Reasons to Go

Santa Barbara is inviting its friends and visitors to join in the Christmas spirit! Check out this two festive celebrations:

Santa Barbara Downtown Holiday Parade – December 2, 2011
Downtown Santa Barbara will be filled with cheer as marching bands, holiday floats, performance groups, local personalities, and of course, Santa Clause, parade down State Street.

Santa Barbara Parade of Lights – December 11, 2011
Thousands of spectators will cheer on illuminated boats parading along the coastline during the 26th annual Parade of Lights. A brilliant fireworks display will follow.

More information on these events and many others can be found at www.SantaBarbaraCA.com.

French-Acadians (now known as “Cajuns”) who were exiled from Acadia, now present day Nova Scotia, adapted their food preparedness to their ever changing environment. They found their niche in southwest Louisiana creating what is now known as Cajun cuisine. This style of food is pleasing to the pallet and hearty on the dinner plate.

While the Spanish, European, German, Italian, Caribbean, African, Native American melting pot is now known as Creole cuisine, a cross section of each blends together for great taste and good eating.

The cuisine served in Iberia all has one thing in common: seasoning. Each dish comes well seasoned, yet not over seasoned. All of the ingredients found in meals served in Iberia complement one another for a true culinary delight.

Visit www.iberiatravel.com for more information.

A culinary journey in Houma, LA, begins on the open water. For many years, Houma was described as the “little oil and fishing” village. The village turned city is one of the top producers in Louisiana for crude oil, natural gas and seafood. It accounts for more than 20% of the state’s production in both industries.

From the boat, to the processing plant, to the restaurant, and finally on the plate – the entire journey awaits. Visitors can chat up local fishermen as they uphold long family traditions in an ever changing industry, explore a shrimp processing plant or discover how a blue crab becomes a “soft shell” crab.

The seafood journey is not complete without a visit to one of many Cajun restaurants serving up platters of fresh seafood made to preference – boiled, fried, on the half shell, or in an étoufféé, gumbo, or jambalaya. Seasons here are not categorized by winter, spring, summer or fall, but crawfish season, shrimp season, crab season, etc. And no visit would be complete without a stop at a local meat market where fresh sausage, jerky, and other delights can be enjoyed on the spot or shipped home.

Louisiana culture has always included food as an important part of providing for family, friends and guests. The preparation of food is a labor of love and a direct reflection of hospitality.

Visit www.houmatravel.com to make plans today.

The culture in South Louisiana is seasoned with a taste of Cajun French and Creole. Lafayette is a flavorful combination of spirited festivals, savory cuisine, outdoor activities, breath-taking scenery and a rich history.

Lafayette is at the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun Country, an area known for its unique cultures. Visitors find a distinct brand of fun with renowned Cajun and Zydeco music, distinctive cuisine, world-class museums, cultural attractions, festivals and something new happening every week. For some, it has become an addiction that makes Lafayette and Cajun Country special – the plate lunch places, the unique live music venues, the wonderful food that can be found everywhere from gas stations to fine dining establishments, and the year-round festivals and events showcasing local musicians, artists and cuisine.

Lafayette has long been known as a Mecca for great Cajun cuisine and Zydeco music. With three world-class art museums, a professional symphony orchestra, and numerous art galleries, arts-related events and performances, Lafayette can offer everything from local culture to cultured experiences. From the dizzying spin of a Cajun two-step to the graceful swirl of the prima ballerina…from funky Cajun dance hall beats to the violin concertos in all their symphonic glory…from spicy boiled crawfish to the finest in Creole dining…Lafayette has the best of both worlds. Visit www.Lafayette.Travel to learn more.