An unforgettable evening in Lake Charles isnt complete without exceptional cocktails. This vibrant city boasts diverse bars, craft cocktail spots, and pubs. For the absolute best places to savor top-tier drinks, weve analyzed TripAdvisor reviews to highlight the crème de la crème of mixologists. Discover our Top 5 recommendations, including must-order cocktails and happy hour specials. “Great Nightlife” Blue Martini Lounge | Golden Nugget – Reviewed by William B on August 3, 2017 Walking into

Discover how locals live in Lake Charles—from top places to visit, must-try foods, and exciting activities. While the Visit Lake Charles blog is an excellent resource, these 6 standout local bloggers share compelling stories of Southwest Louisiana life that are truly engaging to follow. 1. Rooted Gypsy: Jessica Pickett Jessicas blog whisks you around the globe while highlighting captivating Southwest Louisiana tales. A familiar name, shes the newest addition to the Visit Lake Charles guest blog

After a long week or day, Lake Charles happy hours offer the perfect escape. Discover great drink specials, tasty bar food, and live music for an unforgettable unwind. Loggerheads Ideal for parties and gatherings, Loggerheads features indoor or outdoor patio seating along the scenic Calcasieu River with stunning views. Signature Bayou Drinks are crafted with Louisiana Bayou Rum. Happy hour runs daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., including discounted beers and a wide selection of drinks. Sloppy’s

Ever recall a memory only to have friends or family insist, That didnt happen! Or do a double-take because you swore you saw something that wasnt there? It happens to me often. These alternative memories and visual illusions sometimes reflect what we wish were real—perhaps our soul whispering to our brain. This months #VisitLakeCharles Photo of the Month by photographer Pratik Thapa sparked thoughts on unique points of view and how we each perceive and remember differently. Artistic interpret

The best adventures are often found close to home. As a Southwest Louisiana resident, Im surrounded by exotic flavors, picturesque bayous, and vibrant festivals. To fully savor it all, I frequently explore my own backyard like a tourist. Rooted in French heritage, spiced with Caribbean influences, and enriched by Native American, African, and Spanish traditions, Southwest Louisiana offers a culinary experience like no other. Savoring Our Distinctive Flavors Locals cherish many exceptional rest

Discover the captivating beauty of Southwest Louisianas Lake Charles, a photogenic gem that inspires locals and visitors alike. From breathtaking nature to vibrant city scenes and delectable cuisine, these 11 top local Instagrammers (in no particular order) showcase it all through their lenses.@daddyeaux (nature, wildlife)@coachbeeson (city scenes, nature shots, wildlife)@blafleur1003 (city scenes, nature shots, wildlife)@grossesavanne (nature shots, wildlife, water activities, sportsman paradis

by Chavanne Stine Southwest Louisiana events are renowned for delivering unforgettable experiences, and Groovin at the Grove is no exception. Discover six key reasons this free music series is a must-attend. 1. Free Family Fun! This outdoor music series offers entertainment for all ages, making it an ideal family outing during cooler evenings. Select from six exciting nights—or attend them all! September 7: Roddie Romero/The Hub City All-Stars/New Natives Brass Band October 5: TK Hulin/G

It wouldn’t be Louisiana without exceptional craft beers and handcrafted spirits to complement our adventures. Small, independent breweries and distilleries have revolutionized the bar scene nationwide, spawning craft trails as a new tourism trend. Lake Charles proudly joins this movement. Hometown Spirits and Brews I admire businesses that draw inspiration from local history to build their brands. Crying Eagle Brewing Company, named after the legendary Atakapa Indian Chief, burst onto the sce

Southwest Louisiana, especially around Lake Charles, is the ultimate destination for men seeking rest, recreation, and adventure in a true Sportsmans Paradise. If you love the great outdoors, this bayou region delivers unbeatable experiences. Here are some top activities awaiting you. Golf Southwest Louisiana features excellent public golf courses, including the acclaimed National Golf Club of Louisiana, Mallard Cove Golf Course, and Gray Plantation Golf Club. Casinos like L’Auberge Casino

In Southwest Louisiana, food transcends mere sustenance—its a celebration of culture that nourishes the soul. We honor our culinary heritage through vibrant festivals dedicated to unique dishes and heirloom recipes passed down as family traditions. Lake Charles offers an exceptional selection of restaurants, microbreweries, and food trucks where visual appeal rivals exceptional flavor. Social media makes it simple to capture and share mouthwatering moments, like the Zydeco Brunch Boudin Beignets

Southwest Louisiana proudly celebrates another outstanding year, with 53 local businesses earning TripAdvisors prestigious Certificate of Excellence. This honor recognizes consistent excellence in hospitality through exceptional traveler reviews. Congratulations to all SWLA winners, and thank you to our visitors for their glowing feedback! Here are the 2017 Certificate of Excellence winners: Accommodations Comfort Inn Lake Charles, Red Roof Inn Lake Charles, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Lake

Craving something sweet? Discover the top destinations in Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana for the finest desserts, custom cakes, and gourmet confections. These local favorites have earned their reputation through decades of quality and innovation. 1. Jos Party House This family-owned bakery, established in 1968, lives up to its name as a dessert haven. Specializing in vibrant custom cakes for every occasion, Jos offers cupcakes, rice crispy treats, cookies, brownies, macarons, and more.

After exploring Southwest Louisianas outdoors, savoring authentic Cajun cuisine, and enjoying gaming excitement, dive into the regions vibrant arts and culture. Escape the heat and discover these essential art exhibits in Lake Charles rich scene. Currently Running: Lawanda Donald, Art Originals On view through September 29, 2017 Black Heritage Gallery Central School, 809 Kirby Street Works of Men On view through September 29, 2017 Henning Cultural Center (Sulphur) Discover fantastic works by

Expert Pairings from Crying Eagle Brewing Co. Brewers Pairing craft beer with food is an art of experimentation rather than exact science. The ideal matches create synergy, revealing enhanced flavors and aromas in both the beer and dish that stand alone couldnt achieve. At Crying Eagle Brewing Co., we designed our beers with Louisianas rich cuisine in mind. Extensive tasting confirms our brews pair exceptionally with local flavors. Start with these proven combinations: Red Beans and Rice +

My Maw-Maw, a spirited 411 Cajun lady from Cameron via New Iberia, started every morning with coffee and rice pots simmering—regardless of the days menu. Rice was a staple, just like in our family favorite: Cajun jambalaya! Two key rules for Cajun jambalaya: Rule 1: Pronounce it [jum-buh-LIE-yuh], not [JAM-buh-lie-yuh]. It has nothing to do with breakfast spread. Rule 2: No tomatoes! Tomatoes belong in Creole jambalaya (which is great), but authentic Cajun skips them entirely. Jambalaya vari

I discovered this months Photo of the Month shortly after Hurricane Harvey struck Texas and parts of Southwest Louisiana. Stories of the heroic Cajun Navy and countless volunteers from across the state rushing to aid those affected inspired us all. For those unable to help in person, donations and prayers poured in. This image filled me with immense pride for Louisianas unwavering commitment to helping others, embodying our natural Southern hospitality and familial bonds. The pelican, Louisi

If you’ve ever spent time around true Cajuns in south Louisiana, you’ve likely noticed what sets us apart from other cultures. Sharing a meal? We love adding extra cayenne or frying up just about anything for that perfect flavor. Live music playing? We’re the first on the dance floor, adding extra jigs to our two-step. But what catches most attention first is our unique way of speaking—Cajun phraseology. Here are some popular Cajun words and phrases that capture our vibrant culture. “Coullion”

Discover the best Halloween activities in Southwest Louisianas Lake Charles area. From thrilling haunted trails to family-friendly candy crawls, theres something for everyone—young trick-or-treaters and adventure seekers alike. Plan your celebrations for the spookiest holiday and share your favorites in the comments below. Haunted Trails, Hunts, and Tours Lost Hollows Navigate the Deadly Pines trail, a chilling path through wooded terrors. Experience the intense “Lights Out” Halloween nights

Last month, Crying Eagle Brewing Co. brewer Joel Prudhomme shared exceptional beer and food pairings that impressed us all. Like many enthusiasts, we craved more—especially with crisp fall weather arriving and tailgating season in full swing. Discover two more outstanding combinations of Crying Eagle beers and Cajun classics that are guaranteed to delight. Note: These exclusive brews are available only at Crying Eagles taproom. To enjoy them at home, visit and fill a growler or two. Gumbo +

Craving some much-needed me time with pampering and relaxation? Lake Charles day spas provide a full spectrum of services—from affordable to upscale—designed to rejuvenate you. Whatever your budget, theres a perfect option. Heres a selection of services and specials from top local spas. Indulge head-to-toe at Spa du Lac at LAuberge Casino Resort, a full-service salon and spa offering massages, body scrubs, facials, peels, hair and nail care, makeup, teeth whitening, and mens services. Tip: Enjo