Lafayette’s Azalea Trail traverses through historic downtown and oil center / university districts and garden neighborhoods. The Grand Mall Boulevard in Mouton Garden’s showcases our city flower, the “General Lafayette” Fuchsia Formosa. The trail is a floral splendor during the month of March.
“This year, we’re especially excited to celebrate our 80th anniversary,” says Denise Lanclos, chairwoman of Scenic Lafayette’s Azalea Trail Committee. “Lafayette’s Azalea Trail has gone through a major revitalization in recent years with the planting of 1,000 azaleas, including 375 around the University of Louisiana. That revitalization has inspired people to engage in their own yards and neighborhoods. Today, the trail has year-round beauty, with Japanese magnolias and camellias in winter and early spring as well as Southern magnolias and crepe myrtles in summer.”
The public is invited to admire the city’s finest flowers by attending the Vermilionville Azalea Reception on Saturday, March 7, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event includes free admission to the historic folklife park, with period homes dating back to the 1700s and 1800s. Guests can also enjoy complimentary food and refreshments, a cash bar, and an authentic Cajun Jam Session. A free trolley ride will also be available on March 7 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Round trip rides will be approximately one hour and go through historic downtown Lafayette and the University/Oil Center Cultural District. Riders may hop on and off to enjoy free admission to the Alexandre Mouton House & Museum as well as the Paul & Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum. An additional trolley tour will take place on March 14.
