Southwest Louisiana summers are notoriously hot—no need to check the forecast. Beat the heat with these refreshing frozen treats found throughout the Lake Area, curated by local experts for an authentic cool-down experience. Start with Bayou a Sno-Cone, a standout shaved ice spot. Unlike typical snow cones in paper cups topped with sweet syrups, this innovative stand offers 12 unique Southwest Louisiana-inspired flavors like Cajun Spice (cinnamon and birthday cake) or Louisiana Pirate Festival

Summer is peak travel season in Southwest Louisiana, drawing leisure seekers and weekend adventurers to the Gulf of Mexico beaches, alligator sightings along the Creole Nature Trail, casinos, and live concerts. For authentic Lake Charles souvenirs to cherish at home, explore these trusted local spots offering unique regional treasures. LeBleu’s Landing in Sulphur offers hot sauces, Louisiana culinary gifts, children’s toys, books, aprons, and other genuine Southwest Louisiana items. In

Our experienced Adventure Guides have compiled the top 10 questions visitors commonly ask about the FREE Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, Louisianas renowned wildlife and scenic byway. Where does the Creole Nature Trail start? The trail forms a loop through Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes along the coast. Begin your journey at the Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point, located at 2740 Ruth St., Sulphur, just south of Exit 20 on Interstate 10 and south of Sonic Drive-In. View an interacti

When Louisiana Answered the Call When the United States entered World War II on December 8, 1941—one day after the Pearl Harbor attack—Louisiana swiftly mobilized. Even before then, the Pelican State was central to U.S. defense efforts, hosting the largest military maneuvers in American history from 1940 to 1945. Countless Louisianans left families and jobs to enlist in service. Special Exhibit Announced Mayor Nic Hunter has announced an upcoming exhibit at Historic City Hall Arts & Cultura

📱 Save to Listen LaterTopics in this podcast: Creole Nature Trail, Seafood, Boudin, Fishing, Crabbing, Alligators, Birding, FoodConnect with Southwest Louisiana native Rory Partin as he shares his favorite places to visit and activities in the region.The ROAMies, the husband-and-wife duo of Rory and Alexa (James) Partin, are accomplished musicians and passionate travelers who have explored destinations worldwide. Rory, a 6-foot-tall leader of an 18-piece Big Band and steak lover, grew up in S

Explore the best of Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana (SWLA) with our curated top 10 list of spots perfect for capturing photos, savoring snacks, and enjoying breathtaking scenery. These local favorites combine great food, vibrant atmospheres, and photogenic settings. Based on personal experience, heres your guide to the ultimate SWLA destinations for snaps, snacks, and scenery! 1. Tia Juanitas Fish Camp When craving fresh seafood and a refreshing margarita, Tia Juanitas tops the list. Thi

The Korn Ferry Tour has partnered with the Lake Charles/SWLA Convention and Visitors Bureau to launch a new tournament on its 2020 schedule. The Lake Charles Championship will make its debut at The Country Club at the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles, Louisiana, from March 23-29, 2020. The event features 156 players competing for a $600,000 purse under a five-year agreement through 2024. This announcement secures two Korn Ferry Tour events in Louisiana for 2020, with the Chitimacha Louisiana Open

After exploring three outstanding golf facilities in our Lake Charles Golf Courses Review Part 1, we dive deeper into three more must-play courses that elevate your game in this vibrant destination. As a lifelong golf enthusiast and published expert featured in Golf Tips Magazine, FORE Magazine, GolfMagic, and USGolfTV, Ive helped countless players refine their skills. Visit golfinfluence.com for more expert tips. Golf Course #1: Gray Plantation Nestled amid pine trees, lakes, and marshes,

Travelers cherish mementos from their vacations—magnets, keychains, t-shirts, and postcards from tourist shops. For truly distinctive keepsakes from Southwest Louisiana (SWLA), here are expert-recommended options rooted in local culture and craftsmanship. Start your SWLA adventure at the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), 1205 N. Lakeshore Dr., Lake Charles, or Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point, 2740 Ruth St., Sulphur. Their gift shops brim with unique souven

As fall arrives, offering relief from summer heat and igniting football fever, tailgating takes center stage in Southwest Louisiana. Whether youre cheering for Local State University, Hometown Tech, or our beloved McNeese Cowboys, gatherings are inevitable. Elevate your event with authentic Cajun and Creole dishes that capture the regions spirit. As a McNeese alumnus, some of my fondest college memories revolve around tailgating. The thrill of hearing the Pride of McNeese Cowboy Marching Ban

In Southwest Louisiana, gumbo weather marks the first cool front—think lows in the 60s—that inspires locals to gather Cajun staples and simmer a hearty pot of gumbo. As a Louisiana native, I enjoy shrimp gumbo year-round, especially on rainy afternoons. Heres my trusted, family-tested recipe. Ingredients: 2 lbs. peeled fresh shrimp 16 oz. chicken broth 1 small to medium onion, chopped 3 stalks celery, chopped 1 small green bell pepper, chopped 1 small bunch green onion tops, chopped

Discover endless family fun in Lake Charles this fall, from outdoor playgrounds and scenic trails to indoor attractions, vibrant festivals, and delicious dining options. Outdoor Parks & Playgrounds Embrace the crisp fall air with active family outings in Lake Charles top parks and playgrounds, perfect for running, jumping, swinging, skating, and mini-golf. Start with a scenic drive along the Creole Nature Trail, where kids will love the free Adventure Point in Sulphur, Louisiana. This immer

Why Bring the Whole Family to the Cash & Carry Farmers Market Mom, it’s Tuesday! my son Connor exclaims, bounding into the backseat during after-school pickup. With boys in kindergarten and fourth grade, our family eagerly anticipates Tuesday afternoons at the Cash & Carry Farmers Market, located at the corner of Broad St. and Enterprise Blvd. in Lake Charles Nellie Lutcher Cultural District near Downtown. Having frequented markets in Los Angeles and Orlando before relocating to my hometown f

Halloween brings pumpkin spice delights, crisp fall air, and cozy layers—the perfect time for family adventures amid Southwest Louisianas autumn bounty. Whether your kids crave gentle spooks or endless candy, local events offer fun for all. Here are the top October 2019 highlights, curated for families. For the Little Ones Boo-Tastic Bash at Prien Lake Mall 496 W Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles, LA October 31, 2019, 5-7 pm. FREE Enjoy safe, well-lit trick-or-treating in a family-friendly mall

Living History Cemetery Tour, Oct 25 Early last year, while driving along the lakeshore with my close friend Matt, he turned to me and said, I want to show you something. Over the past decade, Ive learned to trust his inspired ideas. He led us down Lakeshore Drive to a dusty gravel path, stopping at the overgrown Bilbo Cemetery. Like many locals, Id nearly forgotten it existed—weeds choked the warped iron fences. Matt gave an impassioned tour, brushing leaves from tombstones and sharing each

From Humble Beginnings to Rhythm & Blues Stardom Born in 1912 in Lake Charles, Louisiana—two years after the Great Fire—Nellie Lutcher ignited a musical legacy that captivated audiences nationwide and internationally for nearly a century. As a pioneering artist, she reshaped rhythm and blues and left an indelible mark on music history. Did you know? A Better Block event for the Nellie Lutcher Cultural District took place on Oct. 25-26, 2019. Learn More ► Embed from Getty Images Isaac Lutch

The Nellie Lutcher Cultural District was recognized in 2015 and officially designated by the state of Louisiana in 2016. Spanning from 7th Street and Railroad Avenue to the north and south, and Ryan Street and Enterprise Boulevard to the east and west, this district honors the legacy of jazz legend Nellie Lutcher. The initiative began as a grassroots effort, with the stretch of Enterprise Boulevard between Broad Street and Interstate 10 first named the Nellie Lutcher Memorial Parkway. Local act

A note from Jamison Trouth... Yellowfin Distillery is thrilled to announce weve perfected our original vodka and rebranded it to introduce our newest offering. Were proud to partner with McNeese State University on Yellowfin Single Estate Vodka Geaux Pokes Edition, available now in 750mL bottles and soon in 1.75L handles and 200mL flasks. Each bottle sold donates to McNeese State University—with larger contributions from direct distillery purchases. The Geaux Pokes Edition arrives on shelves

Serves 6 to 8 Ingredients 1 (4-pound) boneless Boston butt, untrimmed 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided 2 tablespoons kosher salt, divided 2 tablespoons ground black pepper, divided 3 tablespoons olive oil 10 ounces tasso ham, chopped 1 cup brown Stovetop Roux (recipe follows) 1 cup chopped yellow onion 1 cup chopped green onion 1 cup chopped poblano pepper 1 cup chopped green bell pepper 1 cup chopped celery 1/4 cup chopped jalapeño 2 tablespoons minced garlic 2 (15-ounce) cans chopped t

Eddie Lewis grew up in what is now the Nellie Lutcher Cultural District, a vibrant hub where everything was within walking distance. "When I was growing up, there were dry cleaners, hotels, restaurants, bars, shoe repair—anything you needed. It was a one-stop shop," he recalls. Two decades later, Lewis opened the Foundation House right in his childhood neighborhood, investing in its untapped potential for growth. The Better Block Event on November 8 and 9 aims to spark that sam