Author: Emily Gautreaux

Magnolia Pantry Adds Flavor and Energy to Lafayette’s Core

Downtown Lafayette welcomed a new addition with the grand opening of Magnolia Pantry at 219 E. Vermilion Street in the historic Sans Souci Building. According to this article from The Daily Advertiser, the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was held on August 28, marked the successful launch of a project designed not only to provide a new culinary destination but also to advance the broader revitalization of the city’s downtown district.

The creation of Magnolia Pantry was the direct outcome of One Acadiana’s Small Business Challenge, a program initiated in fall 2023 to support entrepreneurial ventures and boost downtown vibrancy. This initiative offered up to $100,000 in investment capital, along with a prime lease in the Sans Souci Building, to the winning business concept. According to One Acadiana, the effort was structured as part of its Vibrant Acadiana plan, which emphasized small business development as a cornerstone of community growth.

Prior to the opening, Troy Wayman, President and CEO of One Acadiana, had explained that the Small Business Challenge was designed to strengthen both the local economy and the pedestrian-friendly atmosphere of the downtown corridor. He credited inspiration from a Leadership Exchange trip for shaping the program, which allowed local leaders to bring home innovative concepts and adapt them for Lafayette’s unique cultural environment.

Magnolia Pantry, founded by entrepreneurs Korey Champagne and Alexis Badon, emerged as the winner after a rigorous multi-round evaluation process. Their concept fused two existing local brands—Acadian Slice Pies andMagnolia Moon—into a single storefront, blending artisanal baking with unique beverages and confections. The menu featured handmade pies, lavender lemonades, organic cotton candy, snow cones, coffee, and ice cream, providing both nostalgic comfort and creative flair.

The Lafayette Public Trust Financing Authority (LPTFA) played a key role in supporting the project. Its executive director, Alex Lazard, emphasized that backing Magnolia Pantry demonstrated how public-private partnerships could spark small business growth while also revitalizing key areas of the city. He viewed the pantry’s opening as evidence that collaborative investment could create meaningful opportunities for entrepreneurs while simultaneously enriching the community at large.

The space itself received a complete renovation before the opening, outfitted with outdoor seating to encourage gathering and activity around the adjoining Parc Sans Souci. Positioned directly next to a recently developed children’s play area, the pantry quickly became a destination for families and visitors seeking both relaxation and refreshment in the heart of the city.

Kevin Blanchard, CEO of the Downtown Development Authority, described Magnolia Pantry as the kind of activation city leaders had envisioned when planning Lafayette’s downtown renewal. He noted that the proximity to the park created a natural flow between recreation and dining, giving locals a chance to enjoy pie or coffee while their children played nearby. The new business, he added, was an example of how investments in local entrepreneurship could enhance the quality of life for residents while drawing additional foot traffic to downtown.

For Champagne and Badon, the opening represented the culmination of years spent serving at Acadiana markets and festivals. They expressed gratitude that their two ventures had finally found a permanent home within Lafayette’s cultural center. Their journey from vendor tents to a brick-and-mortar establishment underscored the potential of small businesses to grow with the support of community-driven initiatives like the Small Business Challenge.

The project illustrated how a thoughtfully structured small business competition could do more than launch a single storefront. It served as a model for revitalization, inspiring civic pride while strengthening Lafayette’s position as a vibrant regional center. Magnolia Pantry, with its blend of culinary artistry and community focus, became a symbol of what was possible when public and private sectors worked together with a shared vision for the future.

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Campus Safety Strengthens Through State Funding at Acadiana Schools

Fourteen schools across the Acadiana region recently secured more than $500,000 in state funding aimed at improving campus safety. These funds, distributed through a competitive program, will allow schools to install upgraded security measures such as modernized cameras, reinforced classroom locks, and mass communication systems, ensuring a stronger safety network for students and staff alike, as per this article from The Advocate.

The school campus safety grant program, now in its third year, has consistently awarded $5 million annually to strengthen security across Louisiana. The initiative covers a wide range of campus needs, from new fencing and doors to enhanced emergency planning and improved training for faculty. This year, out of 575 applicants, 117 schools were selected to receive funding, including the 14 Acadiana-area institutions announced in July.

These grants are managed by the Louisiana Center for Safe Schools, which was established in 2023 following the tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Created through legislation and operating under theLouisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), the center is tasked with equipping schools with both the resources and training needed to prevent and respond to emergencies. Awarded schools are reimbursed for eligible costs but must complete their projects within about 12 months.

In Acadia Parish, six schools benefited from this year’s campus safety awards. North Crowley Elementary, Ross Elementary, Crowley Middle, Iota Middle, Crowley High, and Midland High each received $50,000. Their projects include installing classroom locks, adding exterior lighting, placing new security cameras, applying protective security film, and in some cases, integrating mass communication systems to alert staff and students in the event of an emergency. Rayne High School also joined this list, with plans to expand its communication systems alongside other upgrades.

Iberia Parish secured two awards. Iberia Middle School received $30,227 to strengthen its camera network, while New Iberia Senior High gained $49,782 for similar improvements. In Lafayette Parish, St. Cecilia Catholic School and Westminster Christian Academy Lafayette both earned $50,000. St. Cecilia will direct its funds toward an expanded camera system, while Westminster plans to install fencing, gates, and surveillance equipment.

In St. Landry Parish, the Academy of the Sacred Heart received $46,290 for access control measures. Westminster Christian Academy also obtained $50,000, which will be used for doors, security cameras, and a public address system to ensure faster communication during emergencies. Nearby, St. Martin Parish saw St. Bernard Schoolawarded $49,423 to expand its security camera coverage.

Beyond Acadiana, other schools across Louisiana also secured support. The Calcasieu Parish Alternative Site and Johnson Bayou High School in Cameron Parish both earned funding to enhance security. Meanwhile, Jefferson Parish Public Schools, the state’s largest district, received the highest number of grants overall, with 13 schools funded.

These awards reflect a broader statewide effort to address safety concerns in schools. The Louisiana Center for Safe Schools has emphasized that funding is only one piece of the puzzle; schools must also commit to thorough training and preparedness planning. The integration of physical security upgrades, combined with strong communication strategies, is designed to reduce vulnerabilities and ensure that campuses are ready to respond effectively to potential threats.

As Louisiana continues to invest in safety, these grants provide a crucial foundation. They not only supply schools with the necessary technology and infrastructure but also reinforce a larger cultural shift toward prioritizing prevention and preparedness. For Acadiana schools and beyond, this funding marks an important step toward creating more secure learning environments where education can thrive without the shadow of safety concerns.

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The Top Southern Cities for Independent Adventures

There’s something freeing about traveling alone—no competing schedules, no compromise on activities, and no pressure to keep anyone else entertained. You set the pace, curate the itinerary to your interests, and focus entirely on experiences that inspire and rejuvenate you. Solo travel has shed its “last resort” label and emerged as an aspirational way to explore. As per this travel blog article from Southern Living and according to TripAdvisor’s Trendcast 2025, more people are booking independent adventures than ever before, discovering that time alone can be the perfect way to connect both with themselves and new places. From stylish city breaks to serene nature escapes, the South offers an array of destinations perfectly suited for independent travelers.

Naples, Florida
Located about two hours south of Sarasota, Naples lives up to its Paradise Coast nickname. Charming streets lined with galleries, boutiques, and cafés make it easy to wander at your own pace, whether by bike, water taxi, or on foot. If fashion excites you, plan your trip during Naples Fashion Week each March. After a day of shopping along Fifth Avenue South or Waterside Shops, catch the sunset at Naples Pier or tour the Historic Palm Cottage, the oldest home in town. All of this makes Naples an ideal location for independent adventures.

Austin, Texas
The “joy of missing out” is trending, and Austin delivers it in style. Lavish stays like Miraval Austin Resort & Spa offer wellness programs, dining, and activities so appealing you may never want to leave the property. For city views paired with top-tier cuisine, The Loren at Lady Bird Lake impresses with its rooftop restaurant Nido. If you do venture out, immerse yourself in native flora at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center or explore immersive art atWonderspaces Austin.

Sarasota County, Florida
On Florida’s Suncoast, turquoise waters lap at white-sand beaches perfect for a restorative retreat. Pedestrian-friendly boardwalks connect beach parks, shops, and dining, making exploration effortless. Beyond the shore, Sarasota boasts cultural gems like The Sarasota Ballet and eco-friendly beauty at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Lido Key Bike and Kayak Tour offers a mix of exercise and scenic Gulf views, while Myakka River State Park invites nature lovers to hike among Florida’s diverse wildlife.

Houston, Texas
Houston is a city where culinary ambition thrives. With over 13,000 restaurants representing more than 70 global cuisines, the dining scene is as diverse as its population. In late 2024, six restaurants earned MICHELIN Stars, and another 17 were awarded Bib Gourmands. Between meals, explore the legendary Johnson Space Center, browse the international goods at Phoenicia Specialty Foods, or enjoy live music at the iconic Continental Club.

Little Rock, Arkansas
The capital city of Arkansas offers a compelling mix of historical significance and contemporary culture. Visit theWilliam J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, tour the Arkansas State Capitol, or follow the Arkansas Civil Rights Heritage Trail to see where pivotal moments unfolded. Outdoor beauty awaits at The Old Mill, famously featured in Gone With the Wind, while local restaurants serve innovative Southern fare.

Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville brims with creativity and charm. Tour the grand Biltmore Estate, browse artisan goods at Grove Arcade, or follow The WNC Cheese Trail for flavorful discoveries. Outdoor escapes are close at hand, with retreats like The Swag offering Appalachian-inspired adventures just beyond the city limits.

Each of these destinations offers a unique independent adventures / solo travel experience—whether that means basking on pristine beaches, losing yourself in historic landmarks, indulging in culinary masterpieces, or simply soaking in the views from a luxurious hotel suite. Traveling alone here isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about feeling empowered to explore at your own rhythm, discover hidden corners, and create a journey defined entirely by your own interests.

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West Baton Rouge Career Academy Gives Students a Jumpstart on Skilled Trades

As the 2025–2026 school year got underway in West Baton Rouge Parish, the West Baton Rouge Career Academy welcomed a surge of eager students ready to explore hands-on trades. This growing interest reflects a statewide trend, as more Louisiana high schoolers seek opportunities to gain practical, career-focused skills alongside their academic studies, according to this article from The Advocate. From welding to carpentry, medical assistance to industrial electronics, the academy’s programs are designed to give students a strong foundation for future employment or advanced training.

The first day of classes at the Career Academy buzzed with excitement as students explored new class options and located their assigned rooms. The academy, which serves as a model for addressing Louisiana’s skilled workforce shortage, saw its enrollment jump to roughly 350 students—a growth of over 100 from the previous year. This growth reflects a rising interest among high school students in career and technical education, which blends classroom learning with practical training.

The academy first opened in fall 2024, positioned right next to Port Allen High School, thanks to a $1.3 million grant from the Louisiana Department of Education. This year, the program is expanding beyond its original offerings to include courses such as medical terminology and industrial electronics. Academy supervisor Candice Breauxexplained that the ultimate goal is to equip students with meaningful, real-world experiences before they graduate. She emphasized that by building a diverse set of skills—”a toolbox” they can draw from later in life—students are better prepared to enter the workforce as qualified employees.

On this first day, instruction centered on safety protocols and introducing students to the basic tools of their chosen trades. In the introductory carpentry class, students practiced measuring skills by using tape measures and following reference guides to mark wooden boards. Over the course of the year, they will progress to building projects such as toolboxes and birdhouses, gaining experience with machinery including the bandsaw and planer. Jill Edwards, the academy coordinator, noted that students arrived to find everything ready for hands-on work, and their enthusiasm was clear.

Instructors, too, expressed excitement about the new year. Rachel Crochet, a medical assistant instructor who also helped guide students to their classrooms, spoke about the competitive edge these programs give graduates. She explained that completing the academy with a practical skill in hand provides students with a valuable starting point in the job market. Whether they choose to go directly into a trade or continue their education, they leave with experience that sets them apart.

For some students, the program offers more than just job preparation—it provides inspiration for a lifelong career path. A Port Allen High School senior sees the academy as a “jumpstart” toward becoming an electrician, following in the footsteps of his uncle. Gilbert recalled admiring the tools and equipment his uncle acquired through his trade, and decided he wanted to pursue the same profession.

Career and technical education programs like those at the West Baton Rouge Career Academy are increasingly recognized as vital to closing Louisiana’s skills gap. By offering high school students access to specialized training in fields such as welding, carpentry, medical assistance, and electronics, the academy not only prepares them for immediate employment but also lays the foundation for future growth. These programs blend academic rigor with hands-on application, ensuring students graduate not just with diplomas, but with tangible skills that can open doors to stable and rewarding careers.

The enthusiasm on display during the academy’s first day signaled more than just the start of a school year—it reflected a shift toward valuing the trades as essential and respected career options. For students, the lessons they learn here will be the first steps toward turning their ambitions into reality.

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Louisiana’s Scenic Waterfalls: A Rare but Remarkable Sight

Although Louisiana is often associated with its flat landscapes and sprawling wetlands, the state holds a few geographical surprises for those willing to explore, as per this article from The Daily Advertiser. Scattered across certain regions, areas of higher elevation and rocky terrain have given rise to a small but enchanting collection of waterfalls. These natural features, formed over centuries, have become hidden gems for hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking something different from the state’s more familiar bayous and marshes.

Waterfalls are the result of ongoing geological processes, most often caused by erosion. As rivers or streams flow across varied layers of rock, softer rock wears away, creating a sudden drop or cascading flow. While the towering rush of Niagara Falls or the iconic beauty of Yosemite Falls may define the American waterfall image, smaller examples can be found in nearly every state—including Louisiana.

According to Travel + Leisure, the most notable waterfall in the Pelican State is Rock Falls, located in Catahoula Parish near Sicily Island. This natural feature lies within the J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area, a rugged preserve managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The waterfall is accessible via the 0.7-mile Rock Falls Trail, which leads visitors through a mix of hilly terrain and hardwood forest.

Standing at 17 feet, Rock Falls holds the title of Louisiana’s tallest waterfall. Its tiered drop spills over a rocky face, framed by dense groves of magnolia, hickory, elm, and red maple. The surrounding landscape is especially steep by Louisiana standards, with ridges plunging sharply into creek bottoms and elevation changes ranging from 35 to 245 feet above sea level.

The Wildlife Management Area features four creeks totaling roughly 10 miles in combined length. Among them, Big Creek stands out as the longest, with a swift current and a sandy, gravel, and sandstone bed. The habitat supports a diverse range of tree species, including sweetgum, shortleaf pine, blackgum, ash, and post oak, making it an ecologically rich setting for wildlife viewing and photography.

Though Rock Falls garners the most attention, Louisiana has several other waterfalls worth visiting. In Provencal,Kisatchie Falls offers a picturesque stop within the Kisatchie National Forest. St. Francisville is home to Woodriff Falls,a small but charming cascade surrounded by lush greenery. In Natchitoches Parish, Odum Falls flows quietly through a wooded setting, while East Feliciana Parish hosts the secluded Waterfall Bayou. Additionally, St. Mary’s Falls in Catahoula Parish offers another scenic drop nestled among rolling hills.

Travel + Leisure’s list of the best waterfalls in each U.S. state places Rock Falls alongside nationally recognized locations. From Little River Falls in Alabama to Shell Falls in Wyoming, the collection highlights the diversity of landscapes across the country. Notable mentions include Burney Falls in California, Cumberland Falls in Kentucky,Toketee Falls in Oregon, and Palouse Falls in Washington.

While Louisiana’s waterfalls are modest in size compared to those in mountainous states, their rarity makes them special. They often exist in isolated, ecologically rich environments where varied elevation, flowing creeks, and mixed hardwood forests converge. Hiking trails leading to these falls provide opportunities to witness plant species and wildlife not commonly associated with the state’s low-lying wetlands.

For outdoor adventurers, visiting Rock Falls or any of Louisiana’s other cascades offers both a change of scenery and a deeper appreciation for the state’s hidden landscapes. Whether part of a weekend road trip or a dedicated hiking excursion, these waterfalls serve as reminders that Louisiana’s natural beauty extends far beyond its bayous.

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Fast, Flavorful, and Fiery: Sweet and Spicy Shrimp on the Grill

When warm weather arrives and the air fills with the aroma of sizzling food, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a recipe that’s quick, flavorful, and visually appealing. These Sweet and Spicy Shrimp Skewers fit the bill perfectly. With only seven simple ingredients, you can create a dish that bursts with bold flavor, showcases bright colors, and delivers that irresistible char-grilled taste. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner, a laid-back weekend cookout, or a summer party with friends, this recipe from Louisiana Cookin is sure to win over seafood lovers.

The beauty of this dish is in its balance—sweet, juicy pineapple and naturally sweet cherry tomatoes pair perfectly with shrimp, while a glaze of Louisiana cane syrup, Creole mustard, and hot sauce adds a sweet-heat kick. The result? Tender, smoky shrimp with a tangy-spicy glaze that keeps you reaching for “just one more skewer.”

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. 1. Spray your grill rack with a nonflammable cooking spray to help prevent sticking. Preheat your grill to 350°F for even cooking. If using charcoal, allow the coals to burn down until covered with a thin layer of gray ash before cooking.
  2. 2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the cane syrup, Creole mustard, hot sauce, and olive oil until smooth and fully blended. This will be your sweet-and-spicy glaze. Set aside.
  3. 3. Thread the shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and pineapple chunks alternately onto skewers, creating a colorful pattern. Be sure to leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.
  4. 4. Place the skewers directly on the grill. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until the shrimp turn pink and slightly opaque, and the tomatoes and pineapple have light grill marks.
  5. 5. Remove from heat and immediately brush each skewer with the prepared glaze. Serve while warm for the best flavor and texture.

Side Dish Suggestions:

These Sweet and Spicy Shrimp Skewers can stand alone as the main attraction, but pairing them with complementary sides creates a complete meal. Try serving them with:

This recipe’s success lies in the simple but strategic combination of flavors working in perfect harmony. The cane syrup brings a deep, molasses-like sweetness that pairs naturally with fresh, tender shellfish. Creole mustard adds tang and texture, while the hot sauce cuts through the richness with just enough spice to wake up your taste buds and keep you reaching for more. The pineapple caramelizes beautifully on the grill, intensifying its natural sweetness, while the cherry tomatoes soften into juicy, flavor-packed bursts. Together, these ingredients create a balanced, satisfying bite every single time. If you’ve been looking for a reason to dust off your grill and embrace the season, this is it. The next time you’re in the mood for shrimp, pineapple, and a glaze that hits every note—sweet, tangy, spicy, and savory—make these skewers the star of your menu.

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