Guide Steve Smith, impersonating Horace Howell Lunsford (born in Minden, Louisiana in 1870 and died in Shreveport in 1941), takes participants on a walking tour of downtown Shreveport.   Beginning in front of the Caddo Parish Courthouse, participants will hear the local history and haunted history of buildings such as the Woolworth Building located across the street from the courthouse, the Slattery Building, the high rise that currently houses the Hallmark store and more. 

“Steve Smith is a walking history book.  While this is a haunted tour, he has backed up these haunted tales with historical facts.  He gives an enlightening account of what these buildings were, what they became and what they are today,” said Kim Brice, who took the tour in 2012.

Each walk lasts approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.  Walks are conducted in the downtown area, covering half a mile in total length, starting and ending at the Caddo Parish Courthouse at the front steps by the Confederate Monument. Departure time is 8 p.m.

There is street parking around the Caddo Parish Courthouse area except for designated government locations. Parking meters are free on Saturdays.

No reservations required. Price for each walk is $10 per living person. Children ages 12 and under, $5. They accept cash or Travelers Checks, only.

Tours are cancelled during inclement weather.

For more information, email Spirits@ShrevetownGhostWalk.com or visit the website online.

In addition to fantastic live music, the festival’s strong suit is food. While boiled crawfish are always popular, I enjoy exploring the eclectic offerings of food vendors, which range from authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine to ridiculous festival fare. I’ve taken a look at the list of food vendors for this year’s event, and I’m particularly excited about three in particular:

A crowd chows down at Mudbug Madness

Market 104 @ The Hilton Shreveport is bringing out a few great-sounding seafood items, including BBQ shrimp skewers and crab cake sandwiches. But my very first food stop at Mudbug Madness will be for Market 104′s conch fritters, which Executive Chef John Salmon made a hit out of during the early days of Abby Singer’s Bistro at the Robinson Film Center, where he was cooking at the time. If you’ve never tasted conch fritters – they’re tremendously popular in southern Florida, but hard to find elsewhere – they’re like hush puppies filled with seafood and spice.

Lila Davis Catering will be serving a variety of Louisiana favorites including crawfish etouffee, dirty rice and chicken and sausage gumbo. One of my favorite experiences at last year’s Mudbug Madness was sitting down with a piping hot bowl of Davis’ Creole sauce piquante (pictured in the photo above). Sauce piquante is like a spicier cousin to shrimp Creole, and can be made with chicken, venison or other game meats. Chef John Folse’s chicken sauce piquante recipe looks a lot like what Davis and company will be dishing out at Mudbug Madness. It’s fantastic.

At any festival, handheld food items that don’t require a plate or a table are going to be popular. At Mudbug Madness and festivals throughout Louisiana, the crawfish pistolette is my go-to meal of choice when one hand needs to be reserved for a cold beverage. About the size of a large dinner roll, a crawfish pistolette is a deep-fried roll stuffed with crawfish etouffee. C&C Catering and Concessions will be serving crawfish and crab pistolettes at this year’s Mudbug madness.

This is the second year for the event, presented by Southern Hills Homeowners Association in partnership with Shreveport Public Assembly and Recreation the Soldiers’ Angels. It was created as a free family fun event for the southwest Shreveport community with plenty of games, activities, food vendors and more. However, if you’ve checked out this year’s music line-up, they’re packing a little star power as well.

Among the performers will be X Factor Finalist Willie Jones, the Captain Shreve graduate with the signature high-top fade and rich baritone, who blew X Factor judges away with his rendition of the Josh Turner hit, “Your Man” in 2012. And this is a great chance to catch him in town before he hits the road with the rest of his X Factor alums for the UneXpected Tour this summer.

Local favorites Airheart and the Casey Martin Band will be performing as well. In the meantime, if you still haven’t seen Jones’ famous X Factor audition, check it out here:

Music in the Park will be held at Southern Hills Metro Park, 1002 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop in Shreveport. The event is dog-friendly, but pet owners must adhere to leash laws. Call Becky Mire at (318) 834-7179 for more information. Visit Shreveport-Bossier Fun Guide for more events.

Photo note: The image used in this post is from the X Factor USA website and has been used for purposes of promoting this event. If you own this image and would like it to be removed, please contact Donecia Pea at dpea@sbctb.org

The Shreveport location is getting a $500,000 face-lift.  Park goers can expect newly painted slides, a new Banzai slide, a 26-foot slide tower with five slides attached (hint: I’ve seen this, and it is a MUST-DO!), a beachfront pool, a turtle slide, gator slide, updated artificial palm trees throughout the park and a third kitchen serving chicken tenders, funnel sticks and ice cream, in addition to the pizza kitchen and hamburger grill.

“We want to be a family-friendly entertainment destination,” said Johnny Blevins, president/CEO of Splash Kingdom.

In addition to the fun times during the days, enjoy those summer nights minus the T-bird and Pink Lady jackets (notice the Grease reference there) at Splash Kingdom, where they will be offering concert nights and other entertainment.  Entertainment will be included with the price of admission.

Single day tickets prices are $21.95 (42” and over), $16.95 (under 42”), $16.95 (Age 65 and older), and $14.44 after 4 pm (all).

Splash Kingdom Family Waterpark Shreveport will open for the season on May 25.  In honor of Memorial Day weekend, all U.S. military, firefighters, police, EMS personnel and first responders will receive admission tickets for $12 for themselves and each accompanying family member with a service I.D.

For more information, call (318) 938-5475.

Chef Tommy Lee, owner and cook at the misleadingly-named John’s Seafood in Bossier City

In addition to five different kinds of Asian hot pot, Chef Tommy Lee adeptly prepares Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, po-boys, fried seafood and soul food. He spent 27 of his 37 years as a chef working in New Orleans, cooking at upscale Asian restaurants and banquet halls, and it shows. The Vietnamese spring rolls, or chả giò, served here are among the best I’ve had, and come with a bed of bibb lettuce and fresh mint leaves to wrap each bite in. Vietnamese-style steamed rice platters are great for lunch. But, honestly, the seafood hot pot here was the most delicious (and fun) meal I’ve had in ages.

The hot pot experience isn’t for everyone. A boiling pot of delicious, spicy broth is brought to your table to simmer atop a propane burner. Depending on what kind of hot pot you’ve ordered, a tray of uncooked ingredients (think shrimp, sliced beef, tofu, etc.) will be accompanied by steamed rice, dipping sauces and more. Diners drop the fresh ingredients into the simmering broth and eat them as they cook. Because I couldn’t read the menu on the wall at the restaurant, I’m afraid I can’t list all of the hot pot varieties served at John’s Seafood. However, I can personally recommend the seafood variety ($35), a feast of prawns, clams, tofu, squid, catfish and more, which will easily leave two intrepid diners in a state of bliss.

In closing, I just have to ask: What the heck is going on in Bossier City? John’s Seafood is located less than a half a mile from north Louisiana’s only Dominican restaurant (Sabores), a Korean lunch counter (Fuji-Ya Market), several taquerías, a killer Greek and Lebanese place (Greek Corner), and more. Whatever is causing the continued growth of the international food scene in Bossier City, we’re thrilled to see it happening.

John’s Seafood is open, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Mon-Thu, and 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri-Sat. Prices for items mentioned in this post will be added as soon as possible. It’s best to call in advance if you plan to order a hot pot – just ask for Tommy Lee. The restaurant can be reached at (318) 747-7747.

All of that and she’s not even 30!

“I’m very humbled, blessed and happy, but it’s overwhelming because I didn’t know it was going to be this quick,” the 24-year-old said.

BET 106 and Park host Paigion is seen here wearing a Xe’La Boutique dress.

House officially celebrates the launch of her online store, Xe’La Boutique this Friday, 7-10 p.m. May 10 at artspace. The event will be hosted by BET.com personality Breon Robinson, whose worn Xe’La Boutique fashion on the popular network.  The launch party also will include a fashion show featuring styles you can expect to find in her store, which House describes as urban, sophisticated and everything in between.

Plus, there will be a fashion showcase by designer Jerri Reid ,as well as up-and-coming designers.

House said she began styling in 2007 while living in Houston, first styling men and then women, before returning home to Shreveport. A year and half later, after working jobs in advertising, she decided to start her own boutique. The name Xe’La  is a play on her nickname, Alex.

House carefully selects every item in her boutique from a mix of designers and wholesalers, ensuring that  it meets the standard her customers have come to expect, but for her high fashion doesn’t have to mean high prices. “I’m a single mom, so I understand… That’s why the clothes I offer are affordable,” she said.

Admission to the launch party is $10 in advance, $20 at the door at artspace, 710 Texas St. in Shreveport. Attire is after five dress. Follow Xe’La Boutique on Instagram: @xelaboutique.

OK, let’s get real – a spa day for work? (Did I mention it would include a tour of the spa as well as complimentary facial and massage?) Um, is this a trick question? Of course I said “Yes!”

Now, I’m no expert, but I’ve certainly enjoyed my share of occasional facials, pedicures and massages in the past. However, nothing prepared me for this experience. The buzz of slot machines, chatter and heart-thumping music seemed to fade behind me in the distance as a lovely lady named Jackie Robeaux, the spa manager, escorted me to the spa. Once inside, it felt like I stepped into instant serenity from the white walls accented with cool shades of blue to the soothing wails of Bob Marley pumping through the speakers.

Spa Blu management consultant Peaches, was on hand to take me on a tour of the facility, which, to my surprise also includes a state-of-the-art fitness center and an outdoor pool area that all customers have access to during their spa visit.

Shades of Blu body treatment at Spa Blu

The spa area includes five rooms where you can indulge in a variety of facials, massages and body treatments like the Shades of Blu body treatment. Or you can stop by the nail salon for an array of manicure and pedicure services, like the Peditini – a Blu Heaven foot treatment with a Signature Blu Martini. Separate dry saunas and steam rooms, private showers and locker room areas are available for men and women.

A white robe and flip flops awaited me in the locker room area, but first I had to pick out my music. That’s right, you get to choose the type of music you listen to during your session. Choices include new age, jazz, classical, coffeehouse and Hawaiian.

The facial was awesome and left my skin feeling so soft and refreshed, that I couldn’t stop touching it to see if it was real, while the massage was so relaxing, I’m sure I dozed off a couple of times. Plus, everyone was so warm and friendly, that it felt more like a visit with friends than an appointment with strangers.

Afterwards, I was guided to the cozy waiting area where guests can kick back, read a magazine, chat with girlfriends and try their signature line of tea that features flavors with fun names like Get Happy, Get Relaxed, Get Heart, Get Gorgeous and more.

By the end, I felt completely rejuvenated and ready to take on the rest of the day, and based on their theme, that’s the whole point. “Our objective is to enliven your spirit,” Peaches said.

Don’t miss the following May specials: a Mother’s Day Spa Special, which includes a 25-minute massage and a 25-minute facial, $84; a Lomi Lomi Massage for $98; and a free $5 gift card for every $50 in gift cards purchased, now through May 12. Call (318) 424-5616 or visit www.samstownshreveoprt.com/relax to learn more.

Daq’s fried pickled okra ($5.49), one of the best among several fun appetizers served by the restaurant.

As it turns out, I was wrong. While blue cheese dressing does flow like water at Daq’s, and the burgers and chicken wings are fine, there are also some genuinely fun, unexpected offerings here. Fried shrimp baskets ($6.99-$18.99) are tossed in hot wing sauces like citrus chipotle BBQ, lemon pepper and sweet red chili. Fried pickled okra ($5.49), surprisingly hard to find in Shreveport-Bossier, are lightly-pickled, crunchy and juicy. Appetizers and sides that I’m looking forward to trying soon include cilantro shrimp wontons, boneless alligator wings (really?), and roasted poblano chile con queso. Daq’s promotes a grilled chicken sandwich as the house specialty, but I’d have a hard time opting for a chicken sandwich over fried pickled okra and cilantro shrimp wontons.

Daq’s does have some obstacles to overcome. Located in a building that previously housed a Burger King, the restaurant’s outward appearance is a bit rough and service can be spotty. But when a place has memorable food, that makes up for an awful lot. Did I mention the fried pickled okra?

The theme is Big Top Big 20 and as the name suggests, they’re marking the two-decade milestone with circus midway-style entertainment throughout the evening. We’re talking an aerialist, contortionist, clowns, stilt walkers, jugglers, hoopers, a live deejay – a far contrast from its earlier days when the first event was held in 1994.

Marty Hawkins and Lindsey Gammage at last year’s Pink Party

Though Bucky Crouch wasn’t around back then for the first one, the Pink Party Inc. co-president has seen how much the event has grown even within the last six years, from a social gathering of around 900 people in 2006 to a major event including more than 1,300 people last year. They’re hoping for a turnout of 1,300 to 1,400 at this year’s event. “We’ve always been big on word-of-mouth only, but we’ve really started getting mainstream exposure in the last couple of years and I think that, plus adding additional charities and social media have really helped,” Crouch said.

For many years, the Pink Party was a fundraiser event for The Philadelphia Center, a non-profit that serves Northwest Louisiana residents living with HIV/AIDS. In 2004, they joined forces with Easter Seals Louisiana, became incorporated as a non-profit in 2006 and expanded their beneficiaries to include other charities. In addition to the Philadelphia Center, this year’s event will benefit the Easter Seals Louisiana, People Acting for Change and Equality (PACE), Forum for Equality and the Louisiana Suicide Hotline.

Kevin Kingdon and Davin Duvall at last year’s Pink Party.

The Pink Party celebration goes all weekend, including a Dine with Pink at Bella Fresca today, a Pre-Pink Party at The Korner Lounge, 7 p.m. to midnight, Friday, May 3, the official after party at Central Station, Saturday, May 4 and a Pink Party Brunch at Bistro Byronz, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, May 5.

Of course, don’t forget to pull out all things pink, from those coral-shaded jeans to that salmon-colored shirt and those fuchsia-toned pumps. “We obviously encourage pink, but it can be anything from T-shirts, pants or shorts, to exotic pink costumes. Girls and guys come in with boas. Plus you’ll get party favors,” Crouch said.

“A lot of people think the cause is the only reason why we do this, but it’s also about the big party. It’s a great fun way to raise money for charities.”

Admission is $10 at the door. Visit their website or follow their Facebook page to learn more about Pink Party Inc. Learn more other Shreveport-Bossier attractions in the online 2013 Visitors Guide. For monthly updates on area attractions and events, subscribe to the Getaways e-newsletter at www.shreveport-bossier.org.

Celebrating its 16^th year Saturday, May 4, downtown Shreveport will be filled with the sights, smells, tastes and sounds of Mexico.  One thing that I am particularly looking forward to is the music – especially the local mariachi band. Who doesn’t love a good mariachi band?

Los Gringos is made of a group of Parkway High School (Bossier City) students.  The students chose the name Los Gringos, meaning the Caucasians, due to their non-Hispanic heritage.  Their mariachi band was the result of a band project in 2012.  Adorned in black handle bar mustaches, mariachi costumes and wide sombreros, Los Gringos wow the crowd with their brass instruments and saxophone.

“Los Gringos have a Yosemite Sam look about them.  They are a novelty act and quite a crowd-pleaser,” said Willie Ortiz, chair of the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta.

So, if you haven’t guessed by my enthusiasm about Cinco de Mayo and the mariachi band, you know exactly where I will be on May 4.  I strongly recommend this fiesta to anyone – especially families.  If you come, keep a lookout for me – I’ll be trying to do my best zapateado dance.

Other acts include local band Super Unknown, Colao and the ever-popular Longview band La Legacia. Amidst the sounds of Mexican music, the annual car show will be on full display with more than 100 classic cars and tricked out cars to view.  Also, be sure to enjoy a burrito while watching the annual chihuahua races!

The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta will be 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.