Lafayette (OT) - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Dec 5, 2005

Lafayette (OT)

Date: Dec 5, 2005

I am familiar with the route to Alexandria via Natchez, but if I were headed to Lafayette, I'd go down I-59 to I-10 and head west. Better road and fewer miles. You're going to cross the Pearl and the Mississippi either way. If you go through Alexandria, you will also have to cross the O. K. Allen Bridge over the Red River: I forget which river it crosses,(probably the Mississippi at Natchez) but the route you have described includes a bridge that my siblings and I named the "horsey bridge" as children: it was so bumpy that we bounced up and down in our car as if we were riding horseback. If you take the southern interstate route, you will cross the Amite in south Mississippi and the Atchafalaya Basis between Baton Rouge and Lafayette. I can't even remember the former and the latter is spanned by elevated interstate highway. Maybe that is the "bridge" that causes your concern.

If you like seafood, eat at Don's in Lafayette. There are newer places -- in fact, Don's has a new suburban location-- but the original downtown restaurant is hard to beat.

Date: Dec 5, 2005

Much to my dismay, Mlle de Guerre has suddenly decided that she too will attend the New Orleans Bowl. I have not known Mlle to have any interest in football, and in fact I'm not entirely sure she knows this is not a soccer match. However, she seems to be intrigued by the Frenchness of it all. Therefore, all you travellers are warned. Remember we still do not have a chauffeur, and Mlle will be driving herself. It is an older yellow 'vette, though not the same one I have recently seen in the USM area. Hers is a more lemony, brighter yellow, and has a very elegant small bumper sign which reads "C'est la guerre, mes amis!"

In the meantime, I will continue to urge a route that terminates in her little salon, in front of the larger telly. Perhaps if I order something nice from Copeland's she will be satisfied. Maybe she won't be able to get tickets. Does anyone have a sense of what local attendance will be ?

Dear LVN, perhaps our friends Thibodeaux and that other one can assist you. I believe that is their home ground.

A good afternoon to you all.

Hermione Angleterre, Social Secretary to Monique de Guerre

PS Needless to say, I shall not be attending. My nerves are not what they were prior to the storm, and a road adventure with dear Mlle. would surely finish me.

Date: Dec 5, 2005

At the risk of poking my nose into another's business, since Mlle de Guerre will be traveling alone in the lemony 'vette, perhaps she could offer a ride to LVN. No doubt the two would enjoy each other's company greatly. I have had the pleasure of LVN's company on a number of occasions and am, if I have not been removed from the list, an honorary gentleman caller of Mlle de Guerre. I believe they would paint Lafayette red together. My only regret is that I won't be able to attend the game in order to see the two ladies in all their finery.

By the way, Ms. Angleterre, given the records of the teams, it is not inconceivable that Mlle de Guerre may be correct in assuming this to be a soccer match. In any event, she is bound to see lots of testosterone in action both on and off the field. One cannot help wondering how the dear Mlle will react.

Been a while since I've been on the board, though I read it daily. A warm wish for happy holidays and a better 2006 (sans hurricanes) to all my Hattiesburg compatriots!
DJ

Date: Dec 5, 2005

David! How nice to hear from you. Hope all is well in TX.

Date: Dec 5, 2005

David Johnson wrote:

At the risk of poking my nose into another's business, since Mlle de Guerre will be traveling alone in the lemony 'vette, perhaps she could offer a ride to LVN. No doubt the two would enjoy each other's company greatly. I have had the pleasure of LVN's company on a number of occasions and am, if I have not been removed from the list, an honorary gentleman caller of Mlle de Guerre. I believe they would paint Lafayette red together. My only regret is that I won't be able to attend the game in order to see the two ladies in all their finery.

I should add that the people I'm going with, who are actual sports fans, would not know what to make of Mlle. de Guerre! Besides, I'm not sure I'd trust her with MY gentleman caller!

Date: Dec 5, 2005

ram wrote:

If you go through Alexandria, you will also have to cross the O. K. Allen Bridge over the Red River: I forget which river it crosses,(probably the Mississippi at Natchez) but the route you have described includes a bridge that my siblings and I named the "horsey bridge" as children: it was so bumpy that we bounced up and down in our car as if we were riding horseback. If you take the southern interstate route, you will cross the Amite in south Mississippi and the Atchafalaya Basis between Baton Rouge and Lafayette. I can't even remember the former and the latter is spanned by elevated interstate highway. Maybe that is the "bridge" that causes your concern.
If you like seafood, eat at Don's in Lafayette. There are newer places -- in fact, Don's has a new suburban location-- but the original downtown restaurant is hard to beat.

Actually, you show the Jackson St. bridge in this picture; to go to Lafayette via Alex, you need to go over the new "Purple Heart" Bridge (formerly the site of the Fulton St. Bridge) to hook onto I49S. Regardless, ram is correct. . . don't go this way. . . it's quicker to go I59-I10 (the roads are better).

Date: Dec 5, 2005

LVN wrote:

... Now after some map study, there's a quandry. I'm extremely bridge-phobic. So I have embarked on a campaign to travel via Natchez to Alexandria to Lafayette. Does anyone know that route fairly well? Advice? ...

Well, Cher to geaux from H'burg to de Capital of Cajun Country wit no bridge crossing is hard, yeah. But if ya don't mind dem small bridges den I got a way fer ya. Take I-59 to I-12 den south to LaPlace on I-55 and into what used to be New Orleans. Make ya way down to de ferry boat der at Canal street. Once ya cross de river on dat ferry you can get to Lafyette via Thibodaux. Me, Thiboeaux and T-Fred sumtime come home dat way when we drinks too much and Thibodeaux makes too many turns.

Date: Dec 5, 2005

alex native wrote:

Actually, you show the Jackson St. bridge in this picture;

I stand corrected. To tell the truth, the O.K. Allen Bridge is the only one I remember from my youth and that because of the unusual initials. When I googled and found the e-masthead of the Town Talk, I thought it would give LVN an idea of what she was facing.

Since my earlier posting, I thought I would also recommend Mulate's in Breaux Bridge, maybe 5 miles east of Lafayette. It's touristy, but hey, you'll be a tourist. If you want to go some place a little less developed, try Poche's. http://www.pochesmarket.com/

If you want to stay in real authentic cajun digs, try http://www.bayoucabins.com/ They give you a complementary serving of boudin or cracklins, your choice.

If all the Lafayette area hotels are full, check out Potier's Prairie Cajun Inn in Eunice. http://potiers.net/ Eunice is about 40 miles northwest of Lafayette.

Date: Dec 5, 2005

ram wrote:

alex native wrote: Actually, you show the Jackson St. bridge in this picture; I stand corrected. To tell the truth, the O.K. Allen Bridge is the only one I remember from my youth and that because of the unusual initials. When I googled and found the e-masthead of the Town Talk, I thought it would give LVN an idea of what she was facing. Since my earlier posting, I thought I would also recommend Mulate's in Breaux Bridge, maybe 5 miles east of Lafayette. It's touristy, but hey, you'll be a tourist. If you want to go some place a little less developed, try Poche's. http://www.pochesmarket.com/ If you want to stay in real authentic cajun digs, try http://www.bayoucabins.com/ They give you a complementary serving of boudin or cracklins, your choice. If all the Lafayette area hotels are full, check out Potier's Prairie Cajun Inn in Eunice. http://potiers.net/ Eunice is about 40 miles northwest of Lafayette.

Ram, ya sure do know dat cajun country, yeah.

Date: Dec 5, 2005

LVN wrote:

David! How nice to hear from you. Hope all is well in TX.

LVN, all is well in Texas. I am suffering under the academic hazing that apparently is a part of the whole doctoral education process, yet I remain bloody but unbowed. Thanks for asking, and I do wish you and everyone on the board the happiest of holidays!
DJ

Date: Dec 5, 2005

Wow, I really appreciate all the good advice. When I used to live in New Orleans I had to go over to Thibodaux sometimes, and I usually crossed the Luling bridge, which didn't bother me because it's low and flat. Same reason the Causeway doesn't bother me too much (well, except for the time my car died on it and somebody was coming ninety-to-nothing towards me, but that's another story). ANYTHING but the Huey -- I'd almost swim first!

All I can say is, this better be one good game.

Date: Dec 5, 2005

Lafayette,

I lived in New Iberia (about 25 miles from Lafayette) for approximately 7 years back in the early to late 80's and still have good friends there. If you don't stay in Lafayette and want a great B&B experience, I suggest the LeRosier B&B in New Iberia (http://www.lerosier.com). You won't be disappointed. I loved the area, its rich history/culture, its wonderfully warm people, and the approach to life. I miss it often. I will suggest some great restaurants (I think.) in the following list. I would definitely suggest spending some time among the locals; it will be a truly wonderful experience. Regarding the travel route, if you truly don't like bridges avoid the Baton Rouge to Lafayette route at all cost. As I understand it the "4-Lane" as locals call it (Hwy 90) from Alex or thereabouts south to Lafayette would be the best route I think. Enjoy the trip; the area is one of the most remarkable in our great country. Below is my list of restaurants to visit:

Blacks Oyster Bar (outstanding seafood)

(337) 893-4266
- 319 Pere Megret St, Abbeville

L & D Grocery (wonderful po-boys)
(337) 236-5995
1332 SW Evangeline Trwy
Lafayette, LA 70501

Blair House Restaurant (pricey, reservations needed I think)
(337) 234-0357
1316 Surrey St
Lafayette, LA 70501

Cafe Vermilionville (great food/atmosphere)
(337) 237-0100
1304 W Pinhook Rd
Lafayette, LA 70503
www.cafev.com

ALESI'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

4110 JOHNSTON ST
LAFAYETTE, LA 70503

(337) 984-1823

CHARLEY G'S SEAFOOD GRILL & BAR

3809 AMBASSADR CFFRY PKWY
LAFAYETTE, LA 70503

(337) 981-0108

TAMPICO MEXICAN RESTAURANT & CANTINA

5713 JOHNSTON ST
LAFAYETTE, LA 70503

(337) 988-0102

Prejean's Restaurant
3480 I-49 North , Carencro
Lafayette, LA
(337) 896-3247

This should get you started. You can't go wrong with any of them. Good eating!!!!

Date: Dec 5, 2005

What a great list! I'll keep the New Iberia thing in mind too. Btw, what is that bridge at Donaldsonville?

Date: Dec 5, 2005

LVN wrote:

I'll keep the New Iberia thing in mind too.

You might want to see the

Tabasco

plant in New Iberia

Date: Dec 6, 2005

Joe Olmi wrote:

Lafayette, I lived in New Iberia (about 25 miles from Lafayette) for approximately 7 years back in the early to late 80's and still have good friends there. If you don't stay in Lafayette and want a great B&B experience, I suggest the LeRosier B&B in New Iberia (http://www.lerosier.com). You won't be disappointed. I loved the area, its rich history/culture, its wonderfully warm people, and the approach to life. I miss it often. I will suggest some great restaurants (I think.) in the following list. I would definitely suggest spending some time among the locals; it will be a truly wonderful experience. Regarding the travel route, if you truly don't like bridges avoid the Baton Rouge to Lafayette route at all cost. As I understand it the "4-Lane" as locals call it (Hwy 90) from Alex or thereabouts south to Lafayette would be the best route I think. Enjoy the trip; the area is one of the most remarkable in our great country. Below is my list of restaurants to visit: Blacks Oyster Bar (outstanding seafood) (337) 893-4266 - 319 Pere Megret St, Abbeville L & D Grocery (wonderful po-boys) (337) 236-5995 1332 SW Evangeline Trwy Lafayette, LA 70501 Blair House Restaurant (pricey, reservations needed I think) (337) 234-0357 1316 Surrey St Lafayette, LA 70501 Cafe Vermilionville (great food/atmosphere) (337) 237-0100 1304 W Pinhook Rd Lafayette, LA 70503 www.cafev.com ALESI'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 4110 JOHNSTON ST LAFAYETTE, LA 70503 (337) 984-1823 CHARLEY G'S SEAFOOD GRILL & BAR 3809 AMBASSADR CFFRY PKWY LAFAYETTE, LA 70503 (337) 981-0108 TAMPICO MEXICAN RESTAURANT & CANTINA 5713 JOHNSTON ST LAFAYETTE, LA 70503 (337) 988-0102 Prejean's Restaurant 3480 I-49 North , CarencroLafayette, LA(337) 896-3247 This should get you started. You can't go wrong with any of them. Good eating!!!!

D*amn, Joe, ya done told dem all our secrets. Ya forget to told dem dat people down here sumtime buy strangers free beer in de pubs, yeah. Me, I suspect many will come down eat, drink and dance too much and never go to dat game, no

Date: Dec 7, 2005

Boudreaux wrote:

Well, Cher to geaux from H'burg to de Capital of Cajun Country

Well, LVN, my ol' fran' Boudreaux, he meant to write "gaux," as in I t'ink you oughtta gaux to Prejean's and an' eat up on summa dat chicken an' sausage gumbo--dey got a lotta live music, too!

Date: Dec 7, 2005

Merci, merci. I think the plan now is to take 98W and gaux towards St. Francisville and cross on the ferry, then bear south to pick up I10. That's more for going the "scenic route" than actual bridge avoidance. (You'd think I was going to Mars for the level of planning!)
Btw the hotel situation is getting very, very tight.
Joe O., that B&B looks scrumptious -- have to get over there sometime.