Autumn is slowly arriving in southern Louisiana, and although the days are still warm, the colors of fall are starting to appear. Here are some ways to help you enjoy the Acadiana Autumn. 

Tasting the Fall

Whether sipping a spiced cider, relishing in pumpkin-inspired delights or cooking up hearty stews, let your tastebuds indulge in all the fall flavors. 

Sip Seasonal Spirits

When the crisp fall air descends upon Acadiana, it’s time to embark on a delightful journey through the region’s local beverage stores and breweries. Immerse yourself in the rich flavors of Parish Brewing’s single-barrel barleywine or Bourbon barrel grand reserve. Cozy up at the tasting bar at Bayou Teche for a comforting coffee stout that truly captures the essence of the season. Hit up Marcello’s on Johnston Street for an array of hard ciders to welcome in the long-awaited season with a punch. 

Pumpkin Palooza

Fall wouldn’t be complete without the quintessential taste of the season —pumpkin! Drive through Jet Coffee or get down at Huya Coffee for an obligatory pumpkin spiced latte. Bakeries such as Fudge It in New Iberia or Keller’s in Youngsville will surely have all the pumpkin-flavored pastries to tickle your fancy for the season. Take a stroll through local farmers markets to discover unique pumpkin-inspired treats (did someone say pumpkin boudin?) that will have you wishing pumpkin season was year-round. 

Fall Feasts

Gear up for sweater weather by noshing on the comforts of classic Southern cuisine. Acadiana’s vibrant food scene comes alive in the fall, with many restaurants unveiling seasonal menus that pay homage to the season’s bounty. Choose from the always-in-season menu at Scratch Kitchen in Lafayette or taste the freshest fall foods at The St. John Restaurant in St. Martinville. Dive into a cup of Rip’s homemade chili from Cafe Jefferson or indulge in the coziness of Chef Richard’s chicken and andouille gumbo at Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn. 

Fall in Love With Aumtumn-Inspired Crafts

Experience fall artistry in Acadiana with DIY activities, inviting you to create, explore and celebrate the beauty of the season with heartwarming traditions. From cookie decoration to pumpkin carving and DIY wreath crafting, embrace the honeyed colors and the spirit of autumn.

Fall Treats

When fall is in the air, sweet treats abound. Keep your home filled with sugary delights made by you! Check out the calendar at It’s Just a Cookie in Broussard for fall festive cookie decorating classes. Decorate your own harvest-inspired cupcake during Farm Fest in New Iberia with The Frosted Apron. 

Pumpkin Patches and Carving Extravaganzas 

Fall wouldn’t be complete without carving a pumpkin. Visit local pumpkin patches and partake in pumpkin carving or painting parties. Wander through acres of vibrant orange pumpkins at Faubourg Pumpkin Patch in Ville Platte or St. Peter’s Pumpkin Patch in New Iberia. Select the perfect canvas for your artistic visions from the mounds of gourds at The Garden Center in Lafayette. Host a neighborhood carving party and display your creations on your front porch. Have a carving contest on your neighborhood’s Facebook page. 

DIY Fall 

Find local craft places and workshops to discover the joy of crafting your own fall decor. Pinspiration in Broussard is a quaint crafting room to gather with friends to create your own seasonal style. Book a date night of candle pouring at the Bougie Bar to fill your home with autumnal aromas of apple and cider. Check out your local Michael’s craft store for fall craft classes or sign up at the Royal Standard in Lafayette for a wreath-making workshop.  

Fall is in the Air

As the temperatures cool, Acadiana offers a cornucopia of captivating activities that allow you to embrace the spirit of fall fully. From spooky vibes to serene ventures, we’ve got a bounty of ways to enjoy the season.

Haunting Season

Step into the eerie allure of fall by embarking on a ghost tour with Tours by Steven in Franklin. Go on your own haunting adventure and visit the ghostly St. Charles Borromeo Retreat House in Arnaudille or room 312 at Pleasant Hall in New Iberia. Explore historic cemeteries across Acadiana. Visit Charlene Richard’s infamous grave at St. Edwards Church or unearth secrets hidden among the tombstones while roaming the Menachim Aveilim Cemetery in Lafayette. 

Racing Through Autumn 

Lace up your running shoes and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of fall by participating in one of Acadiana’s many 5K runs or fun runs. Celebrate the sugar cane harvest through the streets of New Iberia in the Hi Sugar5k. Run through picturesque downtown Breaux Bridge in Courir de Pont Breaux “Dance Aways 5k & 1 Mile Fun Run” benefiting Teche Center for the Arts. Raise awareness about Usher Syndrome as you cross the finish line in the Ush One See 5k in River Ranch.

Hunting Season

Fall in southern Louisiana is truly a sportsman’s (or woman’s) paradise. Venture into the sprawling wilderness of Indian Bayou or Thistlewaite to take your shot at a big buck. Duck hunt at Doug’s Hunting Lodge in Gueydan or bring home an impressive plump quail from Yellow Bayou Quail Farm in Simmesport. Eunice’s Shallow Lake Hunting Preserve provides a stunning backdrop for a hunting experience that defines sportsman season.