Things to Do for a Guy's Weekend
For a bachelor party of epic proportions, which could include such exploits as a guided fishing trip, an ultimate brewery experience, an array of water sports, live music, lazy rivers, golf, or indulging in some of the best seafood, burgers, barbecue, and adult beverages – keep reading! In Louisiana’s Playground, your buddies will find something they love while you blow off steam before tying the knot. Check out suggestions that can be added to your legendary bachelor party list.
1. Bachelors' Night Out:
Sports fans will love the food and drink options at DraftKings at Golden Nugget, The Sportsbook at L’Auberge, and Caesar's Sportsbook at the Horseshoe. All three are well appointed with wall-to-wall LED screens to keep up with multiple games, and while you’re at it, take advantage of delicious burgers, flavorful wings, gourmet pizza, oysters, ice-cold beer, and much more. For live music and dancing experiences on-site, Blue Martini at Golden Nugget has a thriving nightlife scene.
If you want to take the party downtown, Panorama Music House is a beacon for live music from a variety of artists. Panorama has quirky and vintage décor with nods to great musicians who have trailblazed new sounds spanning generations. A few steps away is The Emporium, with vintage items for sale.
Crying Eagle Brewing has a variety of brews, drinks, and food items that pair well with a beer in The Bistro, with everything from stone-fired pizza to grilled oysters to burgers. You can also listen to live music, hang out in the taproom or beer garden, or play a round of corn hole or two. Crying Eagle also offers tours for beer aficionados, and during the summer months, Crying Eagle presents a popular summer concert series. You can also enjoy a brewzy brunch on Sundays.
The Frosty Factory can be entertaining, especially if someone in the group is a karaoke fan. Have a daiquiri, then sing some of your favorite songs invoking memories of your youth! Midtown, another favorite hidden gem is Gayle's Shot Bar, where you can also enjoy a full bar and pool tables.
Sometimes, momentous occasions are celebrated over a cigar. Enjoy live entertainment and delicious selections at Legacy 75 Cigar Lounge. At the Cigar Club, your party can enjoy a smoking lounge with a full bar offering fine scotches, bourbons, martinis, and a great selection of beer. Sink into the leather chairs and reminisce about the glory days and hilarious stories.
2. Live It Up with a Resort Stay:
Staying in style is easy in Louisiana’s Playground. L’Auberge and Golden Nugget are side-by-side luxury properties with a lighted boardwalk that connects the two so that you can easily explore both. During the warmer months, it's fun to float along in the lazy rivers, or even enjoy a game of volleyball or grab a bite from Bill’s Burgers on the beach.
At L’Auberge, your group can make appointments at 1740 Barbier for scotch or bourbon and a shave. At Golden Nugget enjoy a manicure, pedicure, or shoeshine (just in case your big wedding day is close to your big weekend with the guys!)
On the other side of the lake, Horseshoe Lake Charles features The Brew Brothers, Slice Pizzeria & Pasta, and 7 Seven Noodle Bar. The sophisticated Four Suites Bar has handcrafted cocktails and the latest bar top video poker – in addition to the casino floor. If you are more into horseracing, you can check out Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel in Vinton.
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3. Dive Into the Outdoors:
Get down to the basics and enjoy time with your friends by being active outdoors. Guided fishing and hunting trips can be exhilarating, especially with local experts who escort you to breathtakingly gorgeous natural surroundings in Southwest Louisiana.
For other active pursuits, kayaking with Lake Area Adventures is great fun. Rent kayaks and have them delivered to your launching point, take guided tours on boat rentals. For boat tours, a Lake Area Adventures captain will take your group of friends on a personalized tour to explore local waterways.
If your group of bachelors are golf fans, Louisiana’s Playground features a variety of offerings. Visit Contraband Golf Club at L’Auberge, designed by world-famous Tom Fazio, the award-winning Country Club at Golden Nugget, the newest addition, Mallard Golf Club, and the National Golf Club of Louisiana in Westlake.
When golfing at The National, enjoy a pre or post-dinner at The Max Restaurant on site, complete with a screened-in porch for viewing the course with a cold one in hand. The Chart House at Golden Nugget has an elegant bar and dining space with a sweeping view of the course and iconic bridge, as well as outdoor seating with firepits.
4. Eat Like There's No Tomorrow:
If you love eating out with your friends, this is the bachelor party destination for you! You won't be able to resist the savory scents as you explore. Give into the temptation, especially during crawfish season. A few selections to try are Steamboat Bill's, Seafood Palace, and Beauxdine's. Check out where to get crawfish in Southwest Louisiana for a full list!
In Louisiana’s Playground we work hard and play hard, then reward ourselves with hardy meals. Breakfast is no exception, so brace yourself for Biscuits n Jamz or Coffee:30 Cafe. Indulge in decadent menu items at Biscuits n Jamz like bacon-stuffed French toast, chicken & waffles, or a pork chop breakfast. Coffee:30 Cafe specializes in beignets, but you can also enjoy a cowboy breakfast bowl, pendulum pancakes, or a crab cake breakfast bowl.
If you and the crew hit the snooze button a few times on Sunday morning, brunch is the way to go. Rikenjaks in midtown is a musical brunch under the oak trees. Luna Bar & Grill's Jazz Brunch is a popular selection in downtown. For a savory Bloody Mary, feast your eyes on a local legend at MacFarlane's Celtic Pub!
Lunch is on! The Darrell's special is one of the most sought-after sandwiches in Southwest Louisiana. It’s a must-eat lunch item. If you’re in the mood for barbecue – check out Paul's Rib Shack courtesy of the “Bishop of Barbecue”. Enjoy endless wings – any way you want them at M Bar. If you are a sausage connoisseur, Insane Sausages will blow your mind with the creative infusion of meats and flavors.
As far as a hidden gem is concerned, Area 337 features authentic Cuban, Spanish, Venezuelan, and Dominican dishes. Calla has fresh, locally sourced ingredients and sophisticated drink selections, perfect for an upscale/casual dinner with friends.
5. Taste Some of the Good Stuff at local Distilleries:
In addition to Crying Eagle and a behind-the-scenes beer tour, Bayou Rum Distillery east of Lake Charles and Yellowfin Vodka west of Lake Charles in Sulphur offer tours, and you can purchase products on-site for souvenirs from the trip. Both use Louisiana sugar cane in the process.
Bayou Rum has several robust flavors, including Bayou Spiced, Bayou Reserved, and Bayou Pink, along with other selections. Yellowfin Vodka has a pure vodka product, and also Oaked Otoro. Oaked Otoro is similar to other aged spirits, but the biggest difference between it and aged rum or bourbon is that it’s aged in stainless barrels using staves.
6. Get Your Game On!
Located right behind Crying Eagle Brewing, check out South Beach Volleyball. Complete with a bar & grill, South Beach is an oasis inside the city limits with white, sugar-sand courts. This is perfect for having an active evening playing volleyball and burning up some calories so that everyone can still fit into their tuxes!
If you and your friends enjoy the challenge of solving a mystery and an adrenaline rush, visit Bayou Escape Rooms offering a range of experiences from Boudreaux's Diner to Revenge. Escape Room Louisiana features The Manner, Grandma's House, and The Ship.
If axe throwing, dodgeball, laser combat, and pickleball are more your thing, Game 2 Life is the perfect way to get into the zone with friends before your big day. The property also features Shooters Bar & Grill, complete with specialty cocktails, brews, and specialty shots.
7. Limo Services for the Crew:
Whenever you’re in Louisiana’s Playground, you can get around in style by using limousine companies for your ride: Platinum Limousine or Limo Daddy.
Be sure to follow #VisitLakeCharles and #LouisianasPlayground on social channels for even more inspiration for planning your weekend getaway with your crew before the big day!
