In a move that surprises no one who is in the know, Lafayette was nominated as a top 30 finalist in Rand McNally and USA Today's jointly hosted Best of the Road poll. There are five categories: Most Beautiful, Most Patriotic, Friendliest, Most Fun and our category, Best for Food.
Starting June 23, five two-person teams will set off from New York City to visit six small towns out of the 30. These are the top six finalists but no one can know which towns nor the route the judges are taking, so when they will arrive in Lafayette (if at all) is anyone's guess. The routes chosen are known only to the teams themselves and there isn't any way of knowing when they will touch down in any town, including our own. In fact, the teams comprise people Rand McNally selected, just "everyday citizens" who get the chance to explore the country and win $10,000 at the end of the trip.
Teams arrive in Los Angeles July 15 to turn in which which town is the winner after careful decision. On July 22 Rand McNally and USA Today announce the top five winners at the Destination Marketing Associates International (DMAI) which this year is being held in New Orleans. This is also when the winning team, chosen by a panel of travel experts, is awarded.
What does this mean for Lafayette? More national exposure and a chance for the city to truly expand and take advantage of all opportunities afforded, including more jobs in every type of field. The more business of any ilk hear about Lafayette and Acadiana's all around awesomeness, the more move in, and et cetera.
Go to Best of the Road here to vote for Lafayette or write a review, or simply to get more information. You can even get info on how to be part of the teams traveling the country next year.