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Courtesy Cocodrie Collective
Colette Bernard’s accessories label, Artist Colette, embraces bold, funky designs, an aesthetic exemplified by the whimsical hair claws (think test tubes, martini glasses, and crawfish claws) with which she’s made a name for herself—particularly on TikTok, where her pieces have gone viral. The creative Cajun has called Lafayette, Louisiana, home since birth and finds inspiration in “the very weird, very diverse” culture of the city; so much so that she opened her brick-and-mortar gift shop, Cocodrie Collective, downtown in 2023. “There’s a big mashup of backgrounds and customs,” she says. “We like to joke that we’re all a bunch of mutts.” Here are her recommendations for exploring Lafayette like a local.
Hole Lotta Love
“I refuse to eat doughnuts from anywhere other than Rickey Meche’s Donut King. Start with the icing-drenched plain and chocolate ones just to get your bearings. Absolutely order the sausage and cheese jalapeño kolache, too, which is like the love child of a hot dog and a breakfast sausage.”
Something Special
“Right up the road is a cute store called Sans Souci Fine Crafts. It’s a nice place to find unique, handmade souvenirs, such as folk art–style paintings, ceramics, and jewelry. Plus, all its products are made exclusively by members of the Louisiana Crafts Guild.”
Bring the Heat
“You could spend your whole day touring the Tabasco Factory on Avery Island, about 45 minutes south of the city. They walk you through the entire sauce-making process, from how the peppers are grown to the bottling. Shop for products like chili starters and pepper jam, and visit the restaurant for jambalaya, gumbo, and even Tabasco-infused vanilla ice cream.”
Wild Beauty
“Also located on the island is Jungle Gardens, a gorgeous botanical site surrounded by marsh. The giant sago palms make it feel like driving through Jurassic Park. Check out the Buddhist shrine that’s been there a bajillion years, as well as Bird City, a massive bird sanctuary founded by the Tabasco heirs.”
Comfort Cuisine
“Creole plate lunches are famous in Louisiana for their unique spice and flavor. Laura’s II has great soul food: smothered corn maque choux, collard greens, stuffed turkey, rice and gravy. It’s heavy, and might put you to sleep, but it’s so good.”
Paddle the Parish
“I like to kayak or canoe on Lake Martin and the surrounding bayous. You can glide right past cypress trees where you might see alligators basking or pelicans perching on the branches. There’s a rental outfitter right at the main park entrance.”
On a Roll
“Pop’s Poboys is a town staple. My go-to is the fried shrimp po’ boy with a side of mac and cheese. I love to draw on the paper tablecloth while I wait.”
Toe Tapper
“The best place to hear live, local Cajun and zydeco music is Blue Moon Saloon. Always ask for a Parish beer from the local brewing company here. Canebrake, a sugar cane–flavored light beer, is my favorite. The saloon is a former home that now doubles as a hostel, so you can actually sleep there if you’re looking for a place to stay.”
This article appears in the Fall 2025 issue of Southbound.
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