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Showing posts with label Southwest Louisiana. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Southwest Louisiana. Show all posts
Thursday, February 26, 2015
By Angie Manning
When the CVB team embarked upon the task of showcasing not just "what" there is to experience in Southwest Louisiana, but really what it "feels" like to experience Southwest Louisiana through video, music also bubbled to the surface of the conversation. This corner of the state is showered with gifts from natural beauty to nature's bounty, and while it thrives with tradition, culture and mouthwatering cuisine, there is a sense of home mixed in with exciting nightlife. How can you capture all of that in a video?
My executive director, Shelley Johnson, and I felt that music was a huge
part of the "My Southwest Louisiana Home" video project. How could we
just pick an existing song to complement something as personal and intimate as
capturing the magic of a place we love so much?
We needed something original. Music sets the tone for the visual, and
whenever thinking about who could write a song - like that - to evoke the
spirit of the area and people, Wendy Colonna
came to mind in an instant. Not only is Wendy from Southwest Louisiana, but she
is a supremely talented songwriter who also happens to be a storyteller in her
compositions.
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| Wendy Colonna and Angie Manning |
For the video aspect, working with Adam Boozer and his team at Stowaway was
completely seamless from concept to completion. Stowaway gets to the heart of
the story of a destination, the emotion, smells, feelings, spirit of the people
- those things that video cannot literally capture - need to somehow resonate
for inspiring travel.
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| Adam Boozer of Stowaway |
The CVB in Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana put together a one week shoot
based on Adam's trip to scout the area and learn about our unique culture, and
we were also able to partner with Parker Brand Creative. Thanks to many volunteers and
partners in tourism and local talent, we were able to piece together a fantastic
video to showcase the area.
Wendy, who currently resides in Austin, TX, is known for her signature
voice of grit-infused-honey, and her songs echo swampy-southern tales of loss,
mortality, joy, reclaimed innocence and celebration. Whenever filmmaker Adam Boozer of Stowaway,
Wendy and I talked for the first time about the project of "My Southwest
Louisiana Home," immediately, I could tell that this adventure was meant
to be - all being on the same page artistically.
From start to finish, glimmers of lyrics and themes came to mind like ingredients being put into a giant gumbo pot. At the end of the day, the song came together and was absolutely seasoned to perfection by Wendy's ability to make sense of all the ideas.
Wendy came home to Lake Charles to record with Matt Moss (bass guitar), Brandon Ledet (accordion), Joel Savoy (fiddle), Sam Broussard (slide guitar) and Doug Gay (drums) - all Louisiana musicians. The song was recorded and mixed by Matt Moss at EMF Productions, located in Lake Charles Music Plaza.
The CVB is proud to have its first commissioned song, "My Southwest Louisiana Home."
See the video: http://youtu.be/gXGLq9NAykI
Find out more from Wendy Colonna, the songwriter, in a two part interview by Austin Chronicle here.
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.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
By Brice Perrin
Southwest Louisiana has some of the most beautiful landscapes
and drives in the world. The beginning
of my adventure went a LONG way to drive (pun completely intended) that point
home. Traveling about 3 miles south and
east of the Lake
Charles Regional Airport, allowed me to get some of the best photographs
I've ever taken.
Farm land, marsh land, groves of beautiful trees that have
withstood some of the most intense weather on the planet. They're all there within a few miles of the
city. Standing on a dirt road, in my
Southwest Louisiana...watching the sky begin to glow from the coming sunrise,
the light fog hugging the ground, the sounds of native birds and wildlife
beginning to call out as they start their daily activities...it was peaceful,
soothing, meditative, and awe-inspiring all at the same time. And it's in my back yard!
There are, I’m sure, many places to see scenes like
this...but there's something about a Southwest Louisiana sunrise that is
mystic, musical, life-affirming, and spicy...just like our culture and food! And THAT, my friends, is something you can't
get anywhere but here.
A few days ago I decided to set out on an adventure to
re-discover my home turf. I struggled
with where to start. Being a
photographer, I decided to start in the country and work my way in. Just a heads up...there's so much to see and
do, that there's NO WAY to get it all in one post.
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| By Brice Perrin |
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| By Brice Perrin |
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| By Brice Perrin |
They say, "It's not the destination, but the journey." Here in Southwest Louisiana...it's both. One way to discover it is on the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road,
which just so happens to have a free tour app.
Stay tuned...Part Deux coming soon. Friday, January 23, 2015
Lt.
Governor Jay Dardenne and the Louisiana
Office of Tourism have deemed 2015 the “Louisiana Culinary Celebration!”
With that in mind, how can I possibly diet? Plus, it’s almost Mardi Gras, so King
Cakes are in no short supply and my office is directly across the street
from Steamboat
Bill’s on the Lake. I can practically hear the boiled crawfish calling my
name every day after work.
Eating in Cajun Country means good food prepared by the
people who know what to do with the bounty that nature provides. My mom recently “borrowed” kumquats from her
neighbor’s tree to make a marmalade. My brother-in-law knows a thing or two
about preparing ducks and geese after the hunt.
With seafood, everyone has their preferred methods of
cooking. You won’t find a shortage of
fried foods in Southwest Louisiana restaurants!
Don’t get me started on boudin.
Or cracklins.
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| www.monsoursphotography.net |
One of my favorite gumbo stories was covered recently by Michelle
Winner on www.CulinaryTraveler.com
mentioning Chef Lyle Broussard from Jack
Daniel’s Bar & Grill®. He was telling Jay Ducote, Bite and Booze food blogger, how he
knows when the roux is ready – he recalls the flavor from when he was a small
child, standing on a stool with a big heaping spoon of “chocolate” on his mother’s
stove. Little did he know, the “chocolate”
was actually roux! He’ll never forget that surprising taste!
Check out The Culinary Trails
Taste-umentary YouTube video that celebrates the local food scene and
features local restaurants at www.visitlakecharles.org/seafood.
Other culinary videos can be seen on the Visit
Lake Charles YouTube channel.
Cajun food is simple. And it’s complex. It is a conversation
starter. Food in Southwest Louisiana is
filled with passion. Don’t take my word
for it- come and taste for yourself!
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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| The Mardi Gras Gumbo Cook-off occurs Feb. 14, 2015. Photo by Buzzy Gordon |
Thanks to the popularity of Cajun
cuisine, Louisiana cooking has become world famous. And as a big fan myself, I
thought I knew most of what there is to know about the food. Until I went to
Southwest Louisiana for Mardi Gras, and attended the annual Gumbo Cook-Off in
Lake Charles, that is.
This is nothing like any other BBQ
or chili cook-off you may have ever attended. More than 50 krewes and other
competing teams filled a hall of the Lake Charles Civic Center, spilling over outside
adjacent to the lakefront promenade. The noise level is astounding: krewes are
also competing to win the “spirit stick,” by engaging in raucous revelry.
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| Mardi Gras krewes vie for the coveted Spirit Stick! Photo by Buzzy Gordon |
As the smells of simmering roux
start to activate the salivary glands, you begin to wish the tasting would
commence. But the teams have been admonished not to serve until the judges have
collected their samples. Finally, lines begin to form; and one by one, krewes
begin ladling out their savory offerings. These are no measly samples:
styrofoam bowls are filled to the brim with the steaming samples.
I did my best to try them all, but
after 20 or so half-bowls, I had to call it quits. But I managed to taste a bit from each
category: traditional chicken and andouille sausage; seafood; and wild game.
Some of the latter were quite exotic -- like pheasant and elk sausage.
Alligator featured prominently, along with rabbit, and even the occasional
squirrel.
While most of these mouth-watering recipes may be available to the public to eat only once a year, you'll be glad to know that the best in the professional competition -- as awarded in two of the three categories in 2014 -- comes from the kitchen of the Jack Daniel's Bar & Grill restaurant at L'Auberge Casino Resort. Professional seafood honors went to the Krewe de Sauvage, while Krewe de Mischief danced away with the coveted Spirit Stick.
For the aspiring chefs who want to make their own gumbo, check out this "How to Make a Gumbo" video by Chef Scott Landry.
For the aspiring chefs who want to make their own gumbo, check out this "How to Make a Gumbo" video by Chef Scott Landry.
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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.
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.
Friday, September 26, 2014
Southwest Louisiana has a multitude of events and attractions sure to scare you and thrill you this Halloween season. From climbing aboard the USS Orleck's haunted ship, or partaking in the theatrical production of Macabaret, to harvest events for the children, there's something for all ages. The Lost Hollows has a fun, Spooky Timbers trail for children and another more frightening side called the Deadly Pines trail that winds through the woods. To kick off this haunt season, below is a few questions and answers from The Lost Hollows.
1. How did the concept of The Lost Hollows come to be a reality?
Years ago, after purchasing land in Lake Charles, we considered creating a hay maze unlike anything that had ever been seen before; however, after gathering research we realized our grand hay maze would not financially support itself. During a brainstorming session about what else we might be able to offer the community, we came up with the idea of a haunted attraction. Since we didn't have a building to create a haunted house, we began researching haunted trails throughout Louisiana and Texas, attending some of the country's largest haunt conventions. After a year of extensive planning, we opened our trails in 2012.
2. Where do you find inspiration for the trails?
Much of our inspiration comes from other haunted attractions around the country. We borrow ideas from these haunts, making each concept our own by twisting them into unique visions.
3. What would you say is the scariest part of the trail?
This is always a difficult question to answer. Depending on your phobias, different parts of the Deadly Pines trail will be more terrifying than others. That being said, many people find the slaughter house and circus area the most frightening parts of the trail.
4. Will the trail have any new experiences this year? Expansions? Special Activities?
Though some sections of the trails are similar to last year's, staff members work year-round to make sure the experience is bigger and better than the previous season. This year, our major expansions on Deadly Pines can be found in the cemetery, junkyard and circus. We have also made our all-ages trail, Spooky Timbers, longer.
5. Who scares easier guys or girls?
Girls tend to scare easiest; but we have witnessed many grown men cowering behind their dates, pushing everyone out of the way as they run past in fear. We always know a good night by the amount of shoes we find along the trail left by people who were in too big a hurry to exit and too scared to turn back to retrieve them.6. Does the trail need volunteers? If so, how would I sign up?
We are ALWAYS looking for volunteers. For more information, visit the volunteer page on our website (http://thelosthollows.com/volunteer.html)!WEBSITE: www.TheLostHollows.com
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/TheLostHollows
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/TheLostHollows
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/TheLostHollows
For details on all the Halloween events in Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana, go to www.visitlakecharles.org/boo.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Summer is a wonderful time! It means sunny days, family vacations, water parks, 4th of July, and cookouts. But if you have children, it's inevitable that they will get bored and start to drive you out of your mind. Here's where the Lake Charles Children's Museum comes in; it has 3 floors of fun activities for kids.
Click here to learn more about the Children's Museum in Lake Charles.
Benefits of going to the Children's Museum:
- Kids will have fun!
- They might learn something.
- It's indoors and air conditioned!
- You won't go prematurely bald
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
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| Capt. Sammie Faulk with Gotta Go Charters |
Whether you are looking for fresh water species such as bass, crappie and catfish or saltwater fish like red drum (redfish) and speckled trout, you will find it in Southwest Louisiana. The Calcasieu and Sabine Rivers are great locations for freshwater fishing. For inland saltwater fishing, Calcasieu
Lake is known for its trophy sized speckled trout, numerous redfish and flounder – a.k.a.
The Cajun Grand Slam.
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| www.monsoursphotography.net |
I spoke with Faulk recently to get a few tips and tricks of the trade. My husband is interested in taking up
recreational fishing since it is a good family activity we can do together and
begin teaching our son.
Best Bait for
Beginners
For the novice fisherman, Faulk recommends a Berkley Gulp Soft Plastic in chartreuse. “There’s nothing that looks like that in the wild, but the Gulf has shrimp pieces in it so it’s almost as good as using shrimp and fish will pick it up,” said Faulk.
For the novice fisherman, Faulk recommends a Berkley Gulp Soft Plastic in chartreuse. “There’s nothing that looks like that in the wild, but the Gulf has shrimp pieces in it so it’s almost as good as using shrimp and fish will pick it up,” said Faulk.
He praised open faced spinning reels, preferably the light
action 7 foot Ugly Stick and Shakespeare spinning reel that are affordable for
beginners to get a feel for the sport. “For
the little children, Zebco’s are fine but when they get a little older they can
handle a 5.5 foot rod with a spinning reel.
You’ll be surprised how quickly they’ll learn,” said Faulk.
Best Bait for the
Advanced
Faulk says he advises advanced fishermen to use a top water bait in Southwest Louisiana because it is pretty simple to use and gets a ferocious strike. “Under the right conditions, you can get a heart stopping strike,” said Faulk.
Faulk says he advises advanced fishermen to use a top water bait in Southwest Louisiana because it is pretty simple to use and gets a ferocious strike. “Under the right conditions, you can get a heart stopping strike,” said Faulk.
Buying Bait
In Southwest Louisiana, Faulk said Academy has a large bait supply. For a more personal touch, he likes Lake Charles Tackle, which has a new location on Common Street. Cajun Tackle, on Country Club Road, is a smaller shop but it has new tackle. For live bait/shrimp, he likes Calcasieu Point Marina and Spicer Bait in Hackberry.
In Southwest Louisiana, Faulk said Academy has a large bait supply. For a more personal touch, he likes Lake Charles Tackle, which has a new location on Common Street. Cajun Tackle, on Country Club Road, is a smaller shop but it has new tackle. For live bait/shrimp, he likes Calcasieu Point Marina and Spicer Bait in Hackberry.
Professional fishing guides are plentiful in
Southwest Louisiana. Learn more about guide services here.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
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| Last year, Chester Daigle with City Heat performed to a packed crowd! They will be back on May 23 so be sure and mark your calendar. |
When
you think of Southwest Louisiana chances are you immediately think of food,
music and culture. Beginning Friday, May 16, one of Lake Charles’ premiere
concert series, Downtown at Sundown, will kick off by Ryan and Broad Streets
featuring everything you love about a downtown street fair and party. The main
component of Downtown at Sundown is the music, so expect some of the best of
the best performing.
For
the first concert on Friday, May 16, Louisiana Express will get the crowd pumped
up with their dance music, classics from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.
Chris Flowers is golden with her saxophone and amazing vocals.
On Friday, May
23, City Heat, a local favorite, will perform a variety of feel good covers sure
to get you out your chair and dancing in the street. They are known for their
rhythm and blues and jazz and funk dance tunes.
Grammy nominated Roddie Romero
& the Hub City All Stars makes their return to Lake Charles on Friday, May
30 with their “Louisiana Roots” music encompassing Zydeco, Cajun and Americana.
Topping off the concert series Friday, June 6 is Boomerang, a band that brings
sizzling hot funk, classic rock and Top 40 hits.
Look forward to music talent in the 700 block of Ryan Street by Luna, and also the vendors, food and more. All beverage sales of Downtown at Sundown
will benefit the Literacy Council of Southwest Louisiana. They
ask that no pets or outside drinks be brought on site. Be sure to bring your
lawn chair. The event lasts from 6-9 p.m. If for any reason it rains, the event
will move inside the Lake Charles Civic Center.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
I
f you're a local, more than likely you appreciate Seafood Palace. If you're not from Southwest Louisiana, the outside might not look like much, but we all know it's what's on the inside that counts.
What will you find on the inside?
Good people, sizable portions and, of course, great food!
What will you find on the inside?
Good people, sizable portions and, of course, great food!
If you're looking for some great Cajun cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere, look no further! If you're craving seafood but can't make it to the restaurant, try out their Cream of Crab Soup Recipe!
(Click Card to Enlarge)
Monday, March 10, 2014
By Braylin Jenkins (a.k.a.- BrayJ), www.heybrayj.com, #heybrayj
Use #RockTheLake to share your good times at the event!
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