While Southwest Louisiana may lack a snowy blanket, our thriving performing arts scene delivers abundant holiday cheer through ballets, plays, musicals, and concerts. Explore this curated list of 13 standout performances to ignite your festive spirit. Note: Events listed are from the 2017 holiday season—check our current Event Calendar for upcoming shows! December 1, 2017: Francis G. Bulber Youth Orchestra Christmas Concert Times: Starting at 7:30 PM Location: Tritico Theatre, McNeese State U

As Christmas lights give way to Mardi Gras beads and doubloons, the holiday hustle can leave you feeling stressed. Taking time to unwind with a peaceful walk is essential for recharging during this busy season. Shell Beach Drive is one of my top spots for morning walks in Lake Charles. The impeccably landscaped homes and stunning lake views create the perfect backdrop for sunrise strolls. Our Photo of the Month winner, Bud Moore (@budnola), shares this love for the route. He captures daily wal

Like many in Southwest Louisiana, I share a deep passion for the outdoors. From my earliest days, Ive joined my dad, brother, and cousins for sunrise duck hunts in the marshes south of Lake Charles along the Creole Nature Trail. Those crisp mornings huddled in a duck blind, awaiting first light, are cherished family traditions. As the sun crests the horizon, the thrill begins—staying silent to hear wingbeats or the exhilarating whoosh of teal skimming the pond. The rattle of my dads duck calls a

2017 flew by in a whirlwind of exciting content! Visit Lake Charles published over 130 insightful blog posts highlighting local events, recipes, and attractions. Here are the top 10 most-read posts, selected by our readers based on views:How to Make Shrimp Gumbo – 5,613 viewsIf you’ve lived in Southwest Louisiana long enough, then you’ve probably heard the term “gumbo weather.” Gumbo weather is what we refer to as the first cool front – and by “cool front” I mean “lows in the 60s” – and it usual

Whether reflecting on 2017s highs and lows or eagerly awaiting 2018, New Years Eve in Lake Charles unites us all in celebration. Enjoy top regional bands at casino resorts, dinner with live music at favorite spots, or an elegant masquerade gala. Discover Southwest Louisianas premier events below and plan your countdown to 2018! Welcome 2018 with fan-favorite regional acts Bag of Donuts, The Flamethrowers, Band Camp, and Prime Time Band headlining Southwest Louisianas leading casinos. Count

Rarely does snow blanket Louisiana, but when it does, its a magical event worth savoring. True to local spirit, Callie Gordon (@catchingcallie) added a fun Cajun twist with her delightful snow gator creation during a snowy day in Lake Charles. “This photo was taken during my first visit to Lake Charles. I was nervous about meeting my boyfriend’s family for the first time. We woke up to snow—something he, a Lake Charles native, had never seen. It was magical. All my nerves eased as we drove th

Our Instagram presence thrived this year, thanks to locals and visitors tagging their stunning photos with #visitlakecharles, #eatswla, and #CreoleNatureTrail. Nearly every post we shared came from you—thank you! Discover the top 10 most-liked Instagram photos of 2017. Keep the amazing submissions coming in 2018! See more of Lake Charles on our Instagram and Facebook. Plan your Southwest Louisiana vacation today and share your adventures—tag us! Check out our 2017 Photo of the Month winners here

Louisiana is famous for its decadent cuisine—from fried seafood and beignets to sweet frozen drinks. With endless celebrations like Mardi Gras parades and crawfish boils, staying committed to your health goals in Lake Charles can feel daunting. Rest assured, its entirely possible to enjoy your visit while prioritizing fitness and nutrition. As a local expert, Ive compiled proven options to help you maintain your wellness routine. 1. Farmers Markets Start with the freshest local produce at S

As dawn breaks over the horizon, dozens of costumed revelers mount horses, climb into trailers, and board floats. Their mud-stained fringed suits from last years adventures whip in the wind as they head into town. The irresistible Zydeco beat cuts through the morning fog while the colorful crowd trails Le Capitaine to the first farmhouse. Draped in traditional Carnival hues of green, purple, and gold, he proclaims the arrival of the "beggars"—also known as the Mardi Gras revelers

Discover the comforting warmth, inviting aroma, and rich flavors of exceptional coffee at these beloved neighborhood spots in Lake Charles. As a local enthusiast, Ive explored these cafes that deliver coffee perfection, whether for a quick energizing boost or a leisurely cup of joe. 1. Stellar Beans Coffee House & Edibles Stellar Beans offers a relaxed atmosphere with high-quality coffees, specialty teas, and fresh edibles. Favorites include their Chai Latte, blending cinnamon, ginger, and

“So much to do, so little time.” This common refrain often arises when considering time away from work. Finding the “perfect time” for a vacation can feel elusive—but research reveals there is indeed time to unplug. According to Project: Time Off, Americans value vacation days highly, yet 54% of employees leave their earned time off unused. This trend is concerning, given the proven benefits of vacations. Vacation time offers numerous advantages, including: Rest and rejuvenation Enhanced

Its crawfish season in Southwest Louisiana—arguably the most exciting time of year for seafood enthusiasts! Theres nothing quite like a steaming tray of freshly boiled Louisiana crawfish heading your way. To pinpoint the best crawfish in the region—whether fresh or boiled—we turned to TripAdvisor for trusted visitor reviews from Lake Charles and beyond. “Crawfish fest” The Boiling Point – Reviewed by LFChandler on Feb. 18, 2016 We visited for the crawfish, and it was worth every minute. The

Ever visited a destination that instantly captivates, charms, and makes you wonder why you waited so long? Thats the typical reaction from first-time visitors to Southwest Louisianas Cajun Country. As a lifelong local, Ive seen how our everyday norms stand out to newcomers. Here are clear ways to know youre truly in Cajun Country. The Iconic Flavors The signature taste of authentic Cajun cuisine comes from the Holy Trinity: onions, bell peppers, and celery. Sautéed in butter, they form the bas

Its the first Photo of the Month for 2018, and its out of this world! Lake Charles is renowned for its breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, but capturing a mesmerizing night sky is a rare treat. With industries and a vibrant population, city lights often obscure the stars. Houston native Bailey Louden perfectly timed this shot of stars twinkling above Lake Charles, featuring Golden Nugget Lake Charles and LAuberge Casino Resort. “I had some time to kill while waiting for a concert to start, so I w

Whether youre a seasoned pro or a beginner, Southwest Louisiana boasts exceptional public golf courses to refine your swing—and you can enjoy the sport year-round thanks to our mild climate. Prior to last year, I hadnt explored many local courses. That changed when I hosted a group of golf writers visiting Lake Charles. Joining them on several award-winning courses amid our stunning landscapes left me in awe and reminded me how fortunate we are in Southwest Louisiana. Discover our curated list

In Southwest Louisiana, live music thrives in Lake Charles! From cozy lounges with smooth vibes to electrifying spots with lights and crowds, our venues offer diverse experiences. Blending Zydeco, Cajun, jazz, and more, this unique cultural mix keeps fans returning. Discover nine standout venues below (alphabetical order)—just a sample of our offerings. For a full list and current events, visit VisitLakeCharles.org/events. (Alphabetical order) Blue Dog Café - Savor award-winning food and hospi

Transform your road trip to Lake Charles into a personal concert with our curated Spotify playlist featuring Louisianas finest musicians. Perfect for singing along and tapping your toes on the drive. The Louisiana Road Trip Playlist This collection highlights the best in Cajun, Zydeco, and Swamp Pop genres. These styles, rooted in generations-old traditions influenced by blues, country, and Cajun French music, are carried forward by talented bands. Even if theyre new to you, their infectio

The fourth annual Louisiana Winter Beer Fest took place at the Historic Calcasieu Marine Bank on Feb. 24, 2018, from 1:00–5:00 p.m. Showcasing over 100 beers from 40 breweries, the event could feel overwhelming without a strategy. Follow these nine proven tips for an exceptional time. Cheers! 1. Eat before the festival. Contrary to myth, food doesnt “soak up” alcohol, but it activates your metabolism to keep you sharp and maintain your composure while sampling. 2. Savor each sample. Take time

Searching for the perfect spot to savor sweets with your sweetheart this Valentines Day? The newly opened Charleston Bistro in picturesque Downtown Lake Charles delivers unforgettable indulgence—covered in chocolate! Nestled in the lobby of the historic Charleston Hotel at Pujo and Ryan Streets, this charming eatery exudes timeless allure. Local lore whispers of underground tunnels linking the Charleston to the Calcasieu Marine Bank and adjacent Majestic Hotel, allowing elite guests and celebri

Another unforgettable Mardi Gras season in Southwest Louisiana has wrapped up. Now, its time to unwind and savor the peace of Ash Wednesday—but not without a fond look back at the festivities! Thank you for sharing your joyful moments with us this year via #VisitLakeCharles and #SWLAMardiGras. Well see you for Mardi Gras 2019 on March 5. These photos were shared using hashtags #VisitLakeCharles and #SWLAMardiGras