Summer is a hot travel season here in Southwest Louisiana.  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 and live concerts.  

When visitors are looking for something authentic from Lake Charles to bring home with them, there are a few spots around the area they can shop for souvenirs.

1. LeBleu’s Landing in Sulphur sells hot sauces, Louisiana culinary gift items, children’s toys, books, aprons, and other authentic Southwest Louisiana items.
   
2. While in Sulphur check out the Trail of Treasures for all kind of locally made gifts, art, jewelry, and crafts. Flock of Five Gift and Art Emporium, LLC 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?
    
3. The Cottage Shops Cultural District offers assorted boutiques offering Louisiana art, jewelry, coffee, and local souvenirs, as well. You’ll also find Acadian Coffee Roasters. They roast and package their organic coffees right here in Lake Charles and they are the perfect gift to bring home and enjoy on your own front porch or patio.
4. Crave offers a variety of fantastic gift options. You’ll find several Louisiana products including regional soda – Swamp Pop. Flavors include Filé Root Beer, Jean Lafitte Ginger Ale, and praline cream soda. YUM! They also have Crying Eagle Brewing beers in stock. (Visit the brewery to bring home a growler of your favorite brew!)  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.
   
5. 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.
6. 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
   
7. 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. You can even get a haircut for the road at their barber's chair. Cajun Gypsy Corner Market also has items crafted by local artists. One more place to experience downtown is the Cedar Chest Antique Shop. Take home a piece of local history that is unique and timeless.
8. 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 items to decorate your home with.
9. The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau gift shop has Louisiana art, Mardi Gras regalia, Lake Charles t-shirts, postcards, Cajun Ben’s Alligator Heads and Necklaces, magnets, cookbooks, Tabasco Jelly Beans, home decor and more. The Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point has a Louisiana nature-themed gift shop. The kids love the hatching gator eggs.
   

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