Summer is a hot travel season here in Louisiana's Playground.  It’s the time of year for leisure travelers and weekend warriors to explore the beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, see the alligators along the Creole Nature Trail and hit up the casinos or live concerts.  It's also the perfect time for souvenir shopping when on summer vacation.

Here are a few hot spots for unique gifts to bring home with you to remind you of your vacation in Southwest Louisiana:

  1.  Flock of Five Gift and Art Emporium, LLC in Sulphur loves to showcase local art, but the treasure doesn’t stop there! Flock of Five offers pottery, carvings, furniture, and even Louisiana themed gifts for your loved ones. Let’s not forget about their homemade candles and soaps (made with all natural oils). I mean, what more could you ask for?
     

  2. Crave is an "eat" boutique, specializing in premium olive oils & balsamics, boutique cheese, wines, and other fine foods - yum! For a more savory flavor, pick up a loaf of 121 Artisan Bistro’s French loaf and pair it with any of the delicious oils and vinegar.

    Crave Oils and Vinegar | Lake Charles, La

  3. Boudin is the number one request from most people who visit and can’t get enough of this delicious Cajun sausage. The good news, the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail features several locations who ship frozen boudin across the country. Click here for a full list.

  4. If food is your souvenir of choice, Leonard’s Food Quarters has some of the best culinary baskets around! You can go in and handpick from a dozen frozen specialties or order the basket online and have it shipped home. If you do visit in person, do yourself a favor and enjoy a plate lunch special

    Leonard's Gourment Cajun gift basket ordered from Lake Charles, Louisiana.

  5. Downtown Lake Charles has unique shopping opportunities with quality locally created items that you can only find in Southwest Louisiana. Looking for an item for a man in your life? Stop by Iron Shop Provisions, a working iron crafting shop as well as menswear and leather goods shop. Other shops include the Panorama Music Exchange for music history connoisseurs, Bux Kajun Corner Market, Bespoke Hat Company, Olive & Indigo, Mia's Downtown, Recent Relics, and Papersmith & Co. 

  6. Unique and local art pieces are perfect for reminding you of your Southwest Louisiana experiences. Several galleries display local art that is also for sale. Regionally acclaimed artist Candice Alexander has an Art Studio in downtown Lake Charles where you can find beautifully themed fleur de lis prints, magnets, and other homes decor.

  7. The Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point has a Louisiana nature-themed gift shop. The kids love the hatching gator eggs.

    Cajun Ben's products at CVB

8. Summer is the perfect time of the year for a cold brew! Look no further than Crying Eagle Brewing Company for a variety of beers brewed right here in Southwest Louisiana. They also have a gift shop with T-shirts and other Crying Eagle merch!

 

9. Bayou Rum has a variety of flavors and an expansive gift shop where you can find rum flavored candies, T-shirts, and other memorable items to take home.

Bayou Rum | Rum Flight

We’ve got tons of Louisiana products and culinary ingredients to choose from. What are your favorite Louisiana souvenirs?