Author: Emily Gautreaux

Acadiana’s Heart, Lafayette, Recognized as a Top Southern City

When Travel + Leisure released its rankings of the 10 best cities to live in the South, Lafayette, Louisiana secured a top spot on the list, as per this article from The Daily Advertiser. The recognition underscored the city’s balance of affordability, culture, and quality of life. The honor also highlighted how Lafayette, often regarded as the hub ofAcadiana, has become a standout destination for both economic opportunity and cultural vitality.

Prior to the successful announcement of the list, Travel + Leisure explained that the rankings were designed to showcase cities that combine reasonable living costs with comfort, entertainment, and growth potential. Lafayetteemerged as a strong contender because of its welcoming lifestyle, diverse recreation options, and accessible housing market. For new residents, these qualities helped make the city an appealing choice compared to other metropolitan areas in the South.

Lafayette has long been celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, drawing from both Cajun and Creole traditions. The city is home to world-class music festivals, dynamic nightlife, and a culinary scene that has drawn national recognition. These cultural touchstones not only attract tourists but also create a distinctive way of life for those who settle in the area. According to Travel + Leisure, these assets contributed heavily to Lafayette’s place among the South’s best cities to call home.

Housing affordability further solidified Lafayette’s ranking. Travel + Leisure reported that the average home value in Lafayette is around $219,000, while the average rent stands near $1,084. These costs remain well below many comparably sized Southern cities. Meanwhile, U.S. News & World Report emphasized that Lafayette’s median household income of $59,469 stretches further than in many parts of the country, particularly when compared to housing costs. This combination of accessible housing and sustainable income opportunities has drawn attention from families, young professionals, and retirees seeking balance in both budget and lifestyle.

The local economy has also proven resilient. According to U.S. News & World Report, Lafayette’s unemployment rateremains lower than the national average of 4.5%. This strength positioned the city as a hub of opportunity, offering both stability and pathways for career growth. Economic development, paired with cultural vibrancy, continues to reinforce Lafayette’s status as a city on the rise.

Demographics paint a picture of a balanced and multigenerational population. With approximately 125,854 residents, Lafayette shows significant diversity in age groups. Roughly 24% of the population is under 20 years old, 15% falls between the ages of 25 and 34, and 23% are in the 45–65 age range. Meanwhile, 18% of the population is over the age of 65. This distribution illustrates how Lafayette appeals to both younger generations seeking opportunity and older residents looking for stability in retirement.

The broader list of Travel + Leisure’s top Southern cities provided additional context for Lafayette’s recognition. The 2025 ranking featured Charleston, South Carolina, Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Charlotte, North Carolina, Dallas, Texas, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Franklin, Tennessee, Richmond, Virginia, Chattanooga, Tennessee, andHuntsville, Alabama alongside Lafayette. Being named among these destinations positioned the Louisiana city among some of the region’s most celebrated and fast-growing communities.

The acknowledgment by Travel + Leisure underscored Lafayette’s ongoing evolution from a regional hub to a nationally recognized city. By offering affordable housing, a thriving job market, and unparalleled cultural depth, Lafayette continues to prove itself as a city where residents can prosper without sacrificing comfort or opportunity. As migration trends shift across the South, Lafayette’s position as one of the best places to live highlights its unique ability to combine Southern charm with long-term promise.

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Comfort in a Bowl: Louisiana White Beans and Rice

Few recipes embody the comfort of Southern cooking quite like Louisiana White Beans and Rice. This recipe, from Louisiana Cookin. slow-simmered to creamy perfection, combines humble ingredients with big flavors. With smoked sausage, ham hock, and Cajun seasoning mingling alongside hearty beans, each spoonful delivers warmth, nostalgia, and a touch of spice. For generations, this meal has graced Louisiana tables, becoming a culinary staple for Sunday dinners, church gatherings, and family reunions.

White beans and rice carry deep cultural roots in Louisiana cuisine, where beans have long been a thrifty yet nourishing ingredient. Using Camellia Brand beans, a company with nearly 100 years of history, guarantees consistency and authenticity. Pairing them with Parish Rice, grown in Louisiana’s rich soil, creates a dish that not only satisfies hunger but also honors the state’s agricultural traditions.

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Rinse and sort beans, discarding any damaged ones. Soak according to package instructions, then drain.
  2. In a large cast-iron Dutch oven, brown the smoked sausage over medium heat, about 8 minutes. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, leaving about 3 tablespoons of drippings in the pot.
  3. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and jalapeño to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring often. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add beans, ham hock, water, broth, bay leaves, salt, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cook 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until beans are tender and creamy, adding more water if needed.
  5. For extra creaminess, mash some beans against the side of the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Serve hot over Parish Rice. Garnish with green onion, hot sauce, and additional Cajun seasoning.

For best results, always soak the beans overnight to ensure even cooking. Browning the sausage at the start adds a smoky depth that enhances the entire dish. Letting the beans rest for about 15 minutes after cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully. And if a thicker consistency is preferred, mashing beans against the pot wall is a simple trick that transforms the broth into a silky sauce.

Louisiana White Beans and Rice shine on their own, but the right sides make the meal unforgettable. A skillet ofcornbread or a basket of French bread is perfect for sopping up the flavorful bean gravy. Pair with smothered greens,fried okra, or a crisp coleslaw to balance the richness. For a true Louisiana spread, consider serving with bread pudding for dessert.

Louisiana White Beans and Rice is more than just comfort food—it’s a reflection of tradition, resilience, and hospitality. Simple ingredients come together to create a dish that is hearty, soulful, and deeply satisfying. Whether cooked for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this classic recipe continues to bring people together around the table, just as it has for generations across Louisiana.

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Sunshine State Surprises: What Fall Looks Like in Florida

While much of the United States welcomes fall with colorful foliage and brisk air, Florida embraces the season with its own traditions that reflect the state’s coastal charm and subtropical climate, as per this travel blog article from Southern Living. From sand sculpting competitions on white beaches to stone crab festivals in historic fishing villages, autumn in Florida offers a wide array of activities and landmarks to explore. Visitors in search of art, wildlife, and unique seasonal events will find that the Sunshine State provides a distinctive version of fall worth experiencing.

One of Florida’s most anticipated fall events is the Renninger’s Antique Extravaganza in Mount Dora, a small town renowned for its vintage charm. Every November, over 800 dealers from across the country gather beneath centuries-old oaks to showcase rare collectibles, furniture, jewelry, and art. The event, which takes place three weekends a year, transforms the town into a bustling hub for treasure hunters. Whether browsing booths or strolling the quaint downtown streets, visitors can enjoy an immersive glimpse into history and craftsmanship.

As water temperatures cool in late fall, manatees migrate to Florida’s consistently warm freshwater springs. These peaceful creatures are a highlight for nature lovers. At Shingle Creek in Kissimmee, paddling along the headwaters of the Everglades often leads to sightings of manatees gliding gracefully beneath the surface. For a more hands-on experience, Crystal River remains one of the few destinations where visitors are legally permitted to swim alongside them. On the Gulf Coast, the Teco Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach provides a reliable location to see dozens of manatees basking in the outflow of warm water from the Big Bend Power Station.

While other states stack snow into frosty figures, Florida artists carve their masterpieces from sand. The Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival in Sarasota draws master sculptors who transform the sugary white sands into stunning, larger-than-life works of art each November. Further south, Fort Myers Beach hosts theAnnual American Sand Sculpting Championship, a multi-day event featuring exhibitions, a vendor village, and live entertainment. These festivals showcase both artistry and the coastal spirit that defines Florida’s fall season.

For sports enthusiasts, the Georgia-Florida Football Classic in Jacksonville is a fall tradition that dates back to 1933. Rivalry fans from both universities flock to the city, filling the weekend with energy, tailgates, and school spirit. Beyond the game itself, the event has grown into a cultural gathering along the Florida-Georgia border, cementing its reputation as one of the South’s most spirited autumn spectacles.

Florida’s fall also ushers in the start of stone crab season, which runs from mid-October through early May. The coastal communities mark the occasion with vibrant festivals. In Cortez, the historic fishing village hosts the Stone Crab and Music Festival, blending local seafood with maritime tradition. On the state’s Paradise Coast, Everglades City—dubbed the “Stone Crab Capital of the World”—celebrates with the Blessing of the Stone Crab Fleet, an event filled with live music, food, and coastal games. Visitors can also stop by long-standing seafood markets such as Grimm’s Stone Crab to sample freshly harvested claws.

Traveling to Florida in the fall means encountering a blend of natural wonders, artistic showcases, and cultural traditions unlike anywhere else in the country. Whether seeking out migrating manatees, admiring intricate sand sculptures, or sampling fresh stone crab claws, the state offers an itinerary rich with seasonal highlights. Autumn here is not about foliage but about celebrating Florida’s vibrant identity through its landscapes, festivals, and enduring traditions.

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Nicholls Engineering Receives Key Backing from Educational Trust Fund

Nicholls State University recently received a generous contribution that promises to strengthen one of its most distinctive academic offerings, as per this news release from the University. The Contractor’s Educational Trust Fund (LA-CETF) donated $50,000 to support both scholarships and programming in the Wm. Clifford Smith School of Engineering, specifically within its geomatics program. This program, long recognized for its innovation and workforce impact, has produced graduates who step directly into high-demand roles across Louisiana and beyond.

Kenn Naquin, secretary of LA-CETF, explained that the donation reflected the industry’s need to invest in its future workforce. He noted that the students trained at Nicholls State University would become tomorrow’s employees, and it was in the best interest of Louisiana contractors to ensure the university produced the most qualified graduates possible. Naquin described Nicholls students as the “product” of this educational process, and emphasized the fund’s desire to help the university create the best professionals in the field.

This $50,000 investment was not the trust’s first show of support for Nicholls. Over the years, the LA-CETF has contributed to a range of initiatives that bolstered both student opportunities and faculty development. These past donations included $100,000 toward the Endowed Geomatics Student Scholarship, $25,000 for the Jules Oreste Chustz Endowed Student Scholarship, and $50,000 in need-based scholarships designated for Nicholls students who faced hardship following Hurricane Ida. Additionally, funding has helped the School of Engineering recruit and retain talented faculty members, as well as establish endowed professorships that ensure long-term academic excellence.

Dr. Esra Tekdal Yilmaz, director of the School of Engineering and an associate professor of geomatics, expressed deep gratitude for the trust’s consistent backing. She explained that LA-CETF’s support was vital to sustaining the university’s nationally recognized geomatics program and preparing students to enter a field that required precision, technical knowledge, and adaptability. Dr. Yilmaz underscored that without such partnerships, the program could not continue its record of success in both education and job placement.

The geomatics program at Nicholls has built a reputation for excellence, boasting a 100% job placement rate for its graduates. Students are trained in the fundamentals of surveying and mapping but also gain expertise in cutting-edge technologies. Coursework and hands-on experiences expose them to Global Navigation Satellite Systems, Geographic Information Systems, Unmanned Aerial Systems, and advanced laser scanning techniques. This combination of traditional skills and modern innovation ensures graduates are highly competitive in industries ranging from construction and urban planning to environmental management.

The Wm. Clifford Smith School of Engineering also extends its impact through collaborative degree pathways. Nicholls students can pursue studies in civil and mechanical engineering through a partnership with the University of New Orleans. This arrangement allows students to complete UNO’s Bachelor of Science curriculum in fields such as mechanical or civil engineering while remaining on the Nicholls campus for most of their undergraduate studies. In their final year, they transition seamlessly to UNO to finish their degrees, creating a flexible and affordable route into the engineering profession.

The Contractor’s Educational Trust Fund itself plays a unique role in Louisiana’s educational and professional landscape. Established as a nonprofit, the fund provides resources to universities across the state that offer programs tied to construction and contracting. Its financing comes from violation fines collected by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. These reinvested funds ensure that penalties for noncompliance are transformed into opportunities for students, scholarships, and academic advancement.

Taken together, the consistent partnership between LA-CETF and Nicholls demonstrates a forward-looking vision for Louisiana’s workforce. By channeling resources into student scholarships, faculty development, and program innovation, the fund is helping to guarantee that the next generation of geomatics and engineering professionals are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. In doing so, it underscores the importance of collaboration between higher education and industry to secure both academic excellence and economic growth.

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Louisiana’s Float Will Shine at the Rose Parade with Rising Star John Foster

Louisiana will usher the New Year with vibrant style as rising country singer John Foster proudly represents the Bayou State in the 137th Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. According to this article from The Advocate, the Rose Parade will be held on January 1, 2026, and marks Louisiana’s fifth consecutive appearance in the world-famous parade, with each year spotlighting homegrown talent on the state’s colorful float.

Over the years, Louisiana has showcased some of its most recognized musicians at the parade, including Laine Hardy, Amanda Shaw, Sean Ardoin, and James Burton. More recent honorees included Timothy Wayne and Lainey Wilson, who brought national attention to Louisiana’s cultural legacy. Foster will join this celebrated lineup in 2026, stepping onto the grand stage as the latest artist to embody Louisiana’s rich musical tradition.

Prior to the debut of the float, Foster reflected on his journey to the Rose Parade. He explained that in 2023, while still early in his career, he saw Lainey Wilson represent Louisiana at the event. That moment sparked the hope that one day he might also carry the honor of showcasing his home state before an international audience. For Foster, taking part in this upcoming parade stands as a fulfillment of that long-held aspiration.

The 2026 float, titled Gulf to Gumbo, reflects the parade’s theme, The Magic in Teamwork. Designed to celebrate the collaboration behind Louisiana’s most iconic dish, the float featured a shrimp boat, depictions of fresh Gulf seafood, and a towering chef figure bringing every ingredient together. According to the Louisiana Department of Tourism, the float not only represented culinary pride but also highlighted the cooperative spirit that defines Louisiana’s culture.

The significance of Louisiana’s continued participation extends far beyond the parade route. In 2025, media coverage of the float had generated more than $50 million in advertising value. With millions of viewers tuning in through broadcast partners like ABC, NBC, Univision, and Pluto TV, the 2026 float will once again place Louisiana on a global stage. Organizers emphasized that the event provided an unparalleled opportunity to promote the state’s tourism, cuisine, and musical artistry to audiences across continents.

The Rose Parade itself draws more than 700,000 spectators along its five-mile route. Following tradition, floats will be judged on New Year’s Eve for design, floral presentation, and entertainment value. On parade day, crowds will gather to cheer as Louisiana’s Gulf to Gumbo float  as it rolls proudly through Pasadena. Afterward, visitors will have the chance to admire the designs up close during Floatfest, an exhibition that allows attendees to view all parade floats in detail.

Volunteers will also play a vital role in bringing Louisiana’s float to life. Dozens of participants—both locals and visitors—are expected to join in the decorating process, which will take place at the float builder’s warehouse in the days leading up to the event. Volunteers will assist with tasks such as gluing, taping, cutting, and preparing organic materials including seeds, flowers, and plant matter. The experience will give participants a direct opportunity to engage with Louisiana’s parade entry, reinforcing the teamwork celebrated in this year’s theme.

Louisiana’s involvement in the Tournament of Roses Parade will serve as more than just a showcase of culture; it will continue a yearly tradition that bridges community, tourism, and artistry. With each float, the state shares its stories—through food, music, and shared experiences—with a worldwide audience. For Foster, this moment will symbolize both personal achievement and the opportunity to highlight Louisiana’s enduring spirit.

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Spanish Grilled Octopus with Bright Citrus and Olive Oil

Few dishes capture the rustic elegance of Mediterranean cooking quite like Spanish-Style Grilled Octopus. This recipe, adapted from Louisiana Cookin and Chef John D. Folse, originates from a gathering of Spanish merchants in Melide, Spain, where chefs relied on the simplest local ingredients—fresh octopus, smoky paprika, bright citrus, and golden olive oil. Traditionally, the dish was finished over an open flame, giving the octopus a charred, slightly smoky edge that has become its signature flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (1-pound) Spanish octopus, rinsed and head discarded
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
  • 1 yellow onion, coarsely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup white wine
  • 2 large bay leaves
  • 1½ teaspoons smoked Spanish paprika
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • Cayenne pepper and salt, to taste
  • Garnish: chopped fresh parsley, grilled lemon slices

Directions:

  1. In a saucepan, combine the onion, garlic, bay leaves, paprika, salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the onion begins to soften. Pour in the white wine to form a flavorful braising base, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
    For added authenticity, many cooks from Galicia recommend a dry Spanish white wine, which complements the seafood’s natural sweetness.
  2. Place the cleaned octopus into the simmering braising liquid. Coat it well, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Allow the octopus to cook gently for 20 minutes, then flip it and continue simmering until fork-tender—about 30 to 45 minutes longer.
  3. Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the octopus to a large bowl. Pour the braising liquid over it, then set the bowl in a larger container filled with ice water to cool. Once the mixture reaches room temperature, cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This step helps the octopus absorb more of the smoky, aromatic flavor.
  4. When ready to cook, pat the octopus dry with paper towels and cut into three or four serving-sized portions. Brush each piece generously with the remaining olive oil.
  5. In a small saucepan, reduce ⅓ cup of the reserved braising liquid over medium heat. Remove from heat, strain out the solids, and allow the liquid to cool for about 10 minutes. Stir in orange zest, lemon zest, lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and a pinch of cayenne for a sauce that brightens and balances the smoky char.
  6. Preheat the grill to high heat. Place the octopus pieces directly on the grate and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until caramelized, slightly charred, and heated through. Slice diagonally into thick pieces, arrange on a platter, and drizzle with the citrus sauce. Finish with a dusting of cayenne, chopped parsley, and grilled lemon slices for garnish.

This Spanish-style dish pairs beautifully with simple yet vibrant accompaniments. A warm loaf of Galician bread or rustic sourdough provides the perfect vehicle for sopping up the citrusy sauce. For a lighter option, consider serving it alongside a crisp salad of arugula, shaved fennel, and orange segments. Spanish-style roasted potatoes, tossed with paprika and garlic, also complement the flavors of the grilled octopus.

Spanish-Style Grilled Octopus is more than a dish—it is a culinary journey that captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking. From the initial simmer with garlic, bay leaves, and wine to the final kiss of smoke on the grill, each step honors tradition while ensuring tenderness and bold flavor. Whether served as a centerpiece for a summer gathering or as part of a tapas spread, this recipe delivers both authenticity and elegance. By recreating it at home, you bring a touch of Spain to your table, making any occasion feel festive and memorable.

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