Cajun country
 

Driving from Atlanta GA to MS Gulf coast, New Orleans, and then 2-night stay in Cajun country in late May.

I have questions regarding Lafayette, LA hotel: Kaliste Saloom Rd. area has been mentioned as being nicer than the area around I-10 hotels. Is Kaliste Saloom Rd. area a convenient base for traveling to local restaurants, Breaux Bridge, and other smaller Cajun towns? I'm considering Marriott Courtyard or similar hotel at airport location.

Any suggestions for route/stops for drive back to Atlanta from Lafayette, LA area with a possible overnight? I'm not particularly interested in stopping at big cities (Montgomery & Birmingham) on this trip.

Thank you for any comments and suggestions. Most of the trip has been planned, but I'm stuck on the Cajun country section.

Lafayette is not that big and you will only be about 6 miles from I-10 in the location that you're looking at, which is nicer than the I-10 hotels. I would also suggest looking at the Hilton Garden Inn on Cajundome Blvd and Springhill Suites near River Ranch. Both are reasonable and close to everything minus the airport noise.

Leaving Lafayette, the easiest way back to Atlanta is I-10 to I-65 to I-85.

As far as a nice place to spend the night on your way back to Atlanta, I would suggest Theodore, AL just outside of Mobile to visit Bellingrath gardens. It's about halfway. The gardens will be gorgeous at that time of year! http://www.bellingrath.org/about-us.html

darlenef17, I very much appreciate you taking the time to direct me to the garden site - that could be a perfect stopover. I am usually good at researching these things, but I've been planning two trips at once and am running out of time.

Good to know about Cajundome Blvd. I will look up those hotels right now.

Your info has been extremely helpful!

I would second Bellingrath. They are beautiful gardens.

We are also planning a road trip this summer, and will be staying in Layfayette a few days as a stop, hoping to experience Cajun country. We have looked at a few swamp tours that look fun, as well as many local Cajun eateries.

You are very welcome. I love Bellingrath Gardens, and May is a perfect time to go. The azaleas will be magnificent. Safe travels!

Hoping to get help once again with fine tuning the details - 2 nights in Lafayette at Springhill Suites River Ranch.

Early start on Sunday heading back to Atlanta with time for stop at Bellingrath Gardens. However, after the gardens, we have to get closer to Atlanta before stopping for the night. Have to be at airport by 11: 00 AM on Monday to return car rental & catch a flight. It probably would be best to get through Montgomery traffic on Sunday.

Any suggestions for an overnight stay/interesting towns north of Montgomery, or just pick someplace close to highway?

After the drive from Lafayette and the stop at the gardens, you will have had a full day. If it were me, I'd just get to the other side of Montgomery and find a place close to the highway. Get a good night's sleep and head to the airport.

From Montgomery, you're about 2 hours out if there is no traffic. You'll need to start your day fairly early to allow for morning traffic.

I'd look for something between Montgomery and Auburn that's right on the interstate. Sorry I can't be more specific.

Sounds like your plans are coming together quite nicely!!