Tag: louisiana

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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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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Nicholls Hosts Hybrid Environmental Summit with Global Partners

Nicholls State University recently took center stage in an international dialogue about environmental issues. On July 17, the university hosted “The Global Conversation,” a hybrid environmental summit that focuses on urgent ecological challenges, cultural preservation, and collaborative conservation, as per this news release from Nicholls. The free event was open to the public and was accessible both in person at Powell Hall Room 208 and virtually via Zoom, with a livestream provided by the United Nations. Scheduled to run from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., the summit invited participants from across the globe to contribute to a growing discourse about environmental responsibility.

Kellie Daniels, founder of Students Against Species Extinction and lecturer at Newcastle University, emphasized the importance of youth engagement in environmental activism. She noted that young people worldwide are stepping up to safeguard biodiversity and preserve their cultural heritage. Daniels added that by uniting students, scientists, and storytellers from various nations, the summit underscores the power of global collaboration. The issues discussed, she explained, are deeply interwoven and affect everyone, making it essential that we work together to create solutions.

The summit explored four central themes: global connections, effective communication strategies, conservation practices, and cultural exchange. A diverse slate of speakers from both Louisiana and the United Kingdom will lend their expertise, including Windell Curole, former director of the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program; Dr. Gary LaFleur, professor and director of the Center for Bayou Studies at Nicholls; Laci Melancon, executive director of the Coastal Center at Nicholls; and Dr. Alisha Renfro, lead scientist for the Mississippi River Delta coalition with the National Wildlife Federation.

Beyond the summit itself, Nicholls welcomed the visiting Newcastle academics on an environmental road trip across south Louisiana. Their itinerary included visits to the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center, the unique Chauvin Sculpture Garden, the coastal village of Cocodrie, and the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium. This hands-on tour will give participants a deeper understanding of the Bayou Region’s environmental and cultural richness.

Dr. James Stewart, chair of the Nicholls Mass Communication Department, expressed pride in hosting the event. He credited ongoing partnerships with Newcastle and financial support from the Matherne family, the National Wildlife Federation, and the Restore the Mississippi River Delta initiative as essential to making the summit a reality. Stewart noted that these international collaborations have helped students at Nicholls expand their worldview and realize that the environmental challenges they face in Louisiana echo those experienced in communities around the globe.

Laci Melancon, who leads the Coastal Center at Nicholls, highlighted the local-to-global significance of the university’s environmental work. She explained that south Louisiana is on the frontlines of climate change, with rising sea levels, land erosion, and cultural displacement threatening the region. Melancon emphasized that through collaboration with local, state, federal, and international partners, Nicholls students and researchers are generating knowledge that not only strengthens the Louisiana coast but also contributes to the global conversation on sustainability and resilience.

Nicholls continues to grow as a leader in environmental research and coastal protection. The Coastal Center serves as a hub for collaborative scientific efforts, inviting researchers from agencies such as the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, the Water Institute of the Gulf, and various departments within Nicholls itself to work together on forward-thinking strategies to combat coastal degradation.

The success of this international event has been supported by the Nancy Sanderson Matherne Institute for Global Communication within the Mass Communication Department. Through the institute’s programming, Nicholls students are learning how environmental communication can bridge geographic and cultural divides, helping to protect ecosystems and heritage around the world.

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Exploring Louisiana in the Heat: Beaches, Parks, and Festivals

With the hum of air conditioners rising and snowball stands drawing long lines, it could only mean one thing—summer has arrived in Louisiana. From shaded trails and lively festivals to refreshing beaches and scenic rivers, the state offers a rich variety of options for making the most of the season. For those seeking weekend plans or spontaneous day trips, this guide from Only in your State features some of the best places and experiences Louisiana has to offer in the summertime.

The Delcambre Shrimp Festival takes place each August in one of the most productive shrimping towns in Louisiana. This five-day celebration features live music, a shrimp cook-off, carnival rides, and a variety of dishes highlighting the star ingredient—shrimp.

Some of Louisiana’s most rewarding summer activities require little more than the price of gas. Community parks, often overlooked, offer excellent opportunities to connect with nature and unwind. Notable examples include Independence Community Park and City-Brooks Community Park in Baton Rouge, Greenwood Park in Baker, Moncus Park in Lafayette, and Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park in Shreveport. These spaces provide trails, open green areas, and waterfronts perfect for relaxing or walking.

Another highlight is Tammany Trace, Louisiana’s longest paved trail. Spanning 31 miles, this trail repurposes the historic Illinois Central Railroad line and connects five towns—Lacombe, Slidell, Mandeville, Covington, and Abita Springs. Trailheads often host farmers markets and occasional outdoor concerts on weekends, creating a lively atmosphere. A designated equestrian section also invites horseback riders to join in.

Louisiana’s network of over 20 state parks provides reliable destinations for summer fun, especially for those seeking access to water-based activities. Jimmie Davis State Park, located on Caney Creek Lake, is a hub for water skiing, swimming, fishing, and hiking. Its two boat launches and sandy beach ensure there’s something for every type of adventurer.

In the northern part of the state, Lake Claiborne State Park boasts a 6,400-acre lake ideal for jet skiing, boating, and fishing. A roped-off swimming area and shaded picnic spots make it a popular day-trip destination. Visitors can also enjoy the White Tail Trail, a 2.5-mile loop that offers a peaceful stroll through the woods.

On the Gulf side, Cypremort Point State Park sits on Vermilion Bay and offers opportunities for swimming, windsurfing, and exceptional sunset views. The park’s boat launch enables access to deeper waters, while its half-mile beach invites relaxation. The journey to this park may require a bit more planning, but its remote charm and scenic beauty make it well worth the effort.

For relief from the intense Louisiana sun, the state’s rivers, lakes, and beaches offer refreshing escapes. The Bogue Chitto River is a prime destination for tubing. Outfitters like Louisiana River Adventures provide two- and four-hour float options, complete with transport and safety markers along the way.

Holly Beach is a hidden gem along the Gulf Coast. It’s an ideal spot for seashell hunting and pairs well with a drive along the Creole Nature Trail. Nearby Rutherford Beach offers a similar experience for visitors in search of quiet coastal charm.

Valentine Lake in the Kisatchie National Forest offers a small beach, kayaking options, and a peaceful 3-mile trail that connects to the Wild Azalea Trail. The adjacent campground provides waterfront sites for overnight stays.

Avery Island offers a different kind of cultural exploration. Best known for being the home of the Tabasco Factory, this destination combines educational tours with nature. Guests can walk through Jungle Gardens, visit Bird City, and enjoy a locally inspired meal at Restaurant 1868.

Lastly, the Toledo Bend Reservoir is one of the largest man-made lakes in the country, ideal for boating, fishing, and hiking. Straddling the Louisiana-Texas border, this reservoir offers diverse outdoor amenities across multiple access points, including both North Toledo Bend and South Toledo Bend State Parks.

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Multi-Billion Dollar Hyundai Manufacturing Boost Headed to Louisiana

A historic economic announcement unfolded in Ascension Parish as officials revealed plans for a monumental $5.8 billion steel plant to be constructed by Hyundai Steel Company. The proposed facility, to be located near Donaldsonville on the west bank of the Mississippi River, marked one of the largest foreign manufacturing investments ever made in Louisiana, as per this article from Houma Today.

The project, part of the 17,000-acre RiverPlex MegaPark industrial zone, was expected to break ground in 2026. Once completed, the ultra-low carbon steel production plant aimed to generate approximately 2.7 million tons of automotive steel annually. The venture stood poised to not only strengthen domestic supply chains but also create a ripple effect of job growth and infrastructure development across the region.

According to estimates from Louisiana Economic Development (LED), the project would create 1,300 direct positions with an average salary of $95,000 per year, while an additional 4,100 indirect jobs would emerge as a result of the plant’s presence—totaling over 5,400 new employment opportunities in the Baton Rouge metropolitan area.

Hyundai Steel, a division of the Hyundai-Kia Motor Group, selected Ascension Parish as a strategic location to serve its growing U.S. customer base. In addition to supplying automotive steel to Hyundai and Kia’s U.S.-based plants, the company announced intentions to expand its services to other American automobile manufacturers.

Hyundai Steel President and CEO Gang Hyun Seo shared in a news release that the company’s decision to invest in an electric arc furnace-based integrated steel mill in the U.S. was driven by long-term goals to contribute to local economies and enhance job creation. He also emphasized the company’s commitment to building strong business partnerships with a broad range of automakers in the future.

Beyond the $5.8 billion initial investment, Hyundai planned to pour an additional $21 billion into its U.S. operations over the following four years. These developments signaled a significant commitment to reshoring industrial capacity and deepening economic ties between South Korea and the United States. To support the transportation demands of the steel plant, Hyundai will partner with the Port of South Louisiana to construct a deepwater dock on the Mississippi River. This would streamline the import of raw materials and the export of finished steel, further enhancing the region’s logistical strengths.

Recognizing the need for a skilled workforce, River Parishes Community College and the Louisiana Community and Technical College System pledged to collaborate with LED’s FastStart program to establish a new workforce training center. This facility would equip local residents with the technical expertise necessary to fill the jobs the plant would bring.

State and local leaders praised the project as a transformational moment for Louisiana. Governor Jeff Landry described Hyundai’s investment as a strong vote of confidence in Louisiana’s labor force and infrastructure, attributing the state’s appeal to recent economic reforms and a pro-business climate. He viewed the announcement as evidence that the state’s manufacturing sector was regaining momentum.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy echoed these sentiments, stating that the push to attract Hyundai was a collaborative effort aimed at reinforcing Louisiana’s role in revitalizing American manufacturing. He expressed satisfaction that the company had chosen Louisiana and acknowledged both state and federal support in making the project a reality.

Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment described the announcement as more than just an economic milestone. He noted that Hyundai’s commitment extended to supporting public safety, enhancing educational institutions, and strengthening community infrastructure. In his words, the project symbolized a generational investment in the wellbeing and future of the entire parish.

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Henderson Hosts Annual Crawfish Pardon, Celebrating Local Icons

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser officially launched crawfish season in Louisiana with the ceremonial Crawfish Pardon, an annual celebration steeped in tradition, community, and Cajun culture. As per this article from The Daily Advertiser, this event, which was held for the ninth consecutive year, took place at Pat’s Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant in Henderson on the first Tuesday after Mardi Gras—a date that has become synonymous with the unofficial kickoff of crawfish season across the Gulf South.

In partnership with the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, Nungesser pardoned a specially selected crawfish named Huval. The crawfish pardon symbolized both a lighthearted tribute and a deeper recognition of the region’s seafood heritage. Louisiana remains the largest domestic producer of crawfish, yielding approximately 150 million pounds each year. As Nungesser noted during the ceremony, the season would now run through Easter, marking several weeks of backyard boils, restaurant feasts, and cultural gatherings anchored by this beloved crustacean.

Nungesser explained that the event was more than just a ceremony; it was a celebration of the state’s unique cultural identity. By granting Huval his freedom, the lieutenant governor hoped to showcase Louisiana’s vibrant way of life, where food, family, and festivity go hand in hand. He remarked that in Louisiana, “you can always find something that will Feed Your Soul,” a reference to the state’s tourism campaign launched in 2018 that encourages exploration of Louisiana’s culinary and cultural richness.

This year’s pardoned crawfish, Huval, was named in honor of a local icon—Pat Huval—and his family. Pat Huval was a cornerstone of the Henderson community. Alongside his wife, Agnes, he opened a grocery store in 1948 that quickly gained a reputation for its hamburgers and sacks of crawfish. This humble beginning evolved into the creation of Pat’s Restaurant in 1952, a business that would become a regional culinary landmark.

Beyond his role in the food world, Pat Huval also left a lasting legacy in public service. In 1971, he became the first mayor of Henderson, a role he held for more than twenty years. During his tenure, Huval spearheaded efforts to incorporate Henderson as an official town and led significant infrastructure improvements. These included the construction of a town hall, establishment of trash services, the building of a local jail, and the founding of the town’s fire department. Huval passed away in 2018 at the age of 88, but his influence still resonates throughout the community.

The Huval family continues to operate Pat’s Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant, ensuring that the tradition of serving authentic Cajun cuisine endures. Jude Huval, Pat’s daughter and current co-owner and head chef of the restaurant, expressed her appreciation for the honor bestowed upon her family. She acknowledged the lieutenant governor and the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board for their ongoing support of both the seafood industry and the many restaurants that help preserve Louisiana’s culinary identity.

The crawfish pardon for the crawdad named Huval was selected for the special occasion by Barry Toups, owner of Crawfish Haven and Mrs. Rose’s Bed & Breakfast in Kaplan. After being chosen for the ceremony, Huval was transported to the event in Henderson, where he was welcomed with fanfare and given the spotlight during his symbolic “procession” to his new home.

During the event, Lt. Gov. Nungesser presented an official proclamation to the Huval family in recognition of their contributions to Louisiana’s cultural and culinary landscape. Following the pardoning, the Louisiana Office of State Parks assumed responsibility for the honored crustacean. Huval the Crawfish was relocated to Lake Fausse Point State Park in nearby St. Martinville, where he would spend the rest of his days in a natural environment—burrowing in the mud, swimming through bayou waters, and living freely within the park’s protected habitat.

Events like the Pardoning of the Crawfish blend Louisiana’s love for celebration with its commitment to cultural preservation. They serve not only to mark the beginning of crawfish season but also to shine a spotlight on the people and stories that have helped shape the region’s identity. For many, it’s not just about seafood—it’s about honoring traditions, supporting local businesses, and embracing a way of life that is uniquely and proudly Louisiana.

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