowy Egret, the White Ibris, and the Anhinga. A wonderful place for experienced and new birdwatchers, you will be thrilled by the number of beautiful birds you’ll find along the shores of the lake.

Snakes

Snakes are other residents of this habitat that you can discover and observe when you visit the area. Snakes can be elusive, so keep your eyes open for them during a boat ride on while on a walk. Look for the Diamondback Watersnake, the Glossy Swampsnake, and the Mississippi Green Watersnake among other kinds of snakes.

You will also see other amphibians like a variety of frogs, toads, salamanders, and skinks.

Spanish Moss

Don’t miss the beautiful Spanish moss that grows around the trees along the sides of the swamp. The moss is best viewed by boat and is a magical sight. More than 500 years old, the moss has been used in a variety of ways by locals for many years.

Visitor’s Center

Stop in at the Visitor’s Center to learn some history about the region and to discover what you can find when you are exploring. Friendly volunteers will tell you where you are likely to see various types of wildlife and can provide maps to help you in your travels. The folks at the center can also provide recommendations for boat tours and can let you know how to find the nearest trails.

Swamp Walk

For great views of the Cypress-Tupelo swamps where the lake sits, you can take the boardwalk down to the marshes. This is commonly known as the swamp walk and will give you a great location for observing the area.

Hiking Trails

There are several hiking trails in the are of the lake, and most are not considered difficult. Be sure to bring your hiking shoes and a camera so you will have memories of your discoveries.

Lake Martin is a wonderful place to see the wildlife of a swamp setting, something that many visitors may have not had an opportunity to witness. Before you head to the lake, be sure to spot and say hello to Service Cadillac. We will show you an array of great cars to take you on all your adventures.

Lafayette, Louisiana, is a city filled with southern culture and history, but it also offers several scenic nature areas with fishing spots perfect for locals and tourists alike. Make sure you read through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries guidelines before checking out these four fishing spots near Lafayette.

1. Lake Martin

Lake Martin is a nature preserve that offers scenic freshwater fishing. Here, you can catch species like white crappie, black crappie, and largemouth bass. You can fish from the water’s edge or bring your canoe or kayak and fish on the water. This is accessible from the boat launch area at the end of Lake Martin Road. If you do not own a canoe or kayak, rentals are available at the boat launch. The area is also home to a population of alligators, which makes for exciting gator spotting.

2. Poche’s RV Park

Poche’s RV Park is 85 acres of campgrounds and cabins intermixed with four scenic ponds. Here you can fish for species like bream, catfish, and bass right by your campsite, while waterfront cabins allow you to fish right from your front deck. The RV park also has several amenities for you and your family to use, including a swimming pool, splash pads, showers, restrooms, laundry facilities, dining facilities, and concessions. They also have ice available for purchase to keep your catch fresh.

3. Avery Island

Just a 45-minute drive outside of Lafayette is Avery Island. Here you can fish for largemouth bass, redfish, and channel catfish by the bayous and rivers, like Hayes Coulee. There are also fishing spots at the preserve’s accessible ponds. Hayes Pond is just a one-minute walk from Hoot Owl Road, De Vance Pond is located just off of Sugar Mill Road, and Saline Woods Pond is accessible from Pepper Field Road. After you are done fishing for the day, you can pay a visit to Avery Island’s Tobasco Factory, grab a bite to eat, and wander through the Jungle Gardens.

4. Palmetto Island State Park

Just under an hour’s drive from Lafayette is Palmetto Island State Park. This 1,300-acre nature preserve allows visitors to immerse themselves in the Louisiana wetlands with optimal spots for fishing along the Vermilion River. You can fish from atop the aquatic pavilion or use the boat launch to fish on the water. There are also a few lagoons where you can find freshwater bowfins, and there are canoe/kayak trails that connect each body of water.

You can turn an afternoon of fishing into a weekend fishing trip thanks to the park’s 95 campsites and six available cabins. Here you can also find freshwater bowfins, and you can catch however many you want as long as they are bigger than 16 inches.

Stop by Service Cadillac in Lafayette today to purchase a new or pre-owned vehicle or trade-in your own. We have a diverse selection of Cadillac models to accommodate your specific driving needs. We look forward to being of service to you and your family.

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For true sweet tooth sufferers, nothing hits the spot like great, homemade fudge. For those living in or traveling through the Lafayette, Louisiana, area, you’re in luck. There are plenty of places around town that know what they’re doing when it comes to this classic dessert.

Here are a few of our favorite places in the area where you can satisfy your fudge cravings:

1. Candyland Cottage & Ice Cream Shoppe

If you’re looking for fantastic homemade fudge, head over to Candyland Cottage & Ice Cream Shoppe. It’s well-known in the area for its great selection of fudge. Full of year-round staples, as well as holiday and seasonal items, Candyland makes over 75 different kinds of fudge.

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