Visit Lake Charles, LA

Throw Me Something Mister! Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras

2011-12-28T07:40:00.000-08:00

Being the “catch” of the town has a whole new meaning from Jan. 6-Feb. 21, as Southwest Louisiana hosts the second largest Mardi Gras in Louisiana. With more than 50 krewes, we make sure the whole family has something to celebrate.

The excitement kicks off on Jan. 6 with the annual Twelfth Night Celebration, as the royal courts from 2011 usher in the new year in style with their extraordinary and intricate costumes. After Twelfth Night, Laissez les bons temps rouler, as the celebration and festivities pack the calendar until Fat Tuesday on Feb. 21.

Don’t miss the Mardi Gras Queen’s Pageant on Saturday, Jan. 14, where the 2012 Miss Mardi Gras will be selected. And put on your dancin’ shoes for the free Mardi Gras Community Dance for special needs citizens on Thursday, Jan. 26 at the Lake Charles Civic Center.

Every day is a reason to celebrate during Mardi Gras, and as Mardi Gras weekend approaches, the celebration kicks in to full gear with parades, cook-offs, balls, galas and more! Start out with the Merchant’s Parade on Friday, Feb. 17, and get ready for some fun on Saturday, Feb. 18 with the World Famous Cajun Extravaganza and Gumbo Cook-Off, the mystical Krewe of Barkus Parade, the Krewe of Omega Parade, the Zydeco Dance and public presentations by the Krewe of Cosmos and the Krewe of Illusions.

On Sunday, Feb. 19, join in and celebrate the children of the community with Children’s Day activities and the Children’s Parade. Also taking place will be Taste de la Louisiane and the return of the Lighted Boat Parade along the lake behind the Civic Center at 7:30 p.m.

Always a favorite, don’t miss the 2012 Royal Gala on Monday, Feb. 20, as the 2012 royal courts of krewes parade for the public in full regalia at the Lake Charles Civic Center.

Set your alarm clocks on Feb. 21, as Fat Tuesday starts off early with the Krewe de Charlie Sioux Block Party. Come early to reserve your spot for the grand finale of Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras, the Krewe of Krewes Parade at 5:30 p.m. in downtown Lake Charles.

And, if you’re not exhausted from all the celebrating, stop by the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu where the good times roll year-round at the museum featuring more than 250 complete costumes—making it the largest Mardi Gras costume display in the world!

The Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras has been chosen as a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society for the first quarter of 2012. This award is a coveted honor among 12 member states.Visit www.swlamardigras.com for more details on Mardi Gras 2012 in Southwest Louisiana.

MARDI GRAS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

January 6

Twelfth Night, 7 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center

January 14

Queens’ Pageant, Lake Charles Civic Center

January 26

Community Dance, 6:30–8 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center

February 11

Vinton Mardi Gras Parade & Festivities, 2 p.m., Downtown Vinton

February 13

Krewe of the Golden Years, 9 a.m. –2 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center

February17

Merchants’ Parade, 7 p.m., Downtown–Midtown Lake Charles

February 18

Carlyss Mardi Gras Trail Ride, 8:30 a.m., West Cal Arena/Sulphur

World Famous Cajun Extravaganza/Gumbo Cook-Off, 8 a.m.–2 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center

Krewe of Omega Parade, 2 p.m., Downtown Lake Charles

Zydeco Dance, 3 – 5 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center

Krewe of Barkus Parade, 3 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center

Krewe of Cosmos Presentation, 6:30 p.m., Sulphur High School

Krewe of Illusions, 7:30 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center

February 19
Taste de la Louisiane, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center

Children’s Day, Noon–3 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center

Children’s Parade, 3 p.m., Downtown Lake Charles

Lighted Boat Parade, 7:30 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center

February 20
Royal Gala, 7 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center

February 21
Krewe of Charlie Sioux Parade Block Party, Noon, Corner of Broad & Ryan

Hot Rods, Classics and Motorcycles Parade, 1 p.m., Downtown Lake Charles

Krewe of Krewes’ Parade, 5:30 p.m., Downtown–Midtown Lake Charles

Holiday Shopping Markets

2011-10-17T12:59:00.000-07:00

With the holidays right around the corner it’s time to start thinking about everyone’s Christmas wish list. These holiday shopping markets can help you find something special for everyone—even that holiday Grinch!

Kiwanis Christmas Arts & Crafts Show

November 4-6
Don’t wait for the day after Thanksgiving to start your Christmas shopping, get a head-start at the 40th Annual Kiwanis Christmas Arts & Crafts Show. Featuring arts and crafts from expert artisans, this is one of the largest arts and handicraft fairs in Southwest Louisiana. Check out the sneak preview, gumbo and silent auction on Friday from 6–9 p.m. Weekend hours are Saturday from 9 a.m.– 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The event takes place at the Lake Charles Civic Center, 900 Lakeshore Drive. For more information, call (337) 532-3839. For the latest updates, visit www.visitlakecharles.org/jacksonsquare.

Mistletoe and Moss Holiday Market
November 16–19
Just in time for the holiday season, mark your calendars for the 19th Annual Mistletoe and Moss Holiday Market. A holiday tradition in the Lake Area, this year’s market will feature over 80 merchants from around the country, showcasing apparel, gifts, and accessories for women, men, and children; specialty foods; and seasonal, as well as year-round, decorative items and home furnishings.

But it’s not just the unique shopping that brings people back year after year. The Market also features great food from local eateries and festive holiday entertainment from local schools and groups that will be sure to get you into the holiday spirit!

Get a jump start on holiday shopping at the Preview Party Gala featuring cuisine from the finest area restaurants plus cocktails, auction items and live entertainment on Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 7–10 p.m. Or hit the aisle before the crowds on Thursday, Nov. 17 at the Preferred Shoppers Breakfast from 9-11 a.m. A delicious breakfast buffet will be served by L'Auberge du Lac Casino Resort.

Don’t miss the perfect girls’ night out at Mistletoe & Moss' Ladies Night 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 18 featuring a wine tasting and delicious appetizers by local caterers.

Set your alarm clocks and bring the kids for Donuts with Santa on Saturday, Nov. 19, with three seatings at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and Cookies with Santa at 2 p.m. Your kids will be the first in town to get to tell Santa what’s on their wish list and even get their picture taken with Santa in his sleigh!

Raffle tickets will be sold for $5 this year at the market entry. Enter for three chances to win fabulous prizes! First prize is a three-night trip for two at Lake Austin Spa Resort. Second prize is an Apple iPad donated by Capital One Bank and third prize is a ladies' fragrance basket donated by Dillards.

Make sure to catch the holiday spirit with the sights and sounds of the holidays at this year’s Mistletoe and Moss Holiday Market! General Marketplace hours are Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.¬–9 p.m.; and Saturday 9a.m.–5 p.m. Admission is $8 per person, and children eight and younger get in free. On Thursday, Nov. 18, there will be no stroller fee. For more information on event availability or admission contact the Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc. office at (337) 436-4025 or visit www.jllc.net.

Sulphur’s Holiday House & Christmas Under the Oaks
December 2–4

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, then head on over to Sulphur’s Christmas Under the Oaks Festival where it snows every year! Located at the Brimstone Museum complex, 923 Ruth Street, Heritage Square is transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, holly wreaths and yes, even snow!

Get an early start on Christmas Shopping at The Holiday House open Dec. 2–4 from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. featuring more than 25 different shops with Christmas decorations, ornaments and more that will make it easy to deck your halls! The Brimstone Historical Society will also be unveiling its eighth ornament in the Sulphur Ornament Series. It will be available for purchase at the Henning Cultural Center desk for $15. Ornaments from previous years are available as well, though on a limited basis.

With great food, music, parades, shopping and Santa Claus, it’s easy to see why the Christmas Under the Oaks is a holiday favorite! For more information on Sulphur’s Christmas events, contact the Henning Cultural Center at 337-527-0357. For details on Christmas events in Southwest Louisiana, log onto www.visitlakecharles.org/cajunchristmas or contact the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-456-7952.

2011-09-24T07:24:00.000-07:00

Boudin Wars, Bayou Roots, Terrance Simien-Great Acadian Awakening!

Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011

Get your taste buds ready to savor boudin and your dancing shoes ready for headliner, Grammy winner Terrance Simien because it’s time to celebrate! Cajun food, Boudin Wars, Terrance Simien, Bayou Roots and all things Cajun and Zydeco will be at your fingertips at the Lake Charles Civic Center as part of the Great Acadian Awakening on Tuesday, Oct. 11, a free public event.

The Great Acadian Awakening is the perfect opportunity to invigorate the spirit of our heritage and connection with French speaking countries, specifically the Acadian people in Canada. The celebration starts in New Orleans, Oct. 7-8; moves to Houma, Oct. 9-10; then Lake Charles, Oct. 11-12, ending in Lafayette, Oct. 13-17.Tuesday, Oct. 11, is the day with the most activities in Lake Charles, and the public is invited to come to the Lake Charles Civic Center.

The festivities start Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 10 a.m. with genealogy workshops and resources available by the Southwest Louisiana Genealogical & Historical Library. Stephen White, a genealogist and speaker from Moncton University in New Brunswick, will be the guest speaker at 2:15 p.m. on the historical perspective of the Acadians.

The opening ceremonies kick off at 11 a.m. with dignitaries, a singing group from Barbe High School and the Acadiana Cowboys Band. Following the opening ceremonies, there will be a French language Cultural Coffee Corner where local French speakers can have conversations with tour groups from Canada and other French speakers from around the state, starting at 1:15 p.m. Free French lessons will also be given at that time for those who are beginners.

There will be free performances by Terrance Simien with his Creole for Kidz Program as well as a musical storyteller from New Orleans on Cajun traditions, Papillion, during the day at the Rosa Hart Theatre from noon-1:30 p.m.

From 4-10 p.m., art vendors and local restaurants such as 121 Artisan Bistro, Pujo St. Café, Southern Spice and Aucoin’s will have booth space in the Exhibition Hall, and there will be the famed Boudin Wars! Over the past two years, the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail has grown in popularity, and now is the chance for the stops along the trail to compete with event-goers casting their votes – to name the “Boudin Master of the Universe!”

Battling it out at the Boudin Wars from 5-7 p.m. will be Famous Foods, Hollier’s, Sausage Link, Comeaux’s, Market Basket, Gillis Grocery & Café, Billedeaux’s, Sonnier’s Sausage & Boudin and Kat’s Kracklins/Cruz Café.

Other bands to perform through the day and into the evening include Lesa Cormier & the Sundown Playboys at 4 p.m., Chris Miller & Bayou Roots at 6 p.m. and Grammy Winner Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience from 8-10 p.m.

A special addition to the event will be the Thomas Jefferson French Wine Tasting, with a presentation in French by Dr. Phillipe Girard with a translation performed by Adley Cormier, dressed as none other than Thomas Jefferson.

One event that carries over into the next day is the 25 year anniversary premier of Belizaire the Cajun. The film will be shown on Wednesday, Oct. 12, at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum. Filmmaker Glen Pitre will introduce the film, and Michelle Benoit will be on hand to answer questions afterward. Seating is limited, and you must reserve your seat by calling the museum at 337-439-3797.

For more information or a full schedule, log onto www.visitlakecharles.org/GRA. To explore the French Wine Experience, visit www.rougetetblanc.us. To participate or volunteer, contact Angie Manning-Istre, aistre@visitlakecharles.org.

Boudin! Yummy!

2011-01-24T13:39:00.000-08:00

Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail

It’s been over a year now that the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail has been in existence. Not to say the mom & pop shops along the boudin trail didn’t exist until a year ago, in fact, several of the stops along the boudin trail have been family owned for generations. What’s great about the trail is that it winds through Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes, so you can see all of Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana along the way, even down to our Gulf beaches!

First off, you might wonder what boudin is! It’s a tasty finger food that on the service looks like sausage. But boudin is Louisiana's spiced-up hybrid of pork or beef sausage. It's a tender, savory mix of pork, rice, liver, parsley and onions, variously seasoned with salt, red pepper, black pepper and garlic powder. Everything's stirred together, stuffed into casings and sold hot by the pound. It's the first thing we break out whenever there is a group of culinary writers in town or a tour group who needs a little flavor of the area!

There's mild boudin and hot boudin. There's smoked boudin, with a crispy casing. There's shrimp, crawfish and even alligator boudin. Bite it, slice it or squeeze it, and you'll discover Louisiana's love of food crammed inside.

No two boudin recipes are alike. Whether it's sold at a restaurant, a grocery store or a gas station, boudin has fillings and flavors reflecting the individual tastes and traditions of each boudin maker.

For a list of stops along the Boudin Trail, visit http://www.visitlakecharles.org/boudintrail or contact the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-456-7952 for a boudin trail brochure.

Mardi Gras Magic in Lake Charles, LA

2010-12-11T12:21:00.000-08:00

Mardi Gras in Lake Charles is in swing starting Twelfth Night, January 6. But the bulk of the activities crank up for Mardi Gras weekend, March 4-8. Not many people realize this, but outside New Orleans, Lake Charles has the largest Mardi Gras concerning number of krewes. The area has almost 60 krewes. Lake Charles is also the only place in the state to see all royal kings, queens and courts promenade in their exquisite costumes in one place - at the Royal Gala, March 7, the night before Mardi Gras!

For a full listing of Mardi Gras events, including parades, children's activities, canine costumes, gumbo cookoffs and more, visit www.swlamardigras.com.

FOR MARDI GRAS HOTEL PACKAGES: www.visitlakecharles.org/visitors/mardigraspackages

2010-10-11T07:58:00.000-07:00

Ringing in a Cajun Christmas in Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana
The spirit of Christmas and the holiday cheer start early in Southwest Louisiana. There are some great art pieces, fine homemade jewelry and unique creations, perfect for gifts at several upcoming events. Mark your calendars for these great shopping excursions:

Kiwanis Christmas at Jackson Square West:
Fine Art & Authentic Handmade Crafts
November 5–7
The first weekend in November marks the time for hundreds of expert artisans and crafters to display and sell their products to many eager shoppers at the largest art and handicraft fair in Southwest Louisiana. Sponsored by the Kiwanis of South Lake Charles since 1972, this event offers one-of-a-kind art that will enhance any space. The featured artist this year is Dianne Christopher with the Picasseaux Art Studio from New Roads, LA. Check out the sneak preview, gumbo and silent auction Friday from 6–9 p.m. Get a head start on holiday shopping. Weekend hours are Saturday from 10 a.m.– 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information, call (337) 532-3839. www.visitlakecharles.org/jacksonsquare

Mistletoe and Moss
November 17–20
The Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc. celebrates the 18th Annual Mistletoe & Moss Holiday Market Wednesday–Saturday, Nov. 17–20. A holiday tradition, this year’s market is sure to be spectacular! With over 80 merchants, the event will be held in the Exhibition Hall and Coliseum of the Lake Charles Civic Center, and shoppers will catch the holiday spirit as they experience the sights and sounds of festive holiday decorations and entertainment while shopping for Christmas goodies!

Be the first to shop the 2010 Holiday Market Merchants during the Plantation & Pearls Preview Party Gala featuring cuisine from the finest area restaurants plus cocktails, auction items and live entertainment on Wednesday, Nov. 17, from 7–10 p.m. Admission is $40. Enjoy a complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary while local celebrity chefs whip up delicious recipes for the crowd during the Southern Sassy Brunch on Thursday, Nov. 18 from 10 a.m.–noon. Admission is $25 per person.

Grab your girlfriends for Belles and Bordeaux Ladies Night starting at 5:30 p.m. This exciting and fun-filled night will include wine tasting by The Wine Store and delicious appetizers by local caterers. Buy your tickets early for a chance at fun door prizes!

Beignets with Santa will be on Saturday, Nov. 20, with three seatings at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Don't miss your chance to tell Santa what's on your list! Photographer Jennifer Kilpatrick will be on hand to take each child's picture with Santa in his sleigh. Beignets will be served and local author Tommie Townsley will entertain children with her latest book.

General Marketplace hours are Thursday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.¬–9 p.m.; and Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Admission is $7 per person and children eight and younger get in free. On Thursday, Nov. 18, there will be no stroller fee. For more information on event availability or admission contact the Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc. office at (337) 436-4025 or visit www.jllc.net.

Sulphur’s Christmas Under the Oaks’ Holiday House
December 2–4
Let it snow! Snow will definitely be glistening in Sulphur for the 9th Annual Christmas Under the Oaks celebration with all activities centering around the Henning Cultural Center at 923 Ruth Street Dec. 2–4.

The Holiday House at Christmas Under the Oaks will be preceded by a special “Preview Gala” on Thursday, Dec. 2, from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. which will allow guests to enjoy great food and music and find those perfect gifts before the festival actually begins. The exclusive event is $35 and benefits the Brimstone Historical Society. Tickets must be purchased in advance from the Henning Cultural Center.

The Holiday House will be open Dec. 3–4 from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. and will have over twenty-five different shops with a multitude of fabulous Christmas items. The Brimstone Historical Society will also be unveiling its seventh ornament in the Sulphur Ornament Series. It will be available for purchase at the Henning Cultural Center desk for $15. Ornaments from previous years are available as well, though on a limited basis. They will be on sale for $13 each.

Saturday, Dec. 4, opens with the “Breakfast with Santa” event. Tickets for this event will be available starting the month before. Tickets are $5, and include a pancake breakfast courtesy of Pitt Grill in Sulphur, and a photo with Santa! Other festivities include performances by local school choir and dance teams, music from The Bayou Jazz Kings and a tea room hosted by the Sulphur High School “ProStart” program.

The sky will be a kaleidoscope of color with the Sulphur Kiwanis Balloons on Parade on Saturday at 3 p.m. The parade will start at W.W. Lewis Middle School and come down Cypress Street. Grab a comfortable spot later that evening and enjoy the 9th annual Spectacle of Lights at 6 p.m., where there is always a 100 percent chance of snow in the forecast along with Sulphur’s biggest fireworks display.

For more information, call the Henning Cultural Center at (337) 527-0357, the Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau at (337) 436-9588, or check out www.holidayhousesulphur.com.

Town of Vinton, LA Turns 100!

2010-09-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

Black and white photos tell part of the story, and the people tell the rest. It's not every day that a town turns 100. Everyone is invited to the Vinton Heritage Festival to celebrate the roots of a town that has turned out quite a bit of talent over the years such as Marcia Ball, legendary pianist and songwriter as well as Bobby Kimball from the hit band Toto! The actual festival will be October 9, 2010 from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. at Downtown Vinton's City Park.

Headlining this year’s festival will be Marcia Ball, one of the many “Vintonites” whose musical roots are native to the town of Vinton. Other Vinton native performers include Ivy Dugas, Ed Jardell, Raymond T & French Bred. A special vendor booth will be on hand selling Vinton inspired items such as ornaments and Afghans.

Additional crafts, door prizes and food vendors will be in abundance. No festival would be complete without exciting activities, rides and games for spry youngsters and of course, Gumbeaux Gator. The festivities will be held from 9 a.m.–9 p.m. at the corners of Center and Horridge Streets.

Lawn chairs are welcomed; however, coolers and alcohol are not permitted. For festival information, contact Vinton City Hall at (337) 589-7453 or webmaster@cityofvinton.com.

Casino Entertainment this August!

2010-08-06T19:17:00.000-07:00

August is a great time to squeeze in some last hoorah entertainment before the summer comes to an official close. There is no shortage of entertainment this August at the casino complexes in the Lake Charles area. It’s the perfect time to catch headliners, relax in a pool, enjoy dining options, hit a round of golf or soak in some spa treatments!

Here’s a glimpse of the line-up:

Delta Downs Racetrack, Casino & Hotel
Zydecajun with Wayne Toups (Aug. 28, 8 p.m.)
Dance the night away to Wayne's distinctive fusion. He draws on French-language traditional material of his Cajun ancestors, but adds the unmistakable R&B textures of Zydeco music. Add to that his undeniable charisma as a rocker and you begin to understand why he's been dubbed "The Cajun Springsteen" or "Le Boss."

Grand Funk Railroad (Sept. 4, 8 p.m.)
Enjoy a Rockin' Night with The American Band, Grand Funk Railroad as they perform their greatest hits, including "We're an American Band" and "Locomotion."

www.deltadowns.com for more info.

Isle of Capri Casino Hotel
38 Special, (Aug. 14, 7 p.m.)
38 Special is an American rock band that was formed by neighborhood friends Don Barnes and Donnie Van Zant in 1975 in Jacksonville, Florida. The band's first two albums had a strong southern rock vibe. By the early 1980s, 38 Special shifted to a more accessible arena rock style without abandoning its southern rock roots. This shift helped to usher in a string of successful albums and singles. The band has an exciting stage presence, sure to get everyone on their feet.
www.isleofcapricasinos.com for more info.

L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort
Grammy Award Winner Travis Tritt, (Aug. 14, 8:30 p.m.)
Country music star Travis Tritt will take to the stage at L’Auberge and dazzle audiences. Starting with the debut single release of "Country Club" in 1989, Travis Tritt has charted more than thirty singles on the U.S. Billboard charts, including five Number Ones. His first and third albums—1989's Country Club and T-R-O-U-B-L-E—have each achieved platinum certification by the RIAA, while his albums It's All About to Change (1991), Greatest Hits: From the Beginning (1995) have each achieved gold status. His most recent album, The Storm, was released in 2007 on Category 5 Records.

Grammy Award Winner Michael Bolton (Aug. 28, 8:30 p.m.)
If you made a list of performers who have sold more than 53 million records, won multiple Grammys for Best Male Vocalist and countless other honors, earned a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, and sold out arenas worldwide, Michael Bolton would be on that list! A world class performance is in store for anyone in the Lake Charles area.
www.ldlcasino.com for more info.

Want Something Spicy & Authentic for Your “Summer Va-Cajun?”

2010-06-02T07:51:00.000-07:00

iiieeeee! Well, Sauce Piquant, do we have Festivals for you to Experience!

Usually, the older we get, the more we realize that everything has a delicate balance. Authentic culture is no exception. It’s something that has to be preserved and appreciated to survive over time. Cajun culture is the epitome fun - mixed in with hard work of living off the land. So, work hard/play hard! Most older Cajuns have lots of laugh lines, twinkling eyes and can’t wait to take a visitor into the fold to treat them like family.

Through it all, everything ties back to the land, Louisiana’s natural resources, and of course, food and music. Louisianans are proud of their French Canadian heritage and have built traditions, recipes, songs and a way of life over hundreds of years that revolve around family, food friends and doing what it takes to make guests smile and dance the night away. You can experience it for yourself at the Cajun French Music & Food Festival or the Marshland Festival this July in Lake Charles, LA. And, you’re sure to hear the Cajun expression of having a good time: “iiieeeeeee!” (Yeah, it just comes out!)

Mark your calendars for the Cajun French Music & Food Festival, July 17-18! The spice of Cajun food will linger in the air around Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles as the sounds of accordions, guitars and intriguing Cajun French lyrics entice your feet to shuffle into a Cajun two-step. Get your fill of gumbo, jambalaya, étouffée and other Cajun specialties that have been spiced to perfection over the years. Dare you to try some cracklin’s? Check www.cfmalakecharles.org for the schedule.

Or, head out to the music showcase known as the Marshland Festival, July 30–31. In addition to hot bands, there will be arts and crafts, a business expo, activities for the kids and more, oh yeah, and food! Southwest Louisiana is known for flavorful fare and hot music, and this festival will give you a taste of both. Check www.marshlandfestival.com for the schedule.

Come by and have a cup of delicious Louisiana coffee with us! To plan, check out the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau, www.visitlakecharles.org or call 800-456-7952.

Call Up Your Girlfriends. Hit the Open Road. Head for Lake Charles!

2010-05-05T08:21:00.000-07:00

Whenever you've had enough - whatever you do - don't just sit there and take it! The therapeutic thing to do is hop in your car, speed dial your buddies and let them know you are on your way to take them to Lake Charles. Oh, and make sure you throw in - "no excuses!"

What's great about Lake Charles is it's a budget friendly destination. In fact, Lake Charles was featured on MSNBC as a great place to visit for the value. In addition to casino resorts, fine dining and entertainment, you can also have some unique hands-on experiences such as Painting with a Twist where you can bring in a bottle of wine, pay a small fee, and voila, you have an art trainer, all the supplies, and you get to walk out the door with your very own original piece of art! Other artistic experiences are also available with the Art Sanctuary, or theatrical and performing arts found in the thriving arts & culture of Southwest Louisiana.

May 14 - June 4, you can start off the weekend right with great entertainment by local and regional bands every Friday from 6-9 p.m. It's the Downtown at Sundown Concert Series, complete with food, beverages and art booths where shoppers can pick up unique gift ideas. Or, now through August 12, you can experience the popular Party by the Pool series every Thursday night at L'Auberge du Lac Casino Resort. Or, try your luck at Delta Downs Racetrack, Casino & Hotel or the Isle of Capri.

Fun times await you and the gang in Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana. For itinerary planning and checking out the scene, visit www.visitlakecharles.org.

Exploring Louisiana's Outback!

2010-04-01T08:32:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, it’s easy to feel pressure. Not necessarily pressure caused by stress, but just the pressure that people, cars, the general noise of the city can cause. Bringing about that enclosed feeling, like being boxed in your house, in your neighborhood, in the city type of feeling. When I get that way, it's time to take a breather in a calmer place in the great outdoors. Everyone has “things” that we have to take care of, and every now and then, it’s good to let those “things” wait a sec. They can wait, right?

On a sunny day, it’s good to just grab a few snacks, find a wide brimmed hat, dig out the old sun block and sport a huge pair of sunglasses in hopes of discovering something beautiful and natural along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. Spring and summer are stunning in Louisiana’s Outback. Butterflies, flora and fauna are at their peak, and alligators love sunning themselves along the banks.

So, once you get your car gassed up and supplies/snacks in the ice chest, you can hit the road. Take Exit 20 off Interstate 10 and follow Hwy. 27 south toward the Gulf of Mexico. If you want to do a little crabbing, now is your big chance! It’s loads of fun, and kids can really get into it too. What blue crabs lack in good looks and temperament, they make up for in taste. Nothing can compare to fresh blue crab! They’re easy to catch, and the whole family can join in the fun. May to September is prime *crabbing time.

Stop at any one of the bridges crossing the canals or make a beeline to one of the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge locations: Northline Recreation Area, Hog Island Gully Recreation Area, Blue Crab Recreation Area (formerly 1A/1B), or the West Cove Recreation Area. Bring your own or stop at any of the local stores to purchase some thick string and good crab bait — turkey or chicken necks, cut fish, or meat chunks are the best — a dip net and a pail or ice chest. Tie your bait to the end of the string, toss it in the water and wait for a slight pull. Slowly pull the line in and have your net at the ready to scoop up your crab before he gets wise and lets go!

Hitting the trail, you can see several wildlife refuges and attractions, including the Wetland Walkway at the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge or the newly refurbished Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge. Along the Wetland Walkway, you can actually walk out onto a raised platform walking trail that takes you right into the marsh where you can see alligators and other wildlife. Cameron Prairie has interactive exhibits including two shows where animated characters give a brief and interesting history of the Cajun/Creole people and the importance of preserving the wetlands. The Pintail Wildlife Drive is perfect for taking in the view of nature’s beauty right from your car window!

The Creole Nature Trail’s 26 miles of natural beaches are easily accessible offering a wide range of water activities. You can swim, tube, surf fish, observe shore birds, sunbathe and go shelling. They are particularly excellent for shelling. Some of the most complete and perfect shells can be found along Gulf beaches in Louisiana’s Outback, and parts of the beaches are even made of tiny wee shells. Located west of the Mississippi Delta, they are constantly replenished by the "muddy river's" southeast tidal flow which carries rich deposits of driftwood and a wide variety of shells including welks, cockles, angelwings, cateyes, olives, wentletraps, coquinas and periwinkles.

For more information on the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, visit http://www.creolenaturetrail.org/. For accommodations, other attractions and restaurants near the Creole Nature Trail, visit http://www.visitlakecharles.org/.

*Crabbing:
Individual crabbing for recreational purposes are not required to possess a basic recreational fishing license. However, persons using crab nets or crab lines on wildlife management areas or refuges must possess a basic and saltwater recreational fishing license or a Wild Louisiana Stamp. Please visit the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries website.

Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail

2009-11-10T14:06:00.000-08:00

Ask us to send you a
Boudin Trail Brochure!
800-456-7952
info@visitlakecharles.org
Who's on the TRAIL?!

Yeah, so maybe Napa Valley has wine. And...perhaps New York has pizza, and to the top that pizza? Gotta have Wisconsin cheese no less. But, those places don't have what we have, and that's BOUDIN. Say what? It's pronounced "boodan or boodeh," but however you pronouce it, the end result will be - "yummmm," which is probably universal in all languages.

In Louisiana, we tend to take things for granted because they are so ingrained in our culture or everyday life, that it takes someone on the outside to let us know what's so cool about our own cuisine. Boudin is one of those things. So now, we have an all new Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail that ties together all the boudin masters in the area in a way so that visitors can navitgate our cities and towns, taste the local boudin and see attractions along the way.

The best part about the trail is that you get to meet the locals and see other Louisiana products such as specialty meats, spices, sauces and coffee - all made locally or somewhere in the Bayou State. And, many of these products are not available on a national scale, so you'll be able to take a little Cajun kick back home with you and impress your friends!

So, oh, yeah, what IS boudin?! LOL! It's our favorite finger food, and it's a staple snack in the southern regions of Louisiana, made of varying amounts of pork meat, liver, rice, onions, parsley and dry seasonings like salt, red pepper, black pepper and garlic powder. Looks similar to sausage to the untrained eye.

Boudin - how to prepare thee? Let me count the ways! You can get crawfish boudin, shrimp boudin, alligator boudin, mild boudin or smoked boudin - just to name a few. Or, fried boudin balls - my favorite - old fashioned goodness.

So, check out the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail or for updates on what's going on in the area, follow us on Twitter or Facebook by clicking on the icons to the right.

We hope to see you in town for a boudin breakfast, lunch or dinner!

Cajun Girlfriends Getaway

2009-08-12T07:11:00.000-07:00

So, you come home from work and call up an old friend. After twirling your store bought "boxed" spaghetti on your fork and watching it fall off in a limp splat on your plate, you realize that you (A. need a vacation B. need better food C. would like to bring a few old friends with you!) Has this ever happened to you? The same old, same old turns...really old?

(Cue dream bubble and harp)
Think of a place where you can take a stroll downtown and run across some interesting shops from trendy jeans to antiques and knickknacks. That place is closer than you think. In downtown Lake Charles and several blocks over in the cottage shop district, delightful stores exist where you and your gal pals can find unique items including Louisiana food products. Also downtown, there is a variety of food to pique the interest of most palates, and Cajun restaurants are found throughout Southwest Louisiana. When you are here, you can also find Cajun recipes and cookbooks such as the local Junior League's "From Marshes to Mansions" that you can take with you and try in your kitchen back home. Yummmmm!

For nightlife with the gals, L'Auberge du Lac Casino Resport offers a wide array of restaurants featuring scrumptious steaks to "gotta have it" gelato. Live entertainment options will keep you dancing long into the night. Follow it up with massages, facials, and the works at Spa du Lac in the morning. After a massage (or two), float down a lazy river and catch up on some girl talk. How much fun would it be to relax in style with a good group of friends and actually return from a vacation - refreshed? Glam-N-Gloss Day Spa, Scarborough's, Henrietta's and more throughout the area create a pserfectly charming atmosphere to be pampered.

Other exciting casino adventures can be had at the Isle of Capri Casino & Hotel in Westlake or Delta Downs Racetrack, Casino & Hotel. Each property has a myriad of fantastic restaurants, steaming buffets and live entertainment options. At the Isle, show off your inner rock star by singing karaoke with your friends every Wednesday night. Relive hits of your youth and perform them - live! Get your adrenaline going during Thoroughbred raving season at Delta Downs. Watch both horse and jockey gallop and lunge down the track for that coveted photo finish! (Just like in the movies!)

For more information on entertainment options and local events and festivals or to plan your trip, contact the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana CVB at 800-456-7952 or visit http://www.visitlakecharles.org/.

Ieeeee - Pod!...Cajun & Zydeco Style!

2009-06-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

The next time you are loading up your iPod or similarly technological gadget, think about looking up some truly different musical experiences for your evening run or road trip. So, if Cajun, Zydeco or Swamp Pop are not an everyday affair for your listening pleasure, you might be surprised to know that there are many bands out there who are carrying on traditions passed down from generation to generation, with Zydeco and Swamp Pop stemming from blues and country influences on Cajun French music. In fact, there is a new Zydeco & Cajun Music category at the Grammys!

Check Out Grammy Winners:
Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience 2008 Winner
Michael Doucet avec BeauSoleil 2009 Winner

Grammy Nominees:
Pine Leaf Boys
Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys
Cedric Watson
Geno Delafose and French Rockin' Boogie
Lisa Haley
Lost Bayou Ramblers
Racines
Roddie Romero and the Hub City All-Stars

Hey, it’s no secret the Louisianans like to have a good time, and my personal thought is that perhaps long before washing machines did the dirty work, people decided to make music with washboards to break up the boring chore of washing clothes! Who knows?

But, better yet, instead of just looking up our truly unique blend of music for a mere iPod, why not check it out in person? This summer, you can experience the Cajun Music & Food Festival, July 18-19, or the Marshland Festival, July 31-August 1.

The complete scoop is on the calendar section at http://www.visitlakecharles.org/, and while you are there, you can get an overview of other attractions, restaurants and places to stay and visit in Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana.

Come by and have a cup of coffee (my favorite) at the tourist bureau while you are in town, and we’ll help you find your way - 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, LA. For more information, call the bureau at 800-456-7952.

Soul Vacation Concert!

2009-05-19T13:39:00.000-07:00

Downtown at Sundown will feature Soul Vacation on Friday, May 22, at 6 p.m. on the corner of Ryan and Broad in Downtown Lake Charles. Soul Vacation began in November 2003 when bassist Jay Ecker invited co-member and guitarist of the band "City Heat," Mike Dolan, to put together a new kind of party band, playing a mixture of today's most popular hits with a dash of that undeniable classic rock flavor. He then quickly recruited Mrs. Jessica Minton of Lake Charles to add a unique female voice to the equation. With the addition of former student David Pellerin (keyboards/vocals) and Ron Muniz (percussion), the group was complete. The band performs at venues across southwest Louisiana and east Texas. Playing songs from a wide array of artists, Soul Vacation is one of the most musically versatile live bands in Lake Charles.

Downtown at Sundown is made possible by corporate sponsorships. The Soul Vacation concert is sponsored by Global Industries and will be performing on a stage sponsored by Cheniere Energy. Local artists will come out to exhibit their talents in table top galleries alongside kids’ entertainment and food booths. In the event of rain, the concert will be held inside the Lake Charles Civic Center. Concert goers are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, however, no outside beverages or pets are allowed. Beverage revenue will benefit the Arts and Humanities Council of SWLA. The audience is invited to meander through Downtown Lake Charles for more entertainment in the restaurants and pubs. For more information call 337-491-9147 or visit www.cityoflakecharles.com.
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