Anglers from all around the world head to Louisiana for the fishing. Whether you want to fish the bayou, the lake, or a river, you can do it in and around Lafayette. The area offers all kinds of fishing, from catfish to trout, redfish, flounder, and more. Here are some reasons why Lafayette is a great place to fish. Fishing-Rod-and-Bait

  1. Spring Bass Fishing

There are some excellent bass fishing opportunities along the Mississippi River and its backwaters. Anglers can also head to Lake Pontchartrain and the Toledo Bend Reservoir for freshwater bass fishing in the spring. The coves with lots of cover attract many bass, and they use this area for spawning.

  1. Louisiana Redfishing

Louisiana Redfishing is a company that offers both marsh and bay fishing charters along with saltwater fly fishing. Book a trip with Captain Nash, an experienced fishing guide with over 25 years of experience who is known as one of the best redfishing guides in Louisiana.

You can take a charter out of Cypremort Point State Park or out on Vermillion Bay for some of the best fishing in the area. Captain Troy is the guide to choose for nearshore fishing when the tides are right. The charters go out in a 2200 Bay Ranger Bay Boat designed for shallow water. It holds the captain and two to three anglers.

  1. The Iberia Rod & Gun Club’s Saltwater Fishing Rodeo

Each year, the Iberia Rod & Gun Club holds its annual Saltwater Fishing Rodeo. It takes place every summer at the beginning of July with all kinds of competitions for anglers of all ages. The event includes junior, offshore, kayak, inside, and diving divisions with trophies for the winners in each category. There’s always live entertainment and fun activities for the whole family. You can buy a ticket to participate at several businesses, including Cajun Guns & Tackle and Las’ Stop Marina.

Read the rest of this entry »

2019-Chevy-Bolt-EV-SilverAnyone looking to step into the world of electric cars should consider the Chevy Bolt. This compact car makes for an excellent entry-level electric vehicle (EV). choosing to drive an EV comes with a few changes, especially in the fuel department. Suddenly a gas station is a touch unnecessary and knowing where you can charge your car on the go becomes much more important. Here are a few great reasons to make the Bolt your first EV.

What You Need to Know About Your First EV

First of all, the Chevy Bolt is an excellent first choice for an EV. One of the things that not everyone understands about EVs is how the car is powered. Unlike a hybrid engine, there’s no gasoline in a true EV. It runs entirely on a battery, which can be charged in a few ways.

The best and most efficient way to charge your EV is at home with a 240-volt charging cable. However, it’s possible to find charging stations at grocery stores, parking garages, and similar locations. There’s usually a small fee associated with charging your car at these stations. Using these in addition to at-home charging will ensure you always have the juice to get you where you need to go. It’s good to have a full charge knowing you can’t just stop at a gas station every 20 miles.

Another great thing to know is that some EVs may be eligible for a sizable tax credit on models built up to 2020. Not only will you be saving money by skipping the gasoline, but you’ll also be getting a nice bonus at tax time. Just remember to put some of your gas allowances into your electric bill, as it should increase with the extra kilowatt-hour usage.

The Bolt Will Take You There

Many compact EVs have a limited range that may be just over 100 miles. However, the Bolt doubles this number with a driving range of 238 miles. This is one of the best ranges in the EV market outside of more luxurious top-of-the-line models. Using the quick charge feature, you can send an extra 90 miles to your battery with just 30 minutes of charging time.

Here’s one of the most exciting aspects of owning an EV: No more oil changes! Without a combustion engine needing lubrication, you no longer need to spend time or money on changing the motor oil. Brakes, fluid hoses, and other mechanical components will still need regular upkeep, though.

Read the rest of this entry »

Crawfish-Boil-PlateIt’s always an exciting adventure when discovering new food is involved! There’s something about trying a new restaurant that’s so exciting and memorable. Will you discover a new favorite? Check out some of these restaurants that are worth the drive in Lafayette. Your taste buds will thank you.

Grab Some Dinner at Bon Temps Grille

For a bit of southern-style barbecue and seafood, head over to Bon Temps on Verot School Road. Bring your appetite. The portions are generous and the food is delicious.

Start your meal off with some delectable appetizers, such as the jumbo crab cakes or shrimp and grits. If you’re not interested in seafood, the menu includes soup and salad starters, as well. For dinner, opt for the build-your-own entrees. The seafood option gives you the choice of trout, redfish, or Mahi Mahi as well as your pick of sauce and sides. Meat lovers have a wide range of choices, too, including Cajun jerk chicken, filet mignon, and baby back ribs. The meat options also come with a selection of one or two sides.

Grab a Quick Bite at the Rusted Rooster

If you’re looking for a quick and affordable breakfast or lunch option, the Rusted Rooster located on Saint Landry Street may just hit the spot. It’s a great place to grab a quick salad, burger, or some tasty breakfast. Menu options are simple but flavorful and will certainly be the right choice if you’re hungry and not in the mood to cook. The rustic homestyle theming of the restaurant gives the whole experience a memorable touch.

The Rusted Rooster offers several excellent club-style sandwiches including Miss Patt’s Melt, which is a beef patty that’s been topped with grilled onions and Swiss cheese. It’s served between two hearty slices of toasted bread. The Holy Cow burger is rich and delicious, too. This marvel of ground beef is topped with grilled onions, bacon, cheddar, Creole tomatoes, and a house-made rooster sauce.

Read the rest of this entry »

2019-Chevy-Silverado-whiteIf you’ve got a big job ahead of you or you’d like to buy a new RV for a family road trip, you’ll want a truck that can tow just about any payload. Thankfully, you can get the job done right with the 2019 Chevy Silverado. Its impressive towing capacity and multiple engine configurations make it the perfect truck for towing, whether your needs be work or fun related. Here’s a quick guide to what each engine option will give you in regards to towing and performance.

4.3-Liter V-6 Ecotec

The smallest and least powerful engine in the 2019 Silverado 1500 lineup is the 4.3-liter V-6. Equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, this engine produces 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. Any trims equipped with this powertrain will be able to tow up to 7,600 pounds. While this is plenty capable, you’ll want a more powerful engine if you plan on trailering larger items.

Read the rest of this entry »

2019-Chevy-Equinox-SilverThe Chevy Equinox is a mid-size SUV with lots to offer. It’s loaded with tons of technology to make your life a bit easier. You’ll also find other great features that make everyone a little safer or keep you entertained on long road trips. There’s certainly lots to love about the 2019 Equinox. Here are a few of the top features.

The Equinox Makes Everything More Convenient

Some features on the 2019 Equinox help make life more convenient. Accessing the cargo area has never been easier, for example. The hands-free liftgate can be opened with a wave of your foot, so even when you’re hauling a bunch of groceries or some luggage, accessing the cargo area is a piece of cake.

Similarly, the rear-view camera system is especially useful in the 2019 Equinox. Like most SUVs and larger vehicles, your rear vision can be impeded. The camera solves this issue with ease. The HD monitor not only displays the rear-view camera angle, but a simulated bird’s eye view is also projected on the console screen. This helps make parking in tight spaces a breeze.

Feature-Rich Infotainment System

Many new models are receiving updated consoles with touch screens and lots of amazing features. The console included with the 2019 Equinox is no exception. It’s equipped with the latest and greatest in-demand tech and entertainment features. Anyone with a device with wireless charging will love the optional wireless charging station.

Chevrolet’s robust entertainment system includes USB ports and Bluetooth device compatibility. Before you know it you’ll be a master of the cabin, controlling phone calls and music with just the sound of your voice. When it comes to music entertainment, the two big features to look for are Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 2019 Equinox has both.

Read the rest of this entry »

Pairing-iPhone-with-2019-Chevy-SilveradoSo you’ve got your brand new 2019 Silverado, now it’s time to personalize it your way – including hooking up your iPhone! The all-new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado brings along the new Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system where you can perform an array of tasks via phone connectivity. Here is how to connect your iPhone to the 2019 Chevy Silverado:

  • Make sure your vehicle is in park, as the Bluetooth pairing process is disabled when the car is in motion.
  • To use voice recognition, press the Press to Talk button; after the beep, say “Pair phone”; To pair via the infotainment menu screen, select the Phone icon, then select “Phones” then select “Pair Device or Search Device” to add your device
  • From the phone’s Bluetooth settings, select the name shown on the infotainment screen.
  • Follow the pairing instructions
  • When pairing is complete, the phone screen will be displayed. Also depending on the phone, your phone book may be downloaded automatically when it pairs to the system

Now that you’ve paired your iPhone to your Chevy Silverado, you can enjoy a variety of tasks hands-free! This includes: make and answer calls, listen to text messages, access contact lists, select applications, music playlists and more! Furthermore, a secondary phone can be paired with the Bluetooth system, but the secondary phone can only receive calls. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system connects to the phone that is set to First to Connect. To set the first and secondary phones, go to Settings > System > Phones and select the Information icon.

The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado Infotainment 3 system can pair multiple compatible Bluetooth enabled devices to accommodate drivers using both the iOS and Android systems. You’ll also be able to use the Apple CarPlay & Android Auto apps when you connect your smartphone via USB cable!

Image via Chevrolet.com

2019-Chevy-Spark-RedIf you’re looking for an economical little car that’s practically bursting at the seams with personality, it would be difficult to do better than the 2019 Chevrolet Spark. Here are some of the ways this subcompact car — which is one of the least expensive small new vehicles on the American market today — will save you money.

Low Purchase Price

While there are many things to consider when you want to save money over the lifespan of your vehicle, the initial purchase price is first on most consumers’ minds. You’ll get to choose between eight different trims when purchasing the 2019 Chevrolet Spark, so you’ll be pleased to learn that each of them comes at a surprisingly affordable price point.

The entry-level LS Manual trim is especially attractive if you’re looking to save money, as its cost is the lowest. Higher trim levels trim offer progressively more sophisticated features, but even the top-of-the-line 2LT Automatic trim won’t break the bank.

Fuel Economy

Enjoy a responsive performance from the 2019 Chevrolet Spark’s 1.4-liter, four-cylinder engine. While this little engine only produces 98 horsepower, that’s more than enough to zip around town in this small subcompact vehicle. Moreover, it actually represents a 17 percent increase compared to last year’s model.

The main advantage of operating with a smaller engine, of course, is that the Spark uses less fuel and gets better gas mileage than other, larger vehicles. If you equip your 2019 Spark with an available CVT (continuously variable transmission), you’ll get even better fuel-efficiency results. As a result, driving the Spark will generate big savings in gasoline costs.

Safety Technologies

Avoid the expense of major repair jobs by staying safe on the highway. The 2019 Chevrolet Spark makes this easier than ever before, thanks to an array of active safety technologies.

For example, low-speed forward automatic braking can stop your car if you’re traveling between 5 and 37 miles per hour and are at risk of a collision. A forward-collision-alert system runs continuously, even at high speeds, and serves to warn you of a potentially imminent accident. Lane-departure warning is also an indispensable tool, as it uses a camera sensor to ensure you don’t drift into the wrong lane.

Chevrolet Complete Care

Take advantage of the Chevrolet Complete Care package to reap rewards like a complimentary maintenance appointment, 10 years of electronically enabled vehicle diagnostics, and a one-month trial of OnStar safety and security, as well as other Chevrolet electronic services. The Chevrolet Complete Care package also comes with a warranty that provides for roadside assistance, courtesy transportation, and the replacement of powertrain components.

There’s even a six-year or 100,000-mile warranty to cover rusted and corroded vehicle parts. Best of all, this package is included with every 2019 Chevrolet Spark at no extra cost.

The 2019 Chevrolet Spark is a fantastic choice for drivers looking for a small, stylish, and economical vehicle. Check our inventory online to see our current lineup of Chevrolet Spark models; we’re excited to get you behind the wheel of this fashionable subcompact.

 

Image via ServiceGM.com

2019-Chevy-Silverado-3500HD-SilverLooking for a work truck that can handle anything you throw at it? Look no further than the 2019 Chevy Silverado HD, a truck that was designed to take a beating. This truck comes in both 2500HD and 3500HD variants, depending on just how much power and precision you require. Here’s a quick look at the different towing abilities of these models so you can determine which one is right for you.

Maximum Towing Capacities

Needing to haul your boat or an extra vehicle? That should be no problem with either the 2019 Silverado 2500HD or the 3500HD. While the 2500HD does have a lower total towing capacity, it can actually pull more when equipped with the base engine option. When paired with the standard Vortec 6.0-liter V-8 engine, the 2500HD can pull up to 14,400 pounds. However, when you upgrade to the Duramax 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V-8 engine, that number soars to 15,400 pounds.

As previously mentioned, if you’re going to stick with the base engine, you’re better off choosing the 2500HD, as the 3500HD can only pull 14,200 pounds with this setup. However, if you’re looking for the most power the HD series has to offer, choose the 3500HD with the turbo-diesel engine. This expands the maximum towing capacity to a mind-boggling 23,100 pounds — enough power to pull around three adult hippopotamuses.

Tow/Haul Mode

Now that you know just how much your new Chevy Silverado HD can carry, it’s also important to learn about other towing features, such as tow/haul mode. Imagine you’re towing a piece of heavy equipment and heading up a large hill. This is going to wreak havoc on your transmission as it tries to find the sweet spot between power and pull. Tow/haul mode puts an end to that by reducing shift cycling. Trust us — your transmission will thank you.

Read the rest of this entry »

Christmas-at-Couret-in-Lafayette-LACelebrate the Christmas spirit with Service Chevrolet Cadillac at Couret Farms! Mark your calendar for December 15th for the very special Christmas at Couret event! 

This event is full of fun for everyone of all ages. You’ll be able to enjoy delicious local Italian-Mediterranean cuisine from Romacelli Bistro e Vino  on site throughout the event, and local pop-up shops will also be there so you can knock out some of your Christmas shopping.

It wouldn’t be complete without live music – and the special music guest will be Ray Boudreaux! As one of the most popular musicians in the state, you’re sure to have a blast. But that’s still not all! Saint Nick himself will be making an appearance, so be sure to bring your kids for pictures with Santa! There will also be other fun kids’ activities throughout the night to keep them entertained.

Christmas at Couret occurs on December 15th from 6:00-9:00PM at Couret Farms in Lafayette, LA. Christmas at Couret is also a FREE event, so everyone can join in on the fun! No outside food or drinks are allowed, but you’re welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs for seating during the event. Grab your family and friends and head to Couret Farms for an unforgettable holiday event – we hope to see you out there!

Childrens-Museum-Exterior-Lafayette-LAAlthough there are plenty of local places where you can take your kids, sometimes it’s hard to find spots for them to both learn and be entertained. Luckily for parents in and around Lafayette, Louisiana, there are some great places around for kids to both have the time of their lives and also learn valuable lessons regarding the things that surround them.

Zoosiana Zoo of Acadiana

Opened in the early ’90s as a small menagerie, Zoosiana has kept growing along with the entire community around it and it is now an accredited zoological park. It now hosts over 750 animals from more than 130 species, each getting special attention from the excellent staff of 25 people. From jungle rooms to petting and feeding areas where the kids can interact with the animals, every attraction and every animal on display here will stay in your kids’ minds for a long time.

Not only is this zoo a great place for kids to see and touch various species of animals, but it’s also a great place for them to learn about conservation and taking care of our environment.

Children’s Museum of Acadiana

Another place where kids can learn while having fun is the Children’s Museum. It covers a wide range of subjects and activities for kids up to 12 years old, helping their families and teachers enhance the kids’ imagination. Most exhibits are interactive and the children can see first-hand how it feels to be a doctor or an engineer.  It’s also a great testament of how close the local community is, having been built and constantly renovated with the help of donations by local businesses.

The Rok Haus

Kids need to learn, but they also need to use up their vast amounts of energy. Few things are more demanding than rock climbing and this indoor center is ready to welcome people of all ages. Equipment can be rented on-site so you don’t need to bring anything special, while classes are available to teach kids the proper ways to climb.

Read the rest of this entry »