Fall offers the ideal escape from routine, even with kids back in school and work demands rising. Its time for a refreshing weekend getaway to Lake Charles—explore vibrant city gems, dive into outdoor adventures, and indulge in delectable local cuisine. In our latest video, discover 5 curated activities perfectly suited to the crisp autumn air. For more inspiration, visit our Top 10 Things to Do in Lake Charles page or explore our other expert travel blogs.

Frank Thompson, a native of Southwest Louisiana, meticulously crafts mesmerizing artworks from vibrant sheets of colored glass. A builder and contractor by trade, he transitioned to full-time stained glass artistry in 1982, earning acclaim for his church windows and bold, colorful glass crosses. In 2009, his career took an innovative turn. A clients lament about lacking windows and natural light inspired Thompson to pioneer a new technique: mounting fused glass two inches from a polished alum

It was an exhilarating experience meeting Chef Jeff Henderson and the Flip My Food crew when their food truck rolled into the parking lot at Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point. The professional entourage—including hair stylists, makeup artists, sous chefs, producers, directors, gaffers, and videographers—arrived fully equipped for production. They swiftly set up in our bayou exhibit, adjusting lighting to create the perfect cook station for Chef Jeff and our guests. I assisted Chef Jeff in pre

One of the greatest joys of living in Louisiana is its captivating folklore, filled with strange and mysterious tales. Among them, the legend of the Feu Follet—known as the Cajun fairy or marsh fire in French—stands out as a favorite. This eerie phenomenon, often linked to the natural occurrence of will-o-the-wisp, appears as a glowing phosphorescent ball of fire in marshy bayous, bogs, and swamps. Early Cajuns interpreted these lights as fairies, restless spirits, or even the ghosts of depar

In today's digital world, most of us read blogs on mobile devices—and that's perfectly fine. As a tech enthusiast in my professional role, I fully embrace it. Yet, I often crave the great outdoors: hiking the trails of Sam Houston Jones State Park, paddleboarding on Prien Lake, or spotting wildlife along the Creole Nature Trail. These daydreams always feature Southwest Louisiana favorites like po'boys, boudin, and crawfish. Nothing inspires outdoor and culinary adventures quite like

In September, Boyd Gaming and Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel executives broke ground on a $45 million expansion project at the Vinton, Louisiana facility, located just miles from the Texas border along Interstate 10. This upgrade promises enhanced experiences for tourists and loyal guests alike. Key features include 167 new guest rooms and suites, renovations to the existing 200 rooms, an expanded events center, upgraded dining options, and a new outdoor pool area. The project will unf

What’s not to love about a po boy? The finest versions start with premium ingredients: super-fresh local seafood, ripe tomatoes, homemade remoulade sauce, and exceptional bread. Drooling yet? Po boy sandwiches typically feature seafood or roast beef, often enhanced with tangy Cajun remoulade. Theyre a must-try in Lake Charles. Driving through Lake Charles? Dont miss sampling a po boy or two. Weve curated recent TripAdvisor reviews spotlighting the top spots for mouthwatering po boys in Lake Ch

Love cooking shows? They inspire new recipes, techniques, and help curb those mid-day cravings. Dive into professional culinary content that keeps you engaged and satisfied. In October, local businesses shone on Flip My Food. Read about their visit in our "Behind the Scenes" blog. Discover standout recipes from the show. Try them at home and share your results—wed love to hear how they turn out. Start with this simple delight: Biscuits with Creole Compound Butter. Just two steps to

Flea Fest is back at the Burton Coliseum Complex this weekend, featuring over 300 vendors selling everything from antique automobiles to zebra-striped purses. This massive flea market is a treasure trove where surprises await around every corner. Held biannually in spring and fall at Burton Coliseum’s Ag Barn, Flea Fest draws crowds of bargain hunters. As a vendor at last Novembers event, I sold antiques and garage sale finds during our downsizing efforts. My husband and I alternated shifts, al

Red Beans and Rice is a cherished Monday tradition across Louisiana, where the inviting aroma wafts through neighborhoods. Each family guards their unique recipe, blending time-honored ingredients and techniques. Our friends at Flip My Food shared this standout version during their visit to Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point. Enhanced with ham shanks, it delivers rich, homestyle flavor that keeps guests reaching for seconds. Enjoy this classic! Red Beans & Rice Ingredients 1 pound dry s

Growing up, my dad was all about meat and potatoes. Moms meals typically featured red meat, garden-fresh vegetables like sweet corn, purple hull peas, Fordhook lima beans, squash, or okra (always fried!). The rare exception was Smothered Chicken and Rice—a cherished dish from his childhood, reserved for special occasions. I never mastered my moms version, but spotting Chef Jeff Henderson preparing it on Flip My Food during the Crave Gourmet & Gifts episode had me hooked. As a home cook with

Southwest Louisiana teems with creative talent, where local artists draw inspiration from the regions diverse flora and fauna, vibrant landscapes, and rich historical remnants. Sue Zimmermann, a celebrated Lake Charles watercolorist, channels her creativity into natures beauty, charming old buildings, and the magical play of sunlight on everyday scenes. “I’ve always painted what draws me in,” she shares. “I see it, I love it, and I want to capture it to share with others.” Artistic from a you

By guest blogger Angie Dilmore After conquering the 18th hole, satisfy your appetite with exceptional service from General Manager Kelly McDevitt and her outstanding team. The Country Club at Golden Nugget is a hidden gem in Lake Charles, McDevitt shares. Since its grand opening last October, The Country Club at Golden Nugget has become the premier destination for diners and golfers seeking top-tier cuisine, artisanal cocktails, and panoramic views of the serene golf course and iconic I-210

Last summer, I took my family on an unforgettable outdoor adventure at Grosse Savanne Eco-Tours, where we witnessed baby birds nesting in the rookeries—one of natures most precious sights. Arriving at the field office in Bell City, Louisiana, our guide asked if wed like to start with a truck tour of the rice fields. Sweet Lake Land & Oil is one of Louisianas largest rice producers. Eager for the boat ride to see the nestlings, I deferred to my husbands curiosity about rice farming—a

Though you might not know local iron artist Josh Guillory by name, his exquisite craftsmanship graces Lake Charles. In 2008, the City of Lake Charles commissioned him to forge the distinctive lampposts, custom lighting, and intricate ironwork along the Lakefront Promenade. This prominent project showcases just a fraction of the ornate creations produced by Guillory and his team of seven skilled staff. Guillory crafts virtually any custom iron piece clients envision, with a specialty in elabor

One of the magical highlights of Southwest Louisiana is its dramatic skies. While the world shares one sun and moon, our sunrises and sunsets feel uniquely tailored for us here in Lake Charles. Rainbows add an extra layer of wonder. Theyre rare and fleeting, and my roadside snaps often include windshield glare or mirrors. But @PhoteauxBien nailed the perfect shot, prompting the timeless question: What lies at the end of that rainbow? I captured this after a rain shower at Turners Bay. My hus

Discover the vibrant artistic talent in Southwest Louisiana, where creativity extends beyond galleries and museums to stunning outdoor murals in downtown Lake Charles. One standout is Candice Alexander’s captivating Tree of Life project on the south wall of the historic Charleston Building at 900 Ryan Street. In 2012, Alexander relocated her Alexander Art Studio from Central School Arts and Humanities to this prime location, drawn by its high visibility and the expansive 140-foot exterior wall

Louisiana boasts a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and festivals that capture its authentic spirit. Few events embody this as vividly as the Louisiana Fur & Wildlife Festival, organized by locals who cherish the states unique landscapes and estuaries. Mark your calendars for the 58th annual event on Friday-Saturday, January 8-9, featuring live Cajun music, a gumbo cook-off, educational exhibits, and a family-friendly carnival. Unique contests include trap setting, nutria and muskrat s

In Southwest Louisiana, Mardi Gras is a thrilling tradition! In 2016, Fat Tuesday falls on February 9. Leading up to the celebration, the region hosts numerous events, with Lake Charles offering family-friendly fun for all ages. (For a downloadable event & parade schedule, click here) Events are hyperlinked below. For a full listing of Mardi Gras events, click here. Celebrations began on January 6 with the 12th Night event, building excitement through Fat Tuesday! Saturday, Jan. 23 K

In Louisiana, every meal is a celebration, and crawfish boils are the ultimate food festivity. Boiled in large pots with bold seasonings, these mudbugs draw enthusiasts who easily consume 5 pounds or more. My husband routinely devours over 10 pounds without breaking a sweat! Peeling crawfish requires technique, but fear not. Weve prepared a How-To video to equip you for platters of steaming, spicy mudbugs. Put your skills to the test in Southwest Louisiana! Roll up your sleeves for authentic