BOIS DES CHENES BED AND BREAKFAST

Where • 338 North Sterling Street, Lafayette, La.

More info • boisdeschenes.com; 1-337-233-7816

In 1650, Dutch immigrant Charles Von Voorhees and his family arrived in the New World. A century and a half later, his descendant Judge Felix Von Voorhees moved with his family to Lafayette, La., where they purchased 3,000 acres to grow sugar cane (and sometime after the move modified their name to "Voorhies").

Around 1820, they built a magnificent three-story Acadian-style home (now listed on the National Register of Historic Places), where current owner (and descendant) Coerte Voorhies and his wife, Marjorie, live, and in 1990 opened Bois des Chenes (French for "oak woods") Bed and Breakfast.

Coerte Voorhies claims Daniel Boone and poet Robert Burns as ancestors and adds that his home has been owned by Dr. Francis Sterling Mudd, a relative of Dr. Samuel Mudd of John Wilkes Booth fame.

One suite — the Zouave Suite — is available in the main house, and three rooms — Victorian, Empire and Louisiana Country — are in the 1890 Carriage House nearby. All are furnished with period antiques, "early 1800s Louisiana, French Provincial through Victoriana," says Voorhies. Collections of historic pottery and glassware and antique weapons further enhance the ambience.

How much • Carriage House rooms each have a queen-size bed and private bath and cost $110 a night. The Zouave Suite, ideal for a family, has two rooms with queen-sized beds, a parlor and private bath, and costs $150 for one bedroom, $200 for both. A gourmet breakfast is included in the cost of all rooms.

CAJUN PALMS RV RESORT

Where • 1055 North Barn Road, Breaux Bridge, La.

More info • cajunpalms.com; 1-337-667-7772

This elegant RV park, located half a dozen miles west of the landing where the Atchafalaya Experience Swamp Tours begin, offers so much to visitors it could be a destination unto itself.

New in 2008, the resort features 321 paved campsites with water, 50-amp electric service and sewer hookups. The resort also offers showers, a playground, concession stand, arcade, pool with beverage service, fishing in a stocked pond, horseshoe pit and exercise room. In addition, there are laundry facilities, a convenience store, miniature golf, a 30-foot Jacuzzi, a 56-seat movie theater, a tiki bar and more.

Special events are held here throughout the year and include a Cajun Music Festival, Easter "Eggstravaganza," Crawfish Festival, July 4th Celebration, Gumbo Cook-off and more.

How much • April 1-Oct. 31, $39 to $50 per night; Nov. 1-March 31, $32 to $43 per night