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Showing posts with label Lake Charles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lake Charles. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
By Angie Kay Dilmore
Southwest Louisiana has no shortage of waterways –
shimmering lakes, meandering rivers, mysterious bayous, cypress swamps, and
salt grass marshes – and where there is water, there are boats. Sailboats,
motorboats, bass boats, fishing trawlers, and pirogues . . . but me? I love to kayak!
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| Angie Dilmore poses in front of the Calcasieu River Bridge at the Cayenne Kayak Challenge. |
Kayaking enables a paddler to go places other boats cannot
navigate. You can squeeze through narrow inlets and float across very shallow
water. The slower pace of kayaking allows you to observe more of the beautiful surroundings
of southwest Louisiana. The only sound a kayaker makes (unless he/she is
conversing with a friend) is the quiet swoosh of the paddle through the water; therefore
wildlife is not spooked as you approach. This provides plenty of opportunities
to see birds, alligators, turtles, and other animals in their natural habitats.
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| Angie Dilmore kayaks on Indian Bayou. |
In my home state of Pennsylvania, I never would have dreamed
of kayaking. In the northeast, kayaking is a completely different sport, fraught
with danger and a bit too much excitement for my cautious sensibilities. But after
moving to Lake Charles in 2007 and discovering all the (calm) water options, I
wanted to learn to paddle, though I didn't know how to get started.
Pelican Paddlers
Then I discovered
a fantastic group in town called the Pelican Paddlers. They welcomed me, taught
me about the different kinds of kayaks, showed me kayaking techniques and
rescue maneuvers, and brought me along on trips. They allowed me to borrow
boats until I determined which kayak was the best boat for me.
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| Sunset on Prien Lake after an evening paddle. By Angie Dilmore |
The Paddlers
meet every Wednesday evening during daylight savings time (March 8-November 1
in 2015) at Prien Lake Park at the kayak boat launch, 6 p.m. They also plan
one or two weekend trips a month, including an occasional night paddle.
In the fall, the Club has an event called The Cayenne Kayak Challenge near the Lake Charles North Shore Beach. Activities include a skills
relay race, a race around the perimeter of Lake Charles, burgers and hot dogs,
awards, and door prizes.
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| Boats lined up along the shore of Lake Charles. Photo by Angie Dilmore |
Kayak Rentals
If you are interested in renting a kayak, call Bayou Kayak Rentals at 337-802-6781 or 337-476-0398 or Lloyd’s Country Store at 337-540-3925.
Purchasing a Kayak
Several stores in the Lake Area sell kayaks. For
personalized knowledgeable advice and service, check out Ship to Shore on Lake
St. Other stores include Dick’s, Academy, and West Marine. There are so many
options to consider when buying a kayak. Do you want a sit-on-top or a
sit-inside? How do you want to use a kayak – will you paddle 10-15 miles for a
workout or peacefully fish in the middle of a lake? I advise anyone interested
in buying a kayak to do some research, talk to experts, and “test-drive”
several models before making a purchase. A kayak has to “fit” you and be
comfortable. Cost can be an issue, but remember, regarding kayaks, you truly
get what you pay for.
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| Angie Dilmore paddled the Calcasieu River near Sam Houston Jones State Park. |
Best Spots to Paddle
There is no end to the number of different places one can
kayak in southwest Louisiana. Some fortunate Louisianians who live near the
water can paddle from their own backyards! For others, popular paddling places
include the West Fork of the Calcasieu River from either Sam Houston Jones State Park or Holbrook Park; Indian Bayou (also near Sam Houston Jones
State Park); the marsh at the southern end of Nelson Road; Prien Lake Park; Bayou
d’Inde. For dolphin spotting, launch a kayak at the ship channel in Cameron
Parish near the ferry.
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| Angie Dilmore kayaked in the ship channel near the shrimp boats in Cameron. |
Packing List
Wherever you choose to paddle, bring plenty of water and
a snack, a cell phone for emergencies, a camera, and binoculars for watching
the wildlife. Take your time and bask in the beauty of southwest Louisiana. And
ALWAYS wear a PFD (personal flotation device).
For more information about the Pelican Paddlers, call me at
337-240-8380.
Monday, February 2, 2015
The Royal Gala in Lake Charles,
LA
by Glenn Kaufmann
by Glenn Kaufmann
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| Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net |
From elaborate headpieces, to flowing gowns, crowns, and
scepters, Mardi Gras krewes outfit their royal courts in the best and brightest
royal regalia. And, if the Royal Gala is any indication, nobody takes Mardi
Gras costumes more seriously than the people of Lake Charles, in southwestern
Louisiana, where more than 60 krewes (parading
organizations) show off their Mardi Gras finery on the night
before Mardi Gras day.
Each year, the Mardi Gras krewes of Southwest Louisiana
put on a colossal costume pageant that is open to the public, providing many
with their only opportunity to see these grand creations. Often, the
royal regalia (costumes) are only worn at private (krewe and guest only) balls
and functions. As a result, the Royal Gala (the exception to the rule) is not
so much a competition as it is a community celebration, and a chance to show
off the year’s designs and handiwork.
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| Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net |
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| Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net |
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| Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net |
Up Close and Personal at the Lake Charles
Mardi Gras Museum
Mardi Gras Museum
While the Royal Gala is an ideal introduction to the
costumes, headpieces, and royal accoutrements of the Mardi Gras krewes,
spectators at the event can only get so close to the finery. But, just a few
miles away at the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu,
anyone with a few dollars to spare can see hundreds of costumes from years gone
by, and learn a great deal about the design process in the bargain.
Glenn Kaufmann is the
editor and publisher of All About
Mardi Gras, a website that covers Mardi Gras across the united States.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Whether it’s
an anniversary, birthday, holiday, or simply because, if you’re planning a
romantic getaway weekend for your sweetheart, come celebrate in Lake Charles!
There’s plenty to do here, especially for two. Once you arrive, the magic of
southwest Louisiana will inspire you, but here are a few tips to get you
started.
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| Photo courtesy of Isle of Capri |
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| Pujo St. Cafe by www.monsoursphotography.net |
Fine Dining – Lake Charles chefs know how to
cook and serve great food! There are too many excellent restaurants to list
them all here, but a few of my favorites include La Truffe Sauvage at 815 Bayou Pines West, Restaurant Calla at 1400 Market St., Ember Grille and Wine Bar at L’Auberge, Harlequin Steaks and Seafood at 501 W. College St., and Mazan’s Mediterranean Foods, 217 W.
College St., and Vic and Anthony's at Golden Nugget Lake Charles. Bon appétit!
Wine Tasting – Several local establishments offer
wine tasting. Try Heist Wine Bar or Pujo Street Café, on Ryan St. The Wine Store on Nelson Rd. and Hocus Pokus on Country Club Rd. also offer wine tastings.
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| J&R Carriage |
Carriage Rides – What could be more romantic than a
ride in a mule-drawn carriage? J & R Carriage, located on Bord du Lac by the Lake Charles Civic Center, offers
lakefront tours along picturesque Shellbeach Dr. and through the historic
district of the city. Snuggle under a warm blanket, listen to the clip clop of
the mule’s hooves, and take in the sights of beautiful downtown Lake Charles.
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| Photo by www.lindseyjanies.com |
Music – Lake Charles boasts a thriving
music scene. Take your honey out dancing! In the warmer months, outdoor
concerts abound. The casinos often bring
in celebrity performers. L’Auberge
Casino Resort hosts the popular summer outdoor concert series, Party By the
Pool. The city of Lake Charles sponsors an outdoor concert series called
Downtown at Sundown and the Arts and Humanities Council produces Live at the Lakefront. Luna Bar and Grill hosts a Jazz Brunch on Sundays. Numerous bars and
clubs offer bands playing all genres of music. A few of the more popular nightclubs
include Luna Live, Jack After Dark at L’Auberge, and My Place. For a coffee house vibe, check the schedule at Stellar Beans Coffee House. Lake
Charles is also home to a world class Symphony.
Check their website for dates.
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| There are 26 miles of Gulf Coast beaches along the Creole Nature Trail. Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net |
If you’re
wooing on a tight budget, Lake Charles will still make a positive impression.
There are plenty of free or reasonably-priced excursions in southwest
Louisiana. Weather permitting, pack a picnic, stroll along Bord du Lac or through Prien Lake Park, and watch the sunset.
Take a hike at Sam Houston Jones State Park. They also have charming cabins for your overnight stay. Cruise down
the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road to bird watch and look for alligators. There are also several museums in southwest Louisiana that are
either free or have reasonable admission fees.
With matters
of the heart, it’s not so much where you are but who you are with that matter
most. But lovely Lake Charles can certainly help!
To read more of Angie's adventures, check out her blog, angiekaydilmore.blogspot.com.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
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| Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net |
January 6 . . . a date known by many names. Many
churches call it Epiphany. In Mexico, it is the Day of the Holy Kings. To the
Irish, it is Little Christmas. Roman Catholics know it as Joan of Arc’s
birthday. But here in Louisiana, it’s Twelfth Night!
Twelfth Night
marks the beginning of Mardi Gras season. In Lake Charles, we celebrate with an
annual Twelfth Night Extravaganza!
At this much-anticipated event held at the Lake Charles Civic Center, the royal
courts of local krewes parade through the arena and make their exit, thus
paving the way for the new krewe kings and queens. In typical Mardi Gras
tradition, it is a night of glitz, glamour, pomp, and pageantry.
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| Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net |
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| Photo by www.lindseyjanies.com |
Balls, parades, king cakes, gumbo cook-offs, trail rides, chicken runs, giddy merriment, indulgence . . . to me, it was all new, magical, mysterious. Mardi Gras continues to be a source of curiosity, fascination, and bemusement for me.
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| Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net |
Most of these krewes join the celebration at Twelfth Night Extravaganza. The costumes are colorful, sparkly, feathery, elaborate, and truly something to behold. Revelers on floats toss candy and shiny Mardi Gras beads to the enthusiastic crowd. Each person in attendance receives a small piece of King Cake. Twelve lucky winners find the “baby” in their piece of cake and win fantastic prizes.
Whether it’s a family tradition or your first time to attend, make plans to see the Lake Charles Twelfth Night Extravaganza January 6, 7 p.m.
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| Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net |
Tickets are $5 in advance, $6 at the door. Children 5 and under admitted free. Tickets may be purchased at Joseph’s Electric, Gordon’s Drug Store, Party Time Store, and Moss Bluff Flower.
To read more of Angie's adventures, check out her blog, angiekaydilmore.blogspot.com.
Friday, December 12, 2014
Growing up, my father’s photography studio was located in
downtown Lake Charles in a historic building from the early 1900s. I spent many summers there helping in the
office, answering phone calls and assisting in photo shoots. My brother and I would even play hide and
seek when we were kids. Those old homes
have lots of hiding spaces!
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| The historic Locke mansion located at 929 Broad St. in Lake Charles, La. was built in 1910. Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net |
After my dad bought the home in the early 1980s, they did
some renovations and found some pocket doors.
In the pocket doors, they found newspaper articles stuffed within the
walls from the 1800s. I always thought
that was so cool and I think that’s what started my fascination with the
Charpentier Historic District. Charpentier
is French for carpenter, by the way!
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| Learn more about the Charpentier Historic District at www.visitlakecharles.org/historic. Photo by Marty Solis |
Recently, the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention
& Visitors Bureau developed a free Lake Charles Historic Tour App. It brings the Charpentier Historic District
to life through a guided tour of the 40-block area of homes in the National
Register of Historic Places. You can
choose a 30 Minute Tour, One Hour Tour or Ghost Stories Tour.
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| 1911 Historic City Hall has a permanent exhibit on the Great Fire of 1910 and is featured on the One Hour Tour. Photo by www.lindseyjanies.com |
The haunted legends tour, or Eerie Calcasieu Tour, as it is
named in the app, has some pretty crazy stories included. There’s even a video that captures some great
stories of the local ghosts. There are
also videos on the Great Fire of 1910, Lake Charles Architecture and the
History of Lake Charles.
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| The Eerie Calcasieu Tour features haunted sites throughout Lake Charles. |
The app promotes social network sharing and even allows the
user to create a post card from the district. It's available in multiple languages and Closed Captioning, which is great if you have friends from other countries who are visiting and would prefer to experience the tour in their native language.
Download the free app in your app store by searching for “Lake Charles
Historic Tour.”
Learn more about the
Charpentier Historic District at www.visitlakecharles.org/historic.
Check out this quick video about the Lake Charles Historic Tour App.
Friday, December 5, 2014
The Golden Nugget Lake Charles is officially open for
business!
“The opening of the Golden Nugget has been highly
anticipated for the region,” said Megan
M. Hartman, senior marketing manager for the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana
Convention & Visitors Bureau.
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| Corner Suite by Landry's, Inc. |
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| Double Room by Landry's, Inc. |
Foodies will be delighted to know there are nine restaurants to
choose from! Just a few of the examples
are fine dining at Vic & Anthony’s, legendary Gulf seafood from Landry’s
Seafood House, and casual 24/7 options at Claim Jumper. Their extensive,
Vegas-style buffet even offers hand dipped strawberries!
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| King Room by Landry's, Inc. |
Although Golden Nugget Lake Charles is the fifth Golden
Nugget property by Landry’s, Inc. chairman, CEO and sole owner Tilman J.
Feritta, it is really the flagship since this $700 million resort is the 1st
resort they built from the ground up.
But golfers hold tight.
The 18-hole championship golf course, the Country Club at the Golden
Nugget, is set to open at the end of April just in time for the start of
summer.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
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| www.nhmsc.com |
Yesterday I was standing on the shoreline of Lake Charles
right where the National Hurricane Museum & Science Center will be located
one day among elected officials, community leaders and employees of State
Farm and Entergy. It was surreal because
this dream of building a one-of-a-kind education center has been a long one in
the making.
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| Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net |
State Farm and Entergy each gave the National Hurricane
Museum & Science Center $500,000 and I feel with these large
corporate donations, other companies will step up to give. We are two more steps closer to the reality
of breaking ground on the center!
Lake Charles Mayor Randy Roach mentioned how the center will
be a national tourist attraction. And
while it will tell the stories of how hurricanes have impacted the people, land
and economy, the educational components on hurricane preparedness and recovery
will be included, too.
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| Mayor Randy Roach. Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net |
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| The sign, held up by two Entergy trucks, said it all. Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net |
“The center represents more than just a facility,” and it can help “education, inform and inspire young people,” said Mayor Roach. “It can make them realize it’s not what happens to you that counts. It’s what you do in response.”
The center could bring in as many as 220,000 visitors a year
and provide the region with a $55 million annual economic impact.
To learn more about the National Hurricane Museum &
Science Center, log on to www.nhmsc.com.
Monday, December 1, 2014
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| Southwest Louisiana Marsh by www.monsoursphotography.net |
To me, there’s nothing more peaceful and beautiful than
watching the Southwest Louisiana sun rise in a duck blind with a cup of hot
coffee sitting next to me dad. My dad,
who is also a photographer, always told me that Southwest Louisiana has the
most gorgeous sunrises than anywhere else in the world! Who’s gonna argue with that?!?
Duck hunting has been a strong family connector in the
Monsour household. I’ve been hunting
with my dad since I was two years old.
We’d have father-daughter duck hunts at the camp in Johnson’s Bayou for
as long as I can remember.
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| A father teaches his children to call ducks. Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net |
My dad would always have a string of calls around his neck,
but my favorite was the old wooden Faulk’s call. It just looked more rustic than the synthetic
calls, and I’m sure it sounded better!
Faulk's Game Calls was
started by Clarence "Patin" Faulk. Patin was a local guide and a
trapper in Big Lake, Louisiana. He made duck and goose calls at his home
starting in the mid 1930s. His son Dud Faulk learned about call making from
him. In 1951, Dud created a full line of calls and started going to trade
shows. Dud won the International Duck Calling Championship once and the
World Champion Goose Calling Championship twice. He continued to grow the business
with his wife Rena at his side.
Today, Dud's wife Rena,
daughters and grandchildren assist in running the business in Lake Charles, LA.
Faulk's Game Calls is still producing quality, hand tuned calls with the same
attention to quality calls that they started with in 1951.
A Few Duck Calling Tips from Canaan Heard with Faulk’s Game
Calls:
- Don't
over call. - Call when the ducks are flying away from you or are passing in front of you.
- Don't call when they're flying at you.
Check out this video of avid outdoorsman Hal McMillin during teal season. To learn more about duck hunting in Southwest Louisiana and to find guide services, go to www.visitlakecharles.org/hunt.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Keeping it local during the Christmas season is what I’m all
about! No Black Friday crazy lines at big retail outlets or camping out for
door buster deals for me! Some of my
favorite memories Christmas shopping were with my mom going to the Cottage Shops, sniffing yummy candles and sampling the wassail at the Christian Book
Store.
I enjoy supporting our local businesses. Plus, they have all
of the Louisiana-centric gifts that my friends who live out of state enjoy so
much this time of year! You can find
locally made art and food products all over Calcasieu Parish.
Here’s a quick video of some of the unique Louisiana
products that might be great Christmas gifts ideas for some of those on your
Christmas list!
Don't forget about all of the great Christmas Events happening in the area. Click Here to check them out!
Monday, November 17, 2014
By Elizabeth Eustis
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| Photo by Lindsey Janies Photography |
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| Photo by MonsoursPhotography.net |
There are just so many wonderful activities going on this season, including some beautiful performances like The Nutcracker (Dec. 11-14) and The Little Drummer Boy (Dec. 13); so there is no reason to sit at home. Also, stop by the Convention & Visitors Bureau, 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive, to view the entries for the annual Gingerbread House contest (Dec. 6-30). Be sure to vote for your favorite creation!Plan your Christmas fun by visiting www.visitlakecharles.org/cajunchristmas for a complete listing of holiday events throughout Southwest Louisiana.
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Just down the road from Lake Charles is a new and exciting venture that is taking the world by storm. Bayou Rum
began shipping July 1, 2013. Louisiana Spirits entered Bayou Silver Rum and Bayou Spiced
Rum in some tasting competitions. As of October 27, 2014, Bayou Rum has
been honored 50 times in tasting competitions and 26 times by marketing
organizations. This award total is the most for any rum brand in the USA
and may be most in the entire world for the 2014 award’s season.
“Winning Best in Class distinctions from our craft distilling peers at American
Craft Distillers Association and American Distilling Institute was a very proud
moment. Competing against all the world’s rums and coming away with Best
in Class Gold Medal at the Miami International Rum Festival and 6 medals at the
Los Angeles International Spirits Competition was sweet indeed!” said Trey
Litel, President of Louisiana Spirits.
So while you are in the Southwest Louisiana region, make sure to stop by the distillery to take the tour and pick up some Bayou Rum to take back home.
About Bayou® Rum
Bayou Rum is America’s Rum® handcrafted from fresh Louisiana
sugarcane for an award-winning flavor; distilled and bottled consistently with
quality assurance at the largest private rum distillery in the USA. Bayou
Rum is currently available in LA, TX, MS, AL, and FL and is represented by
Republic National Distributing Company. Bayou Rum comes in 2 types,
Silver and Spiced, 3 glass bottle sizes - LITER, 750ml, 200ml - and in
convenient to carry 200ml pouches. New Bayou Satsuma Rum Liqueur is
available in 750ml bottles. For more information, visit www.bayourum.com.
To subscribe to latest news on Bayou Rum: Click on www.bayourum.com/connect
or visit www.facebook.com/bayourum.
Copyright 2014. Bayou® Rum, America’s Rum® and The Spirit
of Louisiana® are registered trademarks of Louisiana Spirits, LLC. All
rights reserved.
Monday, September 29, 2014
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| By Mike Shubic |
Feeling the Love in Lake Charles
I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “southern hospitality” before, it’s a romanticized notion personified in movies and television shows, where chivalry flourishes and visitors are made to feel welcome. While on a recent trip to Lake Charles, Louisiana for a travel conference, I discovered the essence of southern hospitality is not a cliché, but the very embodiment of its residents. The charming southwestern Louisiana town of Lake Charles has a strong Cajun culture and has a lot to offer its visitors; from performing arts, festivals, lush golf courses, glitzy casinos, historic districts, posh resorts, wildlife excursions to authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine.
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| By Mike Shubic |
Louisiana was one of only four states to which I had not yet traveled, so I was thankful the folks at TMShowcase selected Lake Charles for their annual travel conference which allowed me to knock yet another state off my list. The conference was held at the extraordinary L’Auberge Casino Resort, which is a retreat that captivates guests, many of whom may never want to leave due to the abundance of activities and luxuriousness of the property. Some of the journalists, myself included, were upgraded to a suite, which I have to say was one of the nicest rooms I’ve ever had the pleasure of staying in—and, as a perpetual traveler, that’s saying a lot! Beyond the amazing bed and other typical features you’d expect in a luxurious suite, this room had a few things I’d never experienced before, such a remote control that takes care of just about everything…from dimming the lights, adjusting the thermostat, to controlling a T.V. embedded in one of the bathroom vanity mirrors. Speaking of the bathroom…it was fit for royalty, with its focal point being a huge claw foot bathtub that fills from the ceiling. Yes, the ceiling. A gushing stream of water falls some ten feet into the middle of the tub. To one side of the bathtub is a large marble shower; to the other, a frosted glass enclosure with high-end loo and bidet.
While the accommodations are spectacular, so too is the entire property at L’Auberge: The casino floor, nicely manicured golf course, spa, shopping, to the lazy river swimming pool and on-site restaurants. A spot I enjoyed one evening with a colleague was the beach along a tributary at the back of the resort. I also visited the Barbier, an upscale barbershop where I experienced my first old fashioned shave. One evening several of the journalists and I were treated to a meal at Ember Grille and Wine Bar, the resort’s fine-dining restaurant. Rather than ordering off the menu, the chef brought out samples of his signature dishes for us to try, which included items like Tuna Tartare, Foie Gras, Crab Cakes, Kobe beef Carpaccio, and Ember Prime, a 40oz Rib Eye carved right at the table. Following that was a host of decadent desserts. It was a sensational meal and without a doubt one of the best I had during my trip to Louisiana.
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| By Mike Shubic |
I arrived in Lake Charles a few days prior to the conference and was able to check out some of the local flair and activities. As a road tripper, I was particularly interested in the Creole Nature Trail, which is one of the oldest scenic byways in the country. The All-American road winds through more than 180 miles of bayous, marshlands and shores along the Gulf of Mexico. It’s an amazing blend of scenery and a wonderful view of Louisiana’s fertile prairies, lush marshes and abundant wildlife.
Along the Creole Nature Trail is a place called Airboats & Alligators where you can take an airboat ride through the marshland and visit an alligator farm. This experience was both interesting and educational…not to mention fun to zip through a marsh atop an airboat. Talking with the owner, I learned that just weeks after Katrina hit New Orleans, Hurricane Rita devastated parts of Lake Charles, including the area where Airboats & Alligators is located. Rita took away the house and the business, including $6 million in Alligator inventory. It has taken many years of recovery, but they are finally getting back to normal. It was quite inspiring to listen to the passion and persistence they had to rebuild the home and their business. Alligator farming is an interesting business and can be quite lucrative if done properly. A top tier alligator can fetch up to $1600—and, once harvested, nothing goes to waste…the skin/hide is used for shoes, belts, wallets, etc., the meat is consumed, and the teeth are often used for jewelry and tourist trinkets.
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| By Mike Shubic |
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| By Mike Shubic |
The next stop of the day was really special…it was a relaxing eco-tour boat ride with the folks at Grosse Savanne Eco-tours, which was lead by our amazingly well-informed guide, Bobby Jorden. Situated on 50,000 acres of private land, Grosse Savanne Eco-tours has unlimited access to a multitude of various ecotypes, including both fresh and salt water marshes, cypress swamps, native coastal prairies, pine forest plantations, and agricultural lands. Our tour was through the cypress swamp, which provided amazing bird watching and other wildlife opportunities, including an abundance of alligators.
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| By Mike Shubic |
Later that day, a number of my fellow travel journalists and I went to Bayou Rum for a distillery tour. This fairly new rum distiller is producing handcrafted spirits on-site the Louisiana way, using a traditional copper pot (which is like a work of art…and, it cost as much too) using 100% natural Louisiana cane sugar and molasses. Not only was the tour informative, and the facility beautiful, but we also enjoyed a rum tasting. It had been a while since I had actually consumed rum, and I have to say, it was quite tasty! The following week I was in New Orleans and actually had a cocktail made using Bayou Rum, so it seems the word is getting out.
If you’re into historic architecture, you won’t want to miss the Charpentier Historic District, which features a number of Victorian mansions and other sites, some of which are palatial estates along the banks of Lake Charles.
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| By Mike Shubic |
After a few days of exploring Lake Charles, it was time for the conference to start. By day we spent most of our time in one of the conference halls at L’Auberge, and by night, we were taken to various venues around town for dinner, drinks and entertainment. The first night we went to a place called The Brick House, a really cool and historic venue where they had a Zydeco band playing some lively music that blended the accordion, washboard, spoons and an electric guitar.
Another evening we went to the Lake Charles Civic Center, where again, we feasted on local cuisine and enjoyed live local music. The venue is situated across the street from the banks of Lake Charles, so the view was quite stunning. Just before sunset I escaped the festivities for a spell and strolled along the nicely developed boardwalk that follows the lake. It was a sensational sunset with a silhouetted sailboat skimming the smooth surface of the lake.
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| By Mike Shubic |
On my final evening in Lake Charles, I got tickets to an outdoor concert that was held at L’Auberge by the pool. The massive stage with sophisticated light and sound system hosted the 80s cover band, The Molly Ringwalds. From Devo to Duran Duran, the band played all the 80s favorites…we (those of us old enough to know all the songs) danced like it was 1999. I had to laugh at one point…when these three young women looked our way as one of my fellow travel journalist and I were rocking out and singling along to a song of which we knew all of the lyrics…it was evident by their stares, the young women had never heard the song before!
It was quite warm and muggy, and after rocking out for a bit, we all decided to head to our respective rooms to don our swimsuits and head back down to conclude the concert by floating down and around the lazy river…it was a fantastic end to our wonderful time in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
The folks of southwestern Louisiana seem to be quite proud of their boudin and other Cajun and Créole creations; I on the other hand, found it to be my least favorite part. Call me a culinary snob if you will, but I prefer more refined and less fried foods. Personally, I gravitated toward the fresh seafood dishes in Lake Charles, which, given their proximity to the Gulf, were quite plentiful. The shrimp and crab for example were out of this world. If more traditional Cajun fare is your thing, you’ll find no shortage of that either.
I found the real stars of Lake Charles to be its people…so very friendly, hospitable, old school politeness, with an air of southern hospitality and charm. Click the following link to see more of Mike Shubic's photos of Lake Charles.
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