The Play List: Things to do for empty nesters in Cajun Country

Acadian Village

Lafayette’s oldest, most authentic experience of 19th century south Louisiana life is a picturesque collection of historic homes, cottages, a general store, a blacksmith shop, a chapel and more, nestled along a winding bayou. Tours are $7. 200 Greenleaf Dr., Lafayette, LA 70506. (337) 981-2364. acadianvillage.org

Atchafalaya Basin Houseboat Rental

Explore the Atchafalaya, often referred to as “America’s foreign country” because of the exotic heritage of its people, a blending of French, Spanish, Acadians and African-Americans (and even Caribbean, Germans, Italians, Czechs and more). The basin is the largest river-swamp in the United States, boasting one million acres. The best way to truly experience this Louisiana jewel is to stay overnight in a houseboat, where, depending on your level of comfort, you can rest peacefully along the banks or trundle slowly through the swamp. It’s hard to imagine alone time more isolated than this. (800) 404-8626. atchafalaya.org

Avery Island Tabasco Factory

Okay, so you’ve used that ubiquitous little bottle of hot sauce your entire life, but have you ever been to see where Tabasco sauce originates? Avery Island’s Jungle Gardens boasts 170 acres of flora and fauna. Located on an ancient salt dome, this island is simply a Louisiana treasure. After exploring the grounds—remember to bring bug spray!—be sure to tour the factory and stop by the gift shop. (800) 634-9599. tabasco.com

Blue Moon Saloon

An internationally respected roots music venue, the Blue Moon Saloon and Guesthouse is home to a truly quirky and delightful mishmash of vibes. Catch great live acts and chat with locals, travelers and musicians from around the world before dancing the night away. If you’re feeling up to the adventure, book a room and stay the night. 215 East Convent St., Lafayette, LA 70501. (877) 766-BLUE. bluemoonpresents.com

Brownell Memorial & Carillon Tower

Located in a rural area along Lake Palourde in Morgan City is a 9.5-acre bird and nature preserve conceived by Mrs. Claire Horatio Brownell, who designed the area to retain its wild nature while allowing quiet commune with the environment. At the center of the small park stands a 106-foot-tall carillon tower outfitted with 61 bronze bells made in Holland. Explore the park at your leisure, marveling over the native flora, fauna and wildlife. 3359 State Route 70, Morgan City, LA 70380.

Cajun Music Hall of Fame

This tiny museum is chock full of personality. If you love Cajun music or simply are interested in Louisiana’s culture and history, the enthusiastic staff here—sometimes musical greats themselves—are all too happy to educate you. Plan to spend some time absorbing this hidden Louisiana treasure. 240 South C.C. Duson St., Eunice, LA 70535. (337) 367-1526. cajunfrenchmusic.org

Cajun Food Tours

For only $49 per person, Cajun Food Tours, operated out of Lafayette, will load you on a comfortable 14-passenger van and take you around to as many as six stops. You’ll be treated to a veritable smorgasbord of delectable Cajun treats, from boudin to king cake. The proprietors pride themselves on sharing their culture with everyone from outsiders to locals. (337) 230-6169. cajunfoodtours.com

Classic Golden Pecans

You might think you know your way around a pecan, but chances are you haven’t been to Classic Golden Pecans in Lafayette. Here, you can get everything from pralines to pecan oil, insights into growing your own pecans and the farming industry in Louisiana and beyond. This isn’t just a great place to snack and learn. It’s a fantastic spot for picking up a unique Louisiana gift. 4303 Johnson St., Lafayette, LA 70503. classicgoldenpecans.com

Esprit de Coeur Dinner Theater

Once a month, Esprit de Coeur opens its doors to the public and hosts an unbelievable dinner theater experience. Interactive murder mysteries unfold over a gourmet dinner, and your table becomes your investigative team as you try to determine the guilty party among you. At only $45 per person, it’s an outstanding deal and a memorable night together. 402 Garfield St., Lafayette, LA 70501. (337) 962-5215. espritdecoeur.com

Evangeline Oak

Famous for its depiction in Longfellow’s epic poem Evangeline, the ancient Evangeline Oak, located at Port Street and Bayou Teche in St. Martinville, is the purported meeting place of Emmaline Labiche and Louis Arceneaux, real-life counterparts to the fictional Evangeline and Gabriel. It’s a beautiful spot to take a moment and reflect on the trials the Acadians went through before they settled in Louisiana—and to be thankful for the unique flavor their culture added to our state. (337) 394-2233. stmartinville.org

“Frog Capital of the World”

If you’re looking for a quaint and charming getaway, look no further than Rayne, La., the Frog Capital of the World. From famous frog legs to amphibian statues and beautiful murals everywhere you look, Rayne will tickle your fancy for froggy fun. Stay the weekend at one of the town’s pleasant bed and breakfasts. rayne.org

Orphan Train Museum

Don’t expect to leave this museum dry-eyed. The Orphan Train Museum in Opelousas documents a little-known effort between 1854 and 1929 to place hundreds of thousands of homeless and orphaned children from New York City in homes across the country. Considered the beginning of the modern foster care movement, it brought more than 2,000 children to Louisiana. 233 S. Academy, Opelousas, LA 70570. (337) 948-9922. laorphantrain.com

Rip Van Winkle Gardens

The Rip Van Winkle Gardens on Jefferson Island in New Iberia are a world unto themselves. Cloaked in the legend that Jean Lafitte buried treasure beneath one of the many oak trees here so that he might one day come back and claim it, today finds the gardens a much more serene place, thick with geese and shady, peaceful vistas. The interlocking network of small, vibrant gardens instills a sense of peace so deep you won’t need to go to yoga for a month. <strong>5505 Rip Van Winkle Rd., New Iberia, LA 70560. (337) 359-8525. ripvanwinklegardens.com

Sans Souci

This little gallery is packed to the gills with work from some of the state’s premier artists. Sans Souci Fine Crafts Gallery is home to the Louisiana Crafts Guild, and the quality of the work showcased there led to it being named one of Southern Living magazine’s top places to shop in the South. What more do you need to know? 219 E. Vermilion St., Lafayette, LA 70501. facebook.com/SansSouciGallery

Vermilionville

Visiting Vermilionville is like walking into a different time. This “living history” park exhibits and demonstrates the cultures and lives of the Acadian, Native American and Creole communities that lived in the area from 1765 to 1890. Attractions include several restored homes, live craft demonstrations and rotating historical exhibits. Don’t forget to stop by the gift store on your way out, as handmade Vermilionville crafts make excellent and unusual presents. vermilionville.org

Want more things to do? Check out the lists below.