Lafayette, the "Hub City" and heart of Cajun culture in southwest Louisiana, is home to two internationally recognized festivals, the University of Southwestern Louisiana, an ice hockey team, bona fide Cajun cookin' (no cheap imitations here!) and the down-home clankety-clank of authentic Cajun and zydeco music.<br> Expelled from Nova Scotia, the Acadiens (Cajuns) made their way to southwest Louisiana and settled along the bayous. The area's rich Acadien heritage is celebrated by its citizens and enjoyed by its visitors. It's not uncommon to hear French spoken on the street and a number of local organizations actively promote and preserve the culture, language and history.<br> Visit the nearby towns of New Iberia, Breaux Bridge, Abbeville, Avery Island and St. Martinville for attractions such as the gardens of the McIlhenny plantation (of Tabasco fame), restored Cajun cottages, the famous Evangeline Oak and the awesome food.