Planning a golf road trip? The Lake Charles area in Southwest Louisiana offers charming, challenging courses playable year-round, perfect for golfers of all ages and skill levels. After your round, enjoy exceptional dining and entertainment that will have you booking your return visit. Here are three standout courses to prioritize on your next trip. Gray Plantation Kick off your Lake Charles golf adventure at Gray Plantation, a local favorite renowned for its value and natural beauty. Surro

Indulge in Lake Charles Exceptional Wines Experience winederlust – that irresistible craving for world-class wines, right here in Lake Charles. Based on firsthand visits, weve curated the top destinations offering extensive selections, expert pairings, and unforgettable flavors. Bodega Wine Dive 3505 Country Club Road Nestled on the south side of Lake Charles, Bodega Wine Dive stands out for its elegant dining and vast wine list. Known for artisanal pizzas, gourmet cheese boards,

In the heart of downtown Lake Charles at 729 Ryan Street, The Corner Market shines under new owners Jason and Elizabeth. Theyve meticulously redesigned this charming gem into a premier destination for shopping and dining. The eye-catching storefront invites you in, but the curated selection inside will captivate you. Browse an impressive array of unique gifts, artwork, jewelry, and more—including ceramic bowls with inspirational messages, locally inspired canvases, one-of-a-kind gemstone j

Discover Common Grounds Coffee House in Downtown Lake Charles Common Grounds is a family-owned "sit and chill" coffee house built on love, prayer, and community spirit. This beloved spot has quickly become a must-visit favorite for locals and visitors alike, offering a welcoming escape in the heart of Lake Charles. What sets Common Grounds apart? Signature homemade peach cobbler pies, classic Southern shrimp and grits, exceptional coffee, and outstanding customer service. Youll

Soon, Lake Charles will be alive with holiday cheer—twinkling lights adorning trees and homes, the scent of hot chocolate and gumbo in the air. While the iconic displays at the Civic Center and Prien Lake Park are must-sees, visions of model trains circling Christmas trees, Polar Express movie nights with cocoa, or Hogwarts Express marathons evoke the magic of the season. If trains are on your mind, Southwest Louisiana has exciting exhibits to explore! Get on the Right Track! This year, DeQu

Michael Angelettis journey to the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Boxing Trials and National Championships, held December 7-15 in Lake Charles, was far from predestined. As the 23-year-old New Orleanian now based in Texas recounts, it almost never happened. I was always a fighter, getting into trouble in school, Angeletti says. In middle school, I played basketball. One day at practice in the sports complex, I wandered into a boxing gym. The coach noticed me watching and invited me in to train. When my

’Tis the season of hope and good cheer. What better way to embrace the magic than with live dance and classical music? Lake Charles proudly hosts three exceptional Christmas productions, each showcasing the city’s talented young performers. Tickets are selling fast—some shows start later this month. Ideal for theater lovers or newcomers, these performances inspire joy and create lasting holiday traditions with family and friends. I spoke directly with each director for exclusive insights. Bel

With cooler weather, twinkling Christmas lights, steaming hot chocolate, and Santa Claus himself, the holiday season is in full swing in Southwest Louisiana. Experience a vibrant array of festive Cajun celebrations. Heres our comprehensive A-to-Z guide to holiday fun in SWLA. A is for Amazing Christmas Lights on Shell Beach Drive Shell Beach Drive is a premier destination for Christmas light tours. Drive to the end for the impressive life-size angel display, a true standout. View the best Chris

Virginia (“Ginny”;) Fuchs ranks among the worlds elite female boxers. A seasoned champion with a decade of success, including an undefeated 18-0 record in 2017, she captained the U.S. team at the Rio Olympics and remains a top gold medal contender for Tokyo 2020. Stepping into the ring at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing and USA Boxing National Championships at the Lake Charles Civic Center (Dec. 9-15), Fuchs will draw national attention and heartfelt local support from Louisiana fan

Skip the holiday cooking this Thanksgiving! Whether youre a visitor or just need a break, these trusted Lake Charles-area spots offer convenient dining options. Pro Tip: Hours can change, so call ahead to confirm reservations and menus for a stress-free feast. L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles 777 Avenue L’Auberge Lake Charles, LA (337) 395-7777 Restaurants Open: Jack Daniel’s Bar & Grill Le Beaucoup Buffet Ember Grille & Wine Bar Asia Favorites Southern Kitchen Modern Pant

Art, Culture, and Joyful Holiday Shopping! Finding the perfect holiday gift can feel overwhelming, but the 2019 Holiday Art Market makes it effortless and enjoyable. Held Friday through Sunday, December 6-8, at Central School (809 Kirby in Lake Charles Historic District), this festive event features local artisans, crafts, vendors, food, entertainment, and more. Organized by the Arts Council and sponsored by Crying Eagle Brewing, its the ideal spot to capture holiday spirit. Built in 1912 and

Experience the joy of the holiday season in countless ways. One cherished tradition is driving through the city to admire stunning Christmas light displays and decorations. The twinkling lights and festive décor, paired with classic holiday tunes, evoke the magic and anticipation of Christmas. Lake Charles and its surrounding areas offer plenty of enchanting spots to capture this spirit. Tune into 92.9 The Lake—where its all Christmas till Christmas—and join me on a tour of the best holiday dest

Discover Stellar Beans, a standout destination for breakfast, lunch, or a sweet treat paired with premium coffee or tea. Nestled in downtown Lake Charles at 319 Broad St, Lake Charles, LA 70601, this cafe offers more than just beverages—its a memorable experience. Upon entering, youll find versatile seating options: comfortable tables for meals and chats, conversation chairs for friends, and a secluded front nook ideal for private discussions or focused work. A cozy couch invites relaxati

Make Your List, Check It Twice, and Enjoy the Fun! By now in the holiday season, youve likely navigated crowded malls and big-box stores, feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and underwhelmed by the experience. You still need to check off a few gifts—and enjoy a delightful Christmas shopping outing. Discover these charming spots in downtown Lake Charles, perfect for finding unique presents for everyone on your list while treating yourself to a memorable day. Lets #GetDowntownLC! Christmas Past.

Southwest Louisiana Countdown to New Years 2020! 2020 is almost here! While youre pondering your New Years resolutions, plan how to ring in the new year. The Roaring Twenties theme dominates this NYE, so step back in time while dancing into the future at the first three events below. Let the countdown begin! TEN! Panorama with The Cards Panorama Music House celebrates a stellar opening year with live music and dancing featuring Logan Soileau & The Cards, plus DJ HuniDip. Reserve by cal

The 2020 Mardi Gras Season Officially Launches in Lake Charles On January 3, 2020, the Mardi Gras season in Lake Charles began with a vibrant downtown celebration featuring music, food, drinks, and the unveiling of the official 2020 Mardi Gras artwork. This festive design, emblematic of Louisianas Playground, was created by acclaimed local artist Candice Alexander. A Journey of Artistic Innovation Born and raised in Jennings, Louisiana, Candice has called Lake Charles home for 20 years. B

Luxury, Southern Hospitality, and Comfort Await at Della Belle Bed and Breakfast   Upon entering Della Belle, guests immediately sense the unique blend of authentic Southern elegance and charm. Owner and operator Kathryn Hoffpauir (Learn more about the owner and staff) recently hosted a tour of this iconic Lake Charles home and extends a warm invitation to experience its comfort, class, and grandeur. A Glimpse Inside While photos cant fully capture the enveloping ambiance of Della Bel

King Cake is an iconic Mardi Gras tradition in Southwest Louisiana (SWLA), as essential as the parades and festivities. Local residents hold strong opinions on the best spots for this seasonal delight. After surveying approximately 120 Lake Charles locals, I visited the top-voted bakeries to taste-test their offerings firsthand. From classic recipes to creative innovations, heres a guide to SWLAs standout King Cakes, based on community favorites and personal reviews. And the Winners Are Base

Discover Mardi Gras Like Never Before! Two words that epitomize fun in Lake Charles: MARDI GRAS! The season evokes parades, king cakes, beads, masquerades, and zydeco music. These elements create a vibrant celebration, with Southwest Louisianas Mardi Gras history as rich as king cake filling. Immerse yourself in Mardi Gras traditions at the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu, located at 809 Kirby Street on the second floor of the historic Central School Building.    The muse

Valentine’s day is just around the corner and you may be feeling full of LOVE but empty on ideas! Allow me to suggest some ways to make the day special for you and your Valentine! No matter your interests or budget, I have come up with a list of ideas that includes something for everyone. Beyond Valentine’s, keep this list for future date nights and weekend fun and romance!Wine More, Laugh Often 🍷 The Wine StoreWhether you are a seasoned wine lover or have y