As a coffee enthusiast, I was thrilled to visit The Village Coffeehouse upon its opening in downtown Sulphur. Joined by my colleague Kathryn, a talented photographer, we explored this promising new spot together. Located at the corner of Hwy. 90 and Huntington St., The Village Coffeehouse stands as a welcoming beacon in downtown Sulphur. Its striking black-and-white exterior and interior offer a chic, clean aesthetic thats both modern and inviting, reminiscent of a cozy kitchen designed for con

Delicious Diversity: Black-Owned Eats from Coffee to Soul Food The Lake Charles community thrives on diversity, celebrating creativity through music, food, and more—much like Louisianas iconic cultural gumbo. Support black-owned businesses with these à la carte options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Explore more black-owned businesses in #LouisianasPlayground. Common Grounds Coffee Shop Craving a hot coffee, cold brew, or hearty meal? Head to Common Grounds at 619 Ryan St. in downt

Exciting news for families in Lake Charles: the Childrens Museum is now open! Our team has implemented rigorous safety protocols to ensure a fun, secure experience for you and your children. With many schools delaying their start, its the ideal time to support this local gem and give kids a safe, stimulating outing. Explore the updates in our Q&A below. Q: How have operations changed since reopening? A: Weve introduced positive changes like a contactless entry system that manages capacity a

During a lunch break, I visited the 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center to immerse myself in the new Black Heritage Gallery exhibit, “A Pandemic Portfolio: Works Created in Isolation.” As the world paused amid the pandemic, local artists channeled their creativity into new works, much like my musician and artist friends who shared online during quarantine. I was eager to see the innovative expressions from the gallerys featured talents. The 1911 building brims wit

Nothing beats the joy of a creamy ice cream scoop during Louisianas sun-soaked summers, evoking cherished family memories. Louisiana Reauxl (pronounced like Roll), a beloved local ice cream business owned by father-daughter team Whitney Moss Griffin and John Moss, crafts visually stunning treats that are true works of art. Their inspiration stems from family dessert traditions. In 2018, John discovered Thai rolled ice cream on the East Coast and was captivated. Louisiana Reauxl combines artis

Southwest Louisianas summer delivers warm weather and abundant outdoor opportunities. The Creole Nature Trail All-American Road offers accessible, family-friendly activities at little to no cost. Prime crabbing season runs from May through September, with numerous spots along the Trail to drop your lines. These easy-to-catch crabs make for family fun, and nothing beats the flavor of fresh Louisiana blue crab. Bird enthusiasts will love the over 400 species migrating through Southwest Louisiana

If youre from Louisiana, you likely grew up enjoying snocones—also known as snowballs or shaved ice—especially during our sweltering summers that feel year-round. This classic treat is a local staple! Lulu’s Specialty Snocones and More is elevating this tradition with Instagram-worthy masterpieces. On opening day, wait times reached four hours, but the owner and team have streamlined operations by prepping elaborate toppings 1.5 hours before opening. Toppings include cheesecake slices, cotton

You likely have several T-shirts in your closet—ideal for workouts, social gatherings, errands, or casual outings. They showcase your personality, spread messages, or unite you with a team. Worn layered, tucked, or cropped, T-shirts are versatile staples. In Southwest Louisiana, particularly Sulphur, they serve as a vibrant symbol of our cultural identity. Imagination Studio, Sulphur During my exploration to discover Sulphurs hidden gems beyond its renowned dining scene, I uncovered a thrivin

Top Breakfast Spots in Southwest Louisiana (SWLA) It’s often said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. In Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana (SWLA), you’ll find a wealth of exceptional options to fuel your morning with delicious, hearty fare. Pitt Grill A Lake Charles classic and beloved regional chain, Pitt Grill has been serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner for years. For a hearty start, try the Southern Breakfast—a platter featuring “a little bit of everything.” KD’s Di

Welcome Back to Crying Eagle! After Hurricane Laura devastated Southwest Louisiana, Crying Eagle Brewery is thrilled to reopen its doors. Its been a challenging year, but our dedicated team is ready to welcome you with open arms. As a locally owned business, we cherish the unique, creative spirit that sets us apart. Discover what to expect upon your visit and details on our upcoming community support event on October 3.                     &

Join renowned Chef Lyle for a real-time cooking demo of his favorite dish: smothered Gulf shrimp and tasso. This Cajun-inspired recipe delivers bold flavors with fresh ingredients. Ingredients: 1 lb Gulf shrimp, peeled and deveined 4 oz diced tasso ham 1 tsp minced garlic 2 oz white wine 1 lemon, cut into halves ½ quart heavy cream ¼ lb unsalted butter 1 tbsp blackening seasoning Olive oil or shortening 1 tbsp chopped herbs (rosemary, thyme, and fresh parsley) Instructions: Hea

In the wake of Southwest Louisianas 2020 challenges, including two devastating hurricanes, supporting local businesses is crucial for community recovery. Shelby Roberie, a native of the region and owner of a beloved ceramics shop in Welsh, LA, has been serving the community since her college days at McNeese State University, where she earned her bachelors in art. Navigating Storm Aftermath Despite the hardships, Roberie considers herself fortunate. I got really lucky, she shared, as her equipm

Thanksgiving is just days away, offering the perfect opportunity to infuse your holiday meal with the bold, authentic flavors of Cajun cuisine. Every family has cherished traditions, but adding a Louisiana twist can make your dinner unforgettable. 1. Incorporate the Trinity into Your Recipes A cornerstone of Cajun cooking is the Trinity: finely chopped onions, bell peppers, and celery. Often enhanced with minced garlic, this flavorful base elevates turkey stuffing, gravy, and more. 2. Smoked

#VisitLakeCharles Discover a wealth of festive events in the Lake Area this weekend, December 4-5. From captivating dance performances and holiday shopping to local art exhibits, live music, parades, and more, theres something for everyone. Plan your itinerary and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit! Live Art Demo featuring Julie Dallas, Julie Groth & Danny Allain Ten Pin Alley (315 Kirby Street) Friday, December 4 @ 5 p.m.: Local artists Julie Dallas, Julie Groth, and Danny Allain present

Hosting a holiday party? Elevate your celebrations with these sparkling Christmas cocktails made with Bayou Rum, the premium spirit from Southwest Louisiana. These expert-tested recipes will impress your guests and add festive flair to any gathering. 1. Yuletide Cocktail 1.5 oz Bayou Spiced Rum 0.5 oz vanilla vodka 2 oz cranberry juice 2 oz ginger-infused apple cider (non-alcoholic) Squeeze of 1 lemon wedge Combine all ingredients over ice and stir well. Garnish with a rosemary sprig.

Nothing captures the holiday magic like twinkling lights. Southwest Louisiana (SWLA) offers stunning Christmas displays that delight families and visitors alike. As local experts, weve curated eight top spots for your festive drive or stroll. Grab hot cocoa and enjoy! Before heading out, verify hours and details via official links, as weather or schedules may change. 1. Lake Charles Civic Center 900 Lakeshore Dr., Lake Charles Experience the Christmas spirit and the 12 Days of Christmas story i

Experience Holiday Magic Downtown: Brass Ensemble Concert on Dec. 12 and Irresistible Eats! As a dedicated arts and culture enthusiast, Ive truly missed the lively events this year due to understandable circumstances. Thankfully, the Art 6 Ft. Apart Series has reignited that passion in 2020, giving performers a chance to shine—even if just for an evening. The grand finale is this Saturday, Dec. 12, at 5 p.m. at the Transit Center Pavilion, 115 Ryan St. Catch the Brass Ensemble from the Lake Cha

This holiday season, prioritize shopping local to uplift the hundreds of Southwest Louisiana businesses recovering from pandemic hardships and devastating hurricanes. Discover handmade crafts, Louisiana-inspired apparel and accessories, indulgent pastries from neighborhood bakeries, or ship boudin nationwide for a thoughtful gift that lands you on the nice list. For art lovers, explore the inclusive HeARTbeat Tour to connect with local artists, their creations, and purchasing options. 🎨 Browse

Santa Under the Oaks – A Magical Christmas Celebration! Pecan Street in Sulphur evokes the charm of a holiday movie set, with its quaint homes brimming with festive decorations. This year, the neighborhood teams up with the Henning Cultural Center for Santa Under the Oaks. Enter near Kent Drive and join the “Winter Sleigh Ride” at 923 Ruth St., from 5–8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19. Children can deliver letters to Santa, wave hello to him, and receive goodie bags from helpful elves. Photo by Linds

In honor of National Bloody Mary Day on January 1, were highlighting one of the Lake Areas most impressive Bloody Mary creations at MacFarlanes Celtic Pub in downtown Lake Charles. During a recent fall brunch outing with friends, I was skeptical about the hype surrounding their over-the-top Bloody Mary—after all, Im a Southern native. But this drink was a full meal in itself! Behold this masterpiece: Whats more stunning—the drink or the garnishes? Celery, oranges, limes, lemons, bacon, chee