Prairie Home Cooking Culinary Trail

For an authentic Louisiana experience, don’t overlook this off-the-beaten-path region. It’s filled with hidden gems and boasts a heritage influenced by the French, Germans, Spanish, and American Indians who settled here. Hear charming Cajun and Creole French still spoken by the locals. Dance to accordion-fueled zydeco tunes, and shop for local art and antiques. When it comes to cuisine, menus feature old family recipes. Smoked meats reign supreme, and hearty plate lunches are popular. Don’t be surprised to find the best meals in the most unassuming of spots.

As you go, take in the beauty of the remaining prairie. Some two million acres were once covered with prairie land, hosting hundreds of species of native grasses and wildflowers. Much was destroyed because of agricultural practices, but there is an effort to preserve and restore the habitat. A good example exists in Eunice.

Take this road less traveled for a different view of Louisiana culture. You won’t be disappointed.