Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point, 740 Ruth St., Sulphur, LA 70665, 337-502-4358.
2-4 hours — Kick off your Creole Nature Trail All-American Road journey at the Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point—a free, fun attraction that immerses you in nature and Louisiana's unique culture. The Creole Nature Trail All-American Road is one of only designated 57 All-American Roads in the United States, and is a unique journey into the untamed wilderness known as Louisiana's Outback™. Right from the vehicle, you will see alligators, multiple birds and waterfowl (over 400 species spotted each year), and other marsh wildlife in their natural habitat. Explore 26 miles of accessible Gulf of Mexico beaches and several over-water boardwalks that provide opportunities where you can stretch your legs and get up close and personal with nature. Step-on tour guides available through the CVB.
Drive by the Historic Calcasieu Parish Court House on the way to Pujo Street Café.
2 hours — Sometimes, there's nothing better than visiting your favorite restaurant with friends. For 25 years, Pujo St. Café has been a local favorite, serving up an eclectic menu of comfort food and cocktails. There's something for everyone at Pujo St. Café in the heart of the Lake Chares Historic Downtown District.
Gater Chateau, 100 Rue de l' Acadie, (I-10 Park Exit 64), Jennings, LA, 337-821-5521
30 minutes — Gator Chateau is a Rescue, Educate, Release program fosters orphaned baby alligators until they can be released back into their natural habitat. Docents will educate you in all things alligator. The babies are hand fed and don't bite. You can hold them and take your picture.
Optional Add-ons:
1-1/2 hours — Crawfish Farm Tour in Jeff Davis Parish - Learn everything about Louisiana's favorite food. Guests will experience the habitat, harvesting process, biology of the species, pond ecology, and harvesting equipment during this pond-side tour, followed by how the crawfish are cleaned, graded, and distributed. (Seasonal: March-May)
Or, if not crawfish season, W. H. Tupper General Merchandise Museum, Jennings - Visit an authentic country store operated in rural Jeff Davis Parish from 1910-1949. The store opened during the Great Depression to serve the large number of farmworkers in the area. A capsule of early 20th-century lifestyle, the museum features antique toys, newspapers, games, hats, fashions, sewing notions, fabric, patent medicine, school supplies, and hardware.
Bayou Rum, 20909 South I-10 Frontage Rd, Lacassine, LA, 337-588-5800
1-hour — Distillery tour and tasting at Louisiana Spirits, home of Bayou Rum. Bayou® Rum is distilled from locally grown sugarcane in southern Louisiana, USA. Our signature "sugarhouse" recipe uses a blend of 100% natural, unrefined Louisiana sugarcane and molasses. Every batch of Bayou Rum is copper pot-distilled and bottled by hand. Tours, tastings, and a great gift shop.
Crying Eagle Brewing Company, 1165 E. McNeese St., Lake Charles, 337-990-4871
1-hour — Experience the state-of-the-art Crying Eagle Brewing. Constructed from the ground up to produce great craft beer and be a place to enjoy it. Features a custom 30-barrel brewhouse for our large distributed brews while the "Brewer's Playground" pilot system is for taproom-exclusive brews along with a taproom with plenty of comfortable indoor seating. Or, step outside to the beer garden to relax and enjoy Louisiana's beautiful outdoors while playing a game of washers or bean bag toss. Hungry? Enjoy a hand-rolled artisan pizza or sandwich. Offering tours, tastings, and dining.
Steamboat Bills Original Seafood Warehouse, 732 S. Martin Luther King Hwy, Lake Charles, 337-494-1700
1- 1/2 hour — Steamboat Bills Original Seafood Warehouse is a Cajun and Creole, seafood. Boiled crawfish (hot & spicy, in season), crabs, seafood dinners, crawfish and shrimp pistolettes, gumbo, étouffée, po-boys & stuffed potatoes. Fast full-service restaurant.
Overnight in Lake Charles or Sulphur or Optional Add-on of a Casino Resort Stay
Enjoy dining, shopping, nightlife, gaming, and so much more at Lake Charles' world-class gaming resorts. Located side by side on the water, you can walk to the waterfront boardwalk or take the free trolley between the properties.
