Author Archives: Ian Wallis

As Election Day draws nearer and people continue to be attuned to the U.S. presidential race, we invite you to weigh in on a flavorful and far more lighthearted issue at hand -- the Great Gumbo Debate!

Ahead of National Gumbo Day on October 12, we’d like to turn the spotlight onto a culinary question that has divided families and friends for generations: Should potato salad go in your gumbo or be served on the side? There’s much speculation as to why and how this duo became running mates. One thing we can all agree on, though, is that Cajun chefs have very strong opinions on the matter.

To spice up this debate, we’ve polled some of our top chefs to get their thoughts on the classic dish. Get ready to decide where you stand on this delicious culinary controversy … because when it comes to gumbo – as in politics – every vote counts.

Anthony Goldsmith
Kajun Twist & Grill

Anthony was born and raised in Galliano, the same town in which he operates one of his Kajun Twist locations today. His great-grandmother, Alzina Toups, was a legendary Cajun chef, and some of his fondest culinary memories center around the gumbo and potato salad she served at family dinners.

Stance on Potato Salad: “I personally don’t put it in my gumbo, but I dip it. So, I scoop some from the side, dip in the gumbo, and go for it.”

Chef Brent Daigle
Grady V’s

Born and raised in Thibodaux, Brent grew up watching his parents and other family members cook. His Maw Maw was behind every tasty dish that was placed on the table for the holidays, and his dad’s classic Cajun cuisine was an extra reason his family looked forward to the weekends.

Stance on Potato Salad: “For me it has to go in the gumbo. It’s just how I was raised. You have potato salad and you put it in the gumbo. I mean, if you really want to, you can put in a little scoop at a time … but it’s gotta go in there.”

Gina Griffin
Griffin’s Restaurant

Gina owns Griffin’s, which serves an array of gumbos, including seafood, okra and chicken varieties. In addition to potato salad, her idea of the perfect gumbo also includes another key ingredient … a boiled egg!

Stance on Potato Salad: “That’s a debated question, but if you’re a true Cajun, it goes in it.”

Brandon Naquin
Spahr’s Seafood

A fierce competitor at this year’s Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off, Brandon knows his way around not just seafood, but gumbo as well. His dad helped him develop his love for cooking, and the prized family recipes he learned have influenced several of the dishes he’s made throughout his career.

Stance on Potato Salad: “Absolutely does not go in the gumbo. Potato salad is always served on the side.”

Chef Kevin Templet
Fremin’s Restaurant

Kevin was born and raised on Bayou Lafourche, so his culinary inspiration comes from local seafood and the other flavors found in the area. He’s been an essential figure behind Fremin’s numerous accolades, and has earned several recognitions individually as well.

Stance on Potato Salad: “I guess it’s a personal choice amongst everybody, but I’m putting my potato salad in the gumbo for sure.”

Neely Cheramie
The Balcony

Neely prides herself on operating a restaurant known far and wide for its chicken and sausage gumbo, and she’s very particular about the ingredients.
Stance on Potato Salad: “I like my potato salad in the gumbo. I like the way it mixes the flavors, but it’s totally up to the person.”

For those of you keeping score, that was 4 votes for In the Gumbo, and 2 for On the Side. Whether you land on Team In the Bowl or Team On the Side, everyone is of legal age to savor the flavors that make this Louisiana staple so special, so stop in to one of our many restaurants along the Cajun Bayou Food Trail to do thorough research before casting your vote!

While autumn slowly lingers on the horizon of Louisiana's Cajun Bayou, the region will transform into a vibrant tapestry of color, music and festivity for its fall festival season. Picture a season where the air is crisp (as opposed to crispy during the summer; we drop a vowel in the fall!), the food is rich and the music is as soulful as a sunset over the bayou. This fall, we invite you to immerse yourself in a world of autumnal events that celebrate everything from artistic expression to culinary Cajun delights … each encapsulating the true essence of Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou.

Cut Off Youth Center Hurricane Festival
September 27-29
This lively festival celebrates the spirit of the community with live music, delicious food, carnival rides and other fun activities. It’s a perfect way to experience the local culture, especially if you sample the gator dishes!

La Fete Des Vieux Temps
October 4-6
La Fete Des Vieux Temps translates to “Festival of Old Times” and is a celebration of Cajun heritage and history. Enjoy music, dancing, art and food while learning about the region's past. The festival’s lively atmosphere is perfect for those looking to dive deeper into Cajun culture … and try their hand at pirogue racing.

Louisiana Gumbo Festival
October 11-13
No fall in Louisiana is complete without indulging in some gumbo! The Louisiana Gumbo Festival offers a wide array of gumbo variations – nearly 500 gallons of it! The festival also features live music and family-friendly activities, making it a great outing for everyone.

Acadia Music Fest ft. Nelly
October 19
Music lovers, get ready for a treat! The Acadia Music Fest is headlined by none other than Nelly this year. This event promises an electrifying performance, along with a lineup of other local, national and international artists that will keep you dancing all night long.

French Food Festival
October 25-27
The French Food Festival in Larose is a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss. Featuring an array of French and Cajun-inspired dishes, this festival celebrates the region's diverse food culture with an emphasis on rich flavors and local ingredients. Bon appétit!

Monsters on Main
October 25
Monsters on Main in downtown Thibodaux is the perfect family-friendly Halloween event for your little ghosts and ghouls. Local businesses will be handing out treats and hosting entertaining activities for kids of all ages. Enjoy a night of costumes, candy, crafts and contests in a safe and spooktacular environment. Bring the whole family for a memorable evening where the only thing you’ll have to worry about is finding enough room in your candy bucket!

BBQ & Bourbon on the Bayou Festival
November 2
If you’re a fan of smoky BBQ and fine bourbon, the BBQ & Bourbon on the Bayou Festival is your chance to indulge. Held in Thibodaux, this festival features mouth-watering BBQ from local pitmasters, more than 50 brands of bourbon[MF1]  and live music to enhance the experience.

Big Boys Main Street Cookoff
November 8
One of the most talked about events up and down the bayou, the Big Boys Main Street Cookoff is a competition you won’t want to miss. Local chefs will battle it out, offering a variety of Cajun dishes to sample. It’s a food lover’s paradise and a fantastic way to enjoy the local flavors.

Thibodeauxville Fall Festival
November 9
Rounding out the fall festivities and providing a fun-filled end to a festive weekend, the Thibodeauxville Fall Festival brings the community together for a day of fun. With live entertainment, vendors, a car show, activities for kids and the famous rubber duck race, it’s a great way to celebrate the season with your family and friends.

As the fall breeze rustles through the bayou over the next few weeks, let the season’s festivities and heartwarming traditions sweep you off your feet. From the lively rhythms of washboards and accordions in Thibodaux to the tantalizing tastes in Chackbay and Larose, each event invites you to savor the essence (and flavors!) of our Cajun charm. So, embrace the cooler air, gather your friends and family, and let Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou help you create memories that will warm your heart long after the leaves have fallen and the gators have gone into brumation.

Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism Embarks on Historic Trip to Congrès Mondial Acadien 2024

Raceland, Louisiana (August 7, 2024) – For the past three years, Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism (LCBT) has been working to promote and strengthen the cultural ties between Lafourche Parish in southeast Louisiana and the Acadian region of Nova Scotia. From the launch of its “Two Countries, One Culture” campaign in 2022 to a cultural immersion trip to Nova Scotia last summer to the parish’s official proclamation of Acadian Heritage Day (August 15), LCBT fully embraces the parish’s Acadian heritage.

A big moment in this historic partnership will come to fruition next week, when the Congrès Mondial Acadien 2024 celebration takes place in southwest Nova Scotia. The highly anticipated event, which celebrates the Acadian and Cajun cultures, is held once every five years. It’s a homecoming of sorts, with the intention of bringing Acadians from all over the world together in one place. Past events have welcomed 100,000 to 200,000 participants; this year, an estimated 30,000 people will be attending the Congrès for the first time.

Participants will have the chance to exchange stories and attend community events, family reunions and workshops, all with the goal of further enhancing the sense of unity and solidarity within the Acadian community.

To show their support and continue to embrace the Acadian roots of Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou, members of LCBT will attend Congrès Mondial Acadien 2024. Cody Gray, President and CEO, and Ian Wallis, Sales and Marketing Manager, will head to Nova Scotia next month to join the festivities. They’ll be accompanied by Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson III, who will act as an official emissary between his Cajun region of Louisiana and where the Acadians’ story is deeply rooted in Nova Scotia. In addition to attending the events and visiting notable attractions, the group will take part in L’Echange to spread the word about Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou, and they’ll bring some Cajun culture to Nova Scotia with a Cajun Music Jam Night.

Head to the link HERE to delve deeper into the “From Acadian to Cajun” partnership.

Geaux for the Gold in Louisiana's Cajun Bayou!

As the world joins together this week to begin watching the 2024 Olympics, people across the country eagerly await the chance to cheer on their local Olympians. This year, Louisiana is the proud home to five athletes on Team USA. Whether you’re a spectator eager to immerse yourself in the summer games or just an 'Average Joe' looking for a place to host a pick-up game, Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou is the perfect sports-friendly destination that caters to all interests and skill levels.

Geaux for the Gold

Some of our local sporting facilities are going for the gold with their recent upgrades. You’ll find new turf fields at Peltier Park in Thibodaux, Oak Ridge Community Park in Golden Meadow, and the fields at the Larose Civic Center. Earlier this year, the Civic Center completed $1.8 million of renovations as part of the parish’s ongoing recovery from Hurricane Ida, and it already has other potential projects and remodels in the works.
Geaux for the Golf

Golf was reintroduced to the Olympics only recently, in 2016. To get your golf on in Lafourche Parish, head to LaTour Golf Club in Mathews or the Bayou Country Club in Thibodaux. We can’t promise you’ll be standing on the winner’s podium after your round, but we can promise these courses will be just your cup of tee!
Geaux for the Growth

The Olympic Games grow and change with each incarnation, and 2024 is no exception. This year, kayak cross, kiteboarding and breakdancing will each make their debut at the games. A sport growing in popularity here in Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou is pickleball, an activity that really gained momentum during COVID and quickly swept the country. Currently you can play underneath the pavilion at Peltier Park (net required), outside of Warren J. Harang Auditorium in Thibodaux, and at 610 School Street in Lockport.
Geaux for the (Field) Goal

If you enjoy the Olympics because you’re more comfortable being a spectator than an athlete, Nicholls State University and its D-1 football team may be just what you’re looking for. They’ll be looking to win back-to-back Southland Conference Championships this season, with their first home game at John L. Guidry Stadium on September 21st. You can purchase tickets and help cheer the Colonels on to victory this fall via the link HERE!
Bummed you won’t be winning an actual gold medal this year? We’ve got you! Get into competitive eating instead. Stopping at five or more spots along the Cajun Bayou Food Trail makes you a winner in our eyes, earning you a free (super-comfy, perfect-for-sports-practice) T-shirt.
We invite visitors to embody the spirit of competition and adventure seen in the Olympics and come try your hand at one of our many athletic offerings! Head to the link HERE to learn more about all of our Sports Fields & Facilities in Lafourche Parish!

Header photo credit: Vesna Dies

Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism Receives DMAP Designation at Destinations International’s Annual Convention

Raceland, LA (July 25, 2024) – Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism was awarded with the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) designation by Destinations International at their 2024 Annual Convention in Tampa, FL. The accreditation recognizes the organization's commitment to industry excellence and meeting the industry standard for performance and accountability of destination organizations around the world.

The accreditation program requires a destination organization to successfully comply with a multitude of mandatory and voluntary standards that span a variety of performance areas to gain this momentous achievement. The standards cover nearly all aspects related to the management and marketing of destination organizations including governance, finance, human resources, sales, communications, destination development and research.

“We are delighted to have Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism as a continued member to our esteemed DMAP community," stated Don Welsh, President and CEO of Destinations International. "The relevance of destination organizations has never been more vital to the economic vitality of the places Destinations International members serve, and this industry accreditation is a benchmark for quality and performance. My gratitude extends to the DMAP Board of Directors for their dedication to our industry and their stewardship of this crucial program."

"Accreditation through DMAP underscores the critical role that destination organizations play in their communities," stated Tania Armenta, President & CEO of Visit Albuquerque and chair of the DMAP Board of Directors. "As custodians of their destinations' brands, participation in DMAP underscores a destination organization’s adherence to rigorous standards. This commitment is a clear signal to stakeholders that the organization managing the destination brand possesses the necessary infrastructure and expertise to beneficially influence the visitor economy for both tourists and local residents."

In addition to receiving DMAP Accreditation, Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism received additional recognition at the Destinations International Annual Convention. Sales & Marketing Manager, Ian Wallis, was recognized as a 30 Under 30, a distinct group of young professionals chosen for their success in the destination management industry and viewed as a future leader within it.

For more information about DMAP, visit www.destinationsinternational.org.

It's Snow Joke! Learn More About Our Cool Summer Treat!

Temperatures are soaring here as we officially enter the summer season, but thankfully, there’s one treat that has beaten the heat and withstood the test of time (and coastal Louisiana’s toasty weather) for nearly a century.

The popularity of the culturally iconic snowball – often referred to as a sno-ball in these parts – dates to the 1930s, when the electric ice-shaving machine was invented, and steadily transformed into the masterpiece it is today. Unlike snow cones, which are made with crunchy chunks of ice, snowballs are made of fluffy, very finely shaved ice that’s then coated in syrupy, sugary goodness. The unique texture of our snowballs allows for the perfect absorption of syrup.

We all know that Louisianans are built differently than mere mortals … and our snowballs are, too! Sure, you’re familiar with the classic snowball flavors like grape, blue raspberry and cherry. Those have been available since you were a kid. But here, you’ll find more exotic flavors … like nectar, wedding cake, tiger’s blood, and, of course, king cake! And don’t you dare skimp on the toppings! Sweetened condensed milk is a popular add-on around here.

We know, we know. We’ve talked up this sweet treat and now your mouth is watering, but you have no idea where to find one. You’re in luck, because there are many places up and down the bayou that serve the delectable snowball. One of our own personal favorites is Central Sno! 

Located at 5610 N. LA-1 in the town of Lockport, Central Sno’s walk-up window and drive-thru allows for quick and easy access to countless delicious concoctions. Strawberry Cheesecake is a popular option (it comes with its own piece of cheesecake on top, if you can believe it!), as is the Magical Unicorn. Outside of snowballs, Central Sno also offers ice cream, shakes, sundaes … basically all the refreshing summer treats you’ll ever need!

Overwhelmed by the expansive snowball menu and don’t know where to start? Luckily for you, Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism Office is made up of snowball lovers! Here are their favorite flavors to give you some ideas:

Cody: Strawberry Cheesecake with condensed milk
Brandi: Nectar Cream
Ian: Pina Colada
Ms. Brenda: Almond Joy with condensed milk
Mr. John: Clear Spearmint

Though its beginnings were humble, the snowball is still Louisiana’s symbol of summer bliss after all these years. It may now be offered with its own dessert spread on top and come in dozens of both crazy and traditional flavors, but one thing will never change: the joy it brings to everyone who indulges in this timeless treat.

Gator Ready to Celebrate National Alligator Day with These Fun Facts!

Oh, snap! Today is National Alligator Day and we’re fully prepared to “croc” your world with some gator facts. Did you know …

Louisiana's Cajun Bayou Honors Tourism Partners at 2024 Bayou Ambassador Awards Luncheon

Raceland, Louisiana (May 23, 2024) – In honor of National Travel and Tourism Week, Louisiana's Cajun Bayou Tourism (LCBT) celebrated its valued tourism partners at the 2024 Bayou Ambassador Awards Luncheon, held at Rendezvous in Thibodaux.

From local businesses and organizations to hospitality establishments and attractions, the partners have continuously demonstrated their commitment to fostering the growth and development of tourism in Louisiana's Cajun Bayou. “National Travel and Tourism Week is a time for us to celebrate the strides we have made together as a destination and how we are collectively working toward continued growth for our local tourism economy. The power of tourism all begins with a visit, and that visit would not be possible without our many tourism partners who deliver personal and flavorful experiences all year long,” says Cody Gray, President and CEO of LCBT.

The following partners were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments in 2023:

Louisiana's Cajun Bayou Breaks Ground on New Visitor's Center

Raceland, Louisiana (May 17, 2024) – In 2021, Category 4 Hurricane Ida hit southeast Louisiana, ravaging much of Lafourche Parish. One of the architectural casualties was the parish’s visitor center, which was so damaged that it had to be torn down and removed after the storm. For the past two and a half years, the tourism office has been operating out of a modular unit in the former center’s parking lot.

Now – nearly three years later – Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism is thrilled to announce that ground has been broken for an all-new and permanent Visitor’s Center constructed in partnership with Lafourche Parish Government.

Located along Bayou Lafourche on the same lot as the former center (4484 LA-1 in Raceland), the new visitor center aims to enhance the overall tourism experience in Louisiana's Cajun Bayou. This state-of-the-art facility will provide travelers with a wealth of information about local restaurants and attractions, Cajun culture, and special events. The 4,874-square foot building will offer new interactive exhibits and displays, traveler information, restrooms, and space for staff offices.

As a significant investment in the region's tourism promotion program, the new center will play a key role in attracting more visitors to Louisiana's Cajun Bayou and driving business to the area’s tourism partners. With its unique blend of Cajun heritage, rich history and breathtaking landscapes, the area attracts travelers from near and far. The center will provide a central hub where those visitors can access information, plan their trips with the assistance of knowledgeable staff, and begin their journey up and down the bayou.

Funding for the new building was provided by FEMA, insurance payouts, and Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism with the support of Lafourche Parish Government. This project also wouldn’t be possible without architect Gros Flores Positerry, contractor Onshore Construction, and exhibit designer Cote Blanche Productions. Construction is estimated to be completed in one year.

Louisiana's Cajun Bayou Tourism invites everyone to stay tuned for updates on the progress of the visitor center via their social media.

FUTURE LOUISIANA'S CAJUN BAYOU VISITOR'S CENTER:

Sales & Marketing Manager for Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism, Ian Wallis, Named by Destinations International as a 30 Under 30 Recipient

Raceland, LA (April 3, 2024) – Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism, the destination marketing organization for Lafourche Parish, is thrilled to announce that Sales & Marketing Manager, Ian Wallis, has been named a 30 Under 30 recipient from Destinations International.

Each year Destinations International, a global organization representing over 6,500 convention and visitors bureaus (CVB’s) across the world, selects 30 tourism professionals under the age of 30 to gain valuable industry networking opportunities and increased thought leadership throughout the year. This year’s honorees hail from 30 unique destinations across four countries and were selected from a competitive pool of 96 applicants. To learn more about each honoree, visit the link HERE.

A graduate from Johnson & Wales University with his B.S. in Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality Management and his M.B.A. with a Hospitality concentration, Ian Wallis moved from the Northeast to Lafourche Parish in April 2021 to assume his current role as Sales & Marketing Manager for Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism. He quickly immersed himself in the unique culture of the bayou region and can often be found supporting local events, restaurants, and visitor attractions.

“It is an honor to be selected as a recipient of the prestigious 30 Under 30 Program from Destinations International,” said Wallis. “I am very appreciative of the recognition and look forward to the networking and professional development opportunities this program offers.”

Destinations International is committed to investing and preparing the leaders of tomorrow and developing future industry leaders that represent a diverse set of backgrounds and perspectives.

“The 30 Under 30 program remains critical to our organization’s vision and mission,” said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. “As our industry moves toward recovery, we are especially excited to announce these young professionals as they are the future of the travel and tourism industry.”

“The Destinations International Foundation believes it is important to empower future leaders,” said Ellie Westman Chin, CDME, president and CEO of Destination Madison and chair of the Destinations International Foundation. “We are thrilled to see the 30 Under 30 Program enter its 14th year, and we are thankful for the foundation investors who make programs like these possible for our industry through their contributions. We look forward to engaging with this group of emerging leaders through professional development, educational opportunities and networking with industry peers and leaders throughout the year and in the years to come.”

“We are pleased to honor this year’s 30 Under 30 class of bright and talented young leaders,” said Mike Gamble, President and CEO of SearchWide Global. “Year after year, I am consistently impressed by the caliber of individuals we welcome into this program, representing destinations worldwide. We remain committed to helping our young leaders shape the future of our industry.”

The 2024 30 Under 30 Class Includes:

Alexandria Eady, Content Manager, Richmond Region Tourism
America Segura, Public Relations Manager, Visit Corpus Christi
Andrew Lawrence, Assistant Director, Arlington Sports Commission, Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau
Brittany Jones, Marketing Project Manager, Discover Durham
Caitlin Neal, Marketing Director, Gilmer Chamber/Pick Ellijay
Catherine Streater, Senior Coordinator, Brand USA
Cristina Fernandes, Leisure Sales Coordinator, Discover Puerto Rico
Fallon Tullier, Research and Technology Manager, Visit Baton Rouge
Hailey Post, Destination Data Manager, Visit Raleigh
Ian Wallis, Sales & Marketing Manager, Louisiana's Cajun Bayou Tourism
Jessica VanDeMar, Marketing Manager, Visit Finger Lakes
Kasmara Freiderich, National Sales Manager, Experience Rochester, MN
Katie Clarke, People and Culture Coordinator, Destination Vancouver
Lee Prutsman, Senior Marketing Manager, Visit KC
Luke Alexopoulos, Senior Public Relations Manager, Visit Eau Claire
Macy Dolton, Content Marketing Specialist, Destination DC
Maggie Carter, Creative Marketing Manager, Visit Baltimore
Martin Garneau, Senior Manager, Systems Architecture and Application Development, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism
Mary Coryell, Manager, Partner Relations, Discover Lehigh Valley
Megan Myers, Digital Media Director, Hocking Hills Tourism Association
Megane Simone, Bid & Communication Manager, Geneva Tourism & Conventions Foundation
Millie Stewart, Director of Sales, Visit Ogden
Nathaniel Sweetman, Sports Marketing Coordinator, Visit Sarasota County
Orla Moule, Business Events Assistants, Fáilte Ireland
Samantha Green Ewald, Destination Services Manager, Visit Charlotte/Charlotte Regional Visitor's Authority
Sheridan Powell, Communications Specialist, Visit Colorado Springs
Sydney Macapagal, Digital Content Strategist, Visit Galveston
Sydney O'Connell, Marketing Manager, Visit Fort Worth
Wayne Stewart, Director of Marketing & Communications, Visit Casper
Wesley Sosa, Graphic Designer and Brand Manager, Visit Stockton

Now in its 14th year, the 30 Under 30 program is supported by founding program partner, SearchWide Global and sponsored by Fired Up! Culture and IMEX. For more information on the 30 Under 30 Program and the 2024 30 Under 30 class, please visit destinationsinternational.org/general-information/30-under-30.