There are plenty of new reasons to linger in Lafayette. A new batch of homegrown chefs is delving deep into the region's robust culinary roots, with stellar takes on Acadiana classics. Consider The French Press, where the vibe is hip vintage and the must-have dish is Sweet Baby Breesus (slider-size biscuits filled with bacon, fried boudin, and Steen's cane syrup).

At Johnson's Boucanière, Lori Walls serves homemade smoked meat and boudin, just like her parents did at their store in Eunice, Louisiana. Then there's homecoming king Donald Link, who just opened his second Cochon here, Cochon Lafayette.