Mardi Gras Must-Dos

An insider's guide to Mardi Gras in Lafayette, Louisiana

Mardi Gras culminates with the City Ball.

Photo courtesy of Lafayette Travel

Mardi Gras is coming up quick — Fat Tuesday is March 4 — and Lafayette, Louisiana, is where you'll want to be to celebrate.

The travel experts there have compiled a five-day itinerary that's packed with local tips about where to eat, what to do, and how to catch all the Mardi Gras action.

Friday, February 28

5 pm: An early dinner right before the kick-off parade is a must, and staying in downtown means you only have to park once.

Quick meal: If you're running late or have the kids in tow, check out Central Pizza & Bar for wood-fired pizzas and seasonal cocktails, The Flats for burgers, fries, draft beer, and cocktails, with an outdoor patio to boot, or Sunday's Soda Fountain for a modern approach to the nostalgic classics.

Date night/out with friends: Perfect for setting the Mardi Gras mood, you'll want to head to Vestal for a welcoming, upbeat environment with open hearth cooking and deliciously crafted beverages. Pamplona sports urban elegance with rustic Spanish simplicity, serving flavors from traditional Spain fused with international tastes. Tsunami has fresh seafood and diverse Asian dishes with Japanese and Eastern flare married with its Southern roots.

Here for the cocktails: Places that are more drink-forward with some snacks include Hideaway on Lee for seasonally driven classic and original cocktails served alongside Americana-inspired dishes. Wild Child Wine Shop is your friendly neighborhood wine shop and tiny bar, focused on small production wines and conservas.

6:30 pm: The kick-off parade starts at Pontiac Point and provides local businesses and groups the opportunity to secure their own float, and for individuals to ride with University of Louisiana student-athletes and coaches.

9 pm: The parade may be over, but the live music is just getting started. Explore downtown's many dancehalls and music venues by checking out Lafayette Weekly.

Saturday, March 1

8 am: Start early on Saturday with Zydeco breakfast at Buck & Johnny's in Breaux Bridge, a short drive from Lafayette. The perfect marriage of breakfast and Zydeco, this unique event happens every Saturday with rotating Zydeco acts in and around the area. Doors open at 8 am, but there's usually a line to get in. Want to get a sneak peek? Check out their Facebook page, where they livestream the performances each week. It's also a great way to pick up some dance moves before your trip.

10 am: While in St. Martin Parish, a must-see is the Atchafalaya Basin, and there's no better way to explore this waterway than on a swamp tour. Whether you prefer a slow boat tour or a fast-paced airboat tour, you will see some amazing sites. The weather around this time is a little cold for alligators, but you will definitely see some birds and other wildlife, as well as the beauty of moss-draped cypress trees and other flora and fauna.

12:30 pm: Depending on the timing of the swamp tour, you should have time to make it back to downtown Lafayette for the Children's Parade. This parade is unique because it is comprised of children who serve as royalty for the Mardi Gras balls, similar to their adult counterparts. For more on this, check out this post.

2:30 pm: You may start feeling tired at this point, but here's something to spice up your afternoon: Head down to Avery Island for the full Tabasco experience. Start with lunch at Cafe 1868 or opt for the culinary experience or cooking demo, which is an hour-long exploration of the various foods and Tabasco flavors in the area.

After, explore the many stops along the factory tour where you'll learn about the history of the family, how Tabasco is made from plant to bottle, and even taste some Tabasco ice cream and soda in the Country Store. On your way out, be sure to check out Jungle Gardens, a driving nature trail through the area that includes a Budha statue believed to be from 1100 A.D. and a bird sanctuary.

6:30 pm: The Saturday Bonaparte Parade is the Krewe of Bonaparte, and it kicks off at 6:30 pm. If you're looking for a different place to view the parade other than downtown, make your way to Le Festival de Mardi Gras à Lafayette held at Cajun Field. With paid parking, carnival rides, games, and live music, it's the perfect place to catch the end of the parade.

8:30 pm: Time to refuel with dinner.

Quick meal: Dean-O's Pizza for pies and Italian dishes with a Cajun twist. Agave Mexican Grill & Cantina has a large patio with a lively atmosphere where Tex-Mex meets Cajun-style dishes. Mel's Diner is open 24-hours with daily plate lunch options.

Date night/out with friends: Alesi Pizza House for pizza, spaghetti, lasagna, fettuccini alfredo, ravioli, manicotti, chicken Parmesan, and so much more.. Cafe Habana City has Cuban cuisine and a mojito bar in a Caribbean-style atmosphere. Osaka is family-owned and operated, offering fresh sushi and Japanese dishes.

Here for the cocktails: Legend's on Bertrand is a bar and grill with outdoor seating. Adopted Dog Brewing is a craft brewery offering American fare.

Sunday, March 2

10:30 am: Sleep in on Sunday, but not for too long! The best way to kick off the day is with a hearty brunch, and Lafayette has no shortage of places. If you're looking for a complete list of brunch spots, head here. If you need some suggestions, see below.

Social Southern Table & Bar: Locally sourced cuisine with hand-crafted specialty cocktails.
Spoonbill Watering Hole & Restaurant: Serving everything from fresh Gulf seafood to burgers with patio seating, perfect for drinking local beer, cocktails, and tiki drinks.
Johnson's Boucaniere: Continuing a tradition since 1937 with a full-service restaurant.

12 pm: After brunch, there's no better way to get moving than with a trip to Vermilionville Living History Museum. Tour the 23-acre site with historic homes and costumed artisans to discover the living history of the Acadians, Creoles, and Native Americans. You can opt for a self-guided or guided tour of the village. The best part? There's a weekly Sunday dance with Cajun and Zydeco acts in its Performance Center, one of the many historic dancehalls in the area.

2 pm: Though most visitors to Lafayette associate the area with the more famed Cajun and Creole culinary fare (think jambalaya, crawfish, and gumbo), it is the rice and gravy-centric plate lunch that fuels the people of Louisiana’s Acadiana region. Consisting of meat, a gravy-covered starch, a pair of vegetable sides, and a simple piece of bread — and often all served on a single plate — the plate lunch emphasizes speed, affordability, and caloric heft. Some suggestions:

Laura's II: The best Creole experience in Lafayette, serving barbecue, stuffed baked turkey wings, fried catfish, smothered okra, red beans, smothered cabbage, and more.
Ton's Downtown: Local plate lunch house serving up daily specials.
Lunch Box: From barbecue plates to meatloaf, chicken fried steaks, and lots of hearty sides.

5:30 pm: Sunday provides a little break from all things Mardi Gras, but that doesn't mean you still can't keep the good times rolling. Rock'n'Bowl combines live music and bowling in one amazing venue. With a dance floor in-between bowling lanes, you can either dance or bowl to the music. If sitting back and relaxing is more your speed, booths upstairs let you watch the action and also play old-school games with friends. If you find yourself having worked up an appetite, don't worry — they serve food and drinks as well.

Monday, March 3

7 am: You may have gotten to rest on Sunday, but Monday is going to be jam-packed so make sure to start with a hearty breakfast.

Dwyer's Cafe: One of the older plate lunch houses in Lafayette, serving a diner-style breakfast.
Five Mile Eatery: Farm-to-table restaurant serving breakfast and lunch.
T'Coons: Breakfast and plate lunch staple in the Lafayette area.

9 am: A Lundi Gras tradition, the boucherie at Lake View Park is one of the last remaining public boucheries in the area. Get there early for the full experience of the whole pig butchering, or plan to arrive a little later in the morning once things get cooking. You'll be able to purchase various items to taste from the boucherie as well as chat with cooks and butchers firsthand. The best part? There's live music all day and well into the evening, so no matter when you arrive, you're in for a good time.

6 pm: There's only one parade on Lundi Gras, and that's the Queen Evangeline's Parade, which starts from Pontiac Point. This parade uses the full parade route, so you can make plans to watch in downtown Lafayette (if you want to be done earlier), along Johnston Street, or at the final stop, Cajun Field.

8:30 pm: Time for dinner!

Quick meal: Hub City Diner is a 1950s all-American-style diner serving breakfast and rotating plate lunches as well as dinner. Prejean’s has been serving up delicious Cajun flavors for more than 75 years. KOK Wings & Things has wings, fries, fish, and more, located off the campus of UL Lafayette.

Date night/out with friends: Café Bella serves Italian-style food with a wide-ranging wine selection, intimate atmosphere, and attentive service. Marcello’s dishes up authentic Italian cuisine using the freshest ingredients.

Here for the cocktails: Whiskey & Vine is a lounge with nightly live jazz and blues music, spirits, and sophisticated cuisine. Bon Temps Grill serves swamp-edge cuisine in an urban Cajun atmosphere. Charley G’s is a Lafayette favorite known for grilling aged beef and fresh Louisiana seafood over southern hardwoods.

9 pm: If you're looking some late night Lundi Gras music and dancing, be sure to check out the Holiday Lounge. This historic dancehall rarely opens its doors for shows, but every year for Lundi Gras it hosts one of the area's must-see shows.

Tuesday, March 4

7 am: You made it all the way to Fat Tuesday, but the fun is just getting started. Kick off Mardi Gras with a Louisiana staple: boudin. With more than 50 places serving this regional delicacy, plus the Cajun Boudin Trail, it can be difficult to pick, but here are some of the heavy hitters:

Don's Specialty Meats: Porky and peppery boudin, with just a touch of liver and generous flecks of green onion throughout each link.
Billy's Boudin: Serving traditional boudin, pistolettes, boudin rollups (eggrolls), and boudin balls that have justly made Billy’s famous.
The Best Stop: Famous for its smoked boudin, there’s not much rice in these links but plenty of pork meat and spice, with a touch of liver.
Earl's Cajun Market: These links are definitive of the region: massive, grease-slicked, and green onion-y, with a higher-than-normal ratio of rice to pork.

8 am: The Faquetaique Courir de Mardi Gras is the only public courir in the area and is put on by a group of local musicians. While it is open-ish to the public, you won't find much information about the specifics online — and there's a reason. Driven by word of mouth, this courir welcomes friends both new and old, but you have to know who to ask. Here's a tip: It takes place somewhere along LA-758 in Eunice and is not a spectator event. You absolutely better show up in a costume and mask, ready to participate.

10 am: The King Gabriel Parade features large, colorful floats manned by the Krewe of Gabriel, which was formed in 1949 by many of the area's leading businessmen. Fun fact: Queen Evangeline, who gets her own parade the day before, is often the college-aged daughter of a member of this Krewe.

1 pm: Mardi Gras Indians pays tribute to Lafayette’s diversity and history with participants dressed in elaborate handmade costumes that take all year to create. Sit back and enjoy the walking performances that honor artistry and music at Pontiac Point (the corner of Simcoe and Surrey Streets) or see the judging contest at Clark Field at 3 pm.

2:30 pm: Just as its name indicates, the Independent Parade is open to all (though you do have to pre-register your float).

5:30 pm: There's no better way to end Mardi Gras than with some piping hot, seasoned-to-perfection crawfish. In Lafayette, there is no shortage of boiled crawfish places and you can check them all out here. Here are some suggestions that will be open and near the parade route:

Prejean's: Serving up delicious Cajun flavors for over 75 years.
The Cajun Table: Serving home-style Cajun cuisine from classic Louisiana dishes to boiled seafood.
Dwight's: Cajun home-cooked plate lunches.

8 pm: Here's the big finish: The Southwest Mardi Gras Association Pageant & Ball, also known as the City Ball. It is open to the public with no admission fee and takes place at the Heymann Performing Arts Center.

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For an even more in-depth look at Mardi Gras in Lafayette, Louisiana, and answers to all your questions, visit Lafayette Travel here.

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bayou views galore

Inside Houston’s art-filled, staycation spot with a rooftop pool and posh spa

Courtesy of Thompson Hotel Houston

Lucinda Loya designed the one-acre seventh floor pool deck.

In the nearly two years since making its Houston debut, the towering Thompson Hotel has cemented itself as the go-to staycation spot for the glitzy glass tower crowd. The 36-story building — complete with helipad — along Allen Parkway is perfectly positioned to accommodate a widely-varying array of tastes and sensibilities.

Thompson Hotels fly under the Hyatt banner, with this particular project being owned and developed by DC Partners, interiors directed by Abel Design, with the exception of the pool deck space, which has been designed by Lucinda Loya.

The hotel itself occupies floors 1-15, with owner-occupied luxury condominiums settled over top. With fully separate entrances, it’s easy to forget that one or the other exists, a move that was surely intentional.

An art gallery on Allen Parkway

It doesn’t take long for guests to realize that the Thompson is decidedly as much of an art gallery as it is a hotel — a trend that has been picking up speed over the years. The hotel's art collection was curated by Claudia Contreras in collaboration with the development and ownership team at DC Partners.

Upon arrival, hotel guests are greeted at the valet stand by a striking display of seven bronze sculptures — Las 7 Cabezas, by renowned Mexican sculptor Javier Marín — that serve as a sort of amuse-bouche to the proverbial feast for the eyes that awaits ahead. Marín’s work, celebrated for its exploration of the human form, identity, and transformation, masterfully blends classical techniques with contemporary expression.

Stepping inside, guests encounter another mesmerizing installation — Ichwan Noor’s 1953 Beetle Sphere. This surreal sculptural masterpiece transforms a classic Volkswagen Beetle into a perfectly-compressed sphere, merging automotive engineering with conceptual art.

The extensive collection also includes a variety of mediums and styles from both emerging and renowned artists. Highlights include John Zinsser's surrealist enamel and oil on canvas, displayed near the resident elevators on the fifth floor, and Adam Fuss’s unique silver gelatin print photogram. Works from international talents, like Francois Fressinier's oil and mixed media works from France and Bjorn Sjogren’s paintings on paper from Sweden, bring diverse perspectives to the space.

Peppered throughout the property, guests will find curated selections like The Wall, a rare and powerful exhibition of 17 original limited-edition lithographs by Alexander Calder, Joan Miró, and Picasso — a stunning display of modern masters that sets an extraordinary artistic tone. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for pieces by Dana Piazza, Bogdan Mihai, Bjorn Sjogren, Jamali, Arno Bruse, Yoel Benharrouche, Alessandra Cola, and Celine Chouvenc.

Distinctive indoor-outdoor spaces

After their initial arrival, guests are whisked away to the lobby on the seventh floor, which operates as the de facto social hub of the hotel. Intricate tile murals underfoot paired with soaring ceilings and sweeping views lend a sense of contemporary modernity to a hotel whose brand identity typically lies strongly within the stylistic boundaries of the midcentury aesthetic.

The seventh floor is home to the lobby, library, and lounge spaces at one end, mirrored by the hotel’s indoor/outdoor elevated casual fare restaurant and bar Sol 7 and the impressive one-acre rooftop terrace and pool deck. It’s worth noting that it is this author’s opinion that the nighttime view of downtown from the pool deck is superior to all others. Aided by lush palms and the soothing sounds of water flowing through the infinity pool, the sparkle of glistening city lights is decidedly transformative.

“The pool deck is one of the biggest in Houston. It’s an acre in size,” explains Thompson Houston’s director of sales and marketing Lisa Hudson. “We have the infinity pool overlooking downtown, which is amazing. Then there is a 2,500-square-foot event space on the Sol 7 green that’s for parties or just to enjoy. It’s a hot spot, especially during the summer months in Houston.”

Unlike the rest of the hotel, the pool deck was designed by interior designer Lucinda Loya, who went as far as to design custom tile for the pool’s interior. The playful pattern seems innocent enough at first glance, but eagle-eyed guests are in for a cheeky surprise. The furniture — all from award-winning interiors powerhouse BeDesign in Montrose — is all from luxury Italian yacht furniture manufacturer Paola Lenti, save for the private cabanas, which are Gandia Blasco.

Loya’s use of various textures and wovens in shades of bright citrus lend a refreshing poolside respite from what is essentially a sea of black and white. Her use of color injects a vibrancy that harkens to the Thompson brand’s midcentury identity, which is not always fully defined throughout the property.

“Great hospitality design should transport you, and I wanted the Thompson pool to feel like its own escape in the heart of Houston — warm, sophisticated, with a little surprise,” Loya shares with CultureMap. “For the custom printed porcelain pool interior, I created a 1950s pin-up-inspired design as a playful nod to the hotel’s midcentury roots. It’s an unexpected detail. It gives the pool its own personality and makes the experience feel completely unique.”

The somewhat seamless indoor/outdoor relationship between Sol 7 and the pool deck lends an element of resort-style charm that has a way of disarming guests of any reclusive tendencies. Conversations flow freely between tables and lounge areas as snacks and libations stretch on into dinner service with new friends. The combination of tropical flora and fauna, downtown views, seventh floor breezes, and comfortable surroundings make for an unmatched experience along the bayou.

Amenities galore

After a long day at the pool, unwind in one of the 172 guest rooms, 34 of which are suites. Guests may choose between downtown views and the treetops, trails, and monuments across the street at Buffalo Bayou Park — one hotel, two completely different vibes. The guest rooms at The Thompson are where the midcentury aesthetic finally comes to life. The furniture and surrounding surfaces beam in warm wooden tones, richly-textured upholstery, green-stamped leathers, quirky lighting, and smoky glass and metallic features. Not to mention the unmistakable beauty of a Thompson Hotel wooden room key.

“We have the views of downtown and are literally across the street from Buffalo Bayou Park, which is 160 acres,” says Hudson. “What’s so nice is that from all of our guest rooms and suites, you can see how we’re paying homage to the outdoors by having a lot of earthy tones, green hues, wood paneling, and a very mid-century flair.”

The bathrooms are generously proportioned and offer a separate vanity area, complete with seating and illuminated mirrors. This rare guest room feature is one that is most appreciated by those who prefer not to be relegated to sitting crisscross-applesauce on the ground, nearest to the full-length mirror that is invariably situated near the least flattering lighting in the room.

Full-size bath products are by Bowmakers, while towels are from Concier. Guest robes are a playful take on the quintessential hooded sweatshirt — full length, generously sized, and distinctively made of sweatshirt material. So if soft, super-plush is the ideal, this robe is its fun, sporty cousin.

Rooms come equipped with travel steamers, but an iron and ironing board can be requested from housekeeping. Additionally, each room offers the latest edition of Texas Monthly for guests to enjoy.

Each floor includes a “hydration station,” offering free-flowing flat and sparkling water, plus ice. Stations also include the monthly events calendar to keep guests informed of hotel offerings like “floating yoga” and happy hour sessions. The gym at The Thompson is quite impressive, but if something extra-specialized is required, guests have full access to EōS gym just across the parking lot.

Relax at the spa

If poolside social activities and dates with the gym don’t fit the criteria, perhaps the spa will do the trick. The Thompson Spa offers an extensive menu of services as well as the option to enjoy some reflective quiet time in the grounding room. Floor-to-ceiling windows face the park, allowing guests to feel at one with nature, far removed from the sounds of the city streets. Here, the robes are very plush and individual lounge chairs are outfitted with a fluffy pillow and blanket.

The spa offers complimentary refreshments before and after services. Sip on custom blended hot teas like white-peach and champagne and berries from J’enwey Tea Co — or perhaps try the proprietary Thompson Signature Black tea. Iced tea and champagne are also on offer, as well as apothecary jars filled with healthy snacks. Spa shower and bath products are by Oslo-based Sprekenhus.

Whether it’s a combination of pool days and spa treatments, or workouts paired with a ride through the park trails on one of the hotel’s vintage-inspired Blue Jay electric bikes, The Thompson offers something for everyone. The staff are incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help. If an offsite dinner or activity is required, a hotel car will take guests anywhere within a three mile radius. Not really sure what to do? Concierge Randal Meredith will be sure to sort it out.

With the summer season coming to a close and fireplace weather creeping closer and closer, it’ll be nice to have a sleek spot with incredible views to enjoy with a drink with friends or to curl up with a book. “Thompsons in general are known as a home away from home, and you can feel that residential vibe when coming into the library area and sitting in the coziness next to the bookshelves,” says Hudson.

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Thompson Hotel House; 1717 Allen Pkwy; Rates start at $389.

Courtesy of Thompson Hotel Houston

Lucinda Loya designed the one-acre seventh floor pool deck.

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