travel

Question

i know this is a New Orleans page....the thursday before the crescent city fest we were thinking of renting a car(off canal) and driving towards Laffyette to check it out...maybe a stop Avery Island to tour the factory...lunch in laffyette(any suggestions? love shrimp and redfish...then on the way back stop in Houma at one of our favorite places...cajun critters restaurant for dinner(shrimp special) then back to New Orleans...i know laffyette needs more time...but we have 1 day..then on to the Crescent City Fest...and place for lunch in Laffyette stick out???? thanks New OrleaNS EXPERTS

Answer

Your plan to take a day trip from New Orleans to Lafayette and back is ambitious but doable if you start early. Renting a car on Canal Street is convenient, and the drive is roughly 2 hours one-way without stops. Here’s a suggested itinerary that balances sightseeing, food, and timing.

Morning:

Leave New Orleans around 7:00–7:30 AM to maximize your day.
Drive straight to Avery Island for the Tabasco Factory tour. The tour and museum usually take about 1–1.5 hours. You can also enjoy the Jungle Gardens if time allows.

Midday in Lafayette:

Drive from Avery Island to downtown Lafayette (about 20–25 minutes).
Lunch suggestions focused on seafood (shrimp, redfish) include:

Prejean’s Restaurant – a Cajun classic with great shrimp and seafood gumbo.
Randol’s – excellent Cajun seafood in a casual, local atmosphere.
Blue Dog Café – locally inspired dishes with fresh seafood options.

Take a short stroll downtown if desired to see some local shops and culture.

Afternoon Return Route:

After lunch, head back toward New Orleans with a possible stop in Houma for dinner at Cajun Critters. Expect the drive to Houma to take about 1.5–2 hours from Lafayette depending on traffic.
Cajun Critters is known for their shrimp specials, so plan for a hearty meal before the final leg home.
From Houma, the drive back to New Orleans is approximately 1–1.5 hours.

Tips:

Start early to avoid feeling rushed and to enjoy each stop. Leaving New Orleans at 7 AM gives you a comfortable schedule.
Traffic can be variable, especially near urban areas, so factor in extra time if you want to be relaxed.
Pack water and snacks for the car; a day like this is long but rewarding.
If time is tight, prioritize either Avery Island or exploring Lafayette in more depth; trying to do both fully plus dinner in Houma will be long but doable with good timing.

Overall, this is a classic one-day Cajun adventure with highlights of culture, food, and local flavor. You’ll get a taste of each stop without feeling completely rushed, and the shrimp-focused meals in Lafayette and Houma are excellent choices for seafood lovers.