South Louisiana
CajunTravel.com; @VisitStLandryLA
Just north of Lafayette, St. Landry Parish is a rural heritage destination known for its vibrant Cajun spirit and Zydeco soul. The parish seat is Opelousas, known as the “Zydeco Capital of the World.” Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino offers event space to accommodate up to 1,200 people. The 117-room Evangeline Downs Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel is located onsite.
Arpeggio’s Lounge & Event Center, located in downtown Opelousas and known to residents as “The Mainstreet Bar,” serves Creole cuisine and seafood dishes for breakfast and lunch daily. The venue is a popular destination for live zydeco, jazz, and brass bands on Sunday nights. The restaurant can accommodate up to 100 guests for special events.
For other ways to experience Cajun and Zydeco music, planners should consider including a group visit to Tom’s Fiddle & Bow. Located in a small studio in tiny Arnaudville on Bayou Teche, Tom’s is a haven for artists and musicians seeking inspiration from bayous and country landscapes.
