Stroll Sample Publication

Sugar Mill Pond

Cane Row Golf & Turf Club

Come see it FORE yourself!

Course is in perfect condition! Amazing 1st time experience and will have many more! Highly recommended for anybody to enjoy a round of golf!

- Drake B.

First off, the best greens in the Lafayette area. Second, the course layout is a little on the shorter side but still a tough course to play and it's in super great shape right now. Also, just had a big high school tournament and it got dumped on for a solid 3 hours but afterwards, around two hours later, the course had almost no puddles and all of the bunkers were almost dry.

I was very impressed.

- Adam T.

Played here for the first time in 5 years a week ago. Things have definitely changed for the better! I was very impressed with the condition of the course, especially the fairways and rough around the greens. Great value for the price. You can tell the new management is making an effort to improve the course conditions.

- George R.

strollmag.com

Delivering Neighborhood Connections

© 2023 The N2 Company, Inc.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

555-555-5555 555-555-5555

555-555-5555

555-555-5555

555-555-5555

555-555-5555

555-555-5555

555-555-5555

AREA DIRECTOR

EMERGENCIES

Youngsville Police Department Poison Control

UTILITIES

SLEMCO Waste Management Water Centerpoint Energy City Hall

Southern Lifestyle Development

Thomas Theriot Thomas.theriot@n2pub.com

555-555-5555

WRITER/CONTENT

Mitzi Primeaux lifeonthepondN2@gmail.com

555-555-5555

WRITER/EDITOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kara Kearney Karakearney@gmail.com

555-555-5555

Parish Pix (Derek and Dustin Gaspard) Parishpix.com Info@parishpix.com

555-555-5555

Anaice Photography

Anaice Hackett anaicephotography@gmail.com

555-555-5555

Facebook / Instagram: @anaicephotography

DISCLAIMER: This publication is also known as Life on the Pond, is owned by The N2 Company, and is not affiliated with or sponsored by any club, developer, or homeowners association. Articles and advertisements in this publication and opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of N2 but remain solely those of the author(s) or advertiser(s). The paid advertisements contained within this magazine are not endorsed or recommended by N2.

This section is here to give our readers easier access when searching for a trusted neighborhood partner to use. Get to know the businesses that make this magazine possible. Please support them in return and thank them if you get the chance!

AIR CONDITIONING, HEATING & PLUMBING

Tim’s Southern Air Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing (555) 555-5555 tims-ac.com

ARTIFICIAL TURF & MOTORIZED PERGOLAS

Social Outdoor Living

Dwayne Lalande (555) 555-5555 socialoutdoorla.com

AUTO DEALERSHIP

LeBlanc Kia (555) 555-5555 leblanckia.com

Ray Chevrolet (555) 555-5555 raychevy.com

CHIROPRACTOR

Rise Chiropractic (555) 555-5555 riseacadiana.com

COFFEE & PASTRIES

Huya Craft Coffee (555) 555-5555 huyacraftcoffee.com

COSMETICS

Williamson Cosmetic Center (555) 555-5555 williamsoncosmeticcenter.com

CUSTOM PATIO SCREENS

Acadiana Motion Screens (555) 555-5555 acadianamotionscreens.com

DANCE STUDIO

Morgan Street Dance Co. (555) 555-5555 morganstreetdance.com

DANCE / PERFORMING

ARTS & TUMBLING

Jill Listi Dance Studio (555) 555-5555 jilllistidancestudio.com

DECORATIVE CONCRETE / ARTIFICIAL TURF

Concrete Revolution (555) 555-5555 concreterevolutionllc.com

DENTIST

Danielle Decou DDS (555) 555-5555 thelafayettedentist.com

LaBry Family Dentistry (555) 555-5555 labryfamilydentistry.com

EAR, NOSE, THROAT DOCTOR

Southern ENT (555) 555-5555 southernent.com

EVENT VENUE / BED & BREAKFAST

Cajun Mansion (555) 555-5555 louisianacajunmansion.com

EXTERMINATION & PEST CONTROL

Don’s Exterminating Co. (555) 555-5555 donsexterm.com

FAMILY FUN & PARTIES

Kart Ranch (555) 555-5555 kartranch.com

FAMILY MEDICINE

Cypress Health & Wellness (555) 555-5555 cypresshealthclinic.com

FLOORING

Gerami’s Floors (555) 555-5555 geramis.com

GOLF COURSE

Cane Row Golf Club (555) 555-5555 canerowgolfclub.com

HANDYMAN SERVICES

Handy Hands (555) 555-5555 handyhandshandymanservice.com

HOME AUTOMATION

La1Connect (555) 555-5555 la1connect.com

HOUSE CLEANING

Acadiana Maids (555) 555-5555 acadianamaids.com

Klean Sweep (555) 555-5555 kleansweepla@yahoo.com

INSURANCE

DJW Insurance Agency (555) 555-5555 djwinsurance.com

INSURANCE:

AUTO / HOME / BUSINESS

Allstate: Kristen Willis (555) 555-5555 allstateagencies.com/kristenwillis

JEWELRY

Paul’s Jewelry (555) 555-5555 paulsfinejewelry.com

LANDSCAPING

Acadiana Landscape Materials (555) 555-5555 landscapematerialsacadiana.com

LANDSCAPING & ARTIFICIAL TURF

Southern Scapes (555) 555-5555 southernscapeslaf.com

LASHES

Southern Lash Co. (555) 555-5555 southernlashcompany.com

LIMOUSINE, PARTY BUS & TRANSPORTATION

Luxury Limo of Lafayette (555) 555-5555 Luxurylimooflafayette.net

MED SPA

Acadiana Health & Aesthetics: Dr Lauren Luke (555) 555-5555 acadianahealthandaesthetics.com

MOLD, DUCT & RUG CLEANING

ServiceMaster of Lafayette (555) 555-5555 servicemasterrestoration.com

MOVING COMPANY

Advantage Movers LLC (555) 555-5555 advantagemoversla.com

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Acadiana Pediatric Dentistry (555) 555-5555 acadianapediatricdentistry.com

PHARMACY & GIFTS

Farmer’s Drugs & Gifts (555) 555-5555 farmersdrugs.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

Anaice Photography (555) 555-5555 anaicephotography@gmail.com

PHYSICAL & OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

LaBorde Therapy Center (555) 555-5555 labordetherapy.com

POOLS / SPAS

The Pool Guy (555) 555-5555 thepoolguyla.com

PRIVATE JET CHARTER

Flightline First (555) 555-5555 flightlinefirst.com

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER

Made by Madelyn (555) 555-5555 madebymadelynla@gmail.com

REAL ESTATE

Icon Real Estate Co. (555) 555-5555 Iconrealestateco.com

Southern Lifestyle Realty (555) 555-5555 southernlifestylerealty.com

REALTOR

Gauthier Real Estate: Matthew Wells (555) 555-5555 homesforsaleinlafayette.com

RESTAURANT

Half Shell Oyster House halfshelloysterhouse.com

RETAIL: GIFTS, HOME & CHILDREN Caroline & Company (555) 555-5555 carolineandco.com

SCAR & PELVIC FLOOR THERAPY

The Scar Lady (555) 555-5555 thescarlady.com

SCHOOLS: PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Ascension Episcopal School (555) 555-5555 www.aesgators.org

TITLE ATTORNEY

AMO Title (555) 555-5555 amotitle.com

TRAVEL AGENT Two Travel Gurus (555) 555-5555 twotravelgurus.com

VEIN CARE

Vein Center of Louisiana (555) 555-5555 veincenterla.com

VETERINARY CARE

Loftin Veterinary Hospital (555) 555-5555 loftinvethospital.com

WINDOW TINTING: HOME & AUTO Prestige Films (555) 555-5555 prestigefilms.com

"The staff was very friendly! Dr. LaBry was very informative and did awesome work. Pain free and fast!! I will definitely be going there for my dental work in the future."

A Lafayette, Louisiana-based elopement, destination, and intimate wedding photographer

MEET THE

Bernard

This close-knit blended family is a united front, enjoying all that life in Sugar Mill Pond has to offer.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANAICE PHOTOGRAPHY

FAMILY

immy and Maggie Pere Benard live on Waterview Road with their three children, 19-year-old Gabe Benard, 16-year-old Piper Benard and 13-year-old Jackson Pere.

“We both work at Stuller,” Maggie shared. “Jimmy is the executive director of manufacturing, and I am the director of administration, which includes new accounts and customer events. We are very dedicated professionally, but always find time for family and friends and travel! We are very involved in Stuller charities such as Parish Proud, Healing House, and Maddy’s Footprints. Jimmy is also a licensed mortgage lender and executive coach.”

“Once we united households in 2017, we knew we wanted to live in Youngsville, and Sugar Mill Pond was our perfect destination,” explained Maggie. “I am a runner (most neighbors know me by seeing me run every day), and my specifications were to find a neighborhood I didn’t have to drive to in order to run. We also love community involvement and SMP represented every aspect of that. We gave up more than an acre of backyard to an outdoor space we spend most of our free time chilling at. We finally found our dream home in 2019 and never looked back.”

“After rescheduling our wedding three times due to covid and challenges with international travel, we finally tied the knot on January 1, 2022, here in Lafayette at St. Pius church,” Maggie added.

“We are a blended family, but the kids are more of a unified force than we ever imagined,” Maggie shared. “We love to

spend time together. Our kids are typically with us every other week, but more and more as teenagers, they enjoy being in SMP and exploring the neighborhood. If you ever see teenage boys shopping for hours at CVS, that would be Jackson and his friends! Piper can be found at Andy’s and Gabe at the gym.”

Jackson is a talented and dedicated young athlete. He attends St. Pius School and excels in his studies while also showcasing his athletic prowess on the baseball field. Playing travel baseball, Jackson honed his skills and brought a contagious energy to every game.

Piper radiated positivity and grace as a cheerleader at Southside High School. Her infectious smile and energetic spirit made her a beloved member of the cheerleading squad. Piper’s natural leadership skills and unwavering dedication helped her team achieve great success in various competitions. Beyond cheerleading, she is known for her compassionate nature and her ability to uplift those around her.

Gabe is a beacon of love and support for his family and friends. He is currently attending SLCC studying business administration. Gabe’s kind-hearted nature and sense of humor make him the life of the party, and his presence brings warmth and laughter to any gathering. He loves uplifting his friends and training at SMAC.

“I am Polish Canadian and speak fluent Polish,” shared Maggie. “My immediate family lives in Toronto, Canada and South of France. I try to carry on with Polish traditional meals during the holidays, and we are also lucky to visit family abroad as often as we can. Jimmy is the only male out of 6 children, so we have a lot of “sister” time when we get to see them, either in Mississippi or Texas.”

Maggie and Jimmy are an adventurous and active couple who thrive on staying fit. They embrace a variety of activities

including running and circuit training. In addition to their love of fitness, the couple has a passion for travel. “We are very opposite in character, but we are an amazing force as a team. We love spontaneous trips, and the last few years we spent a lot of time at baseball games and cheerleading tournaments,” said Maggie.

Travel holds a special place in Maggie and Jimmy’s hearts, and they have embarked on numerous international adventures. Their wanderlust has taken them to breathtaking destinations like Australia, Italy, Portugal, Mexico, Canada, and India, where they have immersed themselves in diverse cultures and explored the wonders of each country. Notably, they conquered a marathon in the Swiss Alps, a truly remarkable feat that stands as a testament to their determination and endurance. Other memorable destinations were Miami and Key West, Florida, their first family trip to Canada, and tubing at Toledo Bend.

Maggie is no stranger to long-distance running. In fact, she is about to complete her 27th marathon and has her sights set on one more this year. Her dedication to the sport is inspiring, and she dreams of eventually participating in the prestigious Boston Marathon, an event that showcases the world’s most elite runners.

While fitness and travel are cornerstones of their lives, Maggie and Jimmy also take great joy in hosting and entertaining their loved ones. They enjoy being among their closest group of friends and family, whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a festive gathering. Jimmy’s culinary skills on the grill never fail to impress, creating unforgettable moments shared with their loved ones.

no obligation

Want to know your neighbors better? Here is a great way for you to get to know about each other. To recommend a family, couple, neighbor or new residents for an upcoming issue, all you need to do is email lifeonthepondN2 @gmail.com.

Maggie finds pleasure in savoring a fine glass of wine, appreciating its nuanced flavors and the way it complements different cuisines. Meanwhile, Jimmy’s taste buds lean toward the rich and complex notes found in whiskey, an indulgence he savors on special occasions or when unwinding after a fulfilling day.

The Benards’ lives are a harmonious blend of adventure, fitness, travel, and the warm embrace of their loved ones. Their active pursuits, globetrotting experiences, and dedication to maintaining a vibrant social circle truly define their rich and fulfilling lifestyle.

The Benard family’s favorite things about living in Sugar Mill Pond are the people, the community spirit, and, of course, the amenities including a fantastic gym. “During covid shut down it was our dream come true to be stuck in,” laughed Maggie.

Anaice Hackett, the owner of Anaice Photography, is a Lafayette, Louisiana-based elopement, destination, and intimate wedding photographer. She focuses on capturing photos that reflect the love and connection her clients waited so long for.

HUYA CRAFT COFFEE

- a place where coffee is not just made, it’s crafted. Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

8 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Art of Movement

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANAICE PHOTOGRAPHY

Tylar Claire Moore is a 12-year-old student at Acadiana Christian School in New Iberia and a dancer at Thea’s Dance Academy. “I have been dancing for 9 years,” shared Tylar. “My mom used to own a dance studio, and I started there.”

“I am on the competition team with 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. I love my coaches; they are very passionate and experienced at dancing,” explained Tylar. “I practice at Thea’s Dance Academy in Youngsville, right outside of Sugar Mill Pond.”

Tylar dances with her team at various competitions in Texas and Louisiana. “I have participated in many competitions, such as Streetz, West Coast Dance Explosion, Dance Makers, LA Dance Magic, 247, Dupree, and Intrigue,” added Tylar.

“Throughout the years I have won many dance scholarships in various dance styles,” said Tylar. “I have learned that I can use what I love to do to make others happy and glorify God. My favorite part about dancing is the end-of-year review.”

Tylar Claire Moore is dancing her way to the top.

I have learned that I can use what I love to do to make others happy and glorify God.”

—TYLAR CLAIRE MOORE

“I have many friends because of dance,” shared Tylar. “It is important to have friends in a sport because you have the same interests and can relate to them in things.”

Tylar’s advice to anyone interested in dance is to not worry about how good you are. “Just worry about you and use dance as an escape from your problems, and use the problems as inspiration because dance is all about passion,” she emphasized.

Troxclair PT Chase Webre OT, CHT

CRAVIN’ CRAWDADS

We hope you enjoyed the high point of this crawfish season. Pictured are some of your neighbors diving into some good ol’ Cajun mudbugs!

THE BIGGER, THE BETTER!

BY JILL REYNOLDS

Family member names: Cody, Jill, Lyla, Lucy, and Logan Reynolds

Pet’s name: Califernia, short “Cali”

Breed: Dog, Great Dane Pet’s age: 5 years

What is Cali’s adoption story?

I’ve always wanted a Great Dane. I love BIG dogs and had one when I was a child. We had a dog that was getting pretty old, so I dropped a bunch of hints to my husband, including forwarding him the name and picture of the breeder and the specific puppy I wanted. He ended up getting her for me for my birthday. She came out of Nocona, Texas, from Blevin’s Great Danes.

How was her name chosen? Her coloring is unique, and she is a blend of a harlequin

and a fawn, known as a fawnequin. It reminded me of a calico cat, so I named her Cali. And my mom, Fern, was always joking about how none of her children named their children after her, so I added the “Fernia” as a joke.

What makes Cali unique?

Cali loves her people fiercely and is unhappy unless she is beside us. She thinks she is the size of our Chihuahua and will sit in your lap if you let her. She hates thunderstorms and fireworks! And she can catch any treat in the air.

What do you like best about her? She is the sweetest dog. She loves all people but is not a fan of yippy dogs nipping at her legs.

Here’s an award winner! If you want your pet to be famous, just get them in the Precious Pets section. Whether dogs, cats, birds, turtles, rabbits, or horses, we want to know about all animals! Email lifeonthepondN2@gmail.com to have them featured.

Any funny stories about Cali? She was a baby and hadn’t quite grown into her legs, she would try to fetch something running very fast. When she put her head down to grab the toy, her legs just kept going and she would do a somersault every time. She has since learned how to turn her body, so she doesn’t flip. Fetch is her favorite game.

Is Cali spoiled?

I wouldn’t say she is very spoiled. She isn’t allowed on the furniture simply because of her size, but she is smart enough to figure out that if she gets on the kids’ bed or upstairs sofa,

she has enough time to get off when she hears us come home, so she isn’t caught. But she has multiple dog beds spread throughout the house. And every time she hears a cheese pack open, she knows a treat is available.

How has she enriched your family?

Cali came to us at a time when we had to put our previous dog down to cancer although we didn’t know it at the time. She made the grief much more tolerable just being the loving little puppy that she was. She is a blessing, and everyone that meets her loves her. She truly is a one-of-a-kind dog.

KACEY LORING’S

Key Lime Cheesecake Squares

CRUST INGREDIENTS

• 1 c. graham cracker crumbs

• 1/4 c. unsweetened shredded coconut

• 1/4 c. finely chopped macadamia nuts

• 1 tbsp. granulated sugar

• 1 pinch of salt

• 6 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted

FILLING INGREDIENTS

• 16 oz. cream cheese, softened room temp

• 1 c. granulated sugar

• 4 tbsp. plain Greek yogurt

• 2 lg. eggs, room temp

• 4 tbsp. key lime juice

• 1 tbsp. key lime zest

• 1 tsp. pure vanilla

PREPARE THE CRUST

1 / Preheat oven to 350. Line 8x8 square pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.

2 / Place the graham cracker crumbs, coconut, macadamia nuts, sugar, and pinch of salt in a small bowl and stir to combine. Add the melted butter and stir until the

crumbs are coated well with the butter. Press the crust into the prepared baking dish evenly and bake for 8 - 10 minutes or until lightly golden brown.

3 / Cool on a wire rack while you make filling.

PREPARE THE FILLING

1 / In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together at medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Add the Greek yogurt, eggs, key lime juice, zest, and vanilla. Beat until combined.

2 / Pour the filling over the prepared crust, and bake for 20 - 25 min or until the filling is set but still a bit jiggly in the center (the filling will set more as it cools).

3 / Cool completely on a wire rack then chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 hours.

Before serving, top with your favorite whipped topping.

Striving for Excellence

Meet the dynamic force behind AMO Title, Matt Ory, whose passion for excellence and commitment to clients have driven the company to the forefront of the title industry.

AMO Title is a title company that built its foundation around four key principles: Excellent customer service, frequent communication, rapid response times and availability outside of normal business hours. “We strive to be in constant communication with all parties, giving frequent updates, reminders, and clear and prompt responses while always placing an emphasis on availability,” explained partner Matthew Ory. “Further, with offices in Thibodaux, Morgan City, Lafayette and Alexandria, we are able to bridge the gap between cities along Highway 90 and I-49 which makes things easier for realtors and lending institutions who are comfortable with our process and personnel without skipping a beat.”

Matthew Ory was born in Thibodaux, Louisiana but has strong family ties to Acadiana and St. Mary Parish.

“My family is from Franklin with the majority now living here in Lafayette,” he said. “Most of my cousins went to

St. Thomas More. My grandpa, Taddy Aycock, who lived in Franklin, La, was a former Lt. Governor of Louisiana serving under Governor Jimmy Davis for two terms. I’m very familiar with the area. My real estate partners and I are opening Smalls Sliders here in Lafayette in July 2023. I’m really excited to be a part of this parish.”

“My passion is developing commercial real estate,” shared Matthew. “Through my own personal closing experiences wherein I was the buyer, I noticed things that could be different with title companies. Customer service, communication, and availability to close your loan on your time didn’t seem to be paramount concerns in this industry. The decision was simple: we needed to open a title company that could achieve just that. We close your loan according to your schedule and location, not ours.”

“I think the biggest misconception when purchasing your home is that you don’t have control over the selection of the title company. You unequivocally do. YOUR CLOSING. YOUR CHOICE,” emphasized Matthew. “Select a title company that is grateful for each file. It will reflect in their work product.”

“If you are purchasing home or land, refinancing or obtaining a line of credit, you simply tell your lender you want to close with AMO Title,” said Matthew. “They will send us the title request.”

WHAT CLIENTS ARE SAYING:

“Matt and Kitty were amazing and made our closing process very easy and enjoyable! They were courteous and professional. But even more, they were very accommodating with our schedules and very informative about the process and what to expect. I am extremely happy with the service I received from AMO!”

—DR. KALISHA NELSON HANLEY

“Very friendly staff and knowledgeable. AMO made the process seamless. Amenities are first class. Highly recommend anyone selling or purchasing residential or commercial property to use AMO Title.”

—JON BOUDREAUX

“Amazing people! Very helpful and quick. Easiest signing experience ever! Thanks Matt and AMO Title!”

—ALISHA RODRIGUE

AMO Title 337-706-9AM0

www.amotitle.com

@amo.title.services

Sugar

Mill Pond

Shines Bright

With the newly renovated Latter & Blum office as the perfect backdrop, neighbors came together for a night of unforgettable fun, delectable food, refreshing drinks and soul-stirring music.

On Tuesday, June 13th, the residents of Sugar Mill Pond and business partners of Stroll came together for an unforgettable afternoon at the newly renovated Latter & Blum office in Sugar Mill Pond. The event was a delightful blend of fun, food, drinks, and music that left everyone with a smile on their face.

One of the highlights of the event was the culinary offerings, courtesy of the generous sponsors. Amber Sonnier and her staff at Half Shell Oyster House went above and beyond by treating the attendees to a mouthwatering feast. The Smoked Yellowfin Tuna Dip was a true delicacy, tantalizing taste buds with its rich and smoky flavor. The Shrimp Orleans, prepared to perfection, showcased the culinary expertise of the Half Shell Oyster House team. The delectable dishes provided a perfect complement to the lively atmosphere and added an extra layer of enjoyment to the event.

Moreover, the music played a vital role in setting the tone for the evening, and Chris Roberts, the lead singer of 88 Reasons Why, did an outstanding job. His performances were met with great enthusiasm and enjoyment from the crowd, creating a lively and vibrant ambiance

throughout the event. The blend of fantastic music and the overall festive atmosphere made it an unforgettable evening for everyone involved.

Overall, the afternoon at the Latter & Blum office was a resounding success, thanks in no small part to the contributions of the sponsors. The combination of delicious food, cheerful ambiance, and the camaraderie of the attendees made it a truly memorable occasion. It was an afternoon filled with laughter, good company, and a shared sense of community. The event served as a reminder of the joys of coming together, and it left everyone eagerly looking forward to the next gathering for Stroll Sugar Mill Pond.

SEE WHAT YOUR NEIGHBORS HAD TO SAY:

“The food was fantastic and music was great! Chris was fantastic and very talented. We would love to hear him again.”

—MONICA

TAUZIN

“Delicious food and love the shrimp dish. I have been to Half Shell Oyster House, and always have great service and never disappointed with the food. Loved when Chris plays Elton John’s music.”

—GEE VERRETT

“Enjoyed the food very much, and Chris was great. Really enjoyed his music!”

—DIANE BREAUX

“The food was excellent. 5 Stars! Chris’s music was excellent and his voice was spot on. Thanks for playing for us.”

—BILL

MILLER

“Enjoyed shrimp and smoked tuna. Very light on a very hot night. Chris is very talented. He adapted to the crowd very well!”

—ANN BOURGEOIS

“Everything was excellent. I had two other residents with me and they also enjoyed everything as well, including the music!”

—CHARLES CULTER

“As usual, the food from Half Shell Oyster House was outstanding. Whether you go to the restaurant or enjoy their catering it is always a great dining experience.”

—JIMMY FIELDS

“The food was outstanding, everyone I spoke to raved about their obsession with the tuna dip! Chris was over the top incredible. I have a few people I plan on sharing his information with. Thanks Chris!”

—TRICIA FREEMAN

“Tuna was great! People were better! Thank you!”

—LAINA DUTTON

Sugar Mill Pond Cajun

Wheelers 5K

WANDERLUST UNLEASHED

Beyond the well-trodden tourist paths, a universe of extraordinary experiences awaits those who embark on the path of solo travel.

BY SHAUNA OSBORNE, NATIONAL EDITOR

In the wake of a global pandemic that reshaped how we travel, a liberating trend has emerged — the rise of solo travel. As the world grappled with uncertainty and restrictions, individuals seeking a sense of freedom and exploration embraced the allure of unaccompanied journeying. Far from being a solitary experience, solo travel has become a transformative and empowering way to realign with your inner self, discover new horizons, and reconnect with the world in a profoundly meaningful way.

FREEDOM

Solo travel offers the freedom and flexibility to create a personalized itinerary based on your own interests and preferences. Without the need to compromise with companions, you have the autonomy to choose where to go and how to spend your time. Additionally, independent travel provides opportunities for meaningful connections with fellow travelers or locals, as the absence of companionship often leads to more

openness and a willingness to engage in conversations with new acquaintances.

PERSONAL GROWTH

Solo travel facilitates self-reflection and selfdiscovery, taking us out of our comfort zones and exposing us to new environments. It also offers the chance to prioritize well-being by providing space to focus on personal needs. Whether exploring a destination at your own pace or simply finding moments of tranquility, traveling alone encourages us to prioritize our own happiness and rejuvenation.

EMPOWERMENT

Self-guided travel places us in complex situations where we must navigate unfamiliar territories and make on-the-spot decisions, which cultivates resourcefulness, sharpens problem-solving skills, and fosters adaptability in the face of new challenges. Solo travelers gain self-confidence and a sense of empowerment by maneuvering through challenging scenarios independently.

TOP TIPS FOR SOLO TRAVELERS ABROAD

1 / Share your travel details with a trusted person at home and inform hotel staff about your plans before embarking on solo excursions.

2 / Check with your carrier regarding phone usage, potential charges, and temporary international travel plans to ensure you stay connected without incurring excessive costs.

3 / Streamline travel complexities with apps like TripIt and Duolingo that assist with tasks ranging from translating menus to converting currency rates.

4 / Pack light and carry essentials, such as copies of important documents, a first aid kit and

The Gaylors Travel to Turks and Caicos

This summer, Barb and Ron Gaylor traveled with family to Turks and Caicos. Their daughters and their husbands, Erin and Jason Jones from Austin and Jessie and Cory Morgan, along with their three grandchildren, Jack, Hank, and Kate, who live in Sugar Mill Pond attended. Cory’s parents, Dave and Cindy Morgan, from Lafayette, were also on the trip.The family had a great time enjoying a day on the boat to various islands, snorkeling, conch diving, swimming in the beautiful waters, soaking up the sun in the many pools the resort had to offer, and days at the beach. However, they noted the best part was just all being together!

The information contained herein has been obtained through sources deemed reliable by The N2 Company, but cannot be guaranteed for its accuracy

Any information of special interest should be obtained through independent verification.

This is a current list of business owners and professionals from our neighborhood. It is an opportunity to network, qualify, and potentially build a business relationship with other successful individuals who also live here. To be included in the Resident Business Guide, email your name, business name, phone number, and email address to thomas.theriot@n2co.com.

ATTORNEY

Law Offices of

Marty Broussard (555) 555-5555

BANKING

Community First Bank

Kevin Delahoussaye (555) 555-5555

CHEERLEADING ACADEMY

Cheerz Cheerleading Academy

Angie Schexnailder (555) 555-5555

DENTIST

Danielle Decou, DDS

Danielle Decou (555) 555-5555

ENTERTAINMENT

The Life of Riley

Ashley Riley (555) 555-5555

FITNESS

9 Round - River Ranch

Matthew Kennedy (555) 555-5555

GIFTS

The Gift Shoppe at Mula

Family Pharmacy

Christine Landry (555) 555-5555

HAIR SALON

J. Elliot Salon

Josh Clark (555) 555-5555

HOME INSPECTOR

Charlie Gray

Home Inspector

Charlie Gray (555) 555-5555

INSURANCE

DJW

James Perez (555) 555-5555

Farm Bureau

Scott Viator (555) 555-5555

INSURANCE / FINANCIAL

The Pinnacle Group

Greg Daigle (555) 555-5555

LAWN SERVICE

The Lawntender

Andy Brammell

LEGAL

Oil Expert Witness

Michael Valls (555) 555-5555

MORTGAGE

Central Mortgage Services

Jim Bernard (555) 555-5555

NONPROFIT

Alzheimer’s Services of Acadiana

Tasha Dugas (555) 555-5555

NOTARY

Notary Public

Michele Naquin (555) 555-5555

REAL ESTATE

District South Real Estate

Amel Kates (555) 555-5555

EXP Realty

Dawn Fournier (555) 555-5555

Latter & Blum

Jonah Lanclos (555) 555-5555

Tricia Freeman (555) 555-5555

TRAVEL AGENT

A Pair of Ears Travel

Jamie Navarro (555) 555-5555

A Pair of Ears Travel

Jamie Navarro

Y’ALL WANT TO GO TO THE GAME?

LET’S TAKE THE JET!