Megan Hartman is a lifelong resident of southwest Louisiana. Megan was in a duck blind by the age of two but has never mastered the art of calling. She enjoys boating in the Calcasieu River, crabbing along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road and cooking for her family. Cajun music makes her smile. She resides in Carlyss with her husband, two children and two lapdogs. Follow her on Twitter @mmonsou1.
Whether you’re looking for a “staycation” or quality family time, heading south to the beaches of Cameron Parish along the Creole Nature Trail is a great option here in Southwest Louisiana. Last summer, all my brother wanted for his birthday was for the family to grill out on Rutherford Beach . Truth…
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It’s Saturday morning. I’m packing the ice chest and making sure we’ve packed a huge tower of towels before heading south to the beach for the day. You never know who’s gonna spill or make a mess, get wet or throw sand. I guess I’ll grab another towel and a large pack of Wet Ones. Lake Charles is…
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When I think of Creole culture, two things come to mind: Food and Zydeco Music . Like the people, Creole food is a blend of various cuisines from New Orleans, including Spanish, Italian, African, German, Caribbean, Native American and Portuguese. Think highbrow dishes with rich, creamy sauces and an…
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There are a few things you must know when visiting Lake Charles, Louisiana. Our food is totally delicious. Fresh seafood, homemade gumbo, fried shrimp platter, boiled crawfish, fresh oysters, boudin and cracklins will have you beggin’ for some elastic waist pants! Bring those comfy yoga pants…
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Our Adventure Guides put together a list of the most frequently asked questions visitors ask about the free Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. Where does the Creole Nature Trail start? The trail loops through Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes along the coast. A great place to start your journey…
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R&B singer Nellie Lutcher was a part of Southwest Louisiana’s music history and now we are celebrating her as part of the Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana’s Roots Revival program this spring. (1956 appearance on NBC Today Show) On April 21, the Roots Revival showcase concert will honor music legends like Lutcher, Dolly Parton, Lucinda Williams and Goldband Record artists at Historic Central School, 809 Kirby St. in Lake Charles…
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Spending some down time in our local casino resorts and hearing our visitor reactions during their stay makes me appreciate Lake Charles. We have the luxurious amenities, top name entertainment and in my opinion, excellent food in our casino resorts! Plus, Southwest Louisiana exudes Southern hospitality and getting around town is a breeze. Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana offers several options for gaming that are all nearby and an easy drive away with free parking…
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Austin is only a five hour drive to Lake Charles, Louisiana. We have family there so we travel to the Texas Hill Country regularly. And, who doesn’t love the “weird” vibe in Austin? What happens when a few crazy Cajuns cross the Texas border into Austin – it gets even weirder…
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Last summer, I took the guys in my family on an outdoor adventure. I took them to Grosse Savanne Eco-tours to experience the baby birds nesting in the rookeries, which is one of the most precious things in nature to me. When we pulled up to the field office in Bell City, Louisiana to meet our…
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Having the opportunity to meet Chef Jeff Henderson with Flip My Food was a blast! Their food truck pulled into the parking lot of Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point and out came the entourage – hair stylist, makeup artist, sous chefs, producers, directors, gaffers and videographers…these folks had…
Continue Reading1205 N. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, LA 70601
phone: (337) 436-9588 | fax: (337) 494-SWLA toll free: 1-800-456-SWLA
