Whether its Taco Tuesday or any day of the week, tacos are always a winner. In Lake Charles, Southwest Louisiana, youll find exceptional options featuring fish, beef, and veggie varieties. Wondering where to satisfy your cravings? Weve consulted TripAdvisor reviews from locals and visitors to highlight the top spots. Grab your salsa and guacamole—its time for the best tacos in town! Best fish tacos in the area Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp - Reviewed January 19, 2017, by Jeremy_walker1 Salsa is bes

Photos by Michael Hobson Planning a trip to Southwest Louisiana? Wondering where to start with activities and dining? Acclaimed travel writer and food enthusiast Michael Hobson explored the Lake Charles area, capturing its essence in this inspiring photostory of his 48-hour adventure. Discover his top highlights from two unforgettable days in Lake Charles. Day One: 1. Historic tour of the Charpentier Historic District by carriage, followed by a Lakefront Promenade stroll and sunset hunt. St

Halloween ranks as one of childrens favorite holidays, right after Christmas, with costumes, parties, and endless candy. Discover these top kid-friendly Halloween events in Southwest Louisiana to make October truly fun and memorable. CM Farms: Louisianas Largest Corn Maze Experience Explore the exciting 12-acre corn maze, zip lines, wagon rides, giant jumping pillow, barrel train rides, live pig races, cow milking demos, games, and NERF gun wars. For younger kids, the Spookley maze features the

Have you ever driven along I-10 West and spotted the signs for Delta Downs Racetrack, Hotel & Casino? If youre new to Louisiana horse racing like my husband Bob and I were, youre in for a treat. We recently attended the opening day of Thoroughbred Season, and it was an exhilarating experience! The essential first step in horse racing is purchasing the Official Program. This comprehensive guide provides detailed insights into each race, including horse profiles, odds, owners, trainers, jockey

By Cooper - The Dog with a Blog Hey friends! Fall weather has arrived, bringing cooler temperatures perfect for longer walks, exciting adventures, and more outdoor dining with my human. Whether youre craving a quick grab-and-go lunch or a relaxed sit-down meal, Lake Charles offers numerous pet-friendly spots where pups like me are welcome. Next time your pawrent gets hungry, guide them to these fantastic eateries! (Check my previous post for additional dog-friendly options.) Lead the way to

Download this free printable Halloween coloring page featuring the beloved Gumbeaux Gator! Ideal for children of all ages—and grown-ups too—this fun activity brings spooky creativity to life. Share your masterpiece on social media with #EerieCalcasieu to join the celebration. Have a spooktacular time and Happy Halloween! Click the image below to download the PDF. Fans of Gumbeaux Gator can get the complete coloring book at the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau in

Discover the diverse world of Cajun seasoning blends that define Louisiana cooking. With as many varieties as festivals in the state, preferences vary widely among locals and visitors alike. We surveyed fans on the Visit Lake Charles Facebook page, revealing favorites like Tony Chachere’s, Slap Ya Mama, NuNu’s, Paul Prudhomme’s, Steamboat Bill’s, Kroger’s, and Pat’s of Henderson. Core ingredients typically include paprika, ground white and black pepper, garlic and onion powder, and cayenne—each

Louisiana is rich with haunting ghost stories, from the fearsome Rougarou and mysterious feu follets to local spirits like Toni Jo Henry and Elise. Yet, among them all, the tale of Madame Grand Doigts sends the biggest chills down my spine. Madame Grand Doigts—“Doigts” meaning “fingers” in French—is depicted as a woman with unnaturally long fingers who targets naughty children to enforce good behavior. She wanders roadsides with a large sack on her back, snatching misbehaving kids. Their fate r

Southwest Louisiana, especially Lake Charles, is celebrated for its exceptional cuisine. Beyond staples like fresh seafood, smoked boudin, savory gumbo, and bread pudding, the area boasts distinctive dishes that make any visit memorable. As a local food enthusiast with extensive experience exploring the regions eateries, Ive curated this list of standout options from trusted spots. Crawfish Burger – Hollier’s Cajun Kitchen This innovative fusion pairs a classic American burger with Louisianas b

by Chris Lanthier, Lake Charles Vegans As health awareness surges globally, its inspiring to see more Lake Charles residents embracing veganism. A plant-based, raw, or vegan diet helps many resolve health challenges. Veganism excludes all animal products. For me, its transformative—it reversed my chronic illness through raw foods and detoxification. With a vibrant local vegan community, here are my top spots for delicious vegan eats in Lake Charles. The Velvet Pig Nicoles rotating menu feat

October is filled with quirky national days, from National Noodle Day and National Feral Cat Day to National Boston Cream Pie Day and multiple cat-themed celebrations. One of the most popular is National American Beer Day on October 27, honoring the rich history of beer in the U.S. and the surging popularity of craft brewing right here in Southwest Louisiana. Here are some quick, fascinating beer facts: U.S. founding father George Washington recorded a recipe for small beer in his personal

Étouffée, a beloved Cajun/Creole classic meaning smothered, features shellfish cooked in a rich roux-based sauce. Shrimp étouffée is a favorite, especially outside crawfish season. This straightforward recipe delivers restaurant-quality results at home. Follow our step-by-step guide for success. Ingredients 1 cup diced white onion ¼ cup diced celery 1 cup diced green bell pepper ½ cup diced green onions 3 cloves diced garlic ½ cup butter ½ cup plus 2 tbsp flour 2 lbs peeled shrimp 1

Lake Charles marked its 150th anniversary as a city with a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the night sky over the lake. In Southwest Louisiana, we have plenty to celebrate. Visitors flock here from near and far to enjoy our vibrant city. Family and friends always rave about their experiences, and were proud of our recent ranking as the #2 Small Destination in the U.S. Lake Charles offers endless attractions. This months #VisitLakeCharles Photo of the Month, captured by Summer Richard

Every November, social media lights up with gratitude lists from family and friends—a heartfelt tradition. Here, we celebrate 12 things that embody the spirit of Louisiana, drawing from our rich cultural heritage and everyday joys. Coffee In Southwest Louisiana, coffee is more than a drink—its comfort. Many recall childhood bottles of coffee-milk from Mama or Granny, or the ritual of brewing a pot for afternoon relaxation or guests. Its woven into our lives.   Football Louisianan

Day Trips from Lake Charles Louisianas lush wetlands form the heart of our vibrant culture. Long-legged wading birds hunt in misty freshwater marshes and moss-draped bayous, while alligators bask along canal banks in windswept coastal prairies. Known as Louisianas Outback, this expansive wetland hosts 28 mammal species, 35 reptiles and amphibians, 132 fish varieties, and over 400 bird species. The premier way to experience Louisianas Outback is driving the Creole Nature Trail All-American

History enthusiasts exploring Lake Charles will value the Calcasieu Historical Preservation Societys Lost Landmarks project. Launched three years ago, this initiative honors significant buildings that once shaped the community but no longer stand. The Society has installed markers at nine such sites to safeguard their legacy.(LaGrange High School, 1940 - McNeese Archives)The historic marker for the original LaGrange School stands near Coyote Blues Restaurant in the 3600 block of Ryan Street. I

Immerse yourself in Southwest Louisianas cherished Cajun Christmas traditions this winter. Locals have celebrated these for generations with dazzling holiday light displays, theater productions, parades, shopping festivals, and festive cocktails. The holidays bring joy, but they can also bring stress—from travel and parties to last-minute gifts. Whether youre on a budget, traveling with kids, or seeking luxury, our expert tips ensure a seamless Cajun Christmas escape in Lake Charles. Before Yo

Pizza is a timeless favorite, perfect for any night—even the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, one of the busiest pizza nights nationwide. Who wants to cook before the big feast? Not us. For the best slices in Southwest Louisianas Lake Charles area, weve curated TripAdvisors highest-rated pizza spots based on real customer reviews. Local Tip: Many of these deliver via the Waitr app for effortless evenings. Now, dive into the top picks. “Historic Pizza House with Excellent Pizza” Tony’s Pizza -

South Louisiana is renowned for its unique culinary treasures, from filé and fricassee to cous-cous and Cochon de Lait. Traditional Cajun dishes may appear unconventional at first glance, but their bold, irresistible flavors win over every palate. To truly wow guests new to Louisiana cuisine, introduce the legendary turducken—the ultimate Cajun Bird. This masterpiece features a deboned chicken stuffed into a deboned duck, nestled inside a whole turkey, all layered with savory Cajun dressings an

Every year, thousands flock to Louisiana for the vibrant spectacle of Mardi Gras, evoking images of blaring Zydeco music, flying beads, and outrageous outfits. Yet, beyond the parades lies a rich tapestry of customs and traditions defining Carnival Season. Lake Charles hosts Louisianas second-largest Mardi Gras celebration and boasts the worlds largest collection of Mardi Gras costumes—the perfect spot to immerse yourself in Carnival lore before joining the festivities. Ascend to the second flo