Lake Charles’ Premier Meeting Place Award Winning Hotel
B:11”
T:10.75”
http://www.lq.com
LA
Quinta®
INNS & SUITES
1201 W Prien Lake Road
(337) 478-9889
• 2014 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award winner! • Free Wireless High-Speed Internet Access • Free Bright Side Breakfast • Meeting Facilities Available • Outdoor Swimming Pool • Fitness Center • Pillowtop Beds 2 minutes from The Golden Nugget and L’Auberge Casinos
WELCOME
DISCOVER SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
ON THE COVER LindseyJanies.com
READ ABOUT: 6 Casino Entertainment .......................
8-12 Where to Eat? .......................
13 Arts & Culture .......................
18
19 & 49-50 Creole Nature Trail/ Adventure Point
Foodie Experiences in SWLA
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25-26 History
monsoursphotography.net
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LindseyJanies.com
37-39 Galleries & Museums .......................
42 Golf
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44 Nightlife
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Contraband Days Pirate Festival
48 Lodging
50 Parks & Beaches
OVO Cirque Du Soleil
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51 Kid Friendly Fun .......................
52-53 Maps
www.VisitLakeCharles.org The Visitors’ Guide is a publication of the Lake Charles / Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). The Lake Charles / Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau takes no responsibility for the advertisements contained within this publication. Responsibility rests solely with the advertisers. The CVB does not independently verify information provided by its members and does not warrant the quality or reputation of the services or products offered by them. Several pictures by brendalafleur.com, lindseyjanies.com and monsoursphotography.net. Current as of April 2016. All information is subject to change.
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april-june 2016 | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | www.visitlakecharles.org
13 Celebrating the Arts
LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E
WELCOME TO LAKE CHARLES/ Southwest Louisiana
H
ere in Southwest Louisiana, we take time to enjoy life, food, music and good company. Sometimes, we like to describe the area as a place where Cajuns, cowboys and the coast come together, and it creates an eclectic and relaxing atmosphere. Be sure to visit our attractions, museums, galleries, and experience culinary delights from Cajun food in locally owned restaurants with recipes that have been in families for centuries and the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail. Casino entertainment and area nightlife have live music throughout the year. If the outdoors is more your speed, you can enjoy adventures along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. Stop by the convention & visitors bureau, 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive, and visit with our friendly staff while you grab a cup of coffee to learn more. Check us out online at www.visitlakecharles.org or call 337-436-9588.
LindseyJanies.com
GOT VACATION SNAP SHOTS? Share them!
E
veryone likes to take photos of the area whenever traveling. And, let’s face it, “selfies” are fun too! Our social media team in Lake Charles/ Southwest Louisiana loves to hear from people who are experiencing the best of what the area has to offer from food, the great outdoors to cultural excursions. If you see something unique, snap a picture and use #visitlakecharles to tag the photo. You can also write to us to share your experience, and we may be able to feature it on our blog to encourage others to visit the places you visited! Log on to our website, VisitLakeCharles.org/YourStory to share your story.
Connect with us on Facebook at Facebook.com/LakeCharlesCVB, on Twitter @LakeCharlesCVB or other platforms. @franciscarojekdumont
www.visitlakecharles.org | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | april-june 2016
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LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E
SPRING & SUMMER FUN AT AREA CASINOS
A
Golden Nugget Lake Charles
L’Auberge Casino Resort
Isle of Capri Casino Hotel 6
Landry’s, Inc.
t Golden Nugget Lake Charles, entertainment is the name of the game with The Spinners on April 1, Leon Russell, April 2; KC & the Sunshine Band, April 8; Travis Tritt, April 9; Aaron Neville, April 16; Belinda Carlisle on April 22 and ZZ Top performing April 23. Creedence Clearwater Revisited takes the stage May 6, followed by Paul Anka on May 7, Peter Frampton on May 20 and Air Supply on May 21. Country superstar Clint Black performs May 27, with Chicago on May 29. June kicks off with Grand Funk Railroad, June 3; Happy Together Tour, June 4; The Guess Who, June 17; Bill Engvall on June 18; and the annual Golden Nugget Wine Fest, June 24-25. You can dive into seafood sensations at L’Auberge Casino Resort with the Crawfish at Le Beaucoup Buffet with all-you-can-eat crawfish beginning daily at $29.99 and all-youcan-drink domestic draft at $5. Near Memorial Day weekend, Touloulou’s opens its seasonal doors with beach volleyball courts, food and drinks and fun in the sun. Poolside, you can check the Liquid Society Summer Concert Series for hot, popular entertainment, followed by Jack After Dark, the perfect post Liquid Society party!
The Isle of Capri is getting into the summer mode with three concerts sure to get you into relaxation mode. First, there’s Nightbird, a Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks Tribute on Saturday, April 23 at 8:30 p.m. at the Lone Wolf. On Saturday, April 30, the sweet tunes of ABBA will be performed by Arrival from Sweden – The Music of ABBA at 7 p.m. at the Event Center. Then, Mark Chesnutt rounds out the series with a concert on Saturday, June 4, at 7 p.m. in the Event Center. The newest dining addition at Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel, Rosewater Grill & Tavern has mouthwatering selections and a unique décor with a sweeping view of the track. You can sip unique cocktails and enjoy a succulent selection of delicious cuisine. Upcoming entertainment includes Mickey Gilley on April 30 and Chubby Checker on May 14. All area casinos feature fine dining and casual dining options, retail shopping as well as an assortment of amenities. For more information, visit www.goldennuggetlc.com, www.mylauberge.com, www.isleofcapricasinos.com or www.deltadowns.com.
Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel
april-june 2016 | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | www.visitlakecharles.org
LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E
WHERE TO EAT THE BOILING POINT 1730 Beglis Pkwy, Sulphur, LA 70663 (337) 625-9282, Open Mon-Fri 6am9pm, Sat 10am-10pm, Closed Sun Specializes in traditional Cajun cuisine. The Boiling Point provides delicious Cajun cooking & seafood served up with a smile. The menu includes fresh seafood, seafood dinners, boiled crawfish & homemade boudin.
DELTA DOWNS: THE LOOKOUT RESTAURANT Visit deltadowns.com for more info. Formal dining in a casual atmosphere, with a beautiful view of the racetrack. Enjoy the finest steaks and seafood, and an extensive domestic wine lint. A fine dining restaurant with banquet capabilities. Open 5:00pm – 10:00pm, Wednesday – Saturday, during live racing beginning April 22.
CASA MANANA 2510 Ryan St, Lake Charles; (337) 433-4112 Mon-Fri 11am-9:30pm, Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11-3pm • Since 1976 we have been preparing only the freshest Mexican food for our guests. From-scratch tortilla chips to shrimp tacos to margaritas, you’ll love our award-winning quality!
DELTA DOWNS: THE TRIPLE CROWN BUFFET Visit deltadowns.com for more info. The buffet features a 35-ft cooking station where you can enjoy grilled steaks, broiled fish and more, cooked to order before your very eyes. There are fresh salads, award-winning gumbos and a spectacular dessert station. And on Sunday, enjoy brunch with made-to-order omelettes and all your breakfast favorites. A full-service, family restaurant.
COYOTE BLUES 3624 Ryan St, Lake Charles; (337) 502-5131 Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-9pm • Using the freshest ingredients, we handcraft food that is Mexican, but add our own unique and flavorful spin. It is a place where you are always welcome and where friends become family.
ParkerBrandCreative.com
DELTA DOWNS RACETRACK CASINO & HOTEL 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton (800) 589-7441, www.deltadowns.com
DELTA DOWNS: FOOD COURT Visit deltadowns.com for more info. It’s time to let your taste buds run wild! Try any of the 5 restaurants in the Delta Downs’ Food Court. Select southern-style breakfasts and fried seafood baskets at the Down Home Diner, dine on Texas-style BBQ at Boyd Barbecue, experience a variety of ways to eat a spud at Potato Depot, or try a delicious flamed-grilled burger from Grillers. Enjoy a steaming or iced cup of coffee, try Caffe Siena. Whatever ignites your senses, you’ll be screaming for more.
Now with 2 Locations to Better Serve You!
Cajun Boudin at Its Best!
Hollier s
CAJUN KITCHEN
1709 Ruth St, Sulphur LA • 337-527-0061
3 Blocks North of I-10, Exit 20 (Bus & RV Parking) Open Monday - Saturday 7am - 9pm Lunch Buffet Monday - Saturday 11am - 2pm and a Seafood Buffet 5pm - 9pm
Hollier s
the ure in Chair t c i P Take Atic Rockingorch! Giganthe Front P on
CAJUN DINER &
The Boudin Kitchen Meat Market
303 S Cities Service Hwy, Sulphur LA • 337-533-2234
Open Mon - Sat 7am - 9pm 1 Block North of I-10, Exit 23 Bus & RV Parking
Hollier’s Cajun Kitchen continues to serve the best marinated steaks and seafood. Well known for Wednesday’s BBQ lunch which is referred to as BMW (Big Meat Wednesday). It’s all you can eat chicken, sausage, pork steak, pork ribs, rice dressing, beans, and potato salad. We also offer deer processing and a variety of specialty items including boudin, sausage, tasso, Andouille, hog head cheese, jambalaya, cracklins, crawfish boudin, stuffed pork loins; pork tenderloin stuffed with jalapeño and cream cheese wrapped in applewood bacon; boneless stuffed chickens; and chicken poppers (boneless chicken thigh wrapped in bacon) and a variety of seasonings. Major Credit Cards Accepted. 8
april-june 2016 | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | www.visitlakecharles.org
LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E
For a complete list of places to eat, go to www.visitlakecharles.org. WHERE T GOLDEN NUGGET: GROTTO Visit goldennugget.com/lakecharles for more info. Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in a warm, entertaining atmosphere that will transport you to the cozy setting of a trattoria in the Old Country with our winning combination of impeccable service, superb cuisine and unsurpassed passion for detail, Grotto is the perfect location for friends and family to enjoy a fabulous meal and have a great time.
GOLDEN NUGGET: SALTGRASS STEAK HOUSE Visit goldennugget.com/lakecharles for more info. An award-winning steakhouse famous for serving Certified Angus Beef® steaks, known for its superior quality, tenderness and flavor. Each steak is cooked to perfection with Saltgrass-7 Steak Spice and then topped with fresh garlic butter to further enhance its mouthwatering flavor.
GOLDEN NUGGET: LANDRY’S SEAFOOD HOUSE Visit goldennugget.com/lakecharles for more info. From the time the doors opened in 1947 at the first location in Lafayette, Louisiana to present day, Landry’s Seafood delivers you the finest taste of Gulf seafood, with authentic recipes, generous helpings and our Bon Temps South Louisiana hospitality. Sample our world-famous gumbos made with dark brown roux, fresh fish and shrimp, oysters GOLDEN NUGGET: CLAIM JUMPER Visit goldennugget.com/lakecharles for more shucked to order and more. info. Famous for food crafted with the GOLDEN NUGGET: best ingredients and an atmosphere that LILLIE’S ASIAN CUISINE makes you feel at home, Claim Jumper a Visit goldennugget.com/lakecharles medley of homemade dishes including burgers, sandwiches, fresh-baked pot pie, for more info. Lillie’s Asian Cuisine offers traditional and modern Chinese specialty salads, pasta, baby back pork ribs, seafood,Certified Angus Beef®, USDA and Japanese cuisine including sushi, traditional noodle dishes and more all in Choice steaks & more. a chic, contemporary ambiance.
GOLDEN NUGGET: THE BUFFET Visit goldennugget.com/lakecharles for more info. Enjoy our buffet featuring seven different stations including fresh soups and salads, seafood, Asian, Mexican, Italian, American comfort and carving stations –surrounded by an all new, modern design.
DELTA DOWNS: ROSEWATER GRILL & TAVERN Visit deltadowns.com for more info. Life is absolutely delicious – especially in the Rosewater Grill & Tavern, the newest of Delta Down’s culinary delights. Sumptuous steaks, seafood, and desserts are just a taste of what awaits. Open 5pm – 9pm, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and 4pm – 11pm, Fridays and Saturdays. GOLDEN NUGGET: CADILLAC MEXICAN KITCHEN & TEQUILA BAR Visit goldennugget.com/lakecharles for more info. Offering an incredible breakfast, delicious tapas and signature items that include favorites, such as carnitas guadalajara, fajitas, tacos al carbon, the cadillac mexicana burger, and of course, enchiladas! Make sure to leave room for dessert and enjoy the delectable sopapillas or tres leches.
O EAT
GREAT KHAN MONGOLIAN GRILL 1740 W. Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles (337) 477-1377, Mon-Thurs 11am-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11a-9pm Using spectacular sauces and spices, we grill creations over a blazing fire using an authentic gri`ll known over the world as Mongolian Grill and Barbecue. Also serving Sushi Mon-Thurs from 2pm to 6pm. HOLLIER’S CAJUN KITCHEN 1709 Ruth St., Sulphur, (337) 527-0061 303 S Cities Service Hwy, (337) 533-2234 Mon-Sat 7am-9pm Cajun cooking, steaks, seafood. Comfortable and friendly atmosphere with rockers on the front porch. Delicious seafood, gumbo, boudin, and crawfish étouffée. Casual attire.
HONEY-B HAM AND DELI 506 E Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles GOLDEN NUGGET: VIC & ANTHONY’S (337) 478-3354, Mon-Sat 8am-8:30pm, Visit goldennugget.com/lakecharles for Sun 10am-6pm Top-of-the-line hams and more info. Indulge at One of America’s Top turkeys, crawfish (when in season), bbq 10 Steakhouses. Vic & Anthony’s features and brisket, boudin balls, blossom burger, an elegant, yet intimate atmosphere, pistolettes, cracklins and much more! created with an undeniable attention to detail. Our award-winning menu ISLE OF CAPRI CASINO HOTEL features only the finest prime beef, fresh 100 Westlake Ave., Westlake seafood & more, as well as an extensive (877) ISLE ONE wine collection. www.isleofcapricasinos.com
Great Louisiana Seafood! Voted #1
in Southwest Louisiana Reader’s Choice Award
“Where The Locals Eat”
Selected by "As One of Ten
Great Places to Eat in the USA"
Open Daily - Three Locations to Serve You: 1004 Lakeshore Dr. (just off I-10) . . . 337-494-1070 Corner of Highway 14 & Broad St. . . 337-494-1700 735 N Pine St - DeRidder . . . . . . . . . . 337-460-7788
www.visitlakecharles.org | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | april-june 2016
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LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E
WHERE TO EAT ISLE OF CAPRI: FARMER’S PICK BUFFET® Breakfast: Mon-Fri 7am-10:30am, Sat & Sun 7am-10am, Brunch: Sat & Sun 10am-3 pm, Lunch: Mon-Fri 11am-3 pm, Dinner: Sun-Thurs 4pm-9pm, Fri & Sat 4pm-11pm, Featuring crawfish until May. Enjoy all-you-can-eat breakfast, lunch and seafood dinner buffets, featuring magnificent breakfast spreads, tender chicken and beef entrées, crisp salads, and savory side dishes. Decisions…decisions… decisions. So many delicious dishes to choose from, but with one price, you can try as many as you like!
ISLE OF CAPRI: TRADEWINDS® Daily 11am-7am • Looking for that perfect late night snack or quick meal in between games? From burgers to pizza and everything in between, you’ll find a variety of mouthwatering dishes to satisfy any appetite.
L’AUBERGE: LE BEAUCOUP BUFFETSM Sun-Thurs 8am-10pm, Fri & Sat 8am-11pm Our buffet features American, Tex-Mex, local and Asian-style cuisine, along with an extensive selection of pastries & desserts. You’ll also find an array of fresh salads, vegetables, seafood and poultry, prime steaks and chops, Cajun and pasta dishes.
L’AUBERGE: EMBER GRILLE & WINE BARSM Sun-Thurs 6pm-10pm, Fri 6pm-11pm, Sat 5:30pm-11pm, BAR: Sun-Thurs 5:30pm11pm, Fri & Sat 5:30pm- midnight Sip. Savor. Celebrate. Sip one of more than 200 bottles of wine from the area’s most extensive cellar. Savor signature, woodL’AUBERGE CASINO RESORTSM fired entrees in the glow of expansive L’AUBERGE: FAVORITES 777 Avenue L’Auberge, Lake Charles stone fireplaces. Reservations are Daily 6am-3pm, 4pm-6am There’s nothing recommended. (337) 395-7777, www.mylauberge.com wrong with playing Favorites. The newest Call for fine dining options. restaurant at L’Auberge, Favorites serves L’AUBERGE: TOULOULOU’S BEACH breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night L’AUBERGE: JACK DANIEL’S® FRONT BAR & GRILLSM options. BAR & GRILL Fri 4-8pm; Sat-Sun noon-8pm; Sun-Wed 4pm-10pm, Thurs-Sat 4pm-11pm, SM Live Music Fridays 4-8pm (seasonally) L’AUBERGE: JACK DANIEL’S PATIO BAR Sun-Wed, 4 pm-10pm, Thurs-Sat ISLE OF CAPRI: OTIS & HENRY’S® Daily 11am-5pm (seasonally) • Enjoy casual This casual family-friendly beach and deck 4pm-2am, JACK AFTER DARK Thurs-Sat at L’Auberge is open seasonally. Come by Sun-Thurs 5pm-9pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-10pm 4pm-11pm • Jack Daniel’s Bar & Grill serves dining amid tropical foliage on a beautiful land or by sea for good times. Whet your appetite with our house veranda overlooking the Lazy River. up savory food and tasty entertainment. specialty chicken wings or sampler The restaurant features over 25 beers on L’AUBERGE: LATTESSM platter, then pick from a list of delicious LEONARD’S FOOD QUARTERS tap from around the world & more than Sun-Thurs 5am-10pm, Fri-Sat pastas, sandwiches, salads, steaks, ribs, 1708 Gerstner Memorial Dr, Lake Charles, 35 TVs, an array of BBQ selections & “off- 5am-midnight • Located in the hotel chicken and more. Plus, breakfast is served the-grill” entrees made with Jack’s sauces (337) 494-0618, Mon-Fri 7am-8pm, Sat lobby, Lattes specializes in teas, pastries, 7am-6pm, Sun-Closed all day! Otis & Henry has great food at and glazes. sandwiches and light snacks, and proudly great prices. Serving Breakfast, Cajun/Creole, Seafood serves PJ’s coffee, a New Orleans tradition. & Soul Food. What makes Leonard’s L’AUBERGE: ASIASM ISLE OF CAPRI: LUCKY WINS® Fri-Sun 11am-4am, Mon-Thurs 11am-2am unique? It’s the mixture of Cajun & Creole L’AUBERGE: DESSERTSSM Daily 11am-7am • If you’re looking for a Newly renovated and expanded, this foods with a touch of soul. And the Mon-Thurs 4pm-10pm, Fri 1pm-midnight, Sat quick bite after surfing the slots, try Lucky contemporary restaurant features Asian11am- midnight, Sun 11 am-10pm This sweet attention that we pay to every dish, from Wins’ Asian delicacies. You’ll feel like fusion cuisine and a sushi bar. Known for shop is sure to please with its decadent the entree to the dressing. For a taste of you’ve traveled around the world for the its unique sushi rolls, youcan’t miss out on the French Quarter, come to Leonard’s. desserts, homemade gelato and unique best sizzling stir-fry, shrimp or rice dishes. the Louisiana-and Texas-inspired versions gift items
THE
Boiling Point
Specializing in Boiled Crawfish & Crabs Home Made Sausage & Boudin Seafood Dinners • Steaks • Kids Menu
337-625-9282 LunchBuffett Buffett Mon Lunch Mon- -Fri Fri From 11 AM to 2 PM From 10 AM to 2 PM Friday & Saturday Nights
FridayAll & You Saturday Nights Can Eat All You Can Eat Buffett Seafood Buffett
Open Mon. - Fri. 6AM - 9PM; Sat. 10AM - 10 PM; Closed Sun. • RV Parking 1 Block North of I-10, exit 21 • 1730 S Beglis Parkway • Sulphur, LA 70663 10
april-june 2016 | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | www.visitlakecharles.org
LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E
For a complete list of places to eat, go to www.visitlakecharles.org. LUNA BAR & GRILL 719 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, (337) 494-5862, Mon-Sun 11am-10pm Serving New & Traditional American, Burgers, Cajun/Creole, French, Sandwiches, Seafood, Southern, Steak and Vegetarian. “Louisiana is about flavor. I’m about creativity and great-tasting food. You can’t go wrong with any of our dishes which just by their names scream out Zydeco, Cajun French music, the bayous and all the great food found in Louisiana.” -Dave Evans, Chef PAT’S OF HENDERSON 1500 Siebarth Dr. (off Interstate 210), Lake Charle, (337) 439-6618, Sun 11am-9pm, Mon-Thurs 9am9:30pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm Cajun/Creole, steaks and seafood. Crawfish is our specialty! Conveniently located off of I-210 (Legion St. Exit). Family-oriented with a relaxed atmosphere. We have luncheon specials. Banquet facilities are available. Casual attire.
PITT GRILL 606 W. Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles (337) 564-6724 • 102 Benoit Ln, Sulphur (337) 527-9448 • 1119 Lowe Grout Rd, Iowa (337) 582-2650 • 3048 Gerstner Memorial Dr, Lake Charles (337) 478-2925 • Prien Lake Rd and Sulphur locations open 24 hrs, Iowa & Gerstner Memorial Dr locations open Mon-Sun 6am-10pm Voted Best Breakfast in SW Louisiana in 2014 & 2015. Always-fresh salads, out-of-this world hamburgers with hand-battered onion rings, decadent milkshakes, malts and sundaes for dessert. We promise there’s something here for everyone! Visit pittgrill.com for monthly specials and coupons.
QUE PASA TAQUERIA 4080 Nelson Rd, #100, Lake Charles (337) 310-7272, Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun-Closed Every morning we cook a batch of salsa, fry crisp tortilla chips and make dough from scratch that produces steaming hot tortillas cooked to order. We marinate our fajitas for a minimum of 24 hours to ensure the most tender product, and grill them to perfection! We base our business on “word-of-mouth”; therefore we take great pride in delivering award winning quality and the highest standards around.
POPEYE’S FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN 901 Country Club Rd., Lake Charles (337) 474-2134 • 2710 Hwy. 14, Lake Charles (337) 474-1475 • 400 Sam Houston Jones Pkwy., Moss Bluff (337) 855-0642 • 102 N. Cities Service Hwy., Sulphur (337) 625-7181 • 1613 Ruth St., Sulphur (337) 527-8297 • 125 W. Prien Lake Rd., Lake Charles (337) 474-0093 • 301 N. Enterprise Blvd., Lake Charles (337) 436-6130 • 1601 Sampson St., Westlake (337) 433-5636 • 421 N. Pine, DeRidder (337) 4623551 • 920 E. 4th St., DeQuincy (337) 7864880 World Famous Chicken & Biscuits, plus other tasty menu items including shrimp platters, Cajun rice, cole slaw, fries, red beans & rice, corn on the cob, hot apple pie and more! Casual attire.
SOUTHERN SPICE 3901 Ryan St, Lake Charles, LA 70605 (337) 474-6065 • 277 Highway 171 N. Lake Charles, LA 70611 (337) 855-0010 Mon-Thurs 7am-9pm, Fri & Sat 7am-10pm, Closed Sunday Authentic Southern, Home-Style Cooking. Offering a large variety of foods & cuisines from daily lunch plate specials to seafood & steaks. Sandwiches, burgers & soups plus an award-winning breakfast that includes homemade biscuits & gravy.
STEAMBOAT BILL’S Corner of Broad St. & Hwy. 14, Lake Charles (337) 494-1700, Sun-Thurs 10:30am-9 pm, Fri & Sat 10am-10pm Cajun/Creole, seafood. Serving lunch, dinner, & late night. Boiled crawfish (hot & spicy), crabs, seafood dinners, crawfish and shrimp pistolettes, gumbo, étouffée, po-boys, & stuffed potatoes. Fast full-service restaurant. Banquet & catering available. Casual attire. STEAMBOAT BILL’S ON THE LAKE 1004 N. Lakeshore Dr., Lake Charles (337) 494-1070, Sun-Thurs 10:30am-9pm, Fri & Sat 10:30am-10pm Cajun/Creole, seafood. Serving lunch, dinner, & late night. Boiled crawfish (hot & spicy), crabs, seafood dinners, crawfish and shrimp pistolettes, gumbo, étouffée, po-boys, & stuffed potatoes. Fast full-service restaurant. Banquet & catering available. Casual attire.
Voted Best Breakfast In Southwest Louisiana
Fo u r t en C o nve n i n s Locatio • 102 Benoit Lane, Sulphur - 337-527-9448 • 606 West Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles - 337-564-6724 • 3048 Highway 14, Lake Charles - 337-478-2925 • 1119 Low Grout Road, Iowa - 337-582-2650 Visit our Website: pittgrill.com www.visitlakecharles.org | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | april-june 2016
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LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E
SHOW BUSINESS In Southwest Louisiana
ACTS THEATRE One Reid St., Lake Charles (337) 433-ACTS, www.actstheatre.com THE CHILDREN’S THEATRE COMPANY 809 Kirby St. Rm. 313, Lake Charles (337) 433-7323, www.childrenstheatre.com ITINERANT THEATRE www.itineranttheatre.com LAKE AREA BALLET THEATRE www.lakeareaballettheatre.com LAKE CHARLES CIVIC BALLET (337) 304-5445, www.lakecharlescivicballet.com LAKE CHARLES COMMUNITY BAND www.lakecharlescommunityband.teamr.com LAKE CHARLES LITTLE THEATRE 813 Enterprise Blvd., Lake Charles (337) 433-7988, www.thelclt.com LAKE CHARLES SYMPHONY 809 Kirby St. Rm. 210, Lake Charles (337) 433-1611, www.lcsymphony.org MCNEESE THEATRE BAYOU PLAYERS Ralph Squires Hall McNeese Campus, Lake Charles, (337) 475-5043 THE MINES THEATRE (337) 215-1602, www.theminestheatre.org
OVO Cirque Du Soleil
Performing Arts OVO Cirque Du Soleil Lake Charles Civic Center 7 p.m., April 8-9 1:30 p.m., April 10 Rush Headlong into a New Ecosystem. OVO is teeming with life. Insects work, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy in motion. The awestruck insects are intensely curious when a mysterious egg appears, representing the enigma and cycles of their lives. Lake Charles Symphony: Concert 3 & “Wildflowers” Rosa Hart Theaatre, Lake Charles Civic Center 7:30 p.m., April 16 Symphony and Louisiana Choral Foundation will perform Carmina Burana. Spring Performance Lake Charles Civic Ballet Rosa Hart Theatre, Lake Charles Civic Center 3 p.m., May 15
This performance showcases the students of Lady Leah Lafargue School of the Dance in ballet, tap, and jazz. Dancers of Lake Charles Civic Ballet will perform select works from an extensive repertoire. Summer Catch A Concert Series Lake Charles Civic Center 7 p.m., June 6, 13, 20, 27 Enjoy a beautiful sunset by the lakefront while listening to a musical performance from the Lake Charles Community Band. Remember to bring your lawn chairs. Picnics welcome.
Theatre Lake Charles Little Theatre Tuna Does Vegas 7:30 p.m., April 8-9, 15-16, 22-23 2 p.m., April 10, 17, 24 Tuna Does Vegas re-unites the lovable and eccentric characters from the ‘third smallest town in Texas’ as they take a rambling romp in Sin City.
McNeese State University Bayou Players The Complete Works of William Shakespeare [Abridged] Shearman Fine Arts Performing Arts Theatre, McNeese Campus 7:30 p.m., April 20-23 2 p.m., April 24 How do we make Shakespeare’s plays more accessible to a modern audience? By challenging three actors to go through the Bard’s 37 plays and 154 sonnets in less than two hours. Itinerant Theatre An Evening of Nellie Lutcher Central School Arts & Humanities Center 7 p.m., April 22-23, 29-30 Starting with the music of Nellie Lutcher, followed by a talk on her importance in history and to Lake Charles, and ending with the one woman play by Carolyn Woosley, Nellie.
The Children’s Theatre Company The Hunchback of Notre Dame Central School Arts & Humanities Center 7:30 p.m., May 6-7 3 p.m., May 8 Based on the 1996 Disney film, which in turn was inspired by the Victor Hugo novel, this warming tale of greed, power, friendship and love. ACTS Theatre The Producers 7:30 p.m., May 27-28 & June 3-4, 10-11 3 p.m., June 12 After putting together another Broadway flop, down-on-his-luck producer Max Bialystock teams up with timid accountant Leo Bloom in a get-rich-quick scheme to put on the world’s worst show. The Producers is a musical adapted by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan from Brooks’ 1968 film of the same name.
www.visitlakecharles.org | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | april-june 2016
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LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E
LOUISIANA RAILROAD DAYS FESTIVAL April 7-9
F
estival goers can take a step back Attendees can take tours of the in time at the annual Louisiana historic DeQuincy Railroad Museum Railroad Days Festival, celebrating built in 1923 at 400 Lake Charles the history of the railroad where in Ave., DeQuincy, La. in the Kansas City 1897, the tracks of two rail companies Southern Railroad Depot. The depot is converged at the present-day DeQuincy. one of the most outstanding examples of The festival kicks the Mission Revival off Thursday with The depot is one of the most style of architecture the Queens’ Pageant in the South. Some outstanding examples of and on Friday, of the artifacts on the Mission Revival style of display include a 1913 there’s a parade and gospel night from architecture in the South. steam locomotive, a 3-9 p.m. Saturday passenger coach, and the Cannonball Run begins at 8 a.m. two vintage cabooses. Also on display followed by the Railroad Idol Contest are many model trains and an extensive at 11:30 a.m. with bands beginning on collection of Gauge 1 model steam and the main stage at 1 p.m. At 8 p.m. Neal diesel engines. McCoy, country music legend, performs. Additional events include the Cupcake For a complete schedule, visit Eating and Look-a-Like contests, a model www.larailroaddaysfestival.com. train show, old timers reunion, carnival \VG\ rides, numerous food booths and arts and crafts.
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april-june 2016 | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | www.visitlakecharles.org
LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E
WESTLAKE FAMILY FUN & FOOD FESTIVAL April 15-17
W
hat started as a church bazaar has quickly grown into a three-day festival celebrating families, fun and food! The Westlake Family Fun & Food Festival, at St. John Bosco Catholic Church, features activities for the young or the young at heart. From moon walks, games, and train rides for the kids to live entertainment, bingo, and a silent & live auction for the adults, this event is perfect for all ages. And, no festival would be complete without great food! Attendees are always lining up for the gumbo, catfish, funnel cakes, sausage on a stick, boudin, crawfish etouffée and the famous Bosco burgers. Admission to the festival is free, and the hours of operation are Friday 5-9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sunday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, call the church at (337) 439-6585 or visit www.visitlakecharles.org.
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april-june 2016 | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | www.visitlakecharles.org
Didn’t get enough of that Authentic Cajun Creole Cooking while you were visiting? Check out Leonard’s Marketplace and take some home with you. • • • • • • • • • •
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LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E
LindseyJanies.com
CAJUN FUSION COOKING VIDEO Foodie Experiences in Lake Charles/ Southwest Louisiana
A LindseyJanies.com
LindseyJanies.com
18
re you hungry? If so, you are offer to visitors and are ready to make in the right place! Louisiana is the world hungry to try our unique twist known the world over for its on Cajun food and local cuisine,” said culinary creations, and Lake Charles/ Shelley Johnson, executive director of Southwest Louisiana the CVB. is always cooking up “This culinary video “This culinary something tasty for video creates a story of creates a story of visitors and locals alike. experiencing our food To highlight our delicious experiencing our food culture in Southwest food culture, the tourist culture in Southwest Louisiana in a way that bureau produced a Cajun imaginative,” said Louisiana in a way that isAnne Fais Do Do video entitled Klenke, Tourism is imaginative.” “Cajun Fusion Cooking in Director and CVB project Lake Charles, Louisiana” manager. that showcases traditional and creative Once you view the video, you food prepared by local chefs in the area. will definitely want to make plans to “It was an exciting undertaking taste some of our Cajun fusion dishes to coordinate all the chefs, restaurants for yourself from the delectable to the and volunteers to display the variety of delicious and everything in between. food experiences in Southwest Louisiana To view our newest Cajun Fusion from the sophisticated to the rustic. We Cooking video, log onto www. are extremely proud of what we have to visitlakecharles.org/CajunFusion.
april-june 2016 | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | www.visitlakecharles.org
LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E
CREOLE NATURE TRAIL WIDE OPEN SPACES Looking for a fun and healthy adventure your whole family will love? Head outdoors and explore the more than 180-miles of the Creole Nature Trail. View alligators, hundreds of bird species and lots of other critters from your vehicle. Need to burn off some energy? Venture down several walkways right into the marsh. Pick-up some string, chicken legs and a net and catch your own blue crabs. Or hit the beach to shell, swim or watch the porpoises play along more than 26 miles of natural Gulf beaches. Before you go, download the free Creole Nature Trail personal tour app by searching “creole” in your app store. Designed to be like having your own personal tour guide, the Creole Nature Trail tour uses audio and video to provide fun and useful directions and information. Using the GPS location on your device the tour automatically determines where you are on the trail and auto plays content as you approach a point of interest. WanderWithWonder.com
WILDLIFE REFUGES
Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge 1428 Highway 27 Bell City LA 70630 (337) 598-2216 www.visitlakecharles.org/ cameron-prairie-nwr Engage in wildlife exploration at the Visitors Center which features hands-on interpretive exhibits, talking dioramas as well as multiple over-water boardwalks. Open Mon.-Friday 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Pintail Wildlife Drive, just south of the visitor center, is a three mile driving loop which features a half-mile accessible boardwalk into freshwater marsh and is an excellent location for nature photography. Open daily during daylight hours.
For more information on the Creole Nature Trail, the tour app or any of our outdoor adventures visit CreoleNatureTrail.org or call 337-436-9588.
Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge
Sabine National Wildlife Refuge
Rockefeller State Wildlife Refuge
209 Nature Road Lake Arthur, LA 70549 (337) 774-5923 www.visitlakecharles.org/ lacassine-nwr
3000 Holly Beach Highway Hackberry , LA 70645 (337) 762-3816 www.visitlakecharles.org/ sabine-nwr
5476 Grand Chenier Hwy. Grand Chenier, LA 70643 (337) 491-2593 www.visitlakecharles.org/ rockefeller-refuge
Self-guided wildlife drive around the 16,000-acre freshwater impoundment known as “The Pool.” Open daily from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset for excellent bird and wildlife viewing.
Explore Wetland Walkway, a 1.5 mile (loop) accessible walking trail right into the marsh including a 2-story observation tower for panoramic views; Blue Goose Trail which features a 1 mile paved walking trail to the western edge of Lake Calcasieu; as well as three recreation areas for crabbing and fishing, Hog Island Gully, Blue Crab and West Cove. All locations open daily during daylight hours.
A five-mile drive into Rockefeller Refuge, Price Lake Nature Drive (Closed December 1-March 1 each year for migratory waterfowl), offers an excellent opportunity to view alligators, shore and wading birds as well as fish, crab and shrimp (with appropriate licensing.) Open daily, dawn to dusk.
ParkerBrandCreative.com www.visitlakecharles.org | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | april-june 2016
19
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LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E
LindseyJanies.com
CONTRABAND DAYS, LOUISIANA PIRATE FESTIVAL April 26—May 8
“S
hiver me Timbers” pirates are sailing to Lake Charles! Legendary pirate Jean Lafitte is said to have docked his boat along our shores and hidden his treasure along the banks. Back for its 59th year, the festival features close to 100 events in a two-week long adventure. On Friday, April 29, witness the cannon fire as the citizens of Lake Charles try to defend the seawall only to have the Buccaneers capture the mayor, put him on trial and force him to walk the plank! Pirates of all ages are encouraged to come out and experience the entertainment and live music. Crowd favorites like the storming of the seawall, walking parades by the buccaneers, barbecue cookoff, pirate marketplace, fireworks and carnival rides will delight and entertain the young and the young at heart. Live entertainment includes Hillbilly Hammer and Rusty Metoyer on Friday, April 29; Wayne Toups on Saturday, April 30; Bag of Donuts and
Jason Boland on Friday, May 6; and Red Republic, Atomic Punks and Cupid on Saturday, May 7. Family Day will take place Thursday, May 5 with a Children’s Pirate Costume Contest. Annual events include “Strut Your Stuff” contest, boat parade and an Armwrestling Tournament which takes place on Saturday, May 7. The Contraband Days pirogue building contest and launch kicks off at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 1. You won’t want to miss out on all the events! The festival’s spectacular fireworks display over beautiful Lake Charles is always a favorite and this year guests have the chance to see it twice – Friday, April 29 at 8:15 p.m. and again on Saturday, May 7 at 10:15 p.m. For the latest updated schedule of events, visit www.contrabanddays.com, or call the festival office at (337) 436-5508.
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Pirates of all ages are encouraged to come out and experience the entertainment and live music.
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www.visitlakecharles.org | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | april-june 2016
21
LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E
THE ORIGINAL DOWNTOWN LAKE CHARLES CRAWFISH FESTIVAL April 15-16
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elebrate downtown with one of the spiciest events in Southwest Louisiana! Selling over 10,000 pounds of hot, boiled crawfish as well as offering an entertaining program to include live music, parade, and the Mitchell Brother’s Carnival, the Downtown Lake Charles Crawfish Festival is one of the largest indoor and outdoor festivals held at the Lake Charles Civic Center, 900 Lakeshore Dr. On Friday, at 4 p.m., the carnival gates open and the street parade rolls through downtown Lake Charles at
6:30 p.m. On Saturday, festival gates will be open from noon-10 p.m., and attendees can whet their appetite and compete at the crawfish eating contest at 2 p.m. Live entertainment begins at 3 p.m. and features Geno Delafose and French Rockin Boogie, Keith Frank and the Soileau Creole Band, Larry Tillery and the Vagabond Dreamers and Gerald Delafose. The Downtown Lake Charles Crawfish Festival promotes awareness of crawfish season, the history of the crawfish industry, and how the seafood and crawfish industry has benefited Louisiana
“...one of the spiciest events in Southwest Louisiana!”
LindseyJanies.com
over the past 200 years. Admission is $10 and kids 10 and under are free. Vendor food and beverage sold at additional cost. Proceeds benefit the local Parkinson Foundation. For more information, visit www.downtowncrawfest.com.
ROOTS REVIVAL SERIES, April 21 “AN EVENING OF NELLIE LUTCHER” APRIL 22, 23, 29 & 30
S
outhwest Louisiana’s rich musical heritage runs deep and features various styles of music including Cajun, Zydeco, Country, Soul, and Rock & Roll. On Thursday, April 21 the Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana will premiere Roots Revival at Central School, 809 Kirby Street. This showcase concert will honor music legends like Nellie Lutcher, Dolly Parton, Lucinda Williams and Goldband Records artists. The Roots Revival series’ story of musical history will continue with Itinerant Theatre’s production, “An Evening of Nellie Lutcher” at The Foundation House, 720 Enterprise Blvd. on April 22, 23, 29, and 30 featuring themed works from area artists, plus memorabilia exhibits, up-andcoming talent showcases, and more. For more information and line-up for the April 21 concert, visit www.artscouncilswla.org.
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april-june 2016 | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | www.visitlakecharles.org
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LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E
TURNING BACK THE CLOCKS Each community in Southwest Louisiana has its own unique blend of character and history. With pirates, railroads, Victorian mansions and sleepy oaks, there is much to discover by looking into the colorful pages of the past.
HISTORY OF OUR SIX CITIES LAKE CHARLES
The romantic history of Lake Charles, involving tales of pirates and buried treasure, began with the arrival of the first French settlers in the 1760s. The lumber boom was responsible for the early rapid growth of the city. Without architects in the area until the early 1900s, the structures reflect the individual characteristics of the carpenters in the “Charpentier Historic District,” on the National Register of Historic Places.
SULPHUR
In the late 1800s, Sulphur was a sulfur mining haven. In 1907, the average population of the Sulphur Mines area was 5,000, making it a town unto itself. This fifty-acre tract of land was then known as the “richest fifty acres in the world.” The Brimstone Museum details Sulphur’s early history.
WESTLAKE
DeQUINCY
Westlake was originally named “Rio Hondo,” and the area from Westlake up the Sabine River was also known as “No Man’s Land” to rustlers, pirates and renegades. In the early 1800s, settlers came to the area, purchased land and renamed it Westlake.
In 1897 the Kansas City, Pittsburg and Gulf Railway, now the Kansas City Southern, reached the point where its main line bent toward the southwest to Beaumont and the old Calcasieu River. Vernon & Shreveport tram line, now the Lake Charles branch of the K.C.S., joined the main line causing the rise of the town DeQuincy. Today, you can visit the DeQuincy Railroad Museum.
VINTON
IOWA
The quaint town of Vinton was once traveled by Civil War soldiers. The soldiers cut a road extending from an area in Vinton known as “Niblett’s Bluff” on the Sabine River. There are annual re-enactments of battles at Niblett’s Bluff Park.
The history of Iowa is filled with stories of the early Midwestern settlers from Kansas, Illinois and Iowa to the French Canadians (Cajuns) to Jean Lafitte’s pirates along the Old Spanish Trail. The railroad that cut through this country brought settlers who were lured to the prairie land for rice farming, raising cattle, and later, oil fields. Known also for the Iowa Rabbit Festival.
www.visitlakecharles.org | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | april-june 2016
25
LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E
HISTORIC Attractions Take a tour through one of the historic districts Charpentier, Margaret Place, or Shell Beach Drive to see classic examples of early 1900s Lake Charles architecture or magnificent plantation style homes.
911 Memorial
Memorial honoring two local men killed in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. There is a piece of granite from the Pentagon and a steel girder from the World Trade Center. Features 3,000 pieces of colored glass commemorating those lost.
Charpentier Historic District Covering 40 blocks of downtown Lake Charles, you can step back in time with a self-guided walking or driving tour of one of the finest collections of architecture in Louisiana on the National Register of Historic Places. Stop by the CVB, 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive, for a brochure or information on carriage rides. Download the free app by searching “Lake Charles Historic Tour” in your app store.
DeQuincy Historic District
Journey through the area once known as the “Turpentine Capital of Louisiana” and tour beautiful and historically significant buildings such as the All Saints Episcopal Church, the Kansas City Southern Railroad Depot/DeQuincy Railroad Museum and the Hagler House.
Margaret Place/ Shell Beach Drive
Shell Beach Drive gives visitors a view of some of the most luxurious homes. The Margaret Place Historical District celebrated its centennial anniversary in 2012.
Millennium Statue
15 ft. bronze statue of Jesus Christ. Stands 23 ft. tall over the resting places of Lake Charles’ earliest and most famous settlers.
Niblett’s Bluff Park
Located at the end of Niblett’s Bluff Rd. off Highway 109/Exit 4 in Vinton, (337) 589-7117 6am-10pm daily. See listing, pg. 50
26
Southwest Louisiana Genealogical & Historical Library
411 Pujo St., Lake Charles, (337) 721-7110 Mon-Fri 9am-6pm; Sat 9am-5pm gen@calcasieu.lib.la.us Housed in the historic Carnegie Memorial Library building, this collection’s friendly staff can assist serious researchers or novices in tracing family history.
Sulphur Historic District
Established as mining town, Sulphur includes one of the first planned communities in the U.S., Maplewood. Sulphur celebrates its history in Heritage Square comprised of the Henning Cultural Center and Brimstone Museum.
USS Orleck Naval Museum
604 N. Enterprise Blvd., (337) 214-7447 Mon-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat 10am-4pm Tours available Mon-Fri 10am-2pm Sat 10am-3pm, $10 Adults, $8 Seniors (60+), $5 Active Duty Military with ID, $5 Children (6-12) Free for 5 years and under. Group rates available; www.orleck.org Historic Naval Museum featuring the USS Orleck DD886 WWII destroyer which served during the close of WWII through the Vietnam era.
Veterans Memorial Park
Located along the boardwalk by the Lake Charles Civic Center, this park displays the five branches of the Armed Forces with engraved bricks representing the men and women who have served since WWI. A famous WWII Patton Tank is on display.
The Calcasieu Historical Preservation Society www.calcasieupreservation.org
april-june 2016 | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | www.visitlakecharles.org
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LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E
CALENDAR OF EVENTS April-June
■ APRIL ..........................................................
McNeese State Softball vs. Nicholls State University 17 McNeese State University, Cowgirl Diamond/ Lake Charles 20 8-9 SWLA Garden Conference & Expo 2016 Burton Complex/Lake Charles 8-10 Calcasieu Kennel Club Agility Trials Burton Complex/Lake Charles 21 8-10 Cirque du Soleil Lake Charles Civic Center, Coliseum 21 8-10 CyPhaCon 2016 Lake Charles Civic Center 20-24 8-10, Tuna Does Vegas 15-17, Lake Charles Little Theatre 22-24 22 9 Boogaloo, Imperial Calcasieu Museum Fundraiser Cash and Carry Building/Lake Charles
New York Los Angeles Dance Competition Lake Charles Civic Center, Rosa Hart Theatre
9
Free to Breathe Lung Cancer 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk Lake Charles Civic Center
22
Belinda Carlisle Concert Golden Nugget Lake Charles
9
Travis Tritt Concert Golden Nugget Lake Charles
22
9
Joining Hands for Autism 2016 McNeese State University Recreational Complex/ Lake Charles
Calcasieu Cinema International Film Series: Wadjda (Saudi Arabia) Central School Arts & Humanities Center/ Lake Charles
9-10
Frasch Men’s Association Golf Tournament SPAR Frasch Golf Course/Sulphur
22
Calcasieu Parish Sheriff LHSAA FP 56 Benefit Golf Tournament SPAR Frasch Golf Course/Sulphur
2
Leon Russell concert Golden Nugget Lake Charles
13
McNeese State Baseball vs. Louisiana Tech McNeese State University, Cowboy Diamond/ Lake Charles
2
13 Wild Beast Feast Historic Calcasieu Marine National Bank/Lake Charles
Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Quarterly Job Fair Lake Charles Civic Center, Buccaneer Room
1-2
McNeese State Softball vs. Abilene Christian University McNeese State University, Cowgirl Diamond/ Lake Charles
1-3
McNeese State Baseball vs. Northwestern State McNeese State University, Cowboy Diamond/ Lake Charles
1-9
“Carol Brown Goldberg: Recent Works” Exhibit 1911 Historic City Hall/Lake Charles
1-16
Victor Monsour Exhibition 1911 Historic City Hall/Lake Charles
1-21
Talented Arts Program Exhibit Henning Cultural Center/Sulphur
1-23
If? The Annual Calcasieu Parish Public School Juried Art Exhibit Imperial Calcasieu Museum/Lake Charles
1-5/21 “Sandra Walkin Artisan Furniture” Exhibit 1911 Historic City Hall/Lake Charles 1-5/21 “Frank Lloyd Wright’s Samara: A Mid-Century Dream Home” Exhibit 1911 Historic City Hall/Lake Charles 1-6/30 “Secrets” Exhibit Gallery by the Lake/Lake Charles 1-6/30 Colorful Cajun Art by Jock McGregor Gallery by the Lake/Lake Charles
8-9
2, 16, 30 Movies in the Square Heritage Square/Sulphur
13-17
Fashion Week Lake Charles Isle of Capri Casino & Hotel/Westlake
2, 9, 16, Charlestown Farmers Market (Downtown) 23, 30 1911 Historic City Hall/Lake Charles
14
Mayor’s Commission on Disability Conference Lake Charles Civic Center
5
14-17 McNeese Percussion Ensemble Concert McNeese State University, Tritico Theatre/Lake Charles
5
McNeese State Baseball vs. Houston McNeese State University, Cowboy Diamond/ Lake Charles
Two Crafty Chicks Craft Show West Cal Arena & Events Center/Sulphur
15-16
The Original Downtown Lake Charles Crawfish Festival Lake Charles Civic Center
5, 12, Cash & Carry Farmers Market 19, 26 Cash & Carry Building/Lake Charles
15-17
Westlake Family Fun & Food Festival St. John Bosco Catholic Church/Westlake
7
15-17
NHBRA Finals West Cal Arena & Events Center/Sulphur
16
ReAlliety Challenge 2016 Chennault International Airport/Lake Charles
16
Banners Series: Vishten Concert, Acadian & Celtic Genres McNeese State University, Bulber Auditorium/ Lake Charles
Banners Series: John Steinbeck’s America: A Cultural History of the Great Depression TBA/Lake Charles
7, 14, Charlestown Farmers Market 21, 28 University Park Rec Center/Lake Charles 7-9
Louisiana Railroad Days Festival DeQuincy Railroad Museum
8
McNeese Faculty/Guest Artist Series: 16 Hailey Coburn, soprano & Bonnie Randel, pianist McNeese State University, Tritico Theatre/Lake Charles
30
Lake Charles Symphony & LA Choral Foundation: Carmina Burana Lake Charles Civic Center, Rosa Hart Theatre
McNeese State Softball vs. University of Louisiana-Lafayette McNeese State University, Cowgirl Diamond/ Lake Charles Business Expo Lake Charles Civic Center, Exhibition Hall Roots Revival Music Series Central School Arts & Humanities Center/ Lake Charles The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged McNeese State University, Tritico Theatre/ Lake Charles Banners Series: Cimarron McNeese State University, Bulber Auditorium/ Lake Charles
22-23 An Evening of Nellie Lutcher – Her Music, History & Career The Foundation House/Lake Charles 22-23 McNeese State Softball vs. Southeastern State University McNeese State University, Cowgirl Diamond/ Lake Charles 22-24 McNeese State Baseball vs. Southeastern Louisiana McNeese State University, Cowboy Diamond/ Lake Charles 23
Disney Live Lake Charles Civic Center, Rosa Hart Theatre
23
Dragon Boat Races Lake Charles Civic Center Grounds
23
ZZ Top Concert Golden Nugget Lake Charles
23
SOWELA Flying Tigers Car Show SOWELA Technical Community College/Lake Charles
23-24 Don Rich Gun & Knife Show Lake Charles Civic Center, Exhibition Hall 23-24 Flea Fest: Flea Market Burton Complex/Lake Charles 24
Banners Series: Cecile McLorin Salvant, vocalist Central School Arts & Humanities Center/Lake Charles
24
Dancing Classrooms: Colors of the Rainbow Competition Burton Complex/Lake Charles
april-june 2016 | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | www.visitlakecharles.org
LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E
YOUR GUIDE to What’s Happening and Where! 26
McNeese Jazz Ensemble Concert McNeese State University, Tritico Theatre/ Lake Charles
26-5/8 Contraband Days, Louisiana Pirate Festival Lake Charles Civic Center 28
McNeese Choir Concert McNeese State University, Tritico Theatre/ Lake Charles
29-30 LHSAA Fast Pitch 56 State Softball Tournament SPAR Frasch Park/Sulphur 29
Spring Art Walk & Art War Downtown Lake Charles
29-30 An Evening of Nellie Lutcher – Her Music, History & Career The Foundation House /Lake Charles 30
Gulf Coast Rollergirls Derby West Cal Arena & Events Center/Sulphur
■ MAY ......................................................... 1
McNeese Wind Symphony Concert McNeese State University, Tritico Theatre/ Lake Charles
1-7
National Tourism Week
7
Divas of Dance Competition Burton Coliseum/Lake Charles
7
Lake Area Runners Contraband 5 Miler Downtown Lake Charles
7
Mac Burns Memorial/WCCH Benefit Golf Tournament SPAR Frasch Golf Course/Sulphur
7
Paul Anka Concert Golden Nugget Lake Charles
LHSRA High School Rodeo Finals Burton Coliseum/Lake Charles
1-23
Works of Women Exhibit Henning Cultural Center/Sulphur
7, 14, Charlestown Farmers Market (Downtown) 21, 28 1911 Historic City Hall/Lake Charles
1-30
“Secrets” Exhibit Gallery by the Lake/Lake Charles
7-8
Sulphur Market West Cal Arena & Events Center/Sulphur
1-30
Colorful Cajun Art by Jock McGregor Gallery by the Lake/Lake Charles
11-13
Southland Conference Softball Tournament McNeese State University, Cowgirl Diamond/ Lake Charles
2, 9, 16, Charlestown Farmers Market 23, 30 University Park Rec Center/Lake Charles
12-15
LHSAA Baseball State Championships McMurry Park/Sulphur
13, 20, Downtown at Sundown Outdoor Concert Series 27 Downtown Lake Charles Relay for Life Lake Charles Civic Center
13-14
Roll to the Grove: Community Motorcycle Awareness Event Heritage Square/Sulphur
13-15
McNeese State Baseball vs. Central Arkansas McNeese State University, Cowboy Diamond/ Lake Charles
14
McNeese State University Graduation Burton Complex/Lake Charles
1-6/30 “Secrets” Exhibit Gallery by the Lake/Lake Charles
15
Lake Charles Civic Ballet Spring Performance Lake Charles Civic Center, Rosa Hart Theatre
1-6/30 Colorful Cajun Art by Jock McGregor Gallery by the Lake/Lake Charles
17
LGA Member/Guest Ladies Day Golf Tournament SPAR Frasch Golf Course/Sulphur
2
19-21
Starks Mayhaw Festival Hwy. 12 & 109/Starks
Contraband Days, Louisiana Pirate Festival Lake Charles Civic Center
1-21
“Sandra Walkin Artisan Furniture” Exhibit 1911 Historic City Hall/Lake Charles
1-21
“Frank Lloyd Wright’s Samara: A Mid-Century Dream Home” Exhibit 1911 Historic City Hall/Lake Charles
American Red Cross Tour du Rouge Holiday Inn/Sulphur
■ JUNE ............................................................ 1-4
13
1-8
31-6/4 LHSRA High School Rodeo Finals Burton Coliseum/Lake Charles
3
Downtown at Sundown Outdoor Concert Series Downtown Lake Charles
3-4
The Producers ACTS Theatre/Lake Charles
3-5
Calcasieu Kennel Club Dog Show Lake Charles Civic Center
4
Harbor Foundation Butterfly Release Lake Charles Civic Center
4, 11, Charlestown Farmers Market (Downtown) 18, 25 1911 Historic City Hall/Lake Charles 6, 13, Summer Catch A Concert Series, Lake Charles 20, 27 Community Band Lake Charles Civic Center, Pavilion 7, 14, Cash & Carry Farmers Market 21, 28 Cash & Carry Building/Lake Charles 11
2nd Saturdays in Sulphur Arts Camp Henning Cultural Center & Brimstone Museum/ Sulphur
11-13
The Producers ACTS Theatre/Lake Charles
14
Calcasieu Parish Horse Show Burton Complex/Lake Charles
3, 10, 17, Cash & Carry Farmers Market 24, 31 Cash & Carry Building/Lake Charles
19-6/23 Works of Women Exhibit Henning Cultural Center/Sulphur
5, 12, Charlestown Farmers Market 19, 26 University Park Rec Center/Lake Charles
21
14th Annual NAMI Walk for Mental Health Lake Charles Civic Center, Amphitheatre
16
Southwest Louisiana Junior Golf Tournament SPAR Frasch Golf Course/Sulphur
6-7
21
Gulf Coast Rollergirls Derby West Cal Arena & Events Center/Sulphur
18
Art Inventory Sale Gallery by the Lake/Lake Charles
21
Air Supply Concert Golden Nugget Lake Charles
24-26 BayouCon West-Cal Arena & Events Center/Sulphur
McNeese State Softball vs. University of Central Arkansas McNeese State University, Cowgirl Diamond/Lake Charles
6-8
The Hunchback of Notre Dame Central School Arts & Humanities Center/Lake Charles
7
Bowl For Kids’ Sake Fundraiser Petro Bowl/Lake Charles
7
Derby for Dollars, Family & Youth Benefit The Stables at Le Bocage/Lake Charles
26-28 LHSRA Jr. High School Rodeo Finals Burton Coliseum/Lake Charles
25
SWLA Shrimp and Jazz Festival Lake Charles Civic Center, Exhibition Hall
27
25
Patriot’s Ball Lake Charles Civic Center, Contraband Room
28
District Horse Show Burton Complex /Lake Charles
Calcasieu Public Library Summer Reading Program Kick Off Celebration Prien Lake Park/Lake Charles
27-28 The Producers ACTS Theatre/Lake Charles
www.visitlakecharles.org | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | april-june 2016
31
LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E
FLEA FEST: FLEA MARKET April 23-24
G
et set to shop ‘til you drop at Flea Fest, a truly unique flea market festival that features nearly 4 covered acres of anything and everything! This semi-annual flea market has grown to be one of the largest events in the state. The spring Flea Fest will take place 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. SaturdaySunday, April 23-24 in the Burton Complex’s event barn, on the south side of Burton Coliseum, 7001 Gulf Highway, Lake Charles. The fest will feature antiques, vintage items, handcrafted items, toys, collectibles, clothes, artwork, comic books, furniture, gifts, jewelry and plenty of other flea market-style goods. There will also be vendors
holding yard sales, a farmers market, food vendors, pony rides, a petting zoo and other kid-friendly activities. Flea Fest general admission tickets are $5 at the gate. Children 12 years and under are admitted free with an adult. Early bird admission begins at 8 a.m. Saturday only
and is $10 a person. Parking is free but up close VIP parking is also available for $2. For more information, visit www.fleafest.com, Facebook at www.facebook.com/fleafest or call 337-502-8584.
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OASIS Inn & Suites (337) 494-7270 1000 N. Lakeshore Drive • Lake Charles, LA 70601 Next to Steamboat Bills • Continental Breakfast • Cable TV • High Speed Internet • Microwaves in Rooms • Laundry Facility Available • Over-Sized Suites Available • Monthly & Weekly Rates Available
337- 433 - 1024
3900 Hwy 90 East • Lake Charles, LA 70615 Low Special Weekly Rates • Cable TV • Direct Dial Phones Micro-Fridge & Coffee Makers • Free High Speed Internet Single, Double, Three Beds • Special Group Rooms Truck Parking Available • Free HBO • 32” Flat Screen TV’s Available
Across from the Lake!
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april-june 2016 | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | www.visitlakecharles.org
3231 Lake Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601
337.477.4230 • 877.226.0223 (Toll Free)
NEWLY RENOVATED
Exit 5 off I-210
(337) 312-0108 • Free Continental Breakfast • Executive King & Queen Suites with Microwave & Fridge • 32” TV with Extended Cable, CNN, ESPN, HBO • Outdoor Pool • Guest Laundry
• High Speed Digital Internet Access & Wireless Internet in All Rooms • Buisness Center with Computer, Copier, Fax, Printer & Scanner • Desk in All Rooms with Ample Work Space
Special Senior, Trucker and Military Discounts • Free High Speed Internet • Free Cinemax & Disney Cable TV • Non-Smoking Rooms • Smoking Rooms Available • Free Local Calls • Swimming Pool
Toll Free Reservations 1-888-436-2580 108 Dennis • Sulphur, LA • Free “Daybreak” Breakfast • Voice Mail & Data Ports in All Rooms • Microwave, Refrigerators & Hair Dryers in All Rooms • Pet Friendly
SPRING ART WALK/WARS April 29
E
ParkerBrandCreative.com
xperience Southwest Louisiana’s vibrant array of visual arts during the annual Spring Art Walk on Friday, April 29, from 5-9 p.m. The Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana will present a comprehensive experience of our downtown art scene as cafés, bars, restaurants, and buildings are transformed into pop-up galleries for the evening. Visitors can stroll or take a carriage ride through historic downtown and view unique artwork while listening to live music, enjoying light refreshments and experiencing other surprises along the way. The highly anticipated Art Wars will return and feature teams of artists who will compete to create a mural live in front of an audience – in only an hour! For more information, call the Arts Council office at (337) 439-2787 or visit www.artscouncilswla.org. www.visitlakecharles.org | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | april-june 2016
33
uS nrise Inn
269 Highway 397 (I-10 Exit 36) Lake Charles, LA 70615 Phone: 337-990-0165 Toll Free: 1-800-Red-Roof Fax: 337-990-0172
LOWEST PRICE IN TOWN!
437-8339
Free High Speed Wireless Internet Access
• • • • •
Lower Daily & Weekly Rates Remodeled Rooms HBO & Cable • FREE Local Calls Washeteria on Premises
HBO / Pool 24-Hour Coffee Corporate Lodging Welcome Washeteria on Premises Free Wireless and Wired High Speed Internet
One of the Highest Rated Hotels in Lake Charles
LOWEST PRICE IN TOWN!
FAX: 433-2414 • 5390 HWY 90E • I-10 EAST EXIT 36 • I-10 WEST EXIT 31B
RedRoof.com • I0704@RedRoof.com
STARKS MAYHAW FESTIVAL May 19-21
W
ith carnival rides, arts & crafts, live music, delicious Southern food and enough berries and jelly to go around, the whole family will have something to celebrate, located at the corners of Highways 109 and 12. The festival kicks off Thursday night with a talent show contest at 7:30 p.m., and don’t miss the highlight of the festival—the mayhaw jelly contest—Saturday at 10 a.m. Saturday’s live auction begins at 1 p.m. Listen to Contemporary Christian music Friday at 7:30 p.m. featuring Gold City. Admission is free. For more information, call (337) 743-6297, or visit www.visitlakecharles.org.
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april-june 2016 | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | www.visitlakecharles.org
LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E
THE CITY OF LAKE CHARLES PRESENTS DOWNTOWN AT SUNDOWN May 13, 20, 27, and June 3
D
owntown at Sundown gives the Lake Area a reason to celebrate the diverse culture and local businesses of Downtown Lake Charles. For four consecutive Fridays beginning May 13, Downtown at Sundown will
EVENT SCHEDULE
showcase live music by regional bands along with children’s activities, food from downtown restaurants, table top art galleries, and arts and craft sales. The concerts take place from 6-9 p.m. and are free to the public. Concert
May 13 Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience
May 20 Steve Riley & Mambo Playboys
goers are welcome to bring lawn chairs; however, no ice chests or pets will be permitted. For more info, call 337-4919159 or www.cityoflakecharles.com.
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May 27 Cold Sweat
June 3 City Heat
Welcome to the Baymont Inn & Suites One of the Newest Hotels in Sulphur, LA 325 Arena Road Sulphur, LA (337) 313-6018 Ph (337) 313-6023 Fx
Free Long Distance Calls • Free Hot Breakfast • Free Wired/Wireless High Speed Internet • Microwaves/Refrigerators in all rooms • Iron/board, coffee maker, hair dryers • 32” flat panel HD TVs with HBO • Fitness Center • Business Center • Guest Laundry • Jacuzzi Suites available! • Outdoor Pool • Video On Demand •
Lake Charles / Sulphur 2615 Ruth Street Sulphur, LA 70665 337.528.2629 www.marriott.com/LCHSL
Refined and Refreshed
The newly renovated Fairfield Inn & Suites Lake Charles Sulphur is read to show off its new look and welcome guests with true Southern hospitality. Complimentary hot breakfast featuring freshly scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, Dannon™ yogurt, fresh fruit and more. 32” LCD televisions with expanded cable including HBO Complimentary wireless high speed Internet access In-room microwave, refrigerator, iron/ironing board, hair dryer, coffee maker and coffee. On-site Fitness Center Indoor pool
Here for the game? We are just minutes from Sulphur Parks, local golf courses and area casinos. www.baymontinns.com/hotel/26698 • baymont.sulphur@gmail.com www.visitlakecharles.org | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | april-june 2016
35
Original Art by Professional Local Artist Creative Arts Center
ALA
Wholesale Tax Free
106 Pryce Street, Lake Charles • 337.436.1008 • alaartists@yahoo.com Hours: 12PM - 5PM Tuesday thru Friday • 10AM - 2PM Saturday • www.lakecharlesartists.com
French Quarter
The
Antique MAll & FleA MArket
Mon - Sat 10am - 5:30pm Sunday 1pm - 5pm All Major Credit Cards Accepted Layaway Available
3529 Ryan Street (1/4 mile south of I-210)
337-477-8606
Over 50 Vendors & 15,000 sq. ft. of shopping! • Antiques • Collectibles • Home Decor • New & Used Furniture • Gifts & So Much More • We Buy Gold & Silver
Visit us online at www.frenchquarterantiquemall.com
LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E
GALLERIES ART IS EVERYWHERE Take time to soak in the arts at some of the downtown galleries in Lake Charles and Sulphur. There are many galleries and exhibits to see, so don’t rush, just relax and take in the sights. Galleries featuring rotating exhibits range from local artists to national and international exhibits. There is always something new to see whenever you visit.
GALLERIES ARTS & HUMANITIES COUNCIL OF SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA 809 Kirby St., Ste. 202, Lake Charles, (337) 439-2787 In Historic Central School Arts & Humanities Center Mon-Fri 9am-noon & 1-5pm, www.artscouncilswla.org ALEXANDER ART STUDIO 900 Ryan Street, Ste. 101 & 102, Lake Charles, (337) 433-2299 Mon-Fri 11am-6pm, Sat 11am-5pm, Sundays by appointment. www.alexanderartstudio.com, candice@alexanderartstudio.com Louisiana’s finest art! Original paintings & amazing gifts! ART ASSOCIATES GALLERY 809 Kirby St., Ste. 208, Lake Charles, (337) 439-ARTS In Historic Central School Arts & Humanities Center Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Closed for lunch, www.artassociates.org Monthly rotating exhibits by a variety of artists. BLACK HERITAGE GALLERY 809 Kirby St., Ste. 207, Lake Charles, (337) 488-0567 In Historic Central School Arts & Humanities Center Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Exhibits and educational activities representing the contributions of African Americans to Southwest Louisiana.
LindseyJanies .com 1911 Historic City Hall Museum
GALLERY BY THE LAKE ASSOCIATED LOUISIANA ARTISTS 106 W. Pryce St., Lake Charles, (337) 436-1008 Tues-Fri Noon-5pm, Sat 10am-2pm, www.lakecharlesartists.com Largest selection of art by local artist in Southwest Louisiana area. Wholesale prices. GRAND GALLERY MCNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY Shearman Fine Arts Center Annex, Lake Charles (800) 622-3352, (337) 475-5060, Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Closed on weekends & university holidays. Rotating exhibits by well-known artists as well as university faculty and students. HISTORIC CITY HALL ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER Presented by the City of Lake Charles, 1001 Ryan St., Lake Charles Corner of Ryan and Kirby Streets, (337) 491-9147 Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-2pm, Admission free. Rotating national touring art exhibits of great significance. Farmer’s Market Sat. 8am-noon. HENNING CULTURAL CENTER 923 S. Ruth St., Sulphur, (337) 527-0357 Mon-Fri 10am-noon & 1-5pm, Sat 10am-2pm Local artists’ works and traveling exhibits are displayed. www.henningculturalcenter.org, www.brimstonemuseum.org
Henning Cultural Center
www.visitlakecharles.org | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | april-june 2016
37
LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E
MUSEUMS PRESERVING THE MAGIC Southwest Louisiana is rich in history and imagination. Four museums in the Lake Charles area give visitors a chance to see the magic of the Mardi Gras Museum with the largest display of Mardi Gras costumes in the world; the hands-on Children’s Museum, complete with interactive displays to stimulate young minds; and the Imperial Calcasieu Museum, transporting visitors back to a bygone era, also check out the USS Orleck Naval Museum! In nearby Sulphur, the Henning Cultural Center, part of the Brimstone Museum Complex has rotating exhibits; and in DeQuincy, the Railroad Museum showcases the town’s heritage along with the Town Hall Museum.
MUSEUMS
Children’s Museum
LAKE CHARLES CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 327 Broad St., (337) 433-9420 Mon-Sat 10am-5pm www.swlakids.org Children and Adults - $8; Senior Citizens (55 and Older) - $6.25 Infants (23 months and under) - Free; Active Duty Military & Dependents with ID - $7.25. Call for group rates. Dozens of interactive exhibits featuring science, role-playing and art activities.
Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu
IMPERIAL CALCASIEU MUSEUM 204 W. Sallier St., (337) 439-3797 Tues-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm www.imperialcalcasieumuseum.org $5 adults, $2 children & seniors, $3 military with ID, school students with ID - free Extensive historic objects and artifacts collection and rotating exhibits in a fine art gallery. Designed to encourage visual arts, enhance arts appreciation and preserve the history and culture of the region. Home of the 375+ year-old Sallier Oak. MARDI GRAS MUSEUM OF IMPERIAL CALCASIEU Inside Central School - 2nd Floor, East Wing, 809 Kirby St., (337) 430-0043 Tues-Fri 1pm-5pm $5 adults, $3 children (under 12), group rates available Largest Mardi Gras costume display in the world, history of Mardi Gras and king cakes, costume design, parade float to climb aboard. The museum also includes animatronics to tell the history of Mardi Gras.
Brimstone Museum
USS ORLECK NAVAL MUSEUM 604 N. Enterprise Blvd., (337) 214-7447 Office Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat 10am-4pm • Tours Available: Mon-Fri 10am-2pm, Sat 10am-3pm $10 Adults, $8 Seniors (60+), $5 Active Duty Military with ID; $5 Children (6-12) Free for 5 years and under. Group rates available. www.orleck.org Historic Naval Museum featuring the USS Orleck DD886 WWII destroyer which served during the close of WWII through the Vietnam era.
SULPHUR BRIMSTONE MUSEUM COMPLEX 900 S. Huntington, (337) 527-0357 Mon-Fri 10am-noon & 1-5pm, Sat 10am-2 pm www.brimstonemuseum.org Learn about the history of Sulphur with the new exhibit at the Brimstone Museum. Rotating exhibits at the Henning Cultural Center.
DEQUINCY DEQUINCY RAILROAD MUSEUM 400 Lake Charles Ave., (337) 786-2823 Tues-Sat 10am-5pm www.dequincyrailroadmuseum.com Original townsite in 1895 at the intersection of two major railroads. 1913 steam locomotive, passenger car, a caboose and other railroad artifacts are on display. DEQUINCY TOWN HALL MUSEUM 218 E. Fourth St., (337) 786-6451 Mon-Thurs 9am-noon & 1-4pm Newport Industries museum and memorabilia. Wall of Honor paying tribute to locals who have served in the US military services.
www.visitlakecharles.org | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | april-june 2016
39
LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E
monsoursphotography.net
LOUISIANA HIGH SCHOOL & JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL RODEO FINALS May 26-June 4
S
outhwest Louisiana has roped ’em back in, as the Louisiana Junior High Finals Rodeo and Louisiana High School Finals Rodeo return to the Burton Coliseum. The Junior High Finals will take place May 26-29, and the High School Finals will take place May 30 through June 4. The rodeo has more than 400 contestants from all over the state, each striving to be named champion. For more information on the Louisiana High School Rodeo Finals, visit www.rodeosportsnetwork.com/lhsra.
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april-june 2016 | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | www.visitlakecharles.org
One of Southern Louisiana’s Most Unique Stores SALTWATER SPORTSMAN • Louisiana Themed Home Decor & Gifts “HIGH PERFORMANCE” SHIRTS • Tabasco Products (made in Avery Island, LA) • Artwork by Louisiana Artists • Saltwater Sportsman “High Performance” Shirts • Faulk Duck Calls (handmade in Lake Charles, LA) • Louisiana Sportsman T-Shirts • Drake Clothing • Case Knives ... and so much more
ANTIQUE LURE MUSEUM: SEE LURES DATING BACK TO 1905!
Featuring Lake Charles Souvenirs:
337.474.3770
480 W Prien Lake Rd Lake Charles, LA 70601
Located in the Prien Lake Mall near Kohl’s
LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E
GO GREEN
This golfing destination, featuring lush scenery that makes the area one of the most beautiful in the country, becomes a picturesque backdrop while locals and visitors vie for lower scores and pleasant times. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned professional, these courses offer excellent conditions and Southern hospitality. In keeping with Cajun tradition, a friendly atmosphere encompasses the challenging golf found on Calcasieu Parish’s golf courses.
GOLF COURSES CONTRABAND BAYOU GOLF CLUB® AT L’AUBERGE CASINO RESORT 777 Avenue L’Auberge, I-210 Exit #4 Nelson Rd., (337) 395-7220 www.mylauberge.com Hours: Daily, 6am-7pm Unique, public 7, 077 yard, par-71 championship Tom Fazio-designed course. Natural vegetation lines 8 lakes to challenge golfers of all skill levels. Named “Best Course” and “Best Secret” by Texas Golfer magazine; “most notable debut and most worthy designs” by Travel + Leisure Golf magazine; “2011, 2012 & 2013 Best Places to Play in Louisiana,” “2011 Best Public Access Course” and one of the “2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014 Best Casino Courses” and “2014 & 2015 Best Places to Stay” by Golfweek Magazine. Also awarded the 2011 Gold Tee Award for overall excellence and quality by Meetings & Conventions Magazine. Pro shop; driving range; locals rates. COUNTRY CLUB AT THE GOLDEN NUGGET 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. (337) 508-4653 www.goldennugget.com/lakecharles/golf Hours: Daily, 8 a.m.- Dusk An 18-hole, par 72 course designed by the award-winning Todd Eckinrode and Origins Golf Designs. Located on the Contraband Bayou, this 15 acre treasure has miniverde greens and celebration tees, fairways and roughs surrounded with Spartina, Patens and Muhly grass. The contrast of the bayou, native areas and greens are a must see and play for all. GRAY PLANTATION GOLF COURSE 6150 Graywood Pkwy, Lake Charles (337) 562-1663; Golfing / Pro Shop Hours: Daily 7am-7pm Gray Plantation promises you a day of unparalleled golf anywhere in the country. Our most prestigious award is a ranking on Golf Digest’s Top 100 Public Courses. Conditioning and clubhouse amenities are superior, adding to the total enjoyment of your day. Now is the
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april-june 2016 | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | www.visitlakecharles.org
time for you to “Play the Gray.” MALLARD COVE GOLF COURSE 4300 Mallard Cove St., Lake Charles (337) 491-1204 Hours: Daily, Dawn-Dusk excluding Tuesdays, close at 4pm No tee times after noon on Tuesdays Mallard Cove is a championship layout design with women’s, senior, medium and championship tees. The municipal course features 25 large bunkers and water hazards on 12 of the 18 holes. The course rating is 73.0, and the slope is 128. Hosts all Lake Charles’ City Championships. Don’t pass up the golf course considered ‘Best Value!’ It’s a wonderful golf course, in great shape and excellent prices, with a beautiful clubhouse! It’s more than just a municipal course! FRASCH PARK GOLF COURSE 400 Picard Rd., Sulphur, (337) 527-2515 Golf Course-sunrise to sunset, Pro ShopWinter Hours: Daily 7am-6:30pm The 6,267-yard public course at Sulphur’s Frasch Park is an 18-hole, par 71 golf course, completed in 1966. Frasch Park is a pretty course to play because there are mature trees throughout the entire design. The terrain is fairly flat with a meandering waterway that runs through the course. NATIONAL GOLF CLUB OF LOUISIANA 1400 National Drive, Westlake (337) 433-2255 www.nationalgcla.com Open daily sunrise to sunset The 18 hole, par-72 course, designed by David Bennett, is set in a mature growth pine forest, featuring an abundance of water hazards, preserved wetlands, roughly 90 bunkers and is part of a new high-end, residential community. There are five sets of tees with yardage ranging from 5,267 to 6,946 yards. Open daily, and tee times are accepted 10-14 days in advance.
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LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E
HOT SPOTS IN SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
B A R S & N I G H TC LU B S , CO F F E E S H O P S , A N D G A M I N G
Bars & Nightclubs Bar 46 Golden Nugget Lake Charles 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. Blue Martini Golden Nugget Lake Charles 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. Bourbonz 3436 Ryan St., Lake Charles Cadillac Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar Golden Nugget Lake Charles 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. Cajun’s Wharf 3500 Ryan St., Lake Charles Caribbean Cove Isle of Capri Casino and Hotel 100 Westlake Ave., Westlake Cigar Club/C.C. Vapor 1700 E. Prien Lake Rd. #5, Lake Charles Cowboys 5329 Common St., Lake Charles
GLOBAR L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles H2O Pool + Bar Golden Nugget Lake Charles 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. Heist 700 Ryan St., Lake Charles Ice Bar Golden Nugget Lake Charles 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. Jack Daniel’s® Bar & Grill L’Auberge Casino Resort, 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles Loggerheads Bar 3748 Hwy. 3059, Lake Charles Luna Bar & Grill 719 Ryan St., Lake Charles Luna LIVE 710 Ryan St., Lake Charles Martini’s 2116 Ryan St., Lake Charles
Coffee & Tea Shops
Gaming
CC’s CoffeeHouse 3800 Ryan St., Lake Charles
Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton Horseracing, slot machines, off-track betting
Chez Caffé 127 W. College St., Lake Charles Coffee bar and eatery Coffee Beanery 496 W. Prien Lake Rd., Lake Charles Coffee inside Prien Lake Mall Joe Muggs Coffee 2934 Ryan St., Lake Charles Coffee inside Books-A-Million Lattes,SM 777 Avenue L’Auberge, Lake Charles Proudly serving PJ’s, a Louisiana coffee Nobless Oblige Teahouse 205 E. Napoleon St., Sulphur PJ’s Coffee 3625 Nelson Rd., Lake Charles
My Place American Pub 630 W. Prien Lake Rd., Lake Charles
Starbucks Coffee 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. Inside Golden Nugget Lake Charles
O.B.’s Bar & Grill 1301 Ryan St., Lake Charles
Starbucks Coffee 3479 Nelson Rd., Lake Charles
On the Rocks 817 E. McNeese St., Lake Charles
Starbucks Coffee 4055 Ryan St., Lake Charles
Frosty Factory 4688 Common St., Lake Charles
Pappy’s Sports Pub 2627 Ryan St., Lake Charles
Starbucks Coffee 339 W Prien Lake Rd., Lake Charles
Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel, 2717 Delta Downs Dr., Vinton
RUSH Lounge Golden Nugget Lake Charles 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd.
Stellar Beans 319 Broad St., Lake Charles
Darrell’s 119 West College St., Lake Charles Ember Grille & Wine Bar SM L’Auberge Casino Resort, 777 Ave. L’Auberge, Lake Charles
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april-june 2016 | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | www.visitlakecharles.org
Golden Nugget Lake Charles 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. (1-210 Exit 4), Lake Charles Dockside casino, live entertainment, spa, pool, and golf. Isle of Capri Casino Hotel 100 Westlake Avenue (1-10 Exit 27), Westlake Dockside casino, live entertainment L’Auberge Casino Resort SM 777 Avenue L’Auberge (1-210 Exit 4), Lake Charles Dockside casino, live entertainment, spa and golf The Texas Longhorn Entertainment Complex and Motel 2374 Hwy. 109 S., Vinton Casino, restaurant and live entertainment/nightclub and arena
For additional listings, visit www.visitlakecharles.org. \VG\
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Life is a journey. Wear Comfortable Shoes. For Men and Women
3010 Ryan Street, Lake Charles (Located Across From Hixson’s Funeral Home)
(337) 436 - 9648
LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E
BRING IT HOME: A DEEP SOUTH MUSIC FESTIVAL June 18
M
usic fans, artists and students unite for a 2 week, multi stage music festival coming to Lake Charles. Community volunteers committed to growing the music scene in the Lake Charles area will debut Bring It Home: A Deep South Music Festival on Saturday, June 18. A series of music contests, social events, and musical workshops lead up to one, big concert at the Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum, 900 Lakeshore Dr.
Headliners for the Saturday concert include Tank & the Bangas, Gill Landry, Mark Broussard and a special reunion performance of Ashes of Babylon. Tickets or credentials for the festival events and the Saturday, June 18, concert are $45 in advance or $55 after April 15. For more information, to purchase tickets or to sign up as a performer, visit www.BringItHomeFest.com.
Headliners for the Saturday concert include Tank & the Bangas, Gill Landry, Mark Broussard and a special reunion performance of Ashes of Babylon. \VG\
Logo art by benvonduke.com
GULF COAST SHRIMP & JAZZ FESTIVAL June 25
I
f you’re looking for flavorful shrimp dishes and soulful jazz, you’ll find it during the Gulf Coast Shrimp & Jazz Festival held at the Lake Charles Civic Center, 900 Lakeshore Dr. From 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 25 the whole family can enjoy the savory tastes of Gulf shrimp and smooth sounds of local Jazz musicians. Performers include Jeremy Benoit as “J.B. Sax,” Mickey Smith and other local jazz artists. The Shrimp and Jazz Festival promotes the cultural importance of Jazz and cuisine in our area and the thriving local community that features a unique blend of music, performance, and visual arts that unites people. Admission for the festival is $5 for adults and $2 for kids 12 and under. For more information, log onto www.swlashrimpnjazzfest.com or contact Shari Davis at 337-309-2712.
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monsoursphotography.com www.visitlakecharles.org | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | april-june 2016
47
LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E LODGING HOTELS & MOTELS Lake Charles America’s Best Suites 401 Lakeshore Dr. (337) 439-2444
America’s Best Value Inn 3411 Broad St. (337) 990-5607 America’s Best Value Inn & Suites 3231 Lake St. (337) 477-4230 Best Western Bayou Inn & Suites 1320 Martin Luther King Hwy. (337) 990-5325 Best Western Plus 1245 E. Prien Lake Rd. 337) 477-5900 Comfort Inn 607 E Prien Lake Rd. (337) 478-4650 Comfort Suites 1016 N. Martin Luther King Hwy. (337) 436-6400
Comfort Suites 2505 Hwy. 108 S. (337) 625-6448
Luxury Inn 335 Hwy. 171 (337) 433-1773
Crossland Economy Suites 104 Mallard St. (337) 625-5923
Oasis Inn 1000 N. Lakeshore Dr. (337) 494-7270
Days Inn 108 Dennis Ave. (337) 312-0108
Quality Inn & Suites 3211 Venture Park Dr. (337) 480-0898
Fairfield Inn & Suites 2615 Ruth St. (337) 528-2629
Red Roof Inn & Suites 269 Hwy. 397 (337) 990-0165
Hampton Inn 210 Henning Dr. (337) 527-0000
Residence Inn by Marriott 1591 W. Prien Lake Rd. (337) 474-1772
Holiday Inn 330 Arena Rd. (337) 527-0858
Richmond Suites 2600 Moeling St. (337) 433-5213
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites BED & BREAKFAST 102 Mallard St. Lake Charles (337) 625-2500 Aunt Ruby’s Bed & Breakfast 504 Pujo St. LaQuinta Inn (337) 430-0603 2600 S. Ruth St. (337) 527-8303
Days Inn 1212 N. Lakeshore Dr. (337) 433-9461
Springhill Suites by Marriott 1551 W. Prien Lake Rd. (337) 474-1112
Deluxe Inn 3900 Hwy. 90 E. (337) 433-1024
Sunrise Inn 5390 Hwy. 90 E. (337) 437-8339
Econo Lodge 351 N. Martin Luther King Hwy. (337) 721-8001
Super 8 Inn & Suites 1004 Martin Luther King Hwy. (337) 310-7666
Golden Nugget Lake Charles 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. Lake Charles (844) 777-4653
Super 8 Motel 1350 E. Prien Lake Rd. (337) 477-1606
Hampton Inn 3175 Holly Hill Rd. (337) 480-6443
Value Place 3202 N. Power Centre Pkwy. (337) 564-6966
Holiday Inn & Suites 2940 Lake St. (337) 310-7700
Wingate by Wyndham 1731 W. Prien Lake Rd. (337) 502-5112
Holiday Inn Express 402 N. Martin Luther King Hwy. (337) 491-6600
Sulphur
Howard Johnson Inn 825 Broad St. (337) 436-4311 Knights Inn 2700 E. Broad St. (337) 433-8291 LaQuinta Inn & Suites 1201 W. Prien Lake Rd. (337) 478-9889 L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge (337) 395-7777 Motel 6 921 N. Martin Luther King Hwy. (337) 491-1000
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Vinton
Motel 6 of Lake Charles 1101 W. Prien Lake Rd. (337) 474-5151
A+ Motel & RV Park 4631 Hwy. 27 S. (337) 583-2631 America’s Best Value Inn 307 Garrett St. (337) 287-4828 Baymont Inn & Suites 325 Arena Rd. (337) 313-6018 Best Western Plus 1200 Pintail Dr. (337) 625-9000 Candlewood Suites 320 Arena Rd. (337) 528-5777
Motel 6 2022 Ruth St. (337) 527-8146 Quality Inn & Suites 320 S. Cities Service Hwy. (337) 626-7000 Studio 6 Extended Stay 112 Dennis Ave. (337) 564-5780 Super 8 101 Mallard St. (337) 626-8800 Red Roof Inn 2619 S. Ruth St. (337) 527-1000 Wingate by Wyndham 300 Arena Rd. (337) 527-5151
Best Western Casino Inn 2466 Toomey Road (337) 551-6350 Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel 2717 Delta Downs Dr. (337) 589-7441 Longhorn Travel Plaza Motel 2374 Hwy. 109 S. (337) 589-5647
Iowa
Howard Johnson Express 107 E. Frontage Rd. (337) 582-2440 LaQuinta Inn & Suites 204 W. Frontage Rd. (337) 582-2261
CAMPGROUND/ RV PARKS Lake Charles Bayou Oaks RV Resort 3403 Broad St. (337) 602-6043 Big Lake RV Park 8650 Big Lake Rd (337) 477-1581
Cooling Springs RV Park 5595 Hwy. 90 East (337) 433-4187 Country Oaks RV Park 6336 East Opelousas St. (337) 497-0025 Jean Lafitte RV Park 2101 Pujol Rd. (337) 439-2080
Westlake
Kershaws Cajun Village 3401 E. Prien Lake Road (337) 477-4915
Inn at the Isle 100 Westlake Ave. (337) 430-2400
Little Lake Charles RV Resort 4200 Luke Powers Rd. (337) 433-1114
Isle of Capri Tower Hotel 100 Westlake Ave. (337) 430-2400
Paradise RV Park 1986 Sam Houston Jones Pkwy (337) 905-8616
DeQuincy
Parkside Marina 2735 Sam Houston Jones (337) 855-7591
Heritage Place Hotel & Suites 1028 East Fourth Street (337)786-2919 Red Oak Inn 1575 W. 4th St. (337) 786-3890
Sam Houston Jones State Park 107 Sutherland Rd. (337) 855-2665
april-june 2016 | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | www.visitlakecharles.org
Twelve Oaks RV Park 2736 Conoco St. (337) 439-2916 White Oak Park 5584 River Road (337) 721-3540
Sulphur
A+ Motel & RV Park 4631 Hwy. 27 S. (337) 583-2631 Choupique RV Park 7657 Hwy. 27 S. (337) 583-8439 Hidden Ponds RV Park 1201 Ravia Rd. (337) 583-4709 Holbrook Park 1868 Holbrook Park Rd. (337) 721-3540 Intracoastal Park 7955 Intracoastal Park Rd. (337) 721-3540 Wingate RV Park 1202 Henning Dr. (337) 625-9541
Westlake
Bayou Marino RV Park 2200 Carlin Dr. (337 )540-1736 Lloyd’s Country Store RV Park 318 Phillips Rd. (337) 540-3925 Whispering Meadow RV Park 3210 Westwood Rd. (337) 433-8188
Vinton
Niblett’s Bluff Park 3409 Niblett’s Bluff Rd. (1-10 Exit 4) (337) 589-7117 Texas Pelican RV Park 2219 Old Hwy. 90 (337) 589-5239 V RV Park 1514 Azema St. (1-10 Exit 8) (337) 589-2300
Iowa
Cypress Bend RV Park 717 N. Thomson Ave. (337) 582-1722
Hayes
Lorrain Park 7803 Lorrain Rd. (337) 721-3540
Starks
Alligator Park 5316 Alligator Park Rd. (337) 721-3540
CREOLE NATURE TRAIL ADVENTURE POINT
Downtown Lake Charles... LIKE YOU’VE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE. Sit back and relax with a guided tour through Historic Downtown with history filled buildings and some of the most popular restaurants and night clubs in Southwest Louisiana.
Smiles Away from Ordinary
J&R
Carriage
jandrcarriage.com
Jestin ~ (337) 842-0778 Linda ~ (337) 429-6788
F
or a hands-on opportunity to taste, smell, and see Southwest Louisiana’s culture, make plans to visit the newly opened Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point. Located at the western gateway of the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road in Sulphur, Adventure Point features interactive exhibits on the local bayous, marshes, prairies, Gulf wildlife, Creole and Cajun cuisine, and Zydeco and Cajun music. Guests can smell the mouth-watering aromas of Cajun cooking and “play along” with Zydeco and Cajun instruments. Kids can practice their crabbing skills and hear the ducks quack and birds chirp as they move through the colorful dioramas. Professional Adventure Guides are on hand to lend their expertise as visitors begin their exploration of the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. Adventure Point is open seven days a week at 2740 Ruth Street in Sulphur. Find more information at www.visitlakecharles.org/adventurepoint.
www.visitlakecharles.org | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | april-june 2016
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LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES AWAIT!
LindseyJanies.com
BrendaLafleur.com
Several parks in the area provide the perfect spot to have a picnic, snap pictures of wildlife or just enjoy the scenery. Fresh, brackish and saltwater fishing are excellent year round, so you can “catch the big one.” Below is a list of parks and beaches where you can enjoy the great outdoors.
PARKS AND BEACHES
Creole Nature Trail All-American Road Leisurely discover this internationally recognized scenic byway as it meanders through marshes, prairies and along natural Gulf beaches replete with wildlife in their natural habitat. Have your camera ready to capture world-class bird and alligator populations as well as stunning scenery right from your vehicle. Feeling a little more adventurous? Explore several walkways right into the marsh, shell along more than 26 miles of beach, fish for speckled trout and redfish, or catch your own fresh Louisiana blue crabs. For more information visit www.CreoleNatureTrail.org. Free personal tour app, just search “creole” in your app store.
State and Historical Parks SAM HOUSTON JONES STATE PARK 107 Sutherland Rd. off of Hwy 378 in Moss Bluff, (337) 855-2665 (888) 677-7264, www.lastateparks.com 6am-9pm for day trips. Visitors pay $2 per person entry fee. Camping sites range from $18-$20 per night in the winter, $22-$28 in the summer and cabins are $85. Lodge costs $180 a night on weekends and $160 per night on weekdays during summer; $160 a night during winter. Visitors pay $6 registration fee on all facilities. Featuring 1,087 acres of lakes, trees, vistas, rivers and streams, Sam Houston Jones State Park is an excellent spot for bird watching with nearly 200 species brought in by the migratory patterns in the spring and fall. Also 5 hiking and biking trails. NIBLETT’S BLUFF PARK At the end of Niblett’s Bluff Rd. off of Highway 109 / Exit 4 in Vinton. (337) 589-7117, www.niblettsbluffpark. com, Daily 10am-6pm (office); 6am-10pm (park) History of the bluff dates back more than two hundred years. One of the more significant events was during the Civil War when Niblett’s Bluff became an Encampment. Among all this history is excellent fishing, camping, bird watching and hiking opportunities.
Beaches MonsoursPhotography.net
50
LAFLEUR BEACH On Prien Lake right off the I-210 Bridge, Exit 3, (800) 456-7952 or City Parks & Recreation (337) 491-1280 Open daily dawn-dusk year round
april-june 2016 | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | www.visitlakecharles.org
NORTH BEACH On the north shore of the lake right off I-10, Exit 29 for eastbound travelers and Exit 30A for westbound travelers. (800) 456-7952 or City Parks & Recreation (337) 491-1280 Open daily dawn–dusk year round
City Parks LAKEFRONT PROMENADE/ BORD DU LAC MARINA Along the northern and eastern shores of Lake Charles, (800) 456-7952 and City Parks & Recreation, (337) 491-1280 The Lakefront Promenade boasts a newly renovated cobblestone path along the lake complete with custom lighting and seating. Enjoy the Louisiana Landing Fountain, featuring a one-of-a-kind bronze geese sculpture. Conveniently located behind the Lake Charles Civic Center, it is walking distance from Bord du Lac Marina, Millennium Park and the PPG Sprayground. PRIEN LAKE PARK 3700 West Prien Lake Road, Lake Charles (337) 721-3540 29-acre park on Prien Lake featuring walking paths with measurement markings, canoe and boat launches, kids playground and sprayground water park, numerous picnic areas, amphitheatre, two pavilions and free Wi-Fi.
LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E
FOR THE KIDS – FAMILY ACTIVITIES: Southwest Louisiana is a family-oriented destination with a myriad of activities for children. Here’s a quick list of things for families with children to do. Check out the Calendar Section of the Visitors Guide on pages 30-31 or contact the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 456-SWLA for more information.
Lake Charles
Adventure Cove/Ward 3 Recreation 3200 Power Centre Pkwy. 337-990-0112 First barrier free playground in the area; provides access to children of all abilities. Has splash pad and one of only ten Freedom Swings in the U.S. Ward 3 Recreation has an indoor walking track, basketball courts and other activity rooms, offering recreational sports throughout the year.
Children’s Museum (hands-on activities), see p. 39. Club Tabby, LLC 1427 W. Prien Lake Road (337) 478-3600. Party place, kids haircuts, make over, pedicure, and stuff a pet.
Imperial Calcasieu Museum (area history), see p. 39. Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu (Mardi Gras History), see p. 39. Millennium Park 1100 Bord Du Lac Drive, (337) 491-1280
Petro Bowl 630 Petro Point Drive, (337) 477-7554. 48 lanes of bowling.
Prien Lake Park 3700 W. Prien Lake Road, (337) 721-3540 Picnic grounds, boat launch, playground and sprayground for kids.
Putt-Putt Fun Center 620 Petro Point Drive, (337) 480-1954. Two 18-hole courses and four batting cages.
Skate City & Jump City 4720 Nelson Road, (337) 474-2855. Inline skating & inside inflatable play area.
USS Orleck, see p. 39. Wheelers Family Entertainment, 1130 Hwy. 171 N, Moss Bluff (337) 855-3234. Skating, laser tag, trikes and games. Open Fri. & Sat. 6:30-11 p.m. MonsoursPhotography.net
Sulphur
Brimstone Museum (area history), see p. 39. SPAR Aquatic & Recreation Center, 933 W. Parish Road, (337) 721-3040, water park, Olympic size swimming pool, basketball courts, etc.
Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point 2740 Ruth Street, (337) 502-4358 Kick off your Creole Nature Trail journey at Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point—a free, fun attraction that immerses you in nature and Louisiana’s unique culture. Open Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m-5pm, Sat.-Sun. 8:30 a.m-4 p.m.
DeQuincy
DeQuincy Railroad Museum (railroad history), see p.39. DeQuincy Railroad Park, 400 Lake Charles Avenue, (337) 786-2823. Tues-Sat: 10 am-5pm. Playground, picnic tables. LindseyJanies.com
DeQuincy Town Hall Museum, see p.39. DeQuincy Skate Park, 402 Cole Street
www.visitlakecharles.org | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | april-june 2016
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LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E 51
70
60
1
To Lafayette 36
17 28
57 48 71 34
21 24
35 65
46
64
54
51
16 41 58
To Texas 43
49 62 63
69 7 38 22
2 32 50 4
47
10 42
51 8 18 44
25 37 18 51
50
11 31
59
39 20 12 55 53 56 9
67 68 51
61 23
66 23
VISITORS GUIDE MAP OF ADVERTISERS America’s Best Value Inn.....................................1 America’s Best Value Inn & Suites (Lake St)......2 Baymont Inn & Suites..........................................3 Bayou Sportsmen................................................4 Best Western Plus – Sulphur...............................5 The Boiling Point..................................................6 Casa Manana......................................................7 Catina Couture....................................................8 Century 21 Bono – Marilyn Boudreaux...............9 Club Tabby.........................................................10 Comfort Inn........................................................11 Coyote Blues.....................................................12 Crave.................................................................13 Days Inn............................................................14 Delta Downs Race Track, Casino & Hotel........15 Deluxe Inn Motel...............................................16 EconoLodge......................................................17 Expressions.......................................................18 Fairfield Inn & Suites.........................................19 French Quarter Antique Mall & Flea Market......20 Gallery by the Lake............................................21 The Golden Nugget...........................................22
52
Grosse Savanne Eco-Tours...............................23 Heist Oyster Bar & Cocktails.............................24 Holiday Inn – Lake Charles...............................25 Holiday Inn – Sulphur........................................26 Holiday Inn Express – Sulphur..........................27 Holiday Inn Express – Lake Charles.................28 Hollier’s Cajun Diner..........................................29 Hollier’s Cajun Kitchen......................................30 Honey-B-Ham....................................................31 In and Out Phone..............................................32 Isle of Capri Casino & Hotel..............................34 J&R Carriage Rides...........................................35 Jeff Davis Parish Tourist Commission...............36 Joseph's Shoes.................................................37 L’auberge Casino Resort...................................38 La Trouvaille Antiques........................................39 La Quinta Inn & Suites.......................................40 Lake Charles American Press...........................41 Lake Charles Vapor...........................................42 Leonard's Food Quarters...................................43 The Louisiana Market........................................44
Luna Bar & Grill..................................................46 MB Rich.............................................................47 Oasis Inn & Suites.............................................48 Pat’s of Henderson............................................49 Pitt Grill..............................................................50 Popeye’s............................................................51 Quality Inn.........................................................52 Que Pasa..........................................................53 Red Roof Inn.....................................................54 Southern Spice..................................................55 SWLA Partnership/Chamber of Commerce.......56 Steamboat Bill’s.................................................57 Sunrise Inn........................................................58 Super 8 Motel....................................................59 U.S.S. Orleck.....................................................60 Wingate Inn.....................................................60A
Lucky Longhorn Entertainment Complex & Casino......45
april-june 2016 | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | www.visitlakecharles.org
LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
VISITORS
G U I D E
51 15
45
51
30 51 50
45
60A
Arizona St.
51 52
29 14
27 5
6
26 19 3
50
POINTS OF INTEREST
1
Burton Coliseum......................................................61 Chennault International Air Show............................62 Chennault International Airport...............................63 Historic District........................................................64 Lake Charles Civic Center......................................65 Lake Charles Regional Airport................................66 McNeese State University.......................................67 McNeese Football, Baseball & Track Stadiums......68 Port of Lake Charles...............................................69 Sam Houston Jones State Park..............................70 SWLA Convention & Visitors Bureau......................71
www.visitlakecharles.org | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | april-june 2016
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LAKE CHARLES / SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
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INDEX INDEX OF OFADVERTISERS ADVERTISERS Airports Lake Charles Regional Airport .........................7
Day’s Inn - Sulphur ........................................33 Deluxe Inn Motel ...........................................32 Econolodge ...................................................27 Fairfield Inn & Suites .....................................35 Holiday Inn - Lake Charles ............................23 Holiday Inn - Sulphur .....................................20 Holiday Inn Express-Lake Charles ................23 Holiday Inn Express-Sulphur .........................27 La Quinta Inn & Suites.......................................3 Oasis Inn & Suites ........................................32 Quality Inn .....................................................20 Red Roof Inn .................................................34 Sunrise Inn ....................................................34 Super 8 of Lake Charles ................................20 Wingate by Wyndham ...................................20
Art Galleries/Artists Gallery by the Lake .......................................36 Attractions & Entertainment Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel ............56 The Golden Nugget .......................................55 Isle of Capri Casino & Hotel .....................28-29 L’Auberge Casino Resort ................................2 Lucky Longhorn Casino & Entertainment Complex ........................24 U.S.S. Orleck .................................................43 Cell Phone Repair In-N-Out Phone .............................................49
Newspapers Lake Charles American Press .......................46
Economic Development SWLA Partnership .........................................54
Outdoor Adventures Grosse Savanne Eco-Tours ..........................38 J&R Carriage Rides .......................................49
Jewelry MB Rich .........................................................45
Realtor Estate Agents Marilyn Boudreaux Century 21 Mike D. Bono .........................49
Lodging American Best Value Inn. ..............................27 American Best Value Inn & Suites .................33 Baymont Inn & Suites - Sulphur ....................35 Best Western Plus - Sulphur.............................27 Comfort Inn - Lake Charles ...........................20
Restaurants / Bars The Boiling Point ...........................................10 Casa Mañana ................................................18
Coyote Blues ................................................16 Heist Oyster Bar & Cocktails ........................18 Hollier’s Cajun Diner........................................8 Hollier’s Cajun Kitchen ....................................8 Honey-B-Ham ...............................................18 Leonard’s Food Quarters ..............................16 Luna Bar & Grill ............................................12 Pat’s of Henderson ..........................................7 Pitt Grill ......................................................... 11 Popeye’s Famous Fried Chicken...................15 Que Pasa .....................................................18 Southern Spice .............................................. 11 Steamboat Bill’s ...............................................9 Shopping Bayou Sportsmen ..........................................41 Catina Couture ..............................................45 Club Tabby Boutique, Parties & Makeovers ......36 Crave .............................................................45 Expressions ...................................................41 French Quarter Antique Mall .........................36 Joseph’s Shoes .............................................46 La Trouvaille Antiques & Afterthoughts .........36 Lake Charles Vapor .......................................36 The Louisiana Market ....................................38 Tourist Commission/Agency Jeff Davis Parish............................................46
Lindsey Janies Photography
SOUTHWEST
LOUISIANA
A Great Place To Visit,
Live And Do Business!
Get answers to your business questions in one convenient location. One-stop Resource Center for Locating or Expanding Your Business We’re Site Rich and Ready
Dallas 20 20
Shreveport
LOUISIANA 49
TEXAS
45
55
Beauregard Calcasieu
Lake Charles Houston
Allen Jefferson Davis
Cameron 10
Gulf of Mexico
54
Baton Rouge 10
12 10
New Orleans
Contact George Swift • gswift@allianceswla.org
SEED CENTER, 4310 RYAN ST., LAKE CHARLES, LA 70605 | 337.433.3632 | FAX: 337.436.3727
april-june 2016 | lake charles / southwest louisiana visitors’ guide | www.visitlakecharles.org
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