Mold Remediation in Lafayette, LA

When Susan Titus was growing up in Franklin, Louisiana, she says she saw young women regularly dealing with a range of challenges they weren't yet equipped to face.

From early pregnancy to raising young children while still in school, Titus noticed that many of her peers struggled with how to manage significant life events, without the skills in place to make the transition smooth.

Skills such as healthy hygiene habits, financial caretaking and even understanding how to do laundry matter a lot for day-to-day functioning — but some young people never have the opportunity to learn, before being forced into an adult world with less margin for error.

These experiences, including seeing a young woman move in with her family after getting pregnant at the age of 13, helped Titus develop a passion for equipping girls with foundational knowledge about the body — but she says her nonprofit, the Lafayette-based Confidence Campaign, does not cover sexual health topics. They are hygiene and self-care focused, with a goal of helping girls gain self-awareness and confidence through building life skills.

"A lot of it is just, 'what does a daily routine look like? Why is that important?'" says Titus. "We just break it all down, because not everybody comes from the same situation. Not everybody has a washer and dryer at home. Not everybody has a different uniform to wear everyday. So what can we do to keep ourselves clean? It's important to talk about it. Kids could have the best of intentions and ask the most perfect question on their phone, but if it's worded in a way that's not quite right, they can be fed misinformation."

The Confidence Campaign opened its headquarters at 1424 St. John St., in Lafayette, on Nov. 17. Since starting operations in early 2023, they have held workshops for girls ages 8 to 18 at organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Autism Society of Acadiana, and in area schools and libraries. And they also go beyond hygiene, with additional programs on leadership, career readiness, mental wellness, fitness and more.

Lafayette mom Kristin Cormier says that the programs have been a huge help for her 14-year-old daughter, who is autistic.

"I was a little nervous at first, thinking 'what will be brought up?'" says Cormier. "When we left, I felt so confident in the methods and information given to my daughter, I know she won't need to turn to the internet for misinformation or websites I wouldn't feel comfortable for her to go to.

"I had already had the talk with my daughter about her body changing, and Susan delivered all the same info in a cool, hip way she was more receptive to. She engaged with the other girls, asked questions, and offered her own experiences. It was an 'aha' moment — she did listen to me, but it helped her engage in a way that really brought the information to life. It brought a coolness to learning about hygiene, and being a girl, that was really empowering."

Girls who participate in the Confidence Campaign's I.Y.K.Y.K. ("If you know about hygiene, you will always know") program have the opportunity to bring home a care package with a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, pads and other hygiene items. They learn how to properly brush and floss their teeth, how to dispose of a used menstrual pad, and other personal care matters that they may not have learned at home or in school.

Titus says, "if we can open conversations, these kids feel better about communicating. They understand that they have some control and power when it comes to taking care of themselves. That empowers you — because it's all in you. You are responsible for you, and you get to take care of what's happening. You get to make better choices for yourself, and you get to grow."

The former site of Don’s Seafood and Steakhouse in downtown Lafayette will be the site of an 83-room, four-story boutique hotel, owners announced Friday morning.

The local ownership group, Sans Souci Properties, will partner with The Thrash Group and Tandem Hospitality Group to build the $19 million hotel that will also feature a restaurant space, an outdoor pool and 2,500-square-foot event spaces.

Sans Souci Properties is managed by Lafayette business owners Gus Rezende, Ryan Pecot, BJ Crist and John Peterson. The group bought the property at 301 E. Vermilion St. in 2020 and renamed it Ashby Crossing as a nod to Ashby Landry and his son, Ashby “Rocky” Landry Jr., who were part of the restaurant.

The hotel, which is expected to open in mid-2026, will be built on one of the most attractive sites in downtown, Rezende said.

“This is the biggest project that downtown has been needing,” Rezende said. “We need rooms, we need a hotel, we need foot traffic. The reason why we bought that site is because we learned from every professional that that is the most premier piece of real estate for downtown when it comes to redeveloping downtown.”

The group will partner with The Thrash Group for design of the hotel to include both sophistication and local flavor, owners said. The Tandem Hospitality Group will manage the day-to-day operations of the hotel.

The Thrash Group, based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, has been involved in similar projects in mid-sized markets across the United States. One was the 68-room Origin Hotel in downtown Baton Rouge, a partnership with Benson Capital Partners, that opened in February in the former Baton Rouge Savings & Loan Association building.

"Lafayette is the cultural heart of Acadiana, and we’re excited to develop a property that reflects the unique character of the region," said Joe Thrash, partner at The Thrash Group. "The hotel will be a destination where both visitors and locals can gather and experience the best of what Lafayette has to offer."

The hotel is expected to employ about 75 people. Construction is expected to begin early next year.

More details about the restaurant will be revealed later, Rezende said.

“This development is a catalytic project that will breathe new life into an iconic downtown site,” Mayor-President Monique Boulet said. “This is the type of revitalization we need happening in the older parts of Lafayette. This hotel enhances Lafayette’s appeal, fosters economic growth, establishes new jobs and instills a renewed sense of pride in the place we call home.”

The hotel would be the largest development in downtown in years and could spur more investors to act, said Ben Berthelot, president and CEO of the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission.

Currently the only lodging options in and around downtown is the 20-room Juliet Hotel at 800 Jefferson St. and short-term rental properties scattered through downtown.

“Downtowns are generally one of the first places visitors seek out in any destination,” Berthelot said. “We recognize the importance of a thriving downtown to the tourism economy, which is why we have supported numerous projects over the years that have helped to build the momentum. This sort of unique, boutique experience is one we know visitors to the area will enjoy.”

The location would be next to Parc Sans Souci with its new playground and the historic park building that is being refurbished to house a food and beverage business. It will also be at the Vermilion Street and Lee Avenue intersection, which has been identified as a major intersection downtown.

Sans Souci Properties also owns a half-acre parking lot across the street.

A hotel, Rezende said, would be the first of a two-step process to significantly change downtown. The other part of that, he said, is for someone to open a brewery.

“What we are shooting for is that the hotel will launch a tremendous amount of investment from folks that otherwise sitting on the back line for years, not believing in downtown,” Rezende said. “That to me is the No. 1 hope — that it’s going to catapult interest from families and businesses that have been skeptical of downtown.”

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Kendyl Thomas plays crystal bowls during an "Awaken Your Senses" sensory dinner experience pictured on Sep. 6, 2024 at Scratch Farm Kitchen in Lafayette, La. The next sensory dinner, hosted by Ascend Wellness Studio owner Kendyl Thomas and Chef Renda Ruiz, will take place at Scratch Farm Kitchen on Nov. 16.

An "Awaken Your Senses" sensory dinner experience is pictured on Sep. 6, 2024 at Scratch Farm Kitchen in Lafayette, La. The next sensory dinner, hosted by Ascend Wellness Studio owner Kendyl Thomas and Chef Renda Ruiz, will take place at Scratch Farm Kitchen on Nov. 16.

Imagine eating a meal while blindfolded. Deprived of every sense but taste, touch, sound and smell, food is approached differently.

Instead of judging whether they might like a dish by sight, the diner can experience the unknown — in the company of other adventurous foodies, and in the capable hands of Lafayette chef Renda Ruiz of Kindred Kitchen, and wellness expert Kendyl Thomas, owner of Ascend Wellness Studio.

The concept of a blindfolded sensory dinner — with a bonus live-instrument sound bath, bringing the experience to a new level of sensory awareness — was created by Thomas and Ruiz while on a retreat together in Sedona, Arizona. Thomas in particular felt that retreats offered a potent space to allow participants to experience different wellness modalities — and that's how the "Awaken Your Senses" dinner experience was born.

"We wanted to bring something unique to Lafayette," says Thomas. Since 2021, the duo has hosted sensory dinners and wellness retreats all over the world. On Nov. 16 they brought the experience to Scratch Farm Kitchen, a restaurant in Lafayette focused on farm-to-table food. While Chef Ruiz served a secret menu based on global cuisines, Thomas guided the evening with a meditation and accompanying sound bath. Chef Jamie Harson of Scratch Farm Table curated natural wine pairings for the occasion, but guests could also opt for an alcohol-free experience that is provided as well.

"The menu is very engaging to the senses," says Ruiz. "They eat with their hands, and it helps to connect more with the food and the experience. There are always different elements — something pickled, something warm, something cold. It's about flavor, texture and touch.

"It's a trust exercise. They don't know what they're eating until after, and that's part of the excitement — everyone is trying to guess what they're tasting."

According to Thomas, who in addition to hosting wellness retreats around the world also offers yoga, sound baths and other wellness experiences at her studio off of Kaliste Saloom Road, the majority of the people who attend have never had a similar experience.

"You always have the skeptic who shows up — maybe their date found it on social media, and they don't know what they're getting into," she says. "By the end they say they can't wait to do it again. You see such a profound shift in each person. More present with each other, with a playful, giddy energy to them. It's an honor to witness."

If you're someone who likes to study the menu before going out, this is an experience outside of your comfort zone — but that's by design. Chef Ruiz says that diners shouldn't expect any traditional, Louisiana-style dishes, but the actual menu isn't revealed until after the food is cleared away and diners take off their blindfolds.

She says, "No one should worry. We don't do anything too spicy or too shocking. It ranges from all different kinds of flavors and backgrounds, and we take care to plate everything in a way that there's no singular bite that would be terrible on its own."

The "Awaken Your Senses" dinner experience was Nov. 16. Organizers are planning another dinner for December or January.

When people hear the word Louisiana, their minds usually go to two places: New Orleans and Baton Rouge. These cities have earned their fame, but they’re not the only places to experience Cajun culture at its finest. One Louisiana city, residing in the heart of what’s called the Cajun Country, was named one of our “Friendliest Cities in the South”—and it sure knows how to let the good times roll.

The Most Underrated Vacation Spot

It’s none other than Lafayette, Louisiana. One of the fastest growing cities in the state, Lafayette is a place that’s constantly evolving while never failing to honor its roots. Experience authentic Cajun and Zydeco music, savor nationally-renowned cuisine, and meet people who are deeply passionate about their hometown. With its lively festivals, historic architecture, and warm, welcoming spirit, Lafayette offers a unique window into the heart of Creole and Cajun culture.

What To Do In Lafayette

Exploring a college town’s campus is an obvious way to kill some time, but at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, it’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience. ULL is the only university in the country with a managed wetland on campus, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Louisiana's ecosystems while strolling through its green spaces. Cypress Lake, the swamp-like area behind the student union, gives you a front-row seat to the local wildlife, where you might see turtles and even alligators. The campus also celebrates Louisiana’s rich art scene at the Hilliard Art Museum, a hub for educational and artistic expression. Before you leave, don’t forget to take your photo in front of the giant fleur-de-lis sculpture in the heart of the quad—a work of art created and designed by over 100 ULL students.

Your trip to Lafayette wouldn’t be complete without heading to the heart of the city. Downtown Lafayette is bustling with over 40 restaurants, nine parcs (that’s Louisiana speak for parks) and museums, and plenty of locally-owned shops. Start your adventure with a coffee from Rêve Coffee Roasters. For shopping, Genterie Supply Co offers hip Louisiana-inspired apparel, while Avindtage Thrifts and Lilou Lafayette sell well-curated selections of vintage clothing and accessories. Visit the Sans Souci Fine Crafts Gallery for a collection of Louisiana ceramics, photography, jewelry, and more. Then, head over to Parc Sans Souci for your picture with the iconic Y LAFAYETTE Sign (where you get to pose as the Y). And you can’t leave Lafayette without experiencing some live music, so make your way to Blue Moon Saloon, where you just might walk in on a Cajun jam session.

With a 36-hole Frisbee golf course, hiking trails, and facilities for tennis, soccer, basketball, and more, Acadiana Park is the perfect place to spend a few hours outdoors. On the northern edge of the park lies the Acadiana Park Nature Station, an interpretive center and trail system that fully immerses you in Lafayette's natural beauty. The Nature Station features a network of elevated wooden boardwalks that wind through lush forests, allowing you to walk among towering trees and local fauna in their natural habitat.

If you want to hang with the locals, head to Moncus Park, a 100-acre green space that’s familiarly known as the “Horse Farm.” This community treasure surrounds a half-mile section of the Coulee Mine, a small tributary that flows into the Vermilion River. On Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, you can attend the Lafayette Farmers & Artisans Market, where you can shop as you enjoy the swells of live Cajun music.

Drive 30 miles south of Lafayette, and you’ll reach the natural wonder of Avery Island. Situated on top of one of the world’s largest salt domes, this 2,200-acre island is the birthplace of the world-famous Tabasco hot sauce. Visitors can take self-guided tours of the Tabasco factory, which includes the museum, pepper greenhouse, barrel warehouse, and more. Beyond its iconic hot sauce, Avery Island is also known for its rich biodiversity, including the wildfowl sanctuary, Bird City, which is located inside the equally beautiful Jungle Gardens.

Where To Eat And Drink In Lafayette

When in Lafayette, you’ll never run out of places to try authentic Louisiana cuisine. The Cajun Table is the type of place where you can roll up your sleeves and dive into a plate of boiled crawfish without a care in the world. For an elegant, wine and dine experience, SoLou serves dishes inspired by south Louisiana, including Zydeco cauliflower, boudin queso, and of course, gumbo. For a happy medium between these two vibes, you can’t go wrong with the classic Louisiana dishes served at The Chimes. Pro tip: make sure to order the spinach and artichoke dip with the battered bow tie pasta chips.

From casual eateries to fine dining and international cuisine, you have plenty to choose from when it comes to downtown restaurants. The Spoonbill Watering Hole & Restaurant, housed inside of an old 1939 Conoco gas station, serves great cocktails and an inventive menu, with dishes ranging from classic burgers to crispy duck tenders. Central Pizza has some of the best pizza and cheese curds in town, while Pop’s Poboys serves both classic sandwiches, like the fried catfish poboy, and unexpected ones, like the red falafel. For dessert, don’t miss Sunday’s Soda Fountain, a vintage-inspired soda shop with old-fashioned ice cream and drinks to match.

Where To Stay In Lafayette

Not only is Blue Moon Saloon one of the country’s premier venues for Roots music, but it’s also home to a charming guest house that draws in travelers from around the world. Rest your head in one of the four private rooms or book a hostel-style dorm bed (starting at just $18 a night). This charming stay is within walking distance to Downtown Lafayette, so you’ll have easy access to restaurants and even more live music. And if you visit during Mardi Gras season, you might even find a festival or parade right outside your front door.

bluemoonpresents.com; 215 E Convent St, Lafayette, LA 70501; 337-234-2422

Located on a quiet street in the Sterling Grove Historic District, the Maison Mouton Bed & Breakfast allows you to unwind and experience the best of Lafayette’s Cajun charm. Enjoy a chef-prepared breakfast as you settle into one of the property’s cozy carriage houses or cabins, each balancing antique furnishings with modern amenities.

moutonplantation.com; 338 N Sterling St, Lafayette, LA 70501; 337-233-7816

If being near the action is your top priority, consider the Juliet Hotel, the first and only boutique hotel in downtown Lafayette. This 20-room accommodation puts you just steps away from downtown’s hotspots, including the live music and bowling venue Rock'n'Bowl.

juliethotels.com; 800 Jefferson St, Lafayette, LA 70501; 337-230-5542

Veterans Day is a way to honor all those who served honorably in the military, and many places around Acadiana are honoring their local veterans with events, deals and discounts.

Officially observed on Nov. 11 every year, Veterans Day marks the anniversary of the ending of World War I fighting, which went into effect at 11 a.m. Nov. 11, 1918, the 11th hour of the 11th day on the 11th of the month.

Deals and discounts

(Most businesses offering Veterans Day discounts require proof of service, such as a Veteran ID card, Uniform Services ID card, or DD Form 214.)

Starbucks: Get a free tall brewed coffee (hot or iced) for veterans, military service members and military spouses.

Scooter's Coffee: Veterans and acrtive-duty military can get a free medium drink.

La Madeline: Receive a 10% discount on all menu items.

Olive Garden: A free meal from a special Veterans Day menu all day.

Applebee's: A free meal from a special Veterans Day menu all day.

Chili's Grill & Bar: A free meal from a special Veterans Day menu all day.

BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse: Receive a free Pizookie dessert, and service members will also receive a coupon for a free appetizer valid to use on the next visit.

IHOP: Veterans receive a free combo meal that includes a red, white & blueberry pancake, a hash brown, and two meats of their choice.

Another Broken Egg: Veterans can enjoy a free meal that includes French toast, two eggs, and a meat of your choice.

Smoothie King: Enjoy a free 20-ounce smoothie from a selected Veterans Day menu.

Walk On's Sports Bistreaux: A free meal that includes a cheeseburger with fries.

Hacienda Mexican Restaurant: All veterans and active duty military may receive a free large burrito with beef, rice, and beans. A 10% discount is also offered on all meals.

Events

Veterans Day Concert: At 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, a free Veterans Day Concert will be held at the Heymann Performing Arts Center. Entertainment includes performances by The Skyliners, Lafayette Concert Band, and Acadiana Middle School band.

Ruck & Run for Heroes: The annual Veterans Day fundraiser in Youngsville returns. Starting at 7 a.m. Sunday, visit Veterans Park in Youngsville, 2514 E. Milton Ave., for a non-timed, 10k loop course, where participants can choose to run/walk the course or do a military-style ruck along the way. Tickets are $25-$35.

Gator Cove on Veterans Day: Visit Wildcat Brothers Distilling at 2601 Evangeline Thruway on from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday for a celebration of veterans. Enjoy rum, food, cigars and prizes. Proceeds from the event go to benefit the Acadiana Veteran Alliance's Work and Heal Programs.

Acadiana High tribute: Join Acadiana High School at 9:45 a.m. Monday for a tribute an event hosted by the Acadiana High FFA officers with performances by the AHS Band and Choir members to honor service members. Veterans are asked to meet in the library at 8:45 a.m. for refreshments. RSVP at Jgleger@lpssonline.com or (337) 288-5068.

Fountain Memorial: Located at 1010 Pandora St., Fountain Memorial will hold its annual Veterans Day ceremony at 9 a.m. Monday where veterans groups and speakers will be in attendance. The event will also include refreshments.

Email Ja'kori Madison at jakori.madison@theadvocate.com.