Road Scholar : Home
Wildlife and Culture of Louisiana's Cajun Country

Program Number: 8276RJ
Start and End Dates:
10/28/2013 - 11/2/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Lafayette, Louisiana
Price starting at: $625.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: History & Culture Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 14; 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners    

Led by local experts, venture into some of Louisiana’s refuges, reserves and sanctuaries to observe magnificent birds and wildlife in their natural habitat and gain a fuller understanding of human impacts on this pristine wilderness. For “lagniappe” (lan-yap: a little something extra), learn about Cajun history and heritage, culture, traditions, and enjoy music and dancing.




Highlights

• Explore Avery Island, home to egrets, herons and Tabasco Sauce!
• Ride a pontoon boat into the Atchafalaya Basin Swamp — the largest river basin swamp in America — for a close-up look at native wildlife.
• Trace the journey from Acadians to Cajuns, learn the Cajun Waltz and Two-Step, and go dancing at a popular local dance hall/restaurant.



Activity Particulars

Walking a few blocks a day.




Date Specific Information

10-28-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by University of Louisiana at Lafayette.




Lafayette

Two hours west-northwest of New Orleans, Lafayette is vibrant with Cajun and Creole culture. The city hosts a number of arts, music and food festivals dedicated to preserving the Louisiana Acadian spirit, celebrated in the upbeat tempos of Cajun music.
Accommodations
Comfortable hotel with fitness center, outdoor pool, wireless internet connection and an on-site restaurant. Complementary airport shuttle service.
Meals and Lodgings
   Hotel Acadiana
  Lafayette, LA 5 nights
 Hotel Acadiana
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: In the heart of Cajun Country. Just minutes from UL Lafayette, Vermilionville, and other tourist attractions. Approximately 3.0 miles from airport.
  Contact info: 1801 W. Pinhook Rd.
Lafayette, LA 70508 USA
phone: 337-769-9408
web: www.thehotelacadiana.com
  Room amenities: Complimentary high speed internet, 32" flat panel television,mini-fridge, coffee station, blow dryer, iron & ironing board. Microwave available upon request.
  Facility amenities: Seasonal outdoor pool, fitness room. Complimentary laundry facilities, 24 hour business center.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: $65 Arrangements must be made directly with the hotel. (337) 769-9408
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: $65 Arrangements must be made directly with the hotel. (337) 769-9408
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
4:30PM in the hotel meeting room for a welcome and orientation. You will be staying at Hotel Acadiana that night.
  End of Program:
Ends after breakfast which is available from 6:00 - 9:00 am. Check out by Noon. You will be staying at Hotel Acadiana the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Completed health form returned to Program Coordinator prior to arrival. Valid photo ID such as driver's license.
  Parking availability:
Parking is free for the length of the program at the hotel.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Lafayette, LA
  Nearest highway: I-49 & I-10
  Nearest airport:  Lafayette (airport code LFT)
  From End of Program
  Location: Lafayette, LA
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Lafayette

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
City/Dixie Cab
phone: 337-237-3333

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $10.00
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

20 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

approximately 5 miles
   

Taxi ride is at your own expense. Other cab companies include: Quality Cab Service: 337-235-8993 The hotel shuttle might be available, but airport transport gets first priority. Call the hotel to ask if shuttle is available at (337) 233-8120.

 

Lafayette

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
phone: 337-233-8120
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

No charge
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

20 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

approximately 5 miles
   

Please put expected arrival time on the form which you will receive as a part of your preparatory materials. This information will be forwarded to the hotel. Check with the hotel a day or two before your arrival to make sure the shuttle is available.
 

Lafayette

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
phone: 337-233-8120
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

No charge
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

10 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

approximately 3 miles
   

The Hotel Acadiana has airport transportation available. Please call a day or two in advance to make sure the shuttle is available at the time you need it (as well as including the request on form included with preparatory materials).
 
Driving Directions
  I-10 traveling from east (Baton Rouge, LA) or west (Houston, TX) Driving in on I-10 west or I-10 east, take exit 103A onto Evangeline Thruway. Travel 3 miles, and turn right onto East Pinhook Road. Travel 1.9 miles to destination. Our hotel will be on the left.
  From the airport If you've rented a car at Lafayette Regional Airport, you will exit the airport parking lot, turning left onto Blue Blvd., then left onto Surrey Street. Get in the left lane so you can turn left onto Hwy. 90 (aka Evangeline Thruway). Once on Evangeline Thruway, get in the far right lane, and travel about half a mile, turning right onto Kaliste Saloom Road. Drive 1.2 miles down Kaliste Saloom, turn right on Pinhook. The Crowne Plaza will be about 3/10 of a mile on the right at 1801 W. Pinhook Rd.
  I-49 traveling from north If you're coming in from north of Lafayette on I-49, I-49 becomes the Evangeline Thruway once you are south of I-10. Stay on the Evangeline Thruway, about 3 miles, and turn right on Pinhook Road. Travel 1.9 miles down Pinhook, and the Crowne Plaza Hotel will be on the left, right past the Vermilion River bridge.
  US 90 from the south If you are traveling from the south on US 90 (which is the future I-49 corridor), Hwy. 90 becomes Evangeline Thruway. Turn left on Kaliste Saloom Road. Drive about 1.2 miles down Kaliste Saloom and turn right on Pinhook Road. Crowne Plaza Hotel is about 3/10 of a mile on the right at 1801 W. Pinhook Rd.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Welcome and Orientation
(Monday, October 28)
   
 Afternoon: Hotel check-in time is 3:00.
 Dinner: Casual dinner at the hotel or local restaurant.
 Evening: We will meet at 4:30, get acquainted, and review the weekly schedule. We will take time to answer your questions about the upcoming week, as well as teach you a few Cajun French words and Cajun English phrases to help you enjoy your stay in Cajun country.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Acadiana
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Jean Lafitte Center; Vermilionville
(Tuesday, October 29)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast included.
 Morning: Field trip to the Jean Lafitte Center to view a film on the deportation of the Acadians, as well as their museum, which contains artifacts from the early life of Acadians in south Louisiana to current day, followed by a trip to the Vermilionville Folk Life Village.
 Lunch: La Cuisine de Maman (on-site café at Vermilionville).
 Afternoon: Class - A Personal Cajun History. Our instructor has traced his family's journey from France to Acadie, back to France and on to Louisiana. His story will clarify some of your questions about the Acadians and their exile from Nova Scotia.
 Dinner: Dinner at one of our local restaurants to be announced at later date.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Acadiana
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Wildlife expert and nature photographer.
(Wednesday, October 30)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast included.
 Morning: Class with a local wildlife expert.
 Lunch: Lunch included.
 Afternoon: Class - Life & Culture of the Atchafalaya Basin - Our instructor, who is an accomplished photographer and author, as well as a crawfisherman, will give a visual presentation of his work. The presentation will contain images captured in the largest river swamp in North America, the Atchafalaya Basin. Our instructor will also enlighten us to the plight of the endangered lifestyle of the bayou Cajun
 Dinner: Local restaurant TBA.
 Evening: Jam session with local musicians.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Acadiana
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: McGee's Landing/Lake Martin Rookery
(Thursday, October 31)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast included.
 Morning: Field trip to McGee's Landing in Henderson, where we'll board a pontoon boat for a tour of the historic Atchafalaya basin.
 Lunch: To be announced.
 Afternoon: Lake Martin Rookery is a sight to behold. The setting is classic Louisiana: Spanish moss draped cypress trees and water tupelo. The birds we'll see will vary by season and yes, there should be alligators! We'll take our time and enjoy the view. Be sure to have your binoculars and cameras handy.
 Dinner: Local Cajun restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Acadiana
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Cypress Lake/Cajun Dance Lessons
(Friday, November 1)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast included.
 Morning: A visit to UL Lafayette's jewel in the middle of campus, Cyrpress Lake. Cypress Lake is a beautiful microcosm of swamp life, with moss draped cypress trees, tupelo gum, native flowers, birds, alligators, and fish.
 Lunch: TBA
 Afternoon: Learn the Cajun Waltz and Two Step in order to prepare for some REAL Louisiana wild life! We will have a short program where you will receive Honorary Cajun Certificates, as well as sample a favorite Cajun treat - boudin!
 Dinner: Included.
 Evening: Dinner and dancing at one of our most famous local restaurant / dance halls.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Acadiana
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Check Out
(Saturday, November 2)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast included.
 Morning: Check out by noon. If you need transportation to the airport, you must make your request at the front desk in advance.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Lafayette, LA Acadian Village
Museum of authentic Acadian homes. Located on the grounds of Acadian Village are eight authentic Acadian houses dating back to 1800. There is a recreation of a General Store that was the main gathering place for the community. Onsite is a replica of a Chapel, the floor of the Chapel was made with long leaf pine that is over 200 years old. The reproduction of the Blacksmith Shop was built with weather-beaten, aged cypress boards. The shop is complete with original tools used by the blacksmith years ago. Open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information, visit www.acadianvillage.org/
  Downtown Lafayette
Shops, live music, restaurants, art museums, planetarium
  Heymann Performing Arts Center
1373 S. College Rd., Lafayette, LA 70503 For additional information, visit www.ticketmaster.com/venue/221705/
  Lafayette Natural History Museum and Planetarium
The Museum exists to encourage the discovery and understanding of the natural world, the universe, and the role of humans within them. Hours of Operation Monday - Closed Tuesday - 1:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday thru Friday - 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday - 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday - 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission Charges Adults - $8.00 Seniors (65 or older) - $6.00 For additional information, visit www.lnhm.org/
  University Art Museum
The University Art Museum's Permanent Collection consists of more than 1,500 works of art, including paintings, prints, drawings, sculpture, and photographs. This collection represents 18th, 19th and 20th century Louisiana, as well as the United States, Europe and Japan. Hours of operation: Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday and Monday - Closed Ticket prices: Adult $5 Senior Citizens $4 For additional information, visit www.louisiana.edu/UAM/
  Zoo of Acadiana
Hours of operation are from 9am to 5pm, seven days a week. (Closed major holidays) Admission cost: $7.95* for adults $6.95* for senior citizens *plus tax. For additional information, visit www.zooofacadiana.org/
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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