The boudin king cake emerged on the Mardi Gras scene in 2014 as the savory counterpart to the traditional sweet cream cheese and fruit-filled king cakes. With Lake Charles as the heart of the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail, were excited to share this local favorite. Renowned Chef Derrill Guidry has crafted this stunning and delicious boudin king cake. For the best flavor, use fresh local boudin, incorporate fresh herbs into the dough, and top with crispy bacon. Customize with toppings like St

Kickstart Your Wellness Journey! As we embrace the new year, many of us seek sustainable ways to feel healthier. Rather than drastic resolutions, focus on small, daily choices like opting for nutrient-rich snacks over sugary treats. For a realistic boost, incorporate enjoyable habits such as walking while listening to podcasts. While exploring downtown Lake Charles, stop by Pure Press Juicery at 825 Ryan Street, Suite A2. This local gem offers delicious, organic juices, smoothies, and well

Create Your Own Mardi Gras Shoebox Float with Visit Lake Charles!Even without parades, keep the Mardi Gras spirit alive! Disappointed by canceled events? Engage your kids in a creative craft: build shoebox floats to learn traditions while enjoying Mardi Gras music and king cake. Your imagination (and glitter tolerance) sets the limits.Whether youre a crafting novice or pro, these steps and ideas will inspire your mini parade.Basic Supplies:Shoebox with lidGlue, scissors, hot glue gun, tapeMardi

Experience Mardi Gras tradition from home in 2021 with authentic King Cakes delivered directly to your door. As parades pause amid impacts from two major hurricanes and the pandemic, supporting Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana (SWLA) businesses is vital. Our curated list features trusted local bakeries, donut shops, and markets offering King Cake shipping this season. These selections promise to satisfy your sweetest cravings. Order today, tag us on social media with #VisitLakeCharles, and l

As someone who values the story behind everyday items, I appreciate natural, organic, and handmade products—especially those crafted locally with eco-friendly practices. If you share this passion, join us at Corner Market, where supporting local makers fosters community growth and sustainability. A longtime visitor since high school, I enjoy browsing the featured local artisans and picking up a refreshing soda. Favorites include the Greentown Soap Works booth, offering vibrant, scented goats

As a Lake Charles local and college student on a budget, I love boutiques offering stylish, elegant items at great prices. While strolling downtown, I discovered Olive & Indigo—a gem packed with trendy treasures like locally handcrafted dainty gold jewelry and sustainably packaged soaps, all affordably priced. I brought my fashion-forward friend, and she raved about the cohesive, inviting displays. The chic vibe kept us lingering, especially with sales on adorable goodies. The meticulous s

Bring the excitement of the World Famous Cajun Extravaganza and Gumbo Cook-off to your kitchen with this expert recipe from Gumbeaux Gator. Shared during the virtual 2021 Mardi Gras, this time-saving version delivers rich, savory Cajun gumbo to delight family and friends.   Serves 8 people Ingredients: 1 large pre-cooked rotisserie chicken (not lemon pepper) 2-3 lbs smoked sausage Small jar of dark roux (Trappeys or Savoies) 3 fresh bell peppers (orange, yellow, green) 1 Vidali

Relive the golden era of record stores, where music lovers spent hours flipping through vinyl and spinning tracks on turntables. This timeless experience is thriving right in downtown Lake Charles at Album Addict, tucked inside Cedar Chest Antiques. If youre passionate about music like I am, this spot is a must-visit for vintage and new records to enjoy at home with friends. Strolling through the front of the antique store, surrounded by global treasures from bygone eras—like a pristine 1950s

When I first moved to Lake Charles in the fall of 2019, I set out to experience all the local culinary staples before years end. Top on the list from residents was BOOMBOX Frozen Pops and Ice Creams renowned hot cocoa. Growing up, hot cocoa at my grandmothers house meant Swiss Miss or Nestlé mixes. So, I wondered: how could a simple hot cocoa earn such fame? I was delightfully surprised—it truly lives up to the hype. To uncover the secret, I spoke with Skylar Pierce, COO of BOOMBOX, at their

From traditional recipes to creative twists like cream cheese, pecan praline, boudin, and Galettes des Rois, King Cakes come in endless delicious varieties. No matter the hour—even breakfast—King Cake is always a winner! Weve curated a complete A-Z directory of Southwest Louisiana bakeries, coffee shops, food trucks, donut shops, and markets offering King Cakes this season. Ready for the challenge? Try them all! Listed alphabetically: 1. Ambers Cake Creations 2. The Bakery Co. LLC 3. The Bekery,

During Mardi Gras season, local businesses across Southwest Louisiana cant get enough of king cake. From cocktails and milkshakes to lattes and craft brews, discover these 13 favorite king cake-inspired treats—creative twists on the traditional favorite! 1. Bayou King Cake Daiquiri from Bayou Rum Distillery 2. Mardi Gras Milkshake from Ks Frozen Delights and More 3. We Got the Beads Ice Cream from Boombox Frozen Pops and Ice Cream 4. Stellar King Cake Latte from STELLAR BEANS coffee house & edib

This past year tested many, including Stella Miller, executive director of the Black Heritage Gallery. Despite challenges from the pandemic and two hurricanes, the gallery persevered in procuring and showcasing local artists. Last year, Stella highlighted works created in quarantine, featuring talents like Kevin LeMelle, the first artist spotlighted in our Black History Month series. “;The pandemic exhibit revealed the incredible talent in Lake Charles and surrounding areas. Though were not f

Immerse yourself in the Mardi Gras spirit with this easy Bayou® Rum Mardi Gras Daiquiri recipe. The King Cake simple syrup is a must—its irresistibly delicious! This cocktail features Bayou® White Rum and Bayou® Gator Bite™ Rum Liqueur, available at their Lacassine gift shop, online, or local grocery stores. Use the locator on their website to find Bayou Rum near you. Bayou® Rum is craft-distilled from fresh Louisiana sugarcane. Their signature recipe uses 100% single-esta

Immerse yourself in Mardi Gras festivities with this effortless Pecan Praline Daiquiri recipe using Bayou® Rum. The unbeatable pairing of Bayou® Rum and Blue Bell Ice Cream delivers pure indulgence. This cocktail features Bayou® Spiced Rum, available at the Lacassine gift shop, online, or local grocers. Locate it easily via the store finder on their website. Bayou® Rum is expertly craft-distilled from fresh Louisiana sugarcane. It uses 100% single-estate molasses from Americas oldest family-o

Discover the timeless romance of Lake Charles with these seven curated date ideas. From intimate boat tours and cooking classes to scenic walks and fine dining, create lasting memories with your loved one—perfect for Valentines Day or any special occasion. 1. Romantic Boat Tour with Lake Area Adventures Share a serene evening on the water with a private boat tour for two. Relax with snacks and drinks while gliding through Lake Charles scenic waterways. Starting February 12th, $75 per couple (m

Frankie Randazzo and Jay Ecker form a powerhouse duo in crafting unforgettable dining and entertainment experiences that showcase the heart of their community—from exceptional cuisine to vibrant live music. Jay, a veteran musician in the Lake Charles area, books local talent nearly every night, a formula that propelled Rikenjaks success and inspired the Panorama Music House. Sadly, Panorama remains under reconstruction from Hurricane Laura last fall, but Rikenjaks is thriving once more. Frankie

Pasta Done Right Lake Charles deserves exceptional local spots, and The Pasta Lab delivers just that. Tucked into a cozy square on East McNeese Street, this unique venture by Michael Gardner stands out in our community. Its not your typical restaurant—far from it. My recent visit revealed a hands-on haven for pasta enthusiasts. The Pasta Lab emphasizes local craftsmanship, offering an experience you wont find elsewhere. As a pasta lover, I was eager to dive in. From the welcoming entrance, owne

The past year has tested venue and event managers like never before. We spoke with Ashley Gatte, president of Empire of the Seed, which operates beloved downtown Lake Charles venues including the Calcasieu Marine Bank Building, the Paramount Room, and Cash & Carry. Ashley shares her firsthand experiences navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating 2020 hurricane season. A recent photo of grand chandeliers being installed at Cash & Carry symbolizes the communitys renewed hope ami

Text “Buffis” to 474747 for personal updates. Po-boys are a Louisiana staple, and Buffi’s Peaux Boys in Lake Charles has long been a local favorite—voted among the Top 20 Restaurants in Southwest Louisiana by residents. In Cajun and Creole Country, culinary competition is fierce, so this accolade speaks volumes. When Hurricane Laura devastated the restaurant in late August 2020, loyal fans were heartbroken. We spoke with owner Paige Vidrine about navigating recovery from this powerful storm. R

View the full Thrive Magazine on Issuu  > This year celebrates Ben Herreras 20th anniversary as a Lake Charles restaurateur. He launched DeAngelos Pizzeria Company in 2001, but a fire destroyed it in 2008. Herrera rebuilt in 2009, rebranded to upscale casual 121 Artisan Bistro with an expanded menu. Its been a local dining staple for over a decade, he says. Hurricanes Laura and Delta caused only minor, superficial damage, enabling a swift reopening. 121 Artisan Bistro was among the