Whether you’re planning your first visit or coming back for more, exploring the shops of Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana is one of the most enjoyable ways to dive deeper into the culture and take a piece of it home. From art-filled emporiums and foodie boutiques to funky downtown shops, local markets, and craft distilleries, there’s a treasure around every corner.

Ready to find your perfect souvenir? Let the hunt begin!

Flock of Five Gift and Art Emporium

One of the best places to start your treasure hunt is Flock of Five Gift and Art Emporium in Sulphur. This shop is a creative haven, filled with pottery, hand-carved pieces, furniture, and Louisiana-themed gifts that reflect the culture of the region. They also offer homemade candles and soaps made with natural oils, giving your gift an authentic, aromatic touch. You’ll leave with something meaningful, whether it's for yourself or someone back home.

Downtown Lake Charles Boutiques

Downtown Lake Charles is full of charm, and Bux Kajun Korner is a standout stop for anyone looking to bring home a true piece of Louisiana. This colorful shop offers an impressive variety of Lake Charles and Louisiana-themed gifts—from local art and handmade jewelry to home décor and unique souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a one-stop shop for Cajun flair and thoughtful treasures.

Just steps away, you’ll also find other locally loved spots like The Emporium, a music-lover’s paradise filled with vintage records and memorabilia; Bespoke Hat Company, known for its custom creations; Recent Relics, packed with nostalgic finds; Mia’s Downtown for stylish apparel; and Candice Alexander Art Studio, showcasing bold, imaginative local art.

Artisan Finds at Local Museums & Galleries

Museums in the area also double as incredible gift destinations. The Imperial Calcasieu Museum’s gift shop is stocked with a wide variety of local artwork, home décor, jewelry, and more. For additional artistic finds, swing by Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center (which houses the Black Heritage Gallery and Gallery by the Lake), the Henning Cultural Center in Sulphur, and the DeQuincy Railroad Museum, where history and creativity go hand in hand.

Boudin: The Cajun Staple

No trip to Southwest Louisiana is complete without experiencing boudin, the legendary Cajun sausage that locals and visitors alike can’t get enough of. The Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail features several stops that offer nationwide shipping, so you can keep the Cajun flavor going long after vacation ends. You can check out the full list of trail locations online and decide which spot best satisfies your craving.

Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point

For a more nature-inspired stop, Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point in Sulphur features a family-friendly gift shop with Louisiana wildlife-themed souvenirs. Kids especially love the interactive experience of hatching gator eggs, making this a fun and educational memory to bring home.

Crying Eagle Brewing

If you’re craving a cold drink and a cool souvenir, Crying Eagle Brewing delivers both. Known for their creative brews and laid-back vibe, this local favorite also features a merch shop stocked with t-shirts, drinkware, and Crying Eagle-branded gear. You can sip a locally brewed beer while you browse and maybe even grab a six-pack to go.

And there’s even more on tap! Crying Eagle is expanding to a second location right on the lakefront, opening July 2025. Situated just off I-10, near Port Wonder, it’ll be the perfect pit stop to kick off your Southwest Louisiana adventure or wind it down with a view. 

Bayou Rum Distillery

The gift shop at Bayou Rum is a must-stop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs—think rum-infused candies, branded glassware, apparel, and, of course, bottles of their signature spirits. It’s the perfect place to grab a flavorful reminder of your trip. If you’ve got extra time, stick around for a guided distillery tour where you’ll learn how Bayou Rum is made from Louisiana sugarcane and even enjoy a tasting if you're 21 or older.

Creative Roots in the Cottage Shops District

Creative Roots is a vibrant storefront in the Cottage Shops District that showcases the work of over 23 local makers, including jewelers, potters, painters, quilters, candle makers, and more. It's a great spot to shop for handcrafted, one-of-a-kind treasures that reflect the heart of Southwest Louisiana. Even better? They offer creative classes, so you can make your own masterpiece and bring home a truly personal souvenir from your visit.

Lake Charles Visitor Center & Port Wonder

Before you head home, be sure to stop by the Lake Charles Visitor Center at 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive. Our friendly team can help you plan the rest of your adventure and point you to even more hidden gems around the area. The center is located right next to Port Wonder, home to the Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana and the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Nature and Science Center—both great attractions for families. Port Wonder also features its own gift shop stocked with Louisiana-themed items, making it another great stop for local souvenirs and kid-friendly keepsakes.

Farmers Markets Across the Region

Farmers markets across the region also serve as incredible sources for local finds. Lake Charles Farm & Table Market is open on Tuesdays, while the Charlestown Farmers Market downtown brings vendors to the heart of the city every Saturday. The Moss Bluff, Westlake, and Iowa Farmers Markets also take place on Saturdays, with Iowa’s happening on the first Saturday of the month.

If you want an expanded experience, Meet Me at the Market takes place monthly on the first Saturday at Historic City Hall. This lively event brings together a wide variety of local vendors and artists, and adds in live music and food trucks to create a fun, festival-style atmosphere perfect for shopping, snacking, and soaking up the local culture.

Iowa Farmers Market Jul 05

Iowa Farmers Market

  • Recurring monthly on the 1st Saturday

Spend the morning at the Iowa Farmers market investing in the local community, shopping from small businesses and entrepreneurs…

Moss Bluff Farmers Market Jun 21

Moss Bluff Farmers Market

  • Recurring weekly on Saturday

Shop local at the Moss Bluff weekly farmers market where you'll find locally produced goods including grass fed beef and pork…

Westlake Farmers Market Jun 21

Westlake Farmers Market

  • Recurring weekly on Saturday

The Westlake Farmers Market is held every Saturday outside of Miller's Super Saver (1514 Sampson St, Westlake, LA 70669). Weather…

Year-Round Shopping Events in Lake Charles

While local shops and boutiques offer memorable finds every day of the year, Lake Charles also hosts a vibrant lineup of seasonal shopping events that make the hunt for the perfect souvenir even more exciting. From festive holiday markets and cultural festivals, there’s always a new opportunity to discover handcrafted treasures and connect with the creative spirit of Southwest Louisiana.

Start planning your trip today, whether you’re coming for the weekend or building your next vacation itinerary, our team at Visit Lake Charles is here to help you uncover the best of what Southwest Louisiana has to offer.