A latte with a leaf design in the frothed milk

4 Great Coffee Shops in Lafayette

Whether you’re a Lafayette local or you’re in town for a visit, you’re bound to need some caffeine to fuel your day in the city. Here are four great coffee shops that will help you relax and recharge as you enjoy your favorite brew.

Jet Coffee

Jet Coffee is a great place to go to celebrate community, culture, and, of course, coffee. They have a drive-thru for your quick coffee needs, or you can choose to sit inside and enjoy the aroma of coffee and the taste of one of Jet Coffee’s delicious hand-crafted drinks.

Consider trying one of their Jet Squad drinks, including the Bomber, a chocolate macadamia nut American-style latte, or the Super Hero, an Irish cream drink with six shots of espresso. Other menu items include smoothies, espresso freezes, energy drinks, and classics like cold brews, Americanos, and chai lattes. If you’re hungry, Jet Coffee even offers snacks like muffins, oats, and bagels.

CC’s Coffee House

CC’s Coffee House uses high-quality beans from all around the world to make their classic coffee brews. Not only that, but you’ll find the staff here grinding and brewing the coffee beans every hour to achieve a deep flavor and optimal freshness. Choose between medium roast, dark roast, or decaf, or get a cafe au lait for coffee with steamed milk. They also serve espresso classics like cappuccinos, mochas, lattes, and even specialty lattes with seasonal flavors.

If you’re in the mood for a cold treat on a hot day, try an iced tea, a smoothie made with 100% real fruit, or their signature Mochasippi, a frozen espresso drink.

Johnston Street Java

With java right in the name, you know exactly what you’re getting into with Johnston Street Java, but this is much more than a simple coffee shop. This New Orleans-style spot offers 35 different flavors as well as additional seasonal offerings. They also have special flavor combinations, such as the Samocha with chocolate, caramel, and coconut and the Peppermint Patty with white chocolate, chocolate, and mint. Of course, there are plenty of classics available here too, from Americanos to iced lattes.

You can also grab a bite to eat for breakfast or lunch at Johnston Street Java, and the food won’t disappoint — choose from biscuits, sandwiches, pastries, and smaller snacks.

Rêve Coffee Roasters

Not only does Rêve have their own coffee shop, but they also supply their beans to many other coffee havens in Lafayette. They feature beans from Africa, Asia, Central America, and South America, and they sell local Louisiana blends as well. Try their Costa Rica Tarrazu with notes of honey and citrus, the Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Honey Koke with brown sugar, grape, and melon notes, and their Fire & Brimstone, a full-bodied blend with notes of chocolate, cedar, and brandied cherries.

Whether you appreciate coffee for its flavor or the energy it provides, you’re sure to fall in love with these great coffee shops in Lafayette. Try one for yourself today to refuel and cure your afternoon slump.

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2020 CT5-V in red

Check Out the 2020 CT5-V

The 2020 Cadillac CT5-V is ideal for those who are looking for a luxurious drive. It’s a beautiful and powerful ride that will turn heads on the road. Here is what you should know about the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V.

Platinum Package Available

The 2020 Cadillac CT5-V is already a luxury vehicle, but the Platinum Package takes it to another level. Included in this package are leather seating, a dual-pane sunroof, and available adjustments to the seats. The Platinum Package includes other systems that provide navigation, premium audio, enhanced lighting on the exterior, and the Climate Package, which equips the CT5-V with heated and ventilated driver and front passenger seats and steering wheel. The Parking Package has an advanced steering column and driver-assist technologies such as rear camera mirror, rear pedestrian alert, HD surround vision, and automatic parking assist with braking, among other features.

An Engaging Drive

The 2020 CT5-V comes with a 3.0-liter V-6 twin-turbo engine that generates 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque, making it a powerful and engaging ride that excites all drivers. The powertrain pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission, limited-slip rear differential, V-series performance chassis, traction management, and Brembo front braking system for a well-rounded ride that is equal parts thrilling and practical. Also available on the CT5-V is Cadillac’s Super Drive system, a hands-free driver-assist technology when you’re on compatible highways.

Even with these features, Cadillac has thought of how to provide fuel efficiency with its advanced active fuel management system that is equipped with technology that optimizes how you drive. The 2020 CT5-V offers an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway. You’ll also be able to select your drive modes, including Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and a customized option.

A Bold Look

Drive the 2020 CT5-V and you’ll turn heads on the road because of its bold and wide front fascia, black moldings, 19-inch premium painted alloy wheels, curved corners, iconic LED headlamps, rear spoiler, black accents, and available UltraView dual-pane sunroof and additional wheel options. The exterior isn’t only for looks either — it’s designed with aerodynamics in mind.

Comfortable Interior

The intuitive and thoughtful interior is part of the CT5-V’s connectedness to its driver. You’ll ride in comfort with premium materials, ambient lighting, and plenty of space for all occupants. Available on the CT5-V is an 8-inch driver information center and head-up display. Standard is Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless charging, and OnStar and Cadillac connect services.

Safe Drive for Teens

Standard on the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V is the teen driver system. Now you can be sure that your young drivers are safe when they borrow your car. Use your teen’s specific key fob to set up essential controls such as their maximum speed, the volume of the audio system, seatbelt alerts, and more. In order to encourage improved driving behavior, this technology also provides you with a report so you can know exactly how your car is being driven.

This luxury sedan will rev and recharge your driving experience. Visit Service Cadillac today to experience the power of the CT5-V for yourself.

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a small bow in overalls and a camo hat fishing off a pier

4 Fun Fishing Spots Near Lafayette

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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a hand holding a soapy sponge washing a black car

6 Tips for Maintaining Your Car’s Paint Job

With any car, you’ll want to keep it looking like the day you drove it off the lot. One way to do that is by maintaining the paint job. Here are six tips to keeping your vehicle’s paint in tip-top shape.

Know How to Wash Your Car

The most important thing you can do to maintain your car’s paint job is to properly wash your car and do so regularly. When washing your car, maintain a safe distance between the water nozzle and your vehicle because water pressure that is too strong may damage the paint itself. Wash your car from the top down, apply soapy water in sections, scrub with a non-abrasive mitt, then gently rinse. Repeat this process until your car is clean, then dry with a microfiber towel.

Wax Your Car

As part of your car washing process, make sure to wax your vehicle at the end. Waxing both protects your car and allows it to shine after a quality wash job. You may be tempted to use a polish instead, but many polishing products actually contain abrasives that can cause harm to your paint.

Protect Your Car From the Sun

The sun’s rays can fade your vehicle’s paint, making it less likely to shine. You probably won’t be able to correct fading by washing or waxing either. Of course, driving in the sun generally cannot be avoided, but you can be strategic when parking your vehicle either at home or when you’re out for the day. Try to park in your home garage if you have one, or at least under some shade, like a carport. When out on the town, use parking garages instead of open lot or street parking.

Safely Remove Bird Droppings

Unless you always keep your car in the garage or under a tarp, it’s inevitable that it will eventually be the recipient of bird droppings or bug splatterings. Some bugs are rampant in the spring and summer months and slowly chip away at your paint if you don’t wash them off regularly. It’s the same with tree sap — if you don’t take the time to remove it soon, you may end up with paint damage.

To take care of these environmental obstacles to a clean paint job, consider using a waterless wash or purchasing a quick detail spray. To use, spray over the covered spot and then wipe clean with a microfiber towel. React fast and wipe gently, and your paint will be none the wiser.

Immediately Fix Scratches

To maintain your car’s paint job, you should also fix scratches as soon as you notice them. You can fix a superficial scratch with touch up paint or a scratch repair pen. Deeper scratches can either be addressed at a professional paint shop or you may be able to take care of this yourself by sanding around the scratch, using a primer, and then repainting. 

Following the tips on this list should keep your car looking brand new so you can enjoy the look of it for many years to come.

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Rain drops on a window with trees in the background

5 Things to Do Around Lafayette on a Rainy Day

There are plenty of brilliantly sunny days in Lafayette, but we also have our fair share of rainy ones too. When those days hit, there is no need to cancel your day out. Instead, try one of these rainy day activities.

Go on a Cajun Food Tour

A major part of the city of Lafayette is the food, and there is no shortage of it on the Official Cajun Food Tour. Even if you are a Lafayette restaurant connoisseur, you’ll still love taking the 14-seat bus around the city and trying traditional Cajun dishes at five of the city’s favorites. What’s fun about this tour is that it’s not only about the food, you’ll also spend three to four hours hearing about the history of the city.

Admire the Cathedral

The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist is a sight to see, no matter your religious preference. Here you’ll find intricate stained glass and beautiful Italian marble inside and an above-ground cemetery and exquisite oak trees outside. This cathedral has a history that’s just as interesting as our city. Learn more on one of the audio tours available in English, Spanish, and French.

Visit the Children’s Museum

It’s easy for children to feel cooped up in the house on a rainy day, so consider visiting the Children’s Museum of Acadiana. The exhibits at this museum are hands-on with a strong emphasis on learning through participation. Children will love exploring HAPPY PAWS Hospital, a play veterinary clinic where they can learn more about animals and take care of those admitted. Another favorite exhibit is the Bubble Factory where kids can create different bubbles and then experience what it’s like to stand inside one. This is a spot that kids and adults will enjoy.

Star Gaze at the Planetarium

If you’re disappointed that it’s raining, visit the Lafayette Science Museum, a combination museum and planetarium where there’s nothing but clear skies in the forecast. On the museum side, discover more about meteorites, the speed of light, and different spacecraft, then visit the planetarium to learn what it takes to be an astronaut and the story of some of our solar system’s stars. The planetarium has both live and recorded demonstrations so you can have a first-hand look at constellations and planets.

Create a Piece of Clay Art

Hand Star Clay Studio, located on East Saint Mary Boulevard in Lafayette, is a place to visit if you’re feeling artistic. Owned and operated by Adel deValcourt, this clay studio hosts beginners’ classes, workshops, and even studio tours where you can see works of art in the gallery and showroom. Adel also offers date night packages and private lessons for those who want to take their clay building to the next level. After your time at Hand Star, you’ll have a piece you can’t wait to display in your home.

We’re lucky that no matter the outdoor conditions, there is plenty to see and do. Even when the weather is less-than-ideal, enjoy one of these adventures to pass the time and try something new.

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2020 Cadillac Escalade in white parked on a street

5 Luxury Features of the 2020 Cadillac Escalade

The 2020 Cadillac Escalade offers you an unbeatable luxury experience. This iconic full-size SUV features traditional Cadillac designs along with innovative features. You’re sure to love its all-new interior, exterior, performance, and safety features. Get to know five luxury features that make this a truly refined vehicle. 

1. Delightful Interior Features

The 2020 Cadillac Escalade was made for the comfort of all passengers. It can accommodate up to eight people, giving everyone ample space to enjoy the ride. Each detail of the interior features incredible craftsmanship and quality materials. The standard model includes premium leather seating surfaces on the first two rows. The driver and front passenger can enjoy heated and cool seats that can adapt to your preferences. The Bose Centerpoint surround sound 16-speaker audio system also makes for a state-of-the-art listening experience inside the cabin.

2. Eye-Catching Exterior

The exterior of the 2020 Cadillac Escalade is sure to turn heads with its elegant yet modern design. The full LED tail lamps feature the light blade design that’s unique to the Cadillac brand. Along with its stunning design, the exterior also includes some impressive features. The hands-free liftgate opens with a swift kicking gesture under the bumper, perfect for when your hands are full. It also has an invisible rear windshield wiper, helping you see better while maintaining the integrity of its design. Power assist steps are also available to make it easy to get in and out of the vehicle in style.

3. Next-Level Performance

The 2020 Cadillac Escalade offers a comfortable ride and impressive handling. The 10-speed automatic transmission makes for smooth acceleration and exceptional power in each gear. It’s also stocked with innovative engine technologies to ensure you’re riding as efficiently as possible. The Magnetic Ride Control system reads the road up to 1,000 times per second and automatically optimizes the suspension to driving conditions. It also has stability control, ensuring that your vehicle stays on the road.

4. Enhanced Safety Assistance

Enhanced safety features make the 2020 Cadillac Escalade one of the safer vehicles on the road. The surround vision feature gives you a bird’s eye view of your vehicle, making parking a breeze. It also has a safety alert seat, sending you vibrations when it detects objects in your driving path. The 2020 Cadillac Escalade also includes automatic emergency braking, helping you avoid more collisions. Lane changing in this SUV is also enhanced with its lane change and side blind zone alert, helping you avoid collisions with vehicles next to you. 

5. Unique Trim Levels

The 2020 Cadillac Escalade comes in four different trim levels: Standard, Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Platinum. Although the Standard model is a truly luxurious SUV, you can continue to upgrade the Escalade for even more impressive features. When you choose the Platinum model, you get 18-way adjustable seats with massage settings, a leather-wrapped instrument panel, a console cooler, and other additional luxury features. 

The 2020 Cadillac Escalade is truly a high-end vehicle that allows for maximum comfort. With this ride, you’ll be finding any excuse to take it for a spin. If you’re looking for a spacious SUV stocked full of luxury features, then this is the vehicle you need. 

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a pile of Cajun crayfish

5 Authentic Cajun and Creole Restaurants in Lafayette, LA

Living in Louisiana, we know good Cajun and Creole food the moment it settles on our tongue. Around here, our palates are made for this food. Even though there are plenty of options to choose from, here are our picks for authentic Cajun and Creole restaurants around Lafayette.

Bon Temps Grill

Bon Temps Grill, located on Verot School Road, is an award-winning Lafayette restaurant known for its Cajun and Creole cuisine. The menu at Bon Temps is largely focused on seafood and steak, like their Alligator Bang Bang Po-Boy and deep-fried meat pies. Try their Hamburger Steak, a half-pound of ground beef that’s smothered in brown gravy and cheddar cheese, or order the 12-ounce ribeye, 6-ounce filet, or 8-ounce sirloin to experience their grilled-to-perfection cuts.

Prejean’s Restaurant

If you’re looking for a tried-and-true Cajun restaurant, look no further than Prejean’s Restaurant. Around for more than 40 years, this Lafayette staple is focused on two things: providing authentic food and creating an environment where guests feel welcomed like family. Prejean’s serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so stop by almost any time of day to enjoy your Cajun favorites with a twist. 

If you want the best start to your day, order the Prejean’s Napoleon, a poached egg dish with a potato cake and crab cake that’s topped with a hollandaise sauce, fresh shrimp, and tasso. If you’re looking for something a little sweeter, the French toast-esque Pain Perdue should do the trick. For lunch or dinner, make sure to order the Chicken & Sausage Gumbo — it’s a three-time world champion dish for a reason.

Don’s Seafood Cajun Restaurant & Oyster Bar

Don’s Seafood Cajun Restaurant & Oyster Bar has been around since 1934, and some locals would consider it a tradition to enjoy one of their fantastic dishes. With every bite of any dish, you can taste the difference in their commitment to quality food and an exceptional cooking process. You won’t be disappointed in their charbroiled oysters made with garlic butter and Romano cheese. You also can’t go wrong ordering the fried or grilled catfish.

Blue Dog Cafe

The Blue Dog Cafe is easily recognized by its signage — a blue dog with wide yellow eyes. Artist George Rodrigue created the painting and sculpture of the dog, along with other notable works that capture the history of the region, and his sons now own Blue Dog Cafe. Any dish at Blue Dog Cafe is sure to be a great one, but we recommend the Corn and Crab Bisque and the Crawfish Enchilada for the true taste of Creole.

Dwight’s

Dwight’s, serving Lafayette residents and visitors from their Johnston Street location for decades, specializes in crawfish, along with other classic Cajun and Creole dishes. Dwight’s crawfish is so fresh that they only serve them five months of the year when they are available at their peak. For something a little different, try their BBQ lunch on Sundays.

In Lafayette, you’re surrounded by award-winning and mom-and-pop restaurants that have been part of the community for years. To enjoy a meal at any of these locations is to know and love the city’s culture and history.

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Black 2020 Cadillac CT4

Most Impressive Tech Features of the 2020 Cadillac CT4

Are you looking for a luxurious sedan with the latest technology for your new car? Meet the 2020 Cadillac CT4. This sedan keeps daily drivers and commuters happy and connected on the road.

Super Cruise

The 2020 Cadillac CT4 is a significant vehicle because it is the first sedan to include Cadillac’s Super Cruise system. When you engage this automated driving system on certain highways, the car takes over for you. You do not need to have your hands on the wheel with this system. However, you need to keep your eyes on traffic. You’ll need to be able to react if the traffic suddenly changes. If you need to shut off the Super Cruise feature, you can tap the brakes, and your car is back in your control.

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rows of water bottles with blue caps

Creating an Emergency Kit for Your Vehicle

On the vast network of open roads that covers the United States, breakdowns are common. Keep yourself and your family prepared through the creation of a fully equipped and well-maintained vehicle emergency kit. Take a look below to discover what you’ll need to add to your kit and why.

Include a Full-Fledged First-Aid Kit

In case of a breakdown that causes an injury, a complete first-aid kit must be included in your vehicle emergency kit. Your first-aid kit should contain items used in the treatment of burns, cuts, scrapes, stings, splinters, sprains, strains, and breaks. It’s also wise to include items that treat fever, nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, mild to moderate pain, gastrointestinal problems, skin problems, and allergies.

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2020 Cadillac Escalade in black parked on a cobbled street

Explore the Luxurious Interior of the 2020 Cadillac Escalade

Do you enjoy the idea of mixing luxury with the capabilities of a full-size SUV? Meet the 2020 Cadillac Escalade. The Escalade and its longer version, the Escalade ESV, allow you to enjoy a luxurious interior while you explore any destination you can imagine.

Luxurious Materials

As soon as you open the door to your new SUV, you’ll notice the luxurious materials that surround you on your drive. The wooden accents work well with your chosen interior color. The front captain’s chairs feature hot and cold settings to keep you comfortable. Second-row passengers also enjoy heated seats. All four trims also feature a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel.

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