Why I Moved Back to My Hometown of Lafayette, LA
For close to a decade, Sarah Mary Toce-Donlon, a 34-year-old Lafayette, LA, native, lived outside of Louisiana. During this time, she met her husband in Boston, MA. Together, they sought refuge from the chilly northern winters by relocating to Charlotte, NC. But the powerful bonds of family brought Toce-Donlon back to her roots, prompting her and her husband to move to Lafayette, LA, and establish their life together.
Toce-Donlon is the development director of Parish Proud, which serves the Lafayette community through the revitalization of shared spaces. Ahead, learn more about this boomerang resident, what her life looks like today and the move that brought her back to Lafayette, LA.
Why did you move back to Lafayette, LA?
At some point, my husband and I started talking about starting our own family and what that would look like. We decided we didn’t want to do that away from the support system of the three generations of my Lebanese family that I have in Lafayette. My great-great-grandmother is the one who moved to Lafayette from Lebanon, and she settled on one street. That’s basically where my whole family sprawled for a long time. My mom was actually the first one to ever leave the street, and I was the first one to ever leave town and live in a different state. I moved back to Lafayette in October 2022.
How did you start making connections in the community as a boomerang?
Being born and raised in Lafayette, then leaving and coming back helps you look at a place differently. My husband and I have been trying to experience things that I think I took for granted when I lived here before. When you live somewhere, you think you’ll always be there, and you can always go do those things you put off. But now being back, we definitely enjoy the little things more. I’ve tried to expand my friend group since I’ve changed so much, and I’ve actually reconnected with several friends who have left Lafayette and come back. We kind of have that shared boomerang spirit.
What are your go-to spots to visit with family and friends?
Moncus Park is new and an incredible addition to our community – for me especially after having experienced so many beautiful parks in different states. That was such an incredible blessing to have in my town upon my return. We love the trails in Moncus Park. We love that you don’t even have to go very far into the trails to feel like you’re removed from the city sounds. Acadiana Park is also amazing. They have this gorgeous nature trail that my husband and I like to walk. We also have Tunica Hills right outside of the Lafayette area. And there are drop points all over Lafayette as well where you can just put your kayak into our Vermilion River and ride away whenever you want.
What’s your favorite spot to grab a bite?
My favorite restaurant since my childhood is La Fonda. A lot of folks in town give it a lot of grief because they like to say that you only eat there if you’ve had one too many of their potent and infamous margaritas or half-and-halfs. And I promise you, it’s not true. I’ve had 15 of my 34 birthdays at this restaurant. And it is a home away from home. It is my favorite place in Lafayette. I’m plant-based, so I don’t eat meat, and I typically don’t eat cheese. However, when I go there, I allow myself to have the cheese nachos with jalapenos. But I always like to get a little green salad with their homemade Thousand Island dressing, too.
Why would you recommend other people relocate or move back to Lafayette, LA?
Lafayette is so interesting. You know where everything is. Everybody knows someone who can help you with whatever problem you have. Like if you have a cracked window, well, my mom knows the company that’s been in town since her childhood that has remained fairly priced and accredited. Everything is a little slower paced compared to the northeast, and I find that helps me stop racing to the imaginary finish line.
How would you describe the people of Lafayette?
In the South, especially Lafayette, people are going to give you their whole heart, no questions asked. If you betray them, then they’re never giving it back to you. But up north, you had to earn people’s trust, love and respect. Now granted, once you earned it, you were in forever. But in Lafayette, if you act with integrity and selflessness, then you’re automatically part of the family.
What is your advice for newcomers?
Explore our town and people and make sure to tell everyone that you’re visiting because our community is so excited to share all of our gems and local knowledge with you to enhance your experience. If we know that you’re not from here, then we’re going to help you feel right at home as quickly as possible. And don’t be surprised if people ask who your mama is. It’s not because they’re being nosy; it’s just because they want to try to make a connection with you.
This article is sponsored by the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission, Lafayette Economic Development Authority and One Acadiana.