NEW ORLEANS IS NOT THE ONLY CITY IN LOUISIANA ….I repeat, 👏🏾NEW ORLEANS IS NOT THE ONLY CITY IN LOUISIANA! 👏🏾
⚜️Sorry, had to get that off my chest haha. While we are at it CA is not just San Francisco and Los Angeles, Texas is not just Dallas, Austin and Houston, NV is not just Las Vegas. I could go on and on 🤣😅 ok I’m done. Y’all get so fixated on one place when these states have so much more to explore!
⚜️I absolutely LOVE New Orleans but if you are looking for a less touristy, laid back place with lakes, excellent food, friendly people and casinos Lake Charles May be the place for you!
⚜️I must admit that I LOVE Louisiana and it is my favorite state (after my home state CA & out of the ones that I have been to so far!😋) So it was a must that I explore as much of it as possible and not just New Orleans. I have always has a fascination with Louisiana especially after learning that my grandfather was born there! (Just recently found that out). Louisiana has so much culture that it can’t be contained within the state! So much history there!
⚜️While living in Beaumont, TX for 3 months on a work assignment I found myself crossing the border to Louisiana pretty often. Went to Sulphur, Lake Charles, Avery Island, Lafayette & NOLA. I will share what I did in Lake Charles (Southwest LA) in this post.
Lake Charles, LA
“A Little Bit Country. A Little Bit Rock ‘n’ Roll.” While certainly not in the genre of Zydeco, this well-known song title just may be the definitive summary of Lake Charles, Louisiana. A blend of contrasts that magically works together in total harmony. A Cajun personality with a Texas flair. A love for big-city entertainment and a relished joy of nature. Bold and outspoken, yet equally laid-back and homey. Stylish and carefree — a little black dress paired with flip-flops”.
(Quote from Visit Lake Charles website)
📍 First stop was- Prien Lake Park
This is a nice mellow park with a great view of the bridge that connects TX to LA. Nice place to walk and I saw some kids fishing. It’s suuuuuper humid though. At least it was in like July/August so I couldn’t even walk the trail.
📍Then I had lunch at– Pujo St. Cafe
I enjoyed this restaurant. The whole vibe was so laid back and I sat in the covered outdoor area with my dog. I can’t even describe how excited I was to have a Poboy & benigets on Louisiana soil haha yes my goal was that detailed! Didn’t have to be New Orleans but had to be in Louisiana!
📍After that drove around town looking for Murals & things
A lot of the murals are near Pujo St Cafe. Just walk or drive around and explore!
📍My final stop before heading home was- Veterans Memorial Park
“Located along the boardwalk by the Lake Charles Civic Center, Veterans Memorial Park also features engraved bricks representing men and women who have served since WWI.”
(Quote from Visit Lake Charles website)
That was it for the day. By the time I finished doing all of that it was way too hot and humid to do anything else so I drove back home! The next day trip that I did a couple of weeks later was to Lafayette & the Tabasco Factory on Avery Island. I will blog about that experience soon!
SOME STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW
📝 Since I was living near by I didn’t have to go through the airport in Lake Charles is Lake Charles Regional Airport
📝 Lake Charles is about 3hrs away from New Orleans.
📝 Houston is about 2hrs away so if you are in Houston and want to take a nice day trip to Lake Charles it’s not too far away!
📝There are Mardi Gras parades in Lake Charles February/March of each year (not sure about 2021 due to you know what🙄)
📝Hurricane Season is June 1-November 30. I have learned first hand that it is possible to not have much warning prior to a tropical storm or tropical depression making landfall. Just be aware if you are not used to hurricane season like me lol
📝It rains year around and is most likely to rain in June and least likely in late March
📝The most humid months are from early April to late October & I visited in August/September. You will be fine just be prepared to sweat lol
CASINOS
I did not visit any casinos but some of the most popular ones in the area with hotels are👇🏾
🎰 L’Auberage Casino Resort Lake Charles
🎲 Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino
https://www.goldennugget.com/lake-charles/
🎰 Isle of Capri Casino Hotel Lake Charles
And don’t forget to check out the Visit Lake Charles website for more activities, events and detailed info!
That’s all for now, Stay safe & Happy Exploring!❤️
Elise Explores 