By Angie Kay Dilmore

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

By Braylin Jenkins (a.k.a.- BrayJ), www.heybrayj.com, #heybrayj

T he excitement and fun of a community gathering, great sounds, artists and a variety of cuisine will culminate at the Arcade Amphitheater for an event like no other in the region. Live music in Southwest Louisiana is not uncommon, however a series of live musical performances that occur three Fridays in a row at the Arcade Amphitheater  with a beautifully picturesque lakefront view in the background is unique. Thanks to the Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA, the City of Lake Charles, Deep South Productions and other businesses/organizations throughout the region, Friday March 14 will mark the third year since the series first began, serving as the kick-off and start of the 2014 Live @ the Lakefront season.

On March 14, gracing the stage to kick-off the series, local jam rock band Fresh Nectar will amp up the crowd . Topping off the night is Lafayette based, four time Grammy nominated Cajun band, Pine Leaf Boys. On March 21, rockabilly and country take the stage with The Loaded 44rz, opening the second Friday. Highly sought after party rock band Flamethrowers will wrap up the night. On March 28, The Onlies come to town, opening the final night of the 2014 season with their Acadian Folk/Indie Folk sound. The grand finale of the night brings Ashes of Babylon who originated in Lake Charles, back home from Austin, Texas with their famed Roots/Reggae sound and vibe marking their second performance at Live @ the Lakefront. You have to be there!

Use #RockTheLake to share your good times at the event!

To learn more about Live @ the Lakefront, click here.