Story and Photos by Kayla Martin / Time and Beauty Photography (Visit Lake Charles fan) A friend recently invited me to Southwest Louisiana to visit her brother in Iowa, Louisiana. As a passionate traveler and photographer, I couldnt resist the opportunity to explore this unique region and capture scenes I might never see again. What I imagined paled in comparison to the reality. The landscapes, wildlife, and adventures exceeded my wildest expectations. Our first day featured an exhilaratin

In Louisiana, our seasons revolve around food rather than weather, and crawfish season stands out as a beloved favorite for locals like me.  Find Crawfish: Southwest Louisiana Crawfish Stops As a lifelong Southwest Louisiana resident, some of my fondest childhood memories stem from family crawfish boils. The unmistakable aroma of boiling crawfish signaled gathering time, sharing this Cajun delicacy. I still recall the thrill when my dad taught me to peel my first crawfish—a true ri

Spring brings blooming flowers, chirping birds, and prime fishing in Southwest Louisiana. Lake Charles proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and the nutrient-rich marshlands along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road offer exceptional freshwater and saltwater angling. Planning to land trophy fish? Master proper catch preparation with advice from our local experts. Before seasoning and cooking, watch our How to Clean Your Catch video guide featuring resident fishing expert, Captain Sammie Faulk

Craving delicious, high-quality meals without overspending? Southwest Louisiana is home to exceptional restaurants offering unbeatable dinner specials that deliver great value and flavor. 121 Artisan Bistro features an all-day Monday Burger and Beer special: any burger (excluding shrimp or ribeye) paired with any beer for just $10. Photo Credit: 121 Artisan Bistro Facebook   Ember Grille and Wine Bar at L’Auberge Casino Resort serves $7 Social Hour items daily from 5–7 p.m. General Ma

Spring has sprung in Southwest Louisiana, making it the perfect time to grab your bike and explore the great outdoors around Lake Charles! One standout spot for cyclists is Sam Houston Jones State Park, a haven for outdoor lovers with its scenic, shaded trails of varying lengths. View the trail map here. Entry is just $3 per person. For a longer adventure, head to the Creole Nature Trail. Local triathlete John O’Donnell suggests the stretch through Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge: “

CyPhaCon is Lake Charles, Louisianas premier pop culture and comic convention, held April 7–9 at the expansive Lake Charles Civic Center, 900 Lakeshore Drive. This immersive 3-day event offers something for everyone, including live concerts by Professor Shy Guy, Dubba D, and Suzaku 7; competitive gaming tournaments from Scion E-Sports; a fan appreciation party; Downtown Pub Crawl; family-friendly CyPhaKids activities; celebrity panels; free retro gaming stations; tabletop gaming; collectible

The 42nd Annual Palm Sunday Tour of Homes showcases exquisite homes across historic Lake Charles, where gracious homeowners invite visitors to explore their gardens and interiors on Palm Sunday, April 9, 2017. If youve never attended, this is the perfect year to experience it firsthand. 1. This years theme, Future and Past, highlights both vintage properties and innovative new constructions shaping the future of preservation. All featured homes are in the Historic Charpentier District of Lake C

We all occasionally fall into a routine, repeating the same activities day after day. While comfort is tempting, spring ignites a fresh urge for renewal—whether starting a garden, practicing yoga, organizing your home, or exploring new areas in your hometown. Its the perfect time to embrace change and move forward! This months Photo of the Month captures that spirit perfectly. These ducks winter in Southwest Louisiana each year, but instinct calls them north for migration. The image was capture

Growing up in Central Louisiana, fresh seafood wasnt a staple on my dinner plate. While great seafood spots exist there, its far more accessible in Cajun Country. One dish I always wanted to try was Cajun Shrimp and Grits—a perfect match of my favorite flavors. That changed when I discovered the Golden Nuggets Calcasieu Crawfish and Grits. These cheesy grits, packed with bacon and spicy green chilies, pair exquisitely with Louisiana crawfish tails. Dont take my word for it—try this proven recipe

Easter traditions often evoke images of pastel attire for church services and lavish family feasts. Yet, the iconic Easter egg remains central—we hard-boil and dye them, hide them for hunts, and cherish their role in the festivities. In Louisiana, a delightful post-hunt game elevates these dyed eggs: paqueing, pronounced pocking. This longstanding Cajun custom brings families and friends together every Easter Sunday. Played for generations, paqueing involves tapping the end of your hard-boil

Golf enthusiasts will love Southwest Louisianas year-round golfing scene, especially in Lake Charles. With pristine courses, friendly staff, and ideal amenities, its a golfers paradise. Dont take our word for it—heres what TripAdvisor reviewers say about the areas six premier courses. “Great course, not crowded” The Country Club at the Golden Nugget - Reviewed by Emily D. on January 7, 2017 Weather is hit and miss in December for golf, but it was perfect. Foggy early but cleared to sunny and 7

Updated October 19, 2018 Southwest Louisiana has a passion for brunch, proven by the thriving new spots in Downtown Lake Charles. These venues join established favorites like Luna’s Bar and Grill and Pujo St. Café. For hearty appetites and variety, head to Blue Dog Café. Their Sunday Brunch Buffet (10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.) features live music and dishes like made-to-order omelets, crab cake Benedict, Belgian waffles, smoked salmon bagels, corn and crab bisque, smoked gouda grits with pork grill

My fiancée and I, avid history enthusiasts eager to immerse ourselves in local culture, prioritized exploring Lake Charles premier museums during our visit. Our journey began at the Brimstone Museum Complex in Sulphur, featuring captivating timelines of the towns evolution, a statue honoring Melton “Big” Mott called “The Mottagator,” vintage telegraph keys, toys, farming equipment, and even a nostalgic old TV reminiscent of those from past generations. Adjacent, the Henning Cultural Cente

As a lifelong enthusiast of Southwest Louisianas vibrant culture—which inspired my tourism career—festivals have always been central to my memories. Among them, the Louisiana Pirate Festival stands out as the ultimate celebration. This year marks the 60th anniversary, making it an extra special event. Don your eyepatch, practice your pirate speak (festival-approved only!), and dive into the festivities. The Louisiana Pirate Festival masterfully delivers the perfect mix of food, music, and

You dont need professional skills to capture stunning photos. Southwest Louisiana, especially around Lake Charles, offers incredible backdrops for any photographer. Here are 10 of my favorite spots, based on years of local exploration. 1. Millennium Park is perfect for family photos, with its open spaces and playful backgrounds ideal for kids on the move. 2. For street fashion or sports-themed shots, head to The Power Center at 3200 Power Centre Parkway. It features baseball/softball fields,

In Southwest Louisiana, food is more than sustenance—its a cultural cornerstone. Our renowned Cajun and Creole cuisine captivates with bold flavors, drawing visitors into a world where traditional food pyramids fade in favor of authentic, savory delights. Chefs in Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana masterfully transform natures bounty into culinary masterpieces. Shaped by Native American, French, German, Cajun, and Creole influences, our traditions thrive near the Gulf of Mexico, piney wood

Lace up your shoes—Southwest Louisianas favorite road race is just weeks away! Runners, joggers, and walkers of all abilities are gearing up for the 41st Annual Contraband 5 Miler, starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday, May 13 from the Capital One Tower in downtown Lake Charles. Launched in 1976 with a small group of runners behind the Civic Center, the race followed a lakefront route to the Port of Lake Charles and back. As popularity grew alongside Contraband Days—and the need for more vendor space

Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexicos historic 1862 victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla—a true symbol of resilience, not just a margarita holiday. In Southwest Louisiana, its the perfect excuse for vibrant parties. With dozens of Mexican restaurants offering specials, join the fun at these standout spots. Casa Mañana hosts a lively fiesta in their parking lot, featuring food and drink specials plus live music. Coyote Blues serves $5 margaritas, Latin and Mexican beer specials, an

One of my favorite outdoor pursuits is a leisurely nature walk paired with wildlife observation. Growing up amid the piney woods, I frequently took these walks, weaving imaginative stories for the animals and birds I encountered. Those were truly memorable days. Yet, I seldom considered that nature might be watching me. Our latest Photo of the Month captures this intriguing reversal during a hike in the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge. Talented photographer Jennifer Carrera snapped this shot—ca

With its stunning chic décor, delectable dishes, and exceptional wines, Bodega Wine Dive is an essential stop for foodies exploring Lake Charles. Located just south of the city, Bodega offers a variety of inviting service options that match the elegance of its ambiance. Bodega plans to expand its menu with sandwiches and soups soon, but currently delights with brick-oven pizzas and an array of cheese boards—perfect for any occasion. This gem features wine lockers for storing your favorite bo