Five Bits of Cajun Lagniappe
Come to Cajun Fest and Get Some Lagniappe
A little something extra, a bonus, is what Cajuns mean by “lagniappe.” It’s kind of an “upgrade,” and an attitude that there’s always something good around the corner.
Say it like this: /ˈlanˌyap,ˌlanˈyap/ and accept it with gratitude, in Port Arthur, the official Cajun Capital of Texas!
When you come to enjoy the Cajun Heritage Festival, on April 5, you know you’ll hear some fabulous live music, dance all day and get some good eats. Some lagniappe here could be that you make some new friends at the festival. You may run into some Cajun cousins! Or you could win the Cajun Foodie Passport prize basket!
SO CLOSE (to Louisiana)!
We’re so close to Louisiana that there are places where you can see the Sportsman’s Paradise coast. Make sure to visit Sabine Pass for some coastal views. One of them is a glimpse of the Sabine Pass Lighthouse, which is actually in Louisiana.
Our history includes Cajuns coming to settle in our area since 1927. Learn more about how we became the Cajun Capital of Texas.
Five Bits of Lagniappe
Now we’re going to give you a mix of ideas for your visit to Port Arthur. Don’t worry. We’ll give you five reasons and a few more for lagniappe!
Get a Taste
Lagniappe is often edible. Pour over our Cajun and seafood dining options to start planning your menu when you visit Port Arthur.
Catch a Gulf Breeze
Feel sand in your toes and a breeze on your face at Sea Rim State Park. With more than 5 miles of natural beach, you’ll also catch sight of shore birds and seashells. Pack your pole, because it’s free to fish in our state park.
Something’s Fishy
Schedule a chartered fishing boat to get you fishing off the Texas Gulf Coast. Sabine Lake straddles Texas and Louisiana, and is known for hauls of trout, flounder and redfish. Get your free waterways guide, here.
Paddle Port Arthur
Cajuns know how to use that pirogue. That’s just how we might say a small boat, like a kayak. Sea Rim State Park is where you can paddle through the marshland to see what’s looking back at you. Otters? Mink? Oh, it’s just a gator.
All the Cultures
In addition to Cajuns, this port town has drawn a variety of cultures here to work in seafaring and industrial careers. Creole, African-American, Mexican-American, Vietnamese, Italian and several other cultures thrive in the greater Port Arthur area.
Fleur-de-lis
Port Arthur area residences and businesses often bear the fleur-de-lis symbol on flags. This “flower of the lily” symbol is familiar to New Orleans Saints fans. It has appeared on flags of France and the one Joan of Arc carried into battle. Interpretations have included “perfection, light and life.” It the stylized three “petals” joined at the base appear on both the Cajun and Creole flags.
The symbol united the New Orleans area after the devastating Hurricane Katrina and became the official symbol of Louisiana in 2008. A modern interpretation is that the three petals can signify the convergence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Look around for this symbol.
Bienvenue! Welcome!
Make the Port Arthur Convention & Visitors Bureau one of your first stops for free information on things to do, maps, dining guides, etc. Sure Port Arthur is the Cajun Capital, but remember that Texas is the Friendship state. Enjoy our Lone Star hospitality. We are open in our office at the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center regular weekdays from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. and if you miss us in person, you can grab some brochures from the lobby.
