Before I Die is a renowned global public art project that invites communities to share personal aspirations through non-destructive graffiti on a dedicated wall. Originating in New Orleans, its now transforming downtown Lake Charles in Southwest Louisiana (SWLA). Visitors are encouraged to pen their lifetime goals on the wall. The installation officially opens on Friday, September 27th, marking downtowns first interactive art piece, located on the west side of 505 Bazaar at 314 Broad Street.Long

Roseate Spoonbills are abundant in Southwest Louisiana. This photo was taken during a Grosse Savanne Eco-tour. Photo by John K. Flores. By late February, as winter wanes along coastal Louisiana, winds shift from north to south, ushering in weary travelers from Mexico, Central, and South America. Spring marks the ideal time for birdwatching: resident winter birds depart for northern breeding grounds, while neotropical migrants arrive like global visitors. Skilled birders can spot over 100 specie

  If youre a local in Southwest Louisiana, you likely know and love Seafood Palace. The modest exterior belies the treasures within—its always whats inside that counts. What awaits inside? Warm hospitality, generous portions, and outstanding food!   Craving top-notch Cajun cuisine in a relaxed vibe? Seafood Palace delivers. Cant visit? Recreate their signature Cream of Crab Soup at home! (Click Card to Enlarge)

Adapted from www.movoto.com and Mitchell Broussard Lake Charles seamlessly blends small-town charm with vibrant nightlife and outdoor adventures, creating an irresistible destination that will inspire your next trip. 1. A Resilient City That Always Bounces Back www.monsoursphotography.net Established centuries ago, Lake Charles nearly vanished after the devastating 1910 fire. True to its resilient spirit, the community rebuilt stronger, evolving into a thriving industrial and educational hub t

By Kaylen Fletcher Photo by www.lindseyjanies.com Born and raised in Southwest Louisiana, my favorite time of year is crawfish season, from January to June. We Louisianans joke that we dont have weather seasons—we have food seasons, and crawfish is the best. I love the spicy, flavorful taste of boiled crawfish, but it also connects me to cherished family traditions. Since childhood, Ive enjoyed crawfish boils with my dad and sister. Every Easter Sunday, wed host a massive backyard boil, compl

As part of OUTSIDE magazines 2014 Travel Awards, Southwest Louisiana was showcased on NBCs TODAY Show as one of the top foodie destinations. The segment featured an interview with OUTSIDEs Executive Editor, Michael Roberts, discussing standout picks from their recent awards. Steamboat Bills by www.lindseyjanies.com We regularly pitch story ideas to travel media and were thrilled when the Louisiana Office of Tourism notified us that OUTSIDE wanted to highlight our seafood cuisine. I connected

Crispy, juicy, and savory—when done right, fried foods deliver unmatched satisfaction. Raised in a home where deep-frying was a staple—upgrading from a Fry Daddy to a larger Fry Pappy and always stocking Crisco—Ive developed a discerning palate for authentic fried cuisine. While I avoid gimmicky fair foods like fried candy bars, I chase perfectly executed classics.Through thousands of miles traveling to diners, roadside stands, and upscale eateries, Ive endured disappointments but persisted for

Adapted from Austin Prices April 2014 THRIVE Magazine article Luna Bar & Grills Omelet Mamou by Michelle Higginbotham In 1895, English writer Guy Beringer popularized the term brunch in Hunters Weekly, advocating for it as a weekend staple. Beyond the food—envisioning everything good, plenty of it, and a variety of selection—Beringer emphasized its social magic: a sociable meal to foster good tempers, sweep away weekly worries, and connect people post-church. The playful word brunch perfectly

By Glen Turk Golfing, Gambling, Fishing, and Dining Combine to Create a Memorable Trip www.monsoursphotography.net The essence of a great golf trip lies in its diverse experiences beyond the fairways. Even avid golfers cherish the adventures in between shots. Lake Charles, LA—a city of 120,000 just 3 hours from Houston and 4 hours from New Orleans—delivers exactly that. In late April, a group of golf writers from across the U.S. and Canada enjoyed a four-day extravaganza of golf, gaming, fishin

Capt. Sammie Faulk with Gotta Go Charters Thirty years ago, Sammie Faulk left his day job to become a full-time fishing guide on Lake Calcasieu—locally known as Big Lake—when guides were few and far between. Today, Capt. Faulks Gotta Go Charters thrives amid Southwest Louisianas rising fame, drawing anglers nationwide. Whether targeting freshwater bass, crappie, and catfish in the Calcasieu and Sabine Rivers or saltwater redfish, speckled trout, and flounder in Calcasieu Lake—famous for

Nate Livings featured at a Little League Match at Mallard Cove Ever dreamed of golfing with NFL celebrities? Seize the opportunity at the Nate Livings Foundation/SWLA Junior Golf Associations Celebrity Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday, June 28, at Mallard Cove Golf Course in Lake Charles, Louisiana. This event supports underprivileged youth through targeted golf programs and equips physical education coaches with a 3-week golf curriculum for elementary and middle schools. F

The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team is returning to Sulphur for an exciting rematch against the Bayou All-Star Celebrity Team. Join us Friday-Saturday, June 20-21, at McMurry Park, 300 S. Hazel St., Sulphur, LA. Catch celebrities like reality TV stars Willie Robertson from Duck Dynasty, Gator Queen Liz, and Justin from Swamp People as they take the field to raise funds for wounded warriors. The Bayou All-Star roster boasts Jennie Finch-Daigle, former Team USA softball pitcher; MLB vete

In Louisiana, meals are meant to share. From shaken specialty cocktails and fresh vegetable sides to the cherished company at the table, memories are made over dinner. As warmer weather arrives, home cooks and restaurants alike adapt menus to seasonal vegetables. Ive secured recipes for some of my favorite summer dishes from Isle of Capri Casino Hotels Otis & Henrys and LAuberge Casino Resorts Ember Grille & Wine Bar. Ember Grille & Wine Bar Recently, I enjoyed a memorable dinner at Ember, w

Ben Welch proudly displays a clutch of alligator eggs. Photo by Deb Thompson. Holding a baby alligator was both thrilling and nerve-wracking! Photo by Deb Thompson. During a recent marshland tour with Airboats and Alligators, I had the exhilarating chance to hold my first baby alligator. Aboard the airboat, owner Ben Welch, a local expert, explained the key differences between man-made canals used by the pipeline industry and natural bayous winding through the coastal marshes. With the wind wh

Photo credit: www.monsoursphotography.net Growing up in Lake Charles, some of my fondest childhood memories unfolded along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road with my family. Winters brought duck hunting, hearty gumbo, and fireworks on Johnsons Bayou beach. But summers were for fishing, frog hunting, Gulf of Mexico swims, and roadside crabbing. Dad baited our crab lines with raw chicken melt or turkey necks. Wed secure the string to a dock or a stick driven into the ground, then toss the

By Angie Kay Dilmore I often find myself delaying exciting local adventures, but I finally visited Louisiana Spirits, the states only rum distillery, located just off I-10 from Lake Charles in Lacassine. Opened over a year ago, touring this facility had long been on my bucket list. My husband Bob and I made the trip recently. Bayou Rum has surged in popularity, flying off shelves at liquor stores and local spots for months. Photo by Angie Kay Dilmore Crafted from sugarcane—a Louisiana st

www.visitlakecharles.org/filmfest The Lake Charles Film Commission is thrilled about the upcoming workshops, film screenings, and live performances at the 3rd annual Lake Charles Film & Music Festival, taking place October 10-12 at the Central School Arts & Humanities Center. Festival producer Patrick Bennett shares insights on this years exciting event. 1. Why did you decide to produce a film festival for Lake Charles? As an indie filmmaker, Ive always loved attending film festival

Southwest Louisiana boasts a vibrant arts scene encompassing culinary arts, traditional fine art, live theater, and music. Enjoy coffee sipped from Rex Alexander’s handcrafted pottery at Stellar Beans. Crave Gourmet Baskets and Gifts features charming plates and serving dishes by Louisiana folk artist Clementine Hunter, depicting life on Melrose Plantation. Downtowns Art Shop offers a prime spot to browse artwork while renting bikes to explore the Charpentier Historic District. Numerous traditio

In Southwest Louisiana, gumbo is a beloved staple simmered in large cast iron pots and stirred with oversized wooden spoons—or even boat oars for big gatherings. This iconic roux-based soup comes in delightful variations, including chicken and smoked sausage, shrimp and okra, wild duck and smoked sausage, rabbit, or seafood gumbo packed with shrimp, crab, and oysters. Gumbo graces tables year-round in Southwest Louisiana, but home cooks and professionals alike cherish it most during the coole

Just a short drive from Lake Charles, Louisiana, lies an exciting craft distillery thats captivating the spirits world. Bayou Rum began shipping on July 1, 2013. Louisiana Spirits entered Bayou Silver Rum and Bayou Spiced Rum in prestigious tasting competitions. As of October 27, 2014, Bayou Rum has earned 50 awards from tasting competitions and 26 from marketing organizations—the highest total for any rum brand in the USA and possibly worldwide for the 2014 awards season. "Winning