“What do you want to do?” “I don’t know, what do YOU want to do?” Is this a conversation you’ve had with your friends one too many times? Before you give up on making plans or decide to head to the same bar you go to every. single. week., consider getting your pals together to try something new. Acadiana is full of fun, local shops, and businesses that’ll keep you entertained and serve up a smashin’ good time. Here are a few of our favorite local hangs in Acadiana.

Get Up and Get Active

• You’re never too old to strap on a pair of roller skates and glide around the rink! Be a kid again! Get your blood flowing again (ha!) at Fun Nation. The roller rink will have you + your friends feeling carefree + full of joy. You can also play arcade games, enjoy a slice of pizza, and watch the current game on one of the flat screen TVs. Green Light, Red Light, anyone? GO! Wink, wink.

• Motivating yourself to start exercising can be SO difficult. Protip: ask a friend to exercise with you + you’ll have someone to keep you motivated + accountable! Grab a pal and sign up for a class at Gladiators Academy. Classes include Brazilian jiu jitsu, mixed martial arts, and Muay Thai kickboxing. The classes at Gladiators Academy are beneficial for your body AND your mind with a focus on increasing your self-confidence + improving your focus in all areas of life. Who can’t use that!?

• Looking for a fun group activity for the weekend? Planet Ice Rink opens up their skating + hockey rink to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays so you can glide, twirl, and groove on the ice with your besties. Never skated before? Not a problem! The Planet Ice Rink staff is eager to help you learn or improve your skills.  

Learn Something New

• A&A Sewing Center is a plentiful resource for sewing machines, sewing supplies + fabric, but did you know they offer group classes as well? Take a workshop on embroidery, quilting, or machine sewing. Learn to make a stylish tote bag, a colorful quilt, or a number of other creations. Get together with your friends and sew up a creatively, fun time.

• The best wine is the wine you drink with those close to your heart. So, gather your peeps and make a visit to MySomm for a warm red or a crisp white. Professional sommelier Ben Leger also provides educational wine classes and private wine tastings or wine pairings. Wine down with some of the best wines in town.

• Headed over to the Lafayette Science Museum for an evening of learning + fun? Make sure to check out the Discover Store. This gift shop has all sorts of educational and exciting games, toys, souvenirs + other products. Find items to ignite your curiosity or dig into games and projects for a friend + family game night. Ding, ding, ding! I think we have a winner!

• Unleash your inner artist and paint some gorgeous pottery at Clayfish Bisque. Simply pick out a piece of pottery, design and paint your piece, and then drop back by in a week to pick up your glazed piece of art. It’s the perfect bonding activity for a fun evening with friends, and it’s also a unique option for bridal showers, corporate team building, or other group times.  

• How much do you and your buds know about the unique culture of Cajun food in Acadiana? Whether you’re new to Cajun cuisine or an expert who has been eating gumbo straight from the crib, you can’t go wrong booking with Cajun Food Tours. This three-hour tour will introduce you to the best in Cajun food and hospitality. Friends, food, and fun…it doesn’t get any better than that!

Bring Out the Fun n’ Games

• Alright, gamers. Before you get ready to play video games with your best buds, make a stop at Play N Trade for new games and retro classics. This is your one-stop-shop for game rentals, console and control repair, and ALL the gadgets and accessories for the most dedicated of gamers.

• Enjoy live folk music, a comical improv show + other live entertainment at The Omni Center. At this local arts and culture center, you’ll discover both fine art + live art from diverse creators all over the Acadiana region. Be sure to stop by during the 2nd Saturday ArtWalks to shop the multi-vendor art market.

• Plan a game night with your pals with board games, trading cards, and other toys from Sword N Board. Be sure to save the date on your calendar for fun, gaming events like Friday Night Magic, weekly Pokemon tournaments, Miniatures Painting Parties, and more!

• Invite your friends out for a day of art, comedy, live music, food, and drinks at the Wurst Biergarten. This lively hang out spot features an open-air market, patio seating, local craft beers, and pretty much ALL the makings of a fun day out. Come ready to eat, drink, and have a great time.

Shop ‘Til You Drop

• Any parents out there in the mood for a shopping spree? Take a parent or a friend + shop for cute children’s clothing and accessories at Something Besides Laundry. Find the perfect parenting or baby shower gifts like teething oil, patterned burp cloths, monogrammed children’s tops, baby bonnets, and other adorable gifts.

• Fashion together an entire outfit with women’s tops, bottoms, accessories, + more at Whitetail Boutique. This clothing store offers a mix of trendy and classic clothing items, and a shopping experience that’s pleasant + fun. Find a cute romper, layered necklaces, a swing dress, and other fashion trends for your next night out.

• A cozy, cable knit sweater is a perfect fall and winter staple. Vertage Clothing has tons of sweaters in cute colors and styles, as well as other trendy items like printed rompers, leather skirts, booties + more clothes and accessories. Get together with you closest galpals and make a day of it!  

• Parish Ink is THE place to be when it comes to local goodness. They’ve created an entire line of clothing, drinkware, decor, paper goods, and other fun items that have a special Acadiana flair. Be proud + be loud about your Acadian love with a little help from Parish Ink.

• Acadiana is bursting at the seams with local fashion boutiques! Get a group together for some major fashion inspo + update your look, unique boutique style! Don’t know where to begin? Hop on the Towny app to search more than 15 clothing boutiques with deals + perks just for YOU! Upgrade your closet with the local goods and treasures you need!

Keep the flames of friendship alive with these fun, local activities and experiences. You can find ALL of these businesses on Towny. So, what are you waiting for?? Download Towny (and tell a friend!). You’ll be championing your neighbors’ businesses AND supporting your local economy. Do allllll that and start getting rewarded for it? Get on Towny before you forget!