“I went to ‘Q-Nic in the Dome’ [in Lafayette] last year and saw a long-lost friend that moved away to another city. It was a big crowd of people, but we ended up finding each other, and now we still keep in touch,” said Lavondra Allison, a mass communication sophomore.
Lafayette, less than an hour drive west on I-10, offers many unique attractions, such as the ‘Q-Nic in the Dome,’ which is held in the Cajundome.
Chloe Tatney, a psychology freshman, said she enjoys events in the Cajundome, home of the University of Louisiana Lafayette Rajun Cajuns and the Louisiana Ice Gators ice-hockey team.
“This weekend there’s a Greek show, the weekend before we had last top 28. There’s usually something going on every weekend: concerts, expos, mostly sporting events,” Tatney said. “The Hockeyplex is good too, you can go ice skating and stuff. Everyone goes there to go ice-skating.”
Bobby Stokes, manager of the Hockeyplex, said skating is open to the public from 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays. Christian music is played on Fridays and a DJ plays music on Saturdays. Admission in $6 with an additional $2 charge for skate rentals, Stokes said.
Girard Park, located on the ULL campus, is a popular place to relax and hang out with friends.
“Girard Park is one of the best parks in Lafayette. It’s good for jogging or playing sports, you can swim, it is very spacious, they offer sports and gymnastics classes; all kinds of stuff,” Tatney said.
Anne Laughlin, marketing manager of Vermillionville, said Lafayette has a rich heritage originating with Acadian settlers from Nova Scoti, and Creole settlers who descended from parts of Africa, West India and Europe.
Lafayette offers the chance to experience that heritage through both Vermillionville and Acadian Village; tourist attractions that re-create Lafayette villages in the 1800s.
Laughlin said Vermillionville is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Prices for self-guided tours are $8 per adult, $6.50 for adults age 65 and older, $5 for students under 18 and free for children under 6.
An Acadian Village spokesperson said Acadian Village is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. Prices for self-guided tours are $7 per adult, $4 for children age 6 through 14 and free for children under 6.
“Vermillionville offers a 23-acre historical village that displays Cajun and Creole heritage,” Laughlin said.
Laughlin said Vermillionville was the original name of the area before it was called Lafayette.
“What makes Vermillionville special is we have crafts people and artisans in the homes to demonstrate the crafts and music and interpret the history of the area,” she said.
New Orleans is world-famous for its rich history and tradition. From its architecture to the food unique to the area, there are many things to see and experience aside from famous events such as Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Essence Fest and the Bayou Classic.
Brandon Williams, a finance junior, said Lake Pontchartrain is a popular place to hang out for many people in New Orleans on Sunday afternoons.
“I like going to the lake on Sundays. I like to see all the tight whips and the girls that go out to see the tight whips,” Williams said.
Stephanie Banks, an accounting freshman, said social activities in Baton Rouge are about the same as they are in her hometown, New Orleans.
“I guess it’s the same; people are just different, but I don’t go out,” she said.
Banks said she enjoys shopping at malls in New Orleans and going to plays at the Saenger Theatre, located in downtown New Orleans.
The Saenger Theatre offers a variety of events. Mamma Mia, Spider-Man Live, Gov’t Mule and Seussical all are coming attractions in the next month. Prices vary on each event. The Web site for the Saenger Theatre, www.saengertheatre.com has additional information.