Downtown Lafayette businesses were a dominating force in The Times' Best of Acadiana 2012 showdown. The Times of Acadiana asks readers to participate in an online poll of their favorite local establishments, services, and media. 19,840 people voted, and the winners were announced in the June 21^st issue. Downtown claimed an overwhelming total of 46 seats as top 3s; 18 of which were awarded the distinguished title of Acadiana's Best, and the other 26 proudly held 2^nd and 3^rd place honors.

The Children's Museum of Acadiana took home Best Museum. "The museum was built because they felt Lafayette needed a children's museum. Our mission is learning by doing, and that's what we believe in. We did it for the kids of Acadiana.”- Jo Elln Breakfield, creative director. Not only did the Children's Museum of Acadiana win Best Museum, but Acadiana Center for Arts was 2^nd.

Tsunami was voted as Best Asian and Sushi. The Downtown hotspot was also a finalist in the Martini and Bartender categories. The titles of Acadiana's Best Greek and Best Vegetarian Menu were given to Zeus. Owner Nidal Balbeisi says the secret to his success is "giving the right customer service,” and "appreciating everyone.” Keller's Bakery won Best Bakery in Acadiana, and placed 2^nd in the Best King Cake category, followed by pouparts in 3^rd. Borden's Ice Cream Shoppe found a sweet spot at #1 for Best Ice Cream. Agave accepted recognition as having the best outdoor dining, with Filling Station being the 2^nd. Agave was also voted 2^nd in the Best Margarita category. Their downtown neighbors, The French Press, took home 3^rd place as Acadiana's Best Sunday Brunch.

It is clear to see why the nightlife is so popular Downtown with City Bar winning Acadiana's Best Bar and Best Bloody Mary. City Bar is also the 3^rd Best Place for Singles to Mingle; The Office being 2^nd. If you stroll down the street you can find Legends, which took home 3^rd place in the Best Bar and Happy Hour categories.

Downtown is a hub for local music and musicians. Often hosting this music is Blue Moon Saloon; taking 2^nd for Best Place for Live Cajun/Zydeco Music. Let's not forget the effect live music has on our Cajun and Zydeco dancers. Blue Moon also took 3^rd in the category for Best Place to Dance. Downtown Alive! was named Acadiana's 2^nd Best Thing to do for Free (That's Legal) after Festival International, which took 1st.

Even though Downtown is a place to kick off your shoes and let lose, it is also great area for taking care of business. The title of Acadiana's Best Lawyer was awarded to Glenn Amerntor.

Downtown banks dominated the Best in Banking category. Chase was voted #1 with Iberia Bank in 2^nd, followed by Midsouth as 3^rd. Two downtown banks were voted Acadiana's Best Mortgage Company. Home Bank won the category, while Coast Capital Mortgage came in a 3^rd. Home Bank was also chosen as 2^nd Best in the Financial Advisor/Investments category with The Rock Financial Group in 3^rd.

Van Eaton & Romero won the title of Best Real Estate Company in Acadiana.

Congratulations to A-Net's Enchanted Dream who won Best Bridal Boutique. Teche Drugs and Gifts was voted 2^nd in the Gift and Drugstore Categories. The Kids Shoppe at Teche was voted the #3 Children's Store in Acadiana. Newcomer, Genterie , took 2^nd place in Men's Clothing, and Reflections of Olde Antique Mall was voted 3^rd Best Antique Store in Acadiana.

Acadiana is also a cultural explosion of fun and adventure, which came as no surprise when Pack & Paddle was voted Best Outdoor Gear Store. Pack & Paddle also took home the 2^nd place title for Best Hunting /Fishing Gear and 3^rd for Boats/Jet Skies.

Always in step with Lafayette, Greenwood Shoes was voted the 3^rd Best Shoe Store in Acadiana. Design by Todd Zimmerman was voted as the 2^nd Best Interior Design in Acadiana.