8 Reasons to Love Living in Lafayette, LA

With a population of 120,000, Lafayette, LA is big enough to offer all of the advantages of a city while still retaining the charm of an engaged community. The Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch named it “America’s Happiest City” for several good reasons, and southern hospitality is just the beginning.

1. Cost of Living

The cost of living in Lafayette is about 4% lower than the average for the rest of the country. That includes housing, health care, utilities, groceries, transportation, goods, and services.

2. Weather

The city’s climate is extremely mild year-round, with temperatures rarely falling below freezing, which makes it perfect for all types of outdoor activities. The community enjoys boating, fishing, camping, golf, hiking and biking. In fact, cycling is often used as a favorite method of transportation in the central parts of the city. This is due not only to the flat terrain, but also the increase in cycling safety awareness, as well as the number of bike paths and lanes.

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Top 7 Things Drivers Love About the 2020 Cadillac XT4

The new 2020 Cadillac XT4 captures Cadillac’s vision of a small and athletic vehicle. It provides a superb driving experience enhanced by the modern, spacious interior and an impressive technology interface.

1. Solid Performance

Drivers enjoy a silky smooth powertrain that provides excellent linear power delivery with this Cadillac. A nine-speed automatic transmission combines with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four-cylinder engine, featuring auto stop/start, active fuel management, and direct injection.

The engine produces 258 pound-feet torque and 237 horsepower, sufficient for a confident performance. Front-wheel drive is standard and an all-wheel-drive option is available.

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Plan Your Trip to Vermilionville Historic Village: 3 Tips for Visitors

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.

1. Visit the Vermilionville Village Website

While Vermilionville is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, and it is possible to tour the place on your own, participating in one of the site’s programs and events can make your experience even more enjoyable. Vermilionville regularly hosts guided village tours, Cajun jam sessions, concerts, plays, and more.

Something that is worth taking into consideration is the fact that Vermilionville stops receiving visitors at 3 pm, as the administration believes that a regular visit in which all the major attractions are seen would take around one and a half hours. The site is closed on Mondays and most national holidays.

2. Bring Your Student Card With You

The regular price for admission to the Vermilionville Village is $10, but there are discounts that allow students, children, senior citizens, and other individuals to enter the place for a reduced rate. Those carrying a valid student card pay just $6, while senior citizens aged 65 or more pay $8.

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5 Fantastic Parks and Trails in and Around Lafayette, LA

The hiking is a gratifying experience. Taking a leisure walk in nature is calming and conveys benefits that exceed what you acquire from everyday exercises. This workout helps to sharpen your mind, improve your creativity, and make for happier relationships. Whether you cherish taking a leisure stroll or are up for a more challenging hike, Louisiana got you covered. Below are some of the most popular parks and trails in and around Lafayette.

1. Acadiana Park Nature Station

If you reside in this southern Louisiana city, you are only a few minutes away from Acadiana Park Nature Station. This 2.9 kilometers lightly trafficked trail is a fantastic place to take a peaceful walk as you relish the wildlife. For the novice hiker, you can stick to the boardwalks that take you through the hardwood forest. There are guided tours with passionate naturalists who will explain the various animals and exotic plants along the way.

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10 Favorite Features of the 2020 Cadillac XT5

The 2020 Cadillac XT5 seats five comfortably and has a maximum cargo space of 63 cubic feet, ensuring you have more than enough room no matter the occasion. With plush seats, good fuel economy, and an impressive interior and exterior, the XT5 is a reputable luxury midsize SUV.

With one of the best reliability ratings in its class and a bunch of nifty features, the XT5 is a good option for those who want style, performance, and the latest technology in their vehicles. Below are 10 of our favorite features of the XT5.

1. Electronic Precision Shift

A 9-speed electronic precision shift effortlessly moves you from park to drive. It also gives you complete control of the highly efficient 9-speed automatic transmission.

2. Driver-Selectable Modes

The fully adaptable driver-selectable modes adapt to the changing road conditions and the way you drive. With the touch of a button, you can switch to all-wheel drive, which has four distinct calibrations, and four-wheel drive, which has three distinct calibrations.

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5 Great Spots for Delivery and Takeout in Lafayette, LA

Located in the heart of Cajun country, Lafayette, Louisiana is the place to go for authentic Cajun and Creole food. However, there are other types of delicious food available for takeout and delivery in this city as well. Give these five great spots for delivery and takeout in Lafayette, LA a try and you won’t be disappointed.

Magic Wok

Chinese food is a traditional takeout and delivery staple, but when you order from Magic Wok, your food will be truly magical. A mom and pop restaurant, your food will be fresh and hot, and the service will be stellar. There are no bad dishes on the menu, but if you want to order a local favorite, try the lemon chicken, kung pao cabbage, spicy dumpling soup, or the wonton soup. The portions are huge, and the prices are low, which is one of the best combinations you can find.

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A Red Cadillac XT5 parked in a lot

10 Favorite Features of the 2020 Cadillac XT5

The 2020 Cadillac XT5 seats five comfortably and has a maximum cargo space of 63 cubic feet, ensuring you have more than enough room no matter the occasion. With plush seats, good fuel economy, and an impressive interior and exterior, the XT5 is a reputable luxury midsize SUV.

With one of the best reliability ratings in its class and a bunch of nifty features, the XT5 is a good option for those who want style, performance, and the latest technology in their vehicles. Below are 10 of our favorite features of the XT5.

1. Electronic Precision Shift

A 9-speed electronic precision shift effortlessly moves you from park to drive. It also gives you complete control of the highly efficient 9-speed automatic transmission.

2. Driver-Selectable Modes

The fully adaptable driver-selectable modes adapt to the changing road conditions and the way you drive. With the touch of a button, you can switch to all-wheel drive, which has four distinct calibrations, and four-wheel drive, which has three distinct calibrations.

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a tall swamp tree with a drooping canopy

7 Amazing Things to See in Lake Martin, LA

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.

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.

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7 Amazing Things to See in Lake Martin, LA

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.


a view through a window rolled ice cream being made

5 Great Spots for Ice Cream in Lafayette, LA

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. As an adult, you may not literally scream, but you know that feeling. Sometimes it can be freezing cold outside, but that doesn’t stop you from craving a bowl of ice-cold creamy goodness. If you live in the Lafayette, LA area, you’re in luck because you’re quite literally surrounded by some of the best ice cream spots imaginable. Next time the craving hits, try one of these local spots: you won’t be disappointed.

1. Borden’s

Located at 1103 Jefferson Street, Borden’s recreates the ice cream experience you may have only seen in the movies. If this location isn’t already a tourist destination, it should be.

This location is the last standing Borden’s Ice Cream Shoppe in the world and has been serving customers since 1940. At this spot, you will get old fashioned ice cream at its best. From the traditional banana split to homemade ice cream sandwiches, this is a spot everyone will love.

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