I routinely find myself traveling down a very familiar stretch of I-10 in Louisiana between Baton Rouge and Lafayette. I like to call it the "Cajun Stretch" of Louisiana highway. Along this well traveled roadway are places and towns so unique they are unmatched anywhere in the world. Crossing the Atchafalaya Basin bridge has a magical beauty. When crossing it, I imagine the Louisiana wildlife living there, but hiding from my view, alligators, turtles, Louisiana black bears, egrets and more. The Atchafalaya Welcome Center on I-10 at the Butte La Rose exit is no ordinary rest area. You are welcomed by the staff to try a sample of Louisiana coffee while you peruse the tourism materials and get advice on local travel. You can even shop for gifts and watch a fantastic movie based on the Atchafalaya Basin.

Small towns you'll pass on this stretch are Breaux Bridge, Cecelia and Henderson where you can do a swamp tour and dance during breakfast at Cafe des Amis in Breaux Bridge! At the Scott exit just past Lafayette, you'll find several places selling boudin, a local rice and meat stuffed sausage. Scott is widely regarded as the "Boudin Capital of the World."

At the Henderson exit, in-between the basin and Lafayette, are three of my favorite places to stop, grab a bite, and peruse local artwork.

1. Crawfish Town USA Restaurant & Fresh Market

While Breaux Bridge is famous for its crawfish festival in held in early May, there is another great place for crawfish. In the early nineties, we got tired of the traffic trying to get into Breaux Bridge and visited Crawfish Town USA to satisfy our mudbug craving. Recently featured on the tv show, Food Paradise, this red barn structure has been around for decades and offers the best boiled crawfish among other cajun delights. You can customize your seasoning level and pre-order a smoked alligator! The menu has grown over the years to include beef and chicken entrees as well as glorious spectacles of cajun cuisine such as the La Bam Breme, a stacked masterpiece of fried eggplant, crab cake, shrimp and oyster over etoufee. The atmosphere is jovial, because everyone is enjoying their meal so much! A market is attached where you can buy fresh or frozen products such as alligator and turtle meat. It's open 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

2815 Grand Point Highway

Henderson, LA 70517

337-667-6148

Conveniently located off I-10 exit 115 at Henderson/Cecilia .5 mi. N. of I-10.

Hot boiled crawfish

La Bam Breme

Food Paradise: Seafood Paradise

2. Louisiana Marketshops at the 115

Another great stop at the Henderson exit which shares the parking lot with the original Landry's Seafood Restaurant is Louisiana Marketshops at the 115. This is a great place to stop on your way home from Cajun Country. Inside the helpful staff will assist you in finding the perfect handmade gift. All of the artwork is local and handmade.