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! 

Summer is a hot travel season here in Southwest Louisiana.  It’s the time of year for leisure travelers and weekend warriors to explore the beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, see the alligators along the Creole Nature Trail and hit up the casinos and live concerts.  

When visitors are looking for something authentic from Lake Charles to bring home with them, there are a few spots around the area they can shop for souvenirs.

Cottage Shops located on Alamo St.

For other Louisiana products and culinary ingredients, check out this video.