As spring approaches, get ready for Groovin at the Grove! This popular series returns on the first Thursday of March, April, and May, featuring top entertainment, local cuisine, and family-friendly fun on the stunning Great Lawn at Walnut Grove in Lake Charles.   Pack your lawn chairs, invite friends and family, and prepare to dance and tap your toes to some of Southwest Louisianas best party bands. Heres the lineup: March 1: Louisiana Red Band This seven-piece powerhouse has rocked sta

Southwest Louisiana, especially Lake Charles, ignites the creative spirit like few places can. The region buzzes with artistic energy, from intimate studios to grand exhibitions. Embark on your art adventure with this curated guide to the areas top cultural destinations. Gallery by the Lake – Home to the Associated Louisiana Artists, this dynamic space showcases and sells members works. The expansive rear studio hosts painting sessions, art classes, and community workshops. Candice Ale

Gumbo is a cornerstone of Louisiana cuisine, and Lake Charles boasts an impressive selection of unique variations from top local restaurants. These creative takes on the classic dish offer diverse flavors, ensuring gumbo lovers can enjoy it daily without repetition. Duck & Venison Sausage 1910 In Louisianas Sportsmans Paradise, 1910s chefs masterfully blend duck and venison sausage—hallmarks of popular hunting seasons—into a rich, savory gumbo. Gumbo Croquettes Chicken and sausage, rice,

Every crawfish season, locals and visitors flock to Lake Charles restaurants and boil spots for pounds of fresh, spicy goodness. Social media explodes with platters of these Louisiana favorites—and were here for it! One photo truly stole the show. First-time visitor Tammilee captured this adorable crawfish "love fest" at Seafood Palace. Look closely—that crawdad even appears to be hugging the ear of corn! "This photo was shot at Seafood Palace before we indulged in a giant fe

When we laissez les bons temps rouler, our good times often extend into the early morning hours. Nothing fuels a hearty appetite like two-stepping to zydeco at cultural festivals, shouting “Throw me something, MISTER!” along parade routes, or enjoying live music at our vibrant venues. Lake Charles boasts plenty of restaurants keeping grills hot late into the night. Here are my top four favorites, based on years of local experience. For a little lagniappe, read to the end for more o

In Southwest Louisiana, crawfish is more than food—its a way of life. The intoxicating aroma of seasonings evokes joy, hunger, and excitement. After the boil, when trays empty but leftovers linger in the ice chest, peel those tails for future culinary delights. Lake Charles restaurants craft exceptional Cajun crawfish dishes. Here are my top three favorites, born from local experience. Crawfish Enchiladas at Blue Dog Café: Potentially the citys best dish. Head to Sunday brunch for this cheesy

As a lifelong Catholic in Lake Charles, I know the challenge of avoiding red meat and poultry on Fridays during Lent. But in Southwest Louisiana, our abundant seafood ensures youll dine deliciously any day. Here are my expert-recommended spots with must-try dishes. Friday Brunch Blue Dog Café: Savor the rich, creamy corn and crab bisque—always a crowd-pleaser. OCharleys: Enjoy the veggie omelet paired with cream of tomato basil soup, or indulge in Savannah crab cakes over corn, bacon, and t

Planning a spring break road trip with friends? Skip the clichéd beaches and chilly ski slopes. Discover Lake Charles, Louisiana, for a unique escape featuring world-class casinos, exceptional cuisine, championship golf courses, and wild alligators. Gaming Southwest Louisiana hosts four premier casino resorts where the excitement never stops. After thrilling slots and table games, indulge in diverse dining options, enjoy live music with a cocktail, or unwind in pools and lazy rivers. Sh

Like the arrival of falls first cold front signaling gumbo season, nothing beats the excitement of a warm, sunny weekend perfect for a crawfish boil. Gather friends, local craft beers, and signature cocktails around a steaming pot—pure bliss. Hosting your first crawfish boil? No worries. With essential gear, thoughtful details, and this proven guide, youll host like a seasoned Louisiana pro. Key equipment: A large pot with basket, propane burner, and full propane tank. Find these at hardwa

Whether youre visiting a new city for just 24 hours or carving out a rare free day to explore locally, planning the perfect food day is essential. As a lifelong Lake Charles resident and dedicated foodie, Ive curated dream itineraries for my favorite spots—including my hometown—to showcase the best eats and ensure memorable experiences. This guide highlights top local gems, from charming cafes to upscale dining. Lake Charles vibrant food scene offered tough choices, but these selections represe

Breakfast is widely regarded as the most important meal of the day, and in Lake Charles, Southwest Louisiana, its also one of the most delicious. From healthy options to authentic Cajun and Creole twists, local eateries offer something for every palate. Start your morning at The Bekery, a charming spot with an adorable atmosphere. Their fresh daily baked goods are exceptional, and you can savor them on the outdoor patio. For a true taste of Southwest Louisiana, visit Favorites Southern Kitch

Discover Lake Charles from breathtaking new heights through aerial photography. Talented local photographers and Instagrammers—both residents and visitors—are harnessing drones to capture unique perspectives of our vibrant city. This months standout entry comes from winner Michael. "I aimed to create a relatable image highlighting institutions and landmarks that shape our lives. Downtown Lake Charles offered ideal proximity for the shot. Unexpectedly, positioning the drone near the cat

Nothing beats the thrill of an Easter egg hunt! Weve curated the best local events in Lake Charles for families and children to enjoy. This year features an adults-only hunt too. Wool Days & Easter Egg Hunt at CM Farms Experience a classic Easter celebration at CM Farms. Egg hunts at 11 AM and 1 PM are divided by age: 1-4 and 5+. Older kids will enjoy the new Scavenger Egg Hunt using clues to find eggs around the farm. Arrive early for breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Watch sheep shearing

With sunny forecasts finally here, Lake Charles is buzzing with spring energy. Dive into these 19 standout events for April 2018, listed in date order. For the full lineup, explore our Calendar of Events and download the free Events App. 1. Itinerant Theatre’s For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf | April 5-8Experience this empowering Ntozake Shange classic at Ben Mount Theatre, Central School. 2. Food Trucks Invade Lake Charles | Friday, April 6, 5-9 PMSample

For years, travelers have embraced immersing themselves in destinations through a true local lens. Viewing a place from a residents perspective uncovers hidden gems and unique experiences often missed by standard guides or maps. Thats why were excited to launch Lake Charles Local, a captivating new video series featuring inspirational stories directly from Southwest Louisiana locals. In our debut videos, we showcase standout local products and businesses like Bayou Rum, Crying Eagle Brewing Co.

Sulphur, Louisiana, is renowned for its industrial heritage, major sports tournaments, rodeos, and rich history. Yet, this dynamic city also harbors a thriving arts community waiting to be explored. Here are five standout locations showcasing local creativity. The Henning Cultural Center, situated in a beautifully restored historic home at The Grove at Heritage Square, features two floors of rotating art exhibits. Discover works by talented local school students, regional artists, and special a

Southwest Louisiana is alive with creative expression and outstanding local talent. Dont miss these captivating performing arts events taking center stage in Lake Charles from April through June. Curtains Up Lake Charles Little Theatre’s Godspell | April 13-29 – This joyful musical, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, runs for three weekends. The Gospel of Matthew unfolds through lively skits and songs, including classics like “Day by Day.” Closing the 91st season at the historic downto

In Southwest Louisiana, children eagerly anticipate crawfish season with unmatched enthusiasm. They seem to sense the boils from afar, inspired by friends social media posts. As a parent, delivering this red gold experience is essential. During spring break, I took my six kids on a memorable outing in Sulphur that went far beyond just crawfish. Our journey began at Holliers on Ruth Street, where excitement buzzed like Christmas morning. Diners captured Instagram stories and Snapchat videos amid

After a long day, nothing comforts like a hearty plate of your favorite indulgence. Louisiana excels in comfort foods such as gumbo, jambalaya, and fried shrimp—regional staples beloved by all. We consulted TripAdvisor to uncover where locals and visitors rave about the best spots and dishes. Heres the curated list based on glowing reviews:   “Comfort Food!” Joe’s Pizza & Pasta – Reviewed by Jill W. on June 21 A classic plate of spaghetti and meatballs hit the spot. The sauce was fla

Southwest Louisiana comes alive with vibrant festivals, performances, and community events throughout May 2018. This curated guide highlights 20 standout happenings. Stay informed via our Calendar of Events and download the free Events App. Date Order 1. Louisiana Pirate Festival | May 3–13 | FREE Gate Admission Experience two weeks of pirate-themed excitement, including the Pirate’s Landing, Street Parade, inaugural Pirate Costume Ball, arm wrestling, bed and bathtub races, pirogue building,