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Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism Unveils Refreshed Cajun Bayou Food Trail with Two New Stops

Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism Unveils Refreshed Cajun Bayou Food Trail with Two New Stops

Raceland, Louisiana (May 6, 2026) – Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism proudly announced the launch of a refreshed Cajun Bayou Food Trail, featuring new additions including a new Food Trail T-shirt, and enhanced visitor experiences. Two new establishments have also joined the preexisting trail, offering additional options in Central and South Lafourche. Added to the list are 3 Piers Seafood Market in Des Allemands and Lafourche Landing in Golden Meadow – bringing the total number of participating locations to 18.

Louisiana’s reputation as a premier culinary destination is well established, with iconic dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, étouffée, and boudin reflecting generations of tradition and flavor. In Lafourche Parish, that culinary heritage is rooted in fresh, locally sourced ingredients, time-honored recipes, and a deep sense of community, creating an authentic food experience that continues to draw visitors from across the region and beyond.

In 2018, Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism (LCBT) introduced the Cajun Bayou Food Trail, a curated culinary experience designed to showcase the region’s rich Cajun culture through its cuisine. Over the past eight years, the trail has guided visitors to some of Lafourche Parish’s most beloved dining establishments, with more than 800 passports turned in and over 4,000 meals consumed at local restaurants.          

Visitors can participate in the trail by downloading a map and passport on the LCBT website, by picking one up at the Visitor Center in Raceland, or by stopping in at any restaurant on the trail. After collecting five stamps from participating restaurants, participants are eligible to receive a complimentary Cajun Bayou Food Trail T-shirt, a comfy badge of honor, well-deserved for diving headfirst into the parish’s culinary scene.

Additional updates to the program include refreshed marketing materials, an updated website, and a newly designed map and passport. A redesigned Food Trail T-shirt aligned with LCBT’s current “Geaux Bold” marketing campaign, offers returning participants a new incentive to revisit the trail and dine local again.

According to Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism’s President & CEO Jay Schexnaydre, “The Cajun Bayou Food Trail is one of the top visitor activities in Lafourche Parish, and our organization is thrilled to relaunch this delicious, updated trail for everyone to enjoy. The food trail highlights generations of Cajun cooking up and down the bayou, while delivering an experience that’s personal and full of flavor.”          

Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou invites everyone to “wander off the eatin’ path” and immerse their palate in authentic Cajun cuisine. A full list of participating restaurants can be found below.

3 Piers Seafood Market – 3702 US-90, Des Allemands, LA
Spahr’s Seafood Restaurant – 3682 US-90, Des Allemands, LA
Fremin’s Restaurant – 402 W 3rd St, Thibodaux, LA
Cinclare – 601 W 3rd St, Thibodaux, LA
Politz’s Restaurant – 535 St. Mary St, Thibodaux, LA
Bourgeois Meat Market – 543 W Main St, Thibodaux, LA
Flanagan’s – 1111 Audubon Ave – Thibodaux, LA
Grady V’s – 900 Country Club Blvd, Thibodaux, LA
Spahr’s Downtown – 601 W 4th St, Thibodaux, LA
Bayou Boucherie – 4980 LA-1, Raceland, LA
Kajun Twist & Grill – 616 Crescent Ave, Lockport, LA
Harry’s Poboys – 11914 Hwy-308, Larose, LA
The Balcony – 13550 W Main St, Larose, LA
Spahr’s at the Station – 16816 Hwy-3235, Cut Off, LA
Mommie Jo’s – 15617 W Main St, Cut Off, LA
CherAmie’s Seafood Restaurant – 15628 W Main St, Cut Off, LA
Griffin’s Restaurant – 18629 Hwy-3235, Galliano, LA
Lafourche Landing – 409 N Alex Plaisance Blvd, Golden Meadow, LA


Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Honors Tourism Partners at 2026 Bayou Ambassador Awards Luncheon

Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Honors Tourism Partners at 2026 Bayou Ambassador Awards Luncheon

Raceland, Louisiana (May 5, 2026)Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism (LCBT), the destination marketing organization for Lafourche Parish, honored its tourism partners during the 2026 Bayou Ambassador Awards Luncheon held Tuesday at its newly opened Visitor Center in Raceland. The event marked LCBT’s recognition of the local hospitality and tourism industry in celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week, an annual initiative organized by the U.S. Travel Association.

In addition to recognizing its partners, LCBT presented awards to those who went above and beyond in supporting Lafourche Parish’s tourism industry in 2025:


Louisiana's Cajun Bayou Tourism Unveils Wayfinding Signage Project

Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism Unveils Wayfinding Signage Project

Raceland, La. (April 8, 2026) – Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism, the destination marketing organization for Lafourche Parish, in partnership with Lafourche Parish Government unveiled plans for a parish-wide wayfinding signage project set to debut this year. Designed to improve navigation and create a more welcoming experience for visitors, the project consists of 164 new vehicular wayfinding signs to be installed across the parish.

The new signs will guide travelers to every city and town in Lafourche Parish while directing both visitors and residents to major tourist attractions, historical sites, boat launches, fairgrounds, and sports parks. In addition, each sign will be color coordinated directly with the exhibits inside the newly opened Visitor Center in Raceland creating a unified signage system.

“Lafourche Parish Government is excited to partner with Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism on the installation of new wayfinding signage across the Parish” said Lafourche Parish President, Mitch Orgeron. “These new vehicular directional signs will guide our visitors to public attractions, parks, historic sites, and boat launches throughout Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou. I look forward to the completion of this exciting project and the continued growth of our tourism sector."

“We are looking forward to seeing our new signs come to life” said Jay Schexnaydre, President/CEO of Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism. “This will encourage visitors to explore more of what makes Lafourche Parish a year-round destination and make it easier for first-time visitors to navigate up and down the bayou.”

The initiative stems from the results of a visitor intercept survey led by Randall Travel Marketing that identified insufficient signage and wayfinding as a primary visitor complaint. The effort reflects Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism’s dedication to strengthening community infrastructure and advancing tourism and economic development. Installation is expected to begin in the Fall and continue through 2026.


Celebrate Spring with these Bold Bayou Events!

Celebrate Spring with These Bold Bayou Events!

Here in Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou, spring isn’t just a season … it’s a full calendar of reasons to celebrate! Parades roll, festival music fills the air, crawfish start boiling and locals find any excuse to gather along the bayou. Grab your calendar (and maybe a bib for the crawfish) and get ready to Geaux Bold! See what’s happening each weekend this spring!


March Into the Season with Parades


Mardi Gras the Cajun Way: Family, Tradition, and Celebration in Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou

Mardi Gras the Cajun Way: Family, Tradition, and Celebration in Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou

If you think Mardi Gras is all late nights, packed venues and wild revelry, let us introduce you to a different way to celebrate. In Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou, Mardi Gras is less about surviving the party and more about sharing it with friends and generations of family members who’ve been doing it this way for as long as anyone can remember.

We offer a Mardi Gras experience that feels unmistakably Cajun. Parade routes aren’t just places to catch throws. They’re gathering spots where people settle in, turn to their neighbor and resume conversations right where they left off the last time they saw each other … whether that was at a parade last year or at the grocery store last week. Instead of packed streets and all-night revelry, it’s about shared traditions. Locals know how to make a day of it, and they’re sure to share their secrets with any visitor who crosses paths with them. There’s time to enjoy parades, music and our famous Cajun cuisine without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Throughout the season, the parish is home to parades and celebrations that reflect the heart of Cajun culture. Daytime festivities and family-focused events make our destination ideal for travelers looking to experience Mardi Gras without the crowds, chaos and adult-centric celebrations that are often associated with Carnival celebrations in larger cities. You’ll hear Cajun accents, see longtime traditions in action and feel pride that comes from celebrating something so authentic. This is a place where Mardi Gras isn’t performed ... it’s lived. It’s older generations passing down customs, newcomers learning the ropes, and everyone understanding that the celebration is as much about connection and community as it is about spectacle.

If you’re traveling with your family (or just prefer your Mardi Gras with a little breathing room), this is where you’ll feel right at home! Come celebrate where the culture runs deep and Mardi Gras feels as genuine as the people who call Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou home.


Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism Announces Departure of President/CEO, Cody A. Gray

Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism Announces Departure of President/CEO, Cody A. Gray

Raceland, La. (January 28, 2026) – The Board of Directors for Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism (LCBT), the destination marketing organization for Lafourche Parish, has announced the departure of longtime President/CEO, Cody A. Gray who will step down on February 20, 2026. He will leave Lafourche Parish to assume the position of Executive Director for the Columbia County Tourist Development Council in Lake City, Florida.

“Over the past six years, it has been a sincere privilege to lead Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism” said Cody A. Gray. “I have often said that moving to Lafourche Parish was the best decision I have ever made, both personally and professionally, a statement I still stand by today. I cannot adequately express my gratitude for the trust and support throughout my tenure from this community. There truly is no place on earth like Lafourche Parish, and it will forever hold a very special place in my heart.”

Mr. Gray first joined Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism as Director of Sales and Marketing in April 2020 and became President/CEO in December 2020. Throughout his nearly 6 years in Lafourche Parish, Cody led the organization and Lafourche Parish through significant tourism growth amid challenges from the Covid-19 Pandemic and Hurricane Ida. He also played a significant role in the construction of a brand-new Visitor Center in Raceland, the launch of new marketing campaigns to attract further visitation to the parish, and accepted multiple awards and recognitions from state and regional tourism associations on behalf of the work done at LCBT.

Board Chair Marguerite Knight-Erwin thanked Cody for his leadership over the past years highlighting his outstanding role in guiding the Lafourche Parish Tourist Commission through new initiatives and growth.

The Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism Board of Directors will conduct a thorough search to find a new tourism director for Lafourche Parish. For more information on the position, please visit lacajunbayou.com/about/careers.


LOUISIANA TRAVEL ASSOCIATION HONORS LOUISIANA’S CAJUN BAYOU TOURISM WITH 2026 LOUEY AWARD FOR CVB OF THE YEAR

LOUISIANA TRAVEL ASSOCIATION HONORS LOUISIANA’S CAJUN BAYOU TOURISM WITH 2026 LOUEY AWARD FOR CVB OF THE YEAR

Raceland, LA (January 26, 2026) – The Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) proudly introduced Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism (LCBT) as the winner of the 2026 Louey Award for CVB of the Year at its Annual Meeting in Lafayette, La. In addition, Sales & Marketing Manager, Ian Wallis, was recognized for completing the Louisiana Tourism Leadership Academy, a unique professional development and leadership program hosted by LTA.

The award which highlights the outstanding work done by a Convention and Visitors Bureau in the state of Louisiana was received by members of the LCBT staff including President/CEO, Cody A. Gray, Sales & Marketing Manager, Ian Wallis, Office Manager/Administrative Assistant, Brandi Hebert, and Chair of Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism’s Board of Directors, Margeurite Knight Erwin. To present the Louey Award were former Parish President, Archie Chaisson, III, and President/CEO of Visit The Northshore, Donna O’Daniels.

This year, LTA celebrated excellence in the Louisiana tourism industry by presenting Louey Awards to those who have made significant contributions to promoting and enhancing Louisiana's vibrant tourism landscape. LCBT was recognized for their work throughout 2025 including the opening of a brand-new Visitor Center in Raceland, the launch of the Geaux Bold Marketing Campaign, and the significant progress made toward implementation of new wayfinding signage coming to Lafourche Parish in 2026.

“We are beyond thankful and honored to receive the 2026 Louey Award for CVB of the Year,” said Cody A. Gray, President/CEO of Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou. “Our team has worked tirelessly throughout the last year to continually position Lafourche Parish as a year-round tourism destination and we are extremely proud to see our hard work recognized.”

“I am incredibly proud of the recognition earned by our organization and parish,” said Marguerite Knight-Erwin, chair of Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism’s Board of Directors. “Through our creative and forward thinking, we continue to spotlight our unique Cajun culture that attracts visitors to Lafourche Parish from around the world.”


Y’Allstars Southern Skate Showdown Returns to Thibodaux in 2026 with National and International Roller Derby Teams

Y’Allstars Southern Skate Showdown Returns to Thibodaux in 2026 with National and International Roller Derby Teams

Raceland, Louisiana (January 14, 2026)Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism, the destination marketing organization for Lafourche Parish, is set to welcome 20 national and international roller derby teams at this year’s Y’Allstars Southern Skate Showdown. The premier tournament returns for its fourth year in Thibodaux with a full weekend of competition taking place: February 26 to March 1.

Hosted at the Warren J. Harang Municipal Auditorium on N. Canal Blvd, this year’s tournament features an exciting lineup of new and returning roller derby teams and three divisions of play: Main, Open, and Junior (youth). The event itself is hosted by Red Stick Roller Derby Juniors, the youth roller derby team based in Baton Rouge.

“This year marks the fourth time Lafourche Parish will host the Y’Allstars Southern Skate Showdown, and its continued growth speaks volumes about the impact this event has on our community,” said Cody A. Gray, President/CEO of Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism. “Competitions like this generate meaningful visitor spending that directly supports our local businesses and jobs, while strengthening our parish’s tourism economy. We are honored to welcome national and international teams from across the globe to compete here in Thibodaux, and I invite everyone to join me in extending them a warm Cajun Bayou welcome.”

With 20 teams and competitors coming to Thibodaux, the Y’Allstars Southern Skate Showdown is growing to become one of the largest sporting events in Lafourche Parish. It is expected to have a notable economic impact again this year. In 2025, hotel room nights in Thibodaux exceeded 500 nights booked with additional visitor spend at local restaurants, shops, and attractions.

Tickets are available for purchase and can be bought as a Single Day Pass or a Weekend Pass. More information about tickets and the tournament weekend can be found at the link below. For vendor/sponsorship opportunities, contact Kaitlyn Estes, Tournament Organizer at [email protected].

https://www.yallstars.com/

2026 Y’Allstars Southern Skate Showdown Participating Teams:

Main Division:
Fuego Latino
Team Philippines
API Fury
Missouri Roller Derby
Illinois-Iowa Roller Derby
Team Indigenous Rising
Black Diaspora
Jersey All Stars
Team Alaska
Bipolar Rollers
SALAAM Roller Derby
Team Desi

Open Division:
Beast Side Roller Derby
Team Badass
Team Puerto Rico
Team New York

Junior Division:
Red Stick Roller Derby Juniors
FOCO Junior Roller Derby
MARS Junior Beasts
Rampage Junior Roller Derby


4 Bold Ways to Kick Off the Year in Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou

4 Bold Ways to Kick Off the Year in Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou

New Year’s resolutions come and go … but what if this year you didn’t try to overhaul your whole life? What if you just decided to be a little bolder with how you spend your time?

That’s the idea behind our new “Geaux Bold” campaign, which puts an emphasis on embracing experiences that shake up routines and reminds you that fun doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether bold means adventure, movement, connection or flavor, Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou makes it easy to say “yes!”

Here are four bold ways to kick off the year in Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou:

Get Your Heart Pumping on an Airboat Tour with Arthur Matherne
If your idea of being bold involves speed and the wind in your hair, this one’s for you! An airboat tour is a front-row seat to the wild side of Lafourche Parish. You’ll glide through marshes and waterways, spot wildlife, and hear stories you won’t find in any old guidebook. It’s adventurous without being intimidating, exactly the kind of moment that sets the tone for a bold year ahead.

Stretch Your Legs on a Historic Thibodaux Walking Tour
Bold doesn’t have to mean fast-paced. Sometimes it means slowing down, getting outside and actually living in the moment. A Historic Thibodaux Walking Tour is a perfect way to move your body while soaking up the stories that shaped our charming town. From grand homes to hidden details you won’t notice from a car, it’s equal parts exercise and discovery.

Make Time for Togetherness at Bayou Country Children’s Museum
If your goal this year is to spend more quality time with the people you love, the Bayou Country Children’s Museum delivers in the best way. This hands-on space invites kids (and adults) to play and learn together … no screens required. It’s the kind of place where laughter comes easily and memories are made without trying.

Forget the Calories on the Cajun Bayou Food Trail
Some resolutions are meant to be broken, especially the ones about counting calories and eating less. The Cajun Bayou Food Trail is your official permission slip to indulge. With restaurants serving bountiful meals made from recipes that have been passed down for generations, this is bold flavor at its finest. Follow your appetite, try something you’ve never ordered before and let the bayou guide your taste buds.

Before you dive headfirst into your adventure, there’s one easy stop that helps tie it all together: our new experiential Visitor Center in Raceland. It’s the perfect place to get oriented and map out which experiences match YOUR version of bold.

Bold plans shouldn’t be intimidating. Whether you’re skimming across the bayou, strolling historic streets, making memories with family or following our food trail one bite at a time, Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou makes it easy to say “yes” to something different.


Throw Me Something, Mister! Your Family's Guide to Mardi Gras Magic on Bayou Lafourche

Throw Me Something, Mister! Your Family's Guide to Mardi Gras Magic on Bayou Lafourche


Laissez les bons temps rouler! If you're searching for a Mardi Gras celebration that offers all the dazzling tradition of Carnival with an extra-large serving of genuine, down-home Southern charm, look no further than Lafourche Parish. Deep in Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou, the celebration officially begins not with a float, but with a slice of pure joy! The sweet, colorful kickoff to the season is the famous Louisiana King Cake Festival held right in Downtown Thibodaux on January 31. This beloved event holds the special distinction of being the only official king cake festival in the entire state, making it the essential gathering spot to sample all the flavors, enjoy live music and officially mark the start of the joyous season. 

More than just a sweet treat, the festival is a celebration for a good cause: it is hosted by the Lafourche Education Foundation, with proceeds helping parish public school teachers and students get the supplies they need. 

Once the king cake is officially sliced and the thousands (yes—we mean thousands) of sweet crumbs have been cleared, the parade season begins its spectacular roll! Lafourche Parish truly transforms, proudly hosting an incredible 15 different parades each year, traveling up and down the historic curves of Bayou Lafourche. While larger cities may dominate the headlines, our local celebrations focus on a wonderfully personal and truly family-friendly environment. You’ll find all the grand pomp and circumstance—the bold floats and the exciting shower of throws—but the smaller crowd size allows for a more intimate experience. Here, you don't fight massive crowds; you share smiles and shouts with the krewes as they pass by. You can experience the energy of krewes like Shaka and Ambrosia in Thibodaux, or the festive community spirit of the Krewe of Apollo in Lockport, all contributing to an atmosphere where everyone feels like a neighbor.

The sheer diversity of our parades ensures there’s a captivating spectacle for every member of the family, whether you are a seasoned reveler or experiencing your very first carnival. We proudly feature classic, traditional parades like the Krewe of Chronos and the Krewe of Cleophas, complete with magnificent, tiered floats and copious amounts of throws that soar into the air. 

But we also embrace the wonderfully unique spirit of the bayou with one-of-a-kind events held in our smaller towns, such as the fun-filled Krewe Des Couyons golf cart parade, which is often found rolling through Golden Meadow. Our calendar is packed with parades in communities all across the parish, from Thibodaux to Chackbay and Gheens, offering both brilliant, sunny day parades and the illuminated spectacle of our thrilling night parades.

So, if your family is searching for an authentically Cajun Mardi Gras adventure where the throws are plentiful, the crowds are manageable and the experience is focused on community, mark your calendar for a trip to Lafourche Parish. It's an opportunity to create cherished, close-up memories and connect with the heart of Louisiana’s carnival season. Keep an eye on our calendar for the specific routes and times for our fantastic floats this season!

For the FULL Parade Schedule, visit the link here: www.lacajunbayou.com/calendar-of-events/mardi-gras


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