Visit Lake Charles, LA

My Southwest Louisiana Home

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 21:39:00 +0000

By Angie Manning

When the CVB team embarked upon the task of showcasing not just "what" there is to experience in Southwest Louisiana, but really what it "feels" like to experience Southwest Louisiana through video, music also bubbled to the surface of the conversation. This corner of the state is showered with gifts from natural beauty to nature's bounty, and while it thrives with tradition, culture and mouthwatering cuisine, there is a sense of home mixed in with exciting nightlife. How can you capture all of that in a video?

My executive director, Shelley Johnson, and I felt that music was a huge part of the "My Southwest Louisiana Home" video project. How could we just pick an existing song to complement something as personal and intimate as capturing the magic of a place we love so much?

We needed something original. Music sets the tone for the visual, and whenever thinking about who could write a song - like that - to evoke the spirit of the area and people, Wendy Colonna came to mind in an instant. Not only is Wendy from Southwest Louisiana, but she is a supremely talented songwriter who also happens to be a storyteller in her compositions.

Wendy Colonna and Angie Manning

For the video aspect, working with Adam Boozer and his team at Stowaway was completely seamless from concept to completion. Stowaway gets to the heart of the story of a destination, the emotion, smells, feelings, spirit of the people - those things that video cannot literally capture - need to somehow resonate for inspiring travel.

Adam Boozer of Stowaway

The CVB in Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana put together a one week shoot based on Adam's trip to scout the area and learn about our unique culture, and we were also able to partner with Parker Brand Creative. Thanks to many volunteers and partners in tourism and local talent, we were able to piece together a fantastic video to showcase the area.

Wendy, who currently resides in Austin, TX, is known for her signature voice of grit-infused-honey, and her songs echo swampy-southern tales of loss, mortality, joy, reclaimed innocence and celebration. Whenever filmmaker Adam Boozer of Stowaway, Wendy and I talked for the first time about the project of "My Southwest Louisiana Home," immediately, I could tell that this adventure was meant to be - all being on the same page artistically.

From start to finish, glimmers of lyrics and themes came to mind like ingredients being put into a giant gumbo pot. At the end of the day, the song came together and was absolutely seasoned to perfection by Wendy's ability to make sense of all the ideas.

Wendy came home to Lake Charles to record with Matt Moss (bass guitar), Brandon Ledet (accordion), Joel Savoy (fiddle), Sam Broussard (slide guitar) and Doug Gay (drums) - all Louisiana musicians. The song was recorded and mixed by Matt Moss at EMF Productions, located in Lake Charles Music Plaza.

The CVB is proud to have its first commissioned song, "My Southwest Louisiana Home."

See the video: http://youtu.be/gXGLq9NAykI

Find out more from Wendy Colonna, the songwriter, in a two part interview by Austin Chronicle here.

Read the lyrics to "My Southwest Louisiana Home"

Paddling the Waterways

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 20:00:00 +0000

By Angie Kay Dilmore

Southwest Louisiana has no shortage of waterways – shimmering lakes, meandering rivers, mysterious bayous, cypress swamps, and salt grass marshes – and where there is water, there are boats. Sailboats, motorboats, bass boats, fishing trawlers, and pirogues . . . but me? I love to kayak!

Angie Dilmore poses in front of the Calcasieu River Bridge at the Cayenne Kayak Challenge.

Kayaking enables a paddler to go places other boats cannot navigate. You can squeeze through narrow inlets and float across very shallow water. The slower pace of kayaking allows you to observe more of the beautiful surroundings of southwest Louisiana. The only sound a kayaker makes (unless he/she is conversing with a friend) is the quiet swoosh of the paddle through the water; therefore wildlife is not spooked as you approach. This provides plenty of opportunities to see birds, alligators, turtles, and other animals in their natural habitats.

Angie Dilmore kayaks on Indian Bayou.

In my home state of Pennsylvania, I never would have dreamed of kayaking. In the northeast, kayaking is a completely different sport, fraught with danger and a bit too much excitement for my cautious sensibilities. But after moving to Lake Charles in 2007 and discovering all the (calm) water options, I wanted to learn to paddle, though I didn't know how to get started.

Pelican Paddlers

Then I discovered a fantastic group in town called the Pelican Paddlers. They welcomed me, taught me about the different kinds of kayaks, showed me kayaking techniques and rescue maneuvers, and brought me along on trips. They allowed me to borrow boats until I determined which kayak was the best boat for me.

Sunset on Prien Lake after an evening paddle. By Angie Dilmore

The Paddlers meet every Wednesday evening during daylight savings time (March 8-November 1 in 2015) at Prien Lake Park at the kayak boat launch, 6 p.m. They also plan one or two weekend trips a month, including an occasional night paddle.

In the fall, the Club has an event called The Cayenne Kayak Challenge near the Lake Charles North Shore Beach. Activities include a skills relay race, a race around the perimeter of Lake Charles, burgers and hot dogs, awards, and door prizes.

Boats lined up along the shore of Lake Charles. Photo by Angie Dilmore

Kayak Rentals

If you are interested in renting a kayak, call Bayou Kayak Rentals at 337-802-6781 or 337-476-0398 or Lloyd’s Country Store at 337-540-3925.

Purchasing a Kayak

Several stores in the Lake Area sell kayaks. For personalized knowledgeable advice and service, check out Ship to Shore on Lake St. Other stores include Dick’s, Academy, and West Marine. There are so many options to consider when buying a kayak. Do you want a sit-on-top or a sit-inside? How do you want to use a kayak – will you paddle 10-15 miles for a workout or peacefully fish in the middle of a lake? I advise anyone interested in buying a kayak to do some research, talk to experts, and “test-drive” several models before making a purchase. A kayak has to “fit” you and be comfortable. Cost can be an issue, but remember, regarding kayaks, you truly get what you pay for.

Angie Dilmore paddled the Calcasieu River near Sam Houston Jones State Park.

Best Spots to Paddle

There is no end to the number of different places one can kayak in southwest Louisiana. Some fortunate Louisianians who live near the water can paddle from their own backyards! For others, popular paddling places include the West Fork of the Calcasieu River from either Sam Houston Jones State Park or Holbrook Park; Indian Bayou (also near Sam Houston Jones State Park); the marsh at the southern end of Nelson Road; Prien Lake Park; Bayou d’Inde. For dolphin spotting, launch a kayak at the ship channel in Cameron Parish near the ferry.

Angie Dilmore kayaked in the ship channel near the shrimp boats in Cameron.

Packing List

Wherever you choose to paddle, bring plenty of water and a snack, a cell phone for emergencies, a camera, and binoculars for watching the wildlife. Take your time and bask in the beauty of southwest Louisiana. And ALWAYS wear a PFD (personal flotation device).

For more information about the Pelican Paddlers, call me at 337-240-8380.

To read more of Angie's adventures, check out her blog, angiekaydilmore.blogspot.com.

Run Chicken Run!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 21:18:00 +0000

I can smell the barbecue pork that’s already smoking on the pit as we meet at the KC Hall, 503 E. Highway 90, in the town of Iowa, Louisiana, around 9 a.m. to pay our $10 fee to ride in the parade.

Smoked meats like sausage and tasso are popular in Cajun Country.

Everyone is milling around in their Courir de Mardi Gras costumes made of rags and visiting as final preparations are made with the decorations on the trailers.

Cory Cart and Lysa Allman-Baldwin enjoy the festivities atop bales
of hay in the back of a trailer on the parade route!

We are in the small town of Iowa, Louisiana for the Iowa Chicken Run on Mardi Gras Day. The parade rolls at 10 a.m.

We stop throughout the community with the trucks and trailers, ATVs, and people on horseback and beg for ingredients to make a gumbo. It’s an ancient tradition of begging where the revelers go from house to house dancing to live Zydeco music for the owners to lend them ingredients for the communal gumbo to be made later that evening.

The parade stops at a member of the community's home while Zydeco music
is played and everyone dances. If the family approves the dancing skills,
they donate ingredients for the gumbo.

Right as the captain stops the parade at a particular home and blows his whistle, he tosses a chicken in the air and the children in the parade chase the chicken! There is a lot of whooping, hollering and dancing that takes place during the process! It’s quite an honor to catch the chicken.

Children chase the chickens in Iowa, La.

Lee Peck with KPLC-TV interviews the child who caught the first chicken.

It’s a family affair. Rodney Victorian, Berline and Kimmy Bellard welcome us with open arms. There’s no pomp and circumstance or sequined costumes. This is a true, Cajun Country Mardi Gras with laughter, festivity and music that gets your adrenaline pumping.

Berline Bellard encourages the cook stirring the gumbo pot.

My favorite part about the Iowa Chicken Run is how it cuts through the lines of age, race and socioeconomics. There is no king or queen. The chicken run exemplifies true community spirit and living life to the fullest.

*Note: The chickens are not actually used in the gumbo but the tradition of chasing the chicken is a throwback to the ancient French medieval history of the Courir de Mardi Gras where the highlight of the entire celebration was the last ingredient – the chicken.

For more information on the Iowa Chicken Run, click here.

A New Twist for King Cakes

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 21:15:00 +0000

By Elizabeth Eustis

King cake spinoffs have become a seasonal trend. Everything from king cake hamburger buns to boudin king cakes are being seen in Louisiana. There are even local businesses creating their own Mardi Gras masterpieces.

Photo by David Hill

I came across a Facebook post by Botsky’s talking about king cake sweet potato fries. I basically ran down there, and y’all - these fries are amazing! Owner Michael Krajicek calls them Krewe de Patate Douce (Krewe of the Sweet Potato) and they not only have the traditional purple, green and gold sugar sprinkled on top, but they smell just like a fresh king cake!

Botsky's Krewe de Patete Douce

Pops and Rockets released their king cake popsicle, Alive and King Cake (a play on Simple Minds’ hit “Alive and Kicking”). This fresh treat has all the flare of Mardi Gras with bold cinnamon spice and cool cream cheese. Check it out at the Cash and Carry Farmer's Market!

Pops and Rockets' Alive and King Cake Popsicle

I have also heard people talk about a king cake cheesecake from SweetChic Cupcakes. To me, this version is all the wonderfulness of the rich, creamy filling of at king cake but with less bread which means I CAN EAT MORE! Who can argue with that?!

SweetChic's King Cake Cheesecake

To complete my Mardi Gras spinoff feast, I found Community Coffee’s Mardi Gras King Cake flavored coffee, Blue Bell’s Mardi Gras King Cake ice cream, and Abita Mardi Gras Bock.

But let’s not forget about the traditional king cake. These cakes originated in Europe as part of Epiphany celebrations held 12 nights after Christmas. Louisiana Creoles began serving the cakes of bioche dough (yeast, butter and eggs) at Twelfth Night balls. The person receiving the lucky slice, which concealed an object (usually a ring or bean), was crowned king or queen of the ball. Throughout the years, the king cake tradition has endured. The cakes are available in every bakery and supermarket during Carnival season and are as varied as the customers who choose them.

King cakes are special pastries unique to our culture and will always hold a dear place in my heart. For a chance to win a traditional king cake in time for Fat Tuesday, visit www.visitlakecharles/kingcake to enter the King Cake Sweepstakes!

Mardi Gras Galore!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 18:57:00 +0000

The Royal Gala in Lake Charles, LA
by Glenn Kaufmann

Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net

From elaborate headpieces, to flowing gowns, crowns, and scepters, Mardi Gras krewes outfit their royal courts in the best and brightest royal regalia. And, if the Royal Gala is any indication, nobody takes Mardi Gras costumes more seriously than the people of Lake Charles, in southwestern Louisiana, where more than 60 krewes (parading organizations) show off their Mardi Gras finery on the night before Mardi Gras day.

Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net

Each year, the Mardi Gras krewes of Southwest Louisiana put on a colossal costume pageant that is open to the public, providing many with their only opportunity to see these grand creations. Often, the royal regalia (costumes) are only worn at private (krewe and guest only) balls and functions. As a result, the Royal Gala (the exception to the rule) is not so much a competition as it is a community celebration, and a chance to show off the year’s designs and handiwork.

Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net

Krewe members work year-round (sometimes beginning to design and build the next year’s costumes the day after the previous year’s Fat Tuesday celebration). Some krewes display just a couple of costumes (e.g. king and queen), while others present a dozen or more towering beaded headdresses perched atop the king, queen, dukes, duchesses, and other members of their royal court. The costumes are often 12 to 15 feet tall and weigh a hundred pounds or more. Yet these creations are the pride and joy of Lake Charles, and krewe members compete for the honor of wearing them as proud representatives of their organization.

Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net

The Royal Gala is a full evening of entertainment, as literally hundreds of ornate Mardi Gras costumes are presented to a packed auditorium of celebrants eager to embrace the Mardi Gras spirit. Held each year on Lundi Gras night (the night just before Fat Tuesday), the energy, revelry, and mayhem of the Royal Gala are a great way to warm up and get in the spirit of Mardi Gras before the next day's events.

Up Close and Personal at the Lake Charles
Mardi Gras Museum

While the Royal Gala is an ideal introduction to the costumes, headpieces, and royal accoutrements of the Mardi Gras krewes, spectators at the event can only get so close to the finery. But, just a few miles away at the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu, anyone with a few dollars to spare can see hundreds of costumes from years gone by, and learn a great deal about the design process in the bargain.

Glenn Kaufmann is the editor and publisher of All About Mardi Gras, a website that covers Mardi Gras across the united States.

Rediscovering Home

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 16:44:00 +0000

By Brice Perrin

A few days ago I decided to set out on an adventure to re-discover my home turf. I struggled with where to start. Being a photographer, I decided to start in the country and work my way in. Just a heads up...there's so much to see and do, that there's NO WAY to get it all in one post.

By Brice Perrin

Southwest Louisiana has some of the most beautiful landscapes and drives in the world. The beginning of my adventure went a LONG way to drive (pun completely intended) that point home. Traveling about 3 miles south and east of the Lake Charles Regional Airport, allowed me to get some of the best photographs I've ever taken.

By Brice Perrin

Farm land, marsh land, groves of beautiful trees that have withstood some of the most intense weather on the planet. They're all there within a few miles of the city. Standing on a dirt road, in my Southwest Louisiana...watching the sky begin to glow from the coming sunrise, the light fog hugging the ground, the sounds of native birds and wildlife beginning to call out as they start their daily activities...it was peaceful, soothing, meditative, and awe-inspiring all at the same time. And it's in my back yard!

By Brice Perrin

There are, I’m sure, many places to see scenes like this...but there's something about a Southwest Louisiana sunrise that is mystic, musical, life-affirming, and spicy...just like our culture and food! And THAT, my friends, is something you can't get anywhere but here.

They say, "It's not the destination, but the journey." Here in Southwest Louisiana...it's both. One way to discover it is on the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, which just so happens to have a free tour app.

Stay tuned...Part Deux coming soon.

For more blogs by Brice Perrin, check out his blog at https://perrinstudios.wordpress.com.

Year of Food

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 17:40:00 +0000

Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne and the Louisiana Office of Tourism have deemed 2015 the “Louisiana Culinary Celebration!” With that in mind, how can I possibly diet? Plus, it’s almost Mardi Gras, so King Cakes are in no short supply and my office is directly across the street from Steamboat Bill’s on the Lake. I can practically hear the boiled crawfish calling my name every day after work.

Eating in Cajun Country means good food prepared by the people who know what to do with the bounty that nature provides. My mom recently “borrowed” kumquats from her neighbor’s tree to make a marmalade. My brother-in-law knows a thing or two about preparing ducks and geese after the hunt.

With seafood, everyone has their preferred methods of cooking. You won’t find a shortage of fried foods in Southwest Louisiana restaurants! Don’t get me started on boudin. Or cracklins.

www.monsoursphotography.net

One of my favorite gumbo stories was covered recently by Michelle Winner on www.CulinaryTraveler.com mentioning Chef Lyle Broussard from Jack Daniel’s Bar & Grill®. He was telling Jay Ducote, Bite and Booze food blogger, how he knows when the roux is ready – he recalls the flavor from when he was a small child, standing on a stool with a big heaping spoon of “chocolate” on his mother’s stove. Little did he know, the “chocolate” was actually roux! He’ll never forget that surprising taste!

Check out The Culinary Trails Taste-umentary YouTube video that celebrates the local food scene and features local restaurants at www.visitlakecharles.org/seafood. Other culinary videos can be seen on the Visit Lake Charles YouTube channel.

Cajun food is simple. And it’s complex. It is a conversation starter. Food in Southwest Louisiana is filled with passion. Don’t take my word for it- come and taste for yourself!

Romance is in the Air in Southwest Louisiana

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 14:53:00 +0000

By Angie Kay Dilmore

Whether it’s an anniversary, birthday, holiday, or simply because, if you’re planning a romantic getaway weekend for your sweetheart, come celebrate in Lake Charles! There’s plenty to do here, especially for two. Once you arrive, the magic of southwest Louisiana will inspire you, but here are a few tips to get you started.

Photo courtesy of Isle of Capri

Casinos – Southwest Louisiana is home to four casinos; L’Auberge Casino Resort, Isle of Capri, Delta Downs in Vinton, and the newly opened Golden Nugget Lake Charles. Each of these facilities offers exciting options for couples to enjoy. Live music, excellent restaurants, gaming, shopping, relaxing – it’s all there. L’Auberge offers a “Massage and Lodge” package which includes a guest room, spa package, and breakfast for two.

Pujo St. Cafe by www.monsoursphotography.net

Fine Dining – Lake Charles chefs know how to cook and serve great food! There are too many excellent restaurants to list them all here, but a few of my favorites include La Truffe Sauvage at 815 Bayou Pines West, Restaurant Calla at 1400 Market St., Ember Grille and Wine Bar at L’Auberge, Harlequin Steaks and Seafood at 501 W. College St., and Mazan’s Mediterranean Foods, 217 W. College St., and Vic and Anthony's at Golden Nugget Lake Charles. Bon appétit!

Wine Tasting – Several local establishments offer wine tasting. Try Heist Wine Bar or Pujo Street Café, on Ryan St. The Wine Store on Nelson Rd. and Hocus Pokus on Country Club Rd. also offer wine tastings.

J&R Carriage

Carriage Rides – What could be more romantic than a ride in a mule-drawn carriage? J & R Carriage, located on Bord du Lac by the Lake Charles Civic Center, offers lakefront tours along picturesque Shellbeach Dr. and through the historic district of the city. Snuggle under a warm blanket, listen to the clip clop of the mule’s hooves, and take in the sights of beautiful downtown Lake Charles.

Photo by www.lindseyjanies.com

Music – Lake Charles boasts a thriving music scene. Take your honey out dancing! In the warmer months, outdoor concerts abound. The casinos often bring in celebrity performers. L’Auberge Casino Resort hosts the popular summer outdoor concert series, Party By the Pool. The city of Lake Charles sponsors an outdoor concert series called Downtown at Sundown and the Arts and Humanities Council produces Live at the Lakefront. Luna Bar and Grill hosts a Jazz Brunch on Sundays. Numerous bars and clubs offer bands playing all genres of music. A few of the more popular nightclubs include Luna Live, Jack After Dark at L’Auberge, and My Place. For a coffee house vibe, check the schedule at Stellar Beans Coffee House. Lake Charles is also home to a world class Symphony. Check their website for dates.

There are 26 miles of Gulf Coast beaches along the Creole Nature Trail.
Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net

If you’re wooing on a tight budget, Lake Charles will still make a positive impression. There are plenty of free or reasonably-priced excursions in southwest Louisiana. Weather permitting, pack a picnic, stroll along Bord du Lac or through Prien Lake Park, and watch the sunset. Take a hike at Sam Houston Jones State Park. They also have charming cabins for your overnight stay. Cruise down the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road to bird watch and look for alligators. There are also several museums in southwest Louisiana that are either free or have reasonable admission fees.

With matters of the heart, it’s not so much where you are but who you are with that matter most. But lovely Lake Charles can certainly help!

To read more of Angie's adventures, check out her blog, angiekaydilmore.blogspot.com.

Louisiana Shrimp Stew

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 22:54:00 +0000

Boiled shrimp by www.monsoursphotography.net

My three-year-old son, Banks, is a pretty picky eater! His favorite foods all involve loads of sugar, but there is hope for him yet! Banks loves shrimp. He eats fried shrimp, boiled shrimp (if I peel it for him), shrimp gumbo, but his favorite is shrimp stew. So for this cold night, I’m making shrimp stew for dinner!

From visiting Big Easy Foods in Lake Charles, I’ve learned that Gulf shrimp are notorious for their robust flavor profile and better yet – they are really healthy! Shrimp are a good source of protein, omega-3, selenium and vitamin B12.

Big Easy Foods has a great selection of Louisiana shrimp in the freezer section at your local Wal-Mart or grocery store, but if you are visiting Southwest Louisiana, try cast netting along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road to catch your own!

My brother, Blake Monsour, castnets for shrimp.
Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net

Find some of the most popular shrimping spots and a checklist of the things you’ll need, like a fishing license, here.

Click here for the best shrimp stew recipes I’ve come across from Louisiana Kitchen & Culture Magazine by Karlos Knott. It’s what I’m making for dinner!

Shrimp Stew Photo by David Gallent
for Louisiana Kitchen & Culture

Watch this video on where our famous, Louisiana shrimp come from and why they are the best!

Get Your Gumbo On

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 19:44:00 +0000

By Buzzy Gordon

The Mardi Gras Gumbo Cook-off occurs
Feb. 14, 2015. Photo by Buzzy Gordon

Thanks to the popularity of Cajun cuisine, Louisiana cooking has become world famous. And as a big fan myself, I thought I knew most of what there is to know about the food. Until I went to Southwest Louisiana for Mardi Gras, and attended the annual Gumbo Cook-Off in Lake Charles, that is.

This is nothing like any other BBQ or chili cook-off you may have ever attended. More than 50 krewes and other competing teams filled a hall of the Lake Charles Civic Center, spilling over outside adjacent to the lakefront promenade. The noise level is astounding: krewes are also competing to win the “spirit stick,” by engaging in raucous revelry.

Mardi Gras krewes vie for the coveted Spirit Stick!
Photo by Buzzy Gordon

As the smells of simmering roux start to activate the salivary glands, you begin to wish the tasting would commence. But the teams have been admonished not to serve until the judges have collected their samples. Finally, lines begin to form; and one by one, krewes begin ladling out their savory offerings. These are no measly samples: styrofoam bowls are filled to the brim with the steaming samples.

I did my best to try them all, but after 20 or so half-bowls, I had to call it quits. But I managed to taste a bit from each category: traditional chicken and andouille sausage; seafood; and wild game. Some of the latter were quite exotic -- like pheasant and elk sausage. Alligator featured prominently, along with rabbit, and even the occasional squirrel.

While most of these mouth-watering recipes may be available to the public to eat only once a year, you'll be glad to know that the best in the professional competition -- as awarded in two of the three categories in 2014 -- comes from the kitchen of the Jack Daniel's Bar & Grill restaurant at L'Auberge Casino Resort. Professional seafood honors went to the Krewe de Sauvage, while Krewe de Mischief danced away with the coveted Spirit Stick.

For the aspiring chefs who want to make their own gumbo, check out this "How to Make a Gumbo" video by Chef Scott Landry.

12th Night Extravaganza!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 18:21:00 +0000

Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net

By Angie Kay Dilmore

January 6 . . . a date known by many names. Many churches call it Epiphany. In Mexico, it is the Day of the Holy Kings. To the Irish, it is Little Christmas. Roman Catholics know it as Joan of Arc’s birthday. But here in Louisiana, it’s Twelfth Night!

Twelfth Night marks the beginning of Mardi Gras season. In Lake Charles, we celebrate with an annual Twelfth Night Extravaganza! At this much-anticipated event held at the Lake Charles Civic Center, the royal courts of local krewes parade through the arena and make their exit, thus paving the way for the new krewe kings and queens. In typical Mardi Gras tradition, it is a night of glitz, glamour, pomp, and pageantry.

Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net

When my family and I moved to southwest Louisiana seven years ago, the reality of Mardi Gras was the greatest revelation to this naïve uninformed transplant. Prior to our move, I thought (as do most Yankees) Mardi Gras was an event in New Orleans on Fat Tuesday, the night before Lent starts. Oh, and they had a parade. That's all I knew of Mardi Gras.

Photo by www.lindseyjanies.com

I could not have been more mistaken. Imagine my surprise when I discovered Mardi Gras is not a mere day but an entire season! And not only in New Orleans, but across the entire state! I was shocked that it is a state-recognized holiday, when businesses close and the kids are off school for several days.

Balls, parades, king cakes, gumbo cook-offs, trail rides, chicken runs, giddy merriment, indulgence . . . to me, it was all new, magical, mysterious. Mardi Gras continues to be a source of curiosity, fascination, and bemusement for me.

Back to the Twelfth Night Extravaganza . . . despite my fascination, I did not attend this event until last year. And I wondered why I had waited so long. It’s a rollicking good time. Lake Charles has over 60 krewes and is second in the state only to New Orleans with the number of krewes participating in Mardi Gras activities.

Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net

Most of these krewes join the celebration at Twelfth Night Extravaganza. The costumes are colorful, sparkly, feathery, elaborate, and truly something to behold. Revelers on floats toss candy and shiny Mardi Gras beads to the enthusiastic crowd. Each person in attendance receives a small piece of King Cake. Twelve lucky winners find the “baby” in their piece of cake and win fantastic prizes.

Whether it’s a family tradition or your first time to attend, make plans to see the Lake Charles Twelfth Night Extravaganza January 6, 7 p.m.

Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net

Tickets are $5 in advance, $6 at the door. Children 5 and under admitted free. Tickets may be purchased at Joseph’s Electric, Gordon’s Drug Store, Party Time Store, and Moss Bluff Flower.

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

To read more of Angie's adventures, check out her blog, angiekaydilmore.blogspot.com.

Fur & Wildlife Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 20:43:00 +0000

Photo by www.parkerbrandcreative.com

By Angie Kay Dilmore

Calling all sportsmen (and women and children, too)! On January 9-10, 2015, the coastal town of Cameron will host its annual Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival.

This popular event has been entertaining festival-goers since 1955 and highlights duck and goose calling, retrieval dog trials, nutria and muskrat skinning, trap setting, skeet shooting, and oyster shucking competitions.

Duck Calling Contest.
Photo by www.parkerbrandcreative.com

Oyster Shucking Contest.
Photo by www.parkerbrandcreative.com

In addition to the usual fair fare, food vendors also sell alligator sausage, jambalaya, boudin, gumbo, smoked sausage, and crawfish.

Photo by www.parkerbrandcreative.com

A gumbo cook-off is also a part of the yearly festivities. Thrilling carnival rides will entertain people of all ages. The Pageant Queen, King, and attendants of the Fur and Wildlife Festival will be crowned on Friday evening.

Photo by www.parkerbrandcreative.com

The fun continues on all day Saturday. Sign yourself up for a morning 5K run. Stroll through the antique car show. Watch the festival parade at 1:30 p.m. Observe an alligator skinning demonstration at 4:30 p.m.

Photo by www.parkerbrandcreative.com

The exciting musical entertainment lineup includes Bag of Donuts, Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, John Dale Hebert, Water’s Edge, and Leroy Thomas and the Zydeco Road Runners.

For a complete schedule of events, see the festival website, http://lafurandwildlifefestival.com.

Photo by www.parkerbrandcreative.com

All events will take place on the fairgrounds located at the former Pat’s of Cameron (513 Marshall St.) in Downtown Cameron unless otherwise noted.

To read more of Angie's adventures, check out her blog, angiekaydilmore.blogspot.com.

Lake Charles Historic Tour App

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Growing up, my father’s photography studio was located in downtown Lake Charles in a historic building from the early 1900s. I spent many summers there helping in the office, answering phone calls and assisting in photo shoots. My brother and I would even play hide and seek when we were kids. Those old homes have lots of hiding spaces!

The historic Locke mansion located at 929 Broad St. in Lake Charles, La. was built in 1910.
Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net

After my dad bought the home in the early 1980s, they did some renovations and found some pocket doors. In the pocket doors, they found newspaper articles stuffed within the walls from the 1800s. I always thought that was so cool and I think that’s what started my fascination with the Charpentier Historic District. Charpentier is French for carpenter, by the way!

Learn more about the Charpentier Historic District at www.visitlakecharles.org/historic.
Photo by Marty Solis

Recently, the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau developed a free Lake Charles Historic Tour App. It brings the Charpentier Historic District to life through a guided tour of the 40-block area of homes in the National Register of Historic Places. You can choose a 30 Minute Tour, One Hour Tour or Ghost Stories Tour.

1911 Historic City Hall has a permanent exhibit on the Great Fire of 1910 and is
featured on the One Hour Tour. Photo by www.lindseyjanies.com

The haunted legends tour, or Eerie Calcasieu Tour, as it is named in the app, has some pretty crazy stories included. There’s even a video that captures some great stories of the local ghosts. There are also videos on the Great Fire of 1910, Lake Charles Architecture and the History of Lake Charles.

The Eerie Calcasieu Tour features haunted sites throughout Lake Charles.

The app promotes social network sharing and even allows the user to create a post card from the district. It's available in multiple languages and Closed Captioning, which is great if you have friends from other countries who are visiting and would prefer to experience the tour in their native language.

Download the free app in your app store by searching for “Lake Charles Historic Tour.”

Learn more about the Charpentier Historic District at www.visitlakecharles.org/historic.

Check out this quick video about the Lake Charles Historic Tour App.

Now Open: The Golden Nugget

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 23:11:00 +0000

The Golden Nugget Lake Charles is officially open for business!

“The opening of the Golden Nugget has been highly anticipated for the region,” said Megan M. Hartman, senior marketing manager for the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Corner Suite by Landry's, Inc.

With 740 guest rooms and suites, meeting space, extensive retail outlets, a full-service spa, and an innovative casino floor, the Golden Nugget Lake Charles has truly emphasized the appeal of Southwest Louisiana being a premier resort destination.

Double Room by Landry's, Inc.

Foodies will be delighted to know there are nine restaurants to choose from! Just a few of the examples are fine dining at Vic & Anthony’s, legendary Gulf seafood from Landry’s Seafood House, and casual 24/7 options at Claim Jumper. Their extensive, Vegas-style buffet even offers hand dipped strawberries!

King Room by Landry's, Inc.

There’s a lazy river with a water slide, along with a marina and private beach. Golden Nugget has already booked top name entertainers for the first quarter like LeAnn Rimes, Meryl Haggard, and Alabama.

Although Golden Nugget Lake Charles is the fifth Golden Nugget property by Landry’s, Inc. chairman, CEO and sole owner Tilman J. Feritta, it is really the flagship since this $700 million resort is the 1^st resort they built from the ground up.

But golfers hold tight. The 18-hole championship golf course, the Country Club at the Golden Nugget, is set to open at the end of April just in time for the start of summer.

Find more information on the area’s four casino options at www.visitlakecharles.org/gaming.

Hurricane Museum Progress

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 16:01:00 +0000

www.nhmsc.com

Yesterday I was standing on the shoreline of Lake Charles right where the National Hurricane Museum & Science Center will be located one day among elected officials, community leaders and employees of State Farm and Entergy. It was surreal because this dream of building a one-of-a-kind education center has been a long one in the making.

Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net

State Farm and Entergy each gave the National Hurricane Museum & Science Center $500,000 and I feel with these large corporate donations, other companies will step up to give. We are two more steps closer to the reality of breaking ground on the center!

Lake Charles Mayor Randy Roach mentioned how the center will be a national tourist attraction. And while it will tell the stories of how hurricanes have impacted the people, land and economy, the educational components on hurricane preparedness and recovery will be included, too.

Mayor Randy Roach. Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net

The sign, held up by two Entergy trucks, said it all.
Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net

“With these gifts, we begin to show that the project is truly nationwide in scope,” said Gray Stream, the center’s board chairman.

“The center represents more than just a facility,” and it can help “education, inform and inspire young people,” said Mayor Roach. “It can make them realize it’s not what happens to you that counts. It’s what you do in response.”

The center could bring in as many as 220,000 visitors a year and provide the region with a $55 million annual economic impact.

To learn more about the National Hurricane Museum & Science Center, log on to www.nhmsc.com.

Duck Hunting in SWLA

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 20:12:00 +0000

Southwest Louisiana Marsh by www.monsoursphotography.net

To me, there’s nothing more peaceful and beautiful than watching the Southwest Louisiana sun rise in a duck blind with a cup of hot coffee sitting next to me dad. My dad, who is also a photographer, always told me that Southwest Louisiana has the most gorgeous sunrises than anywhere else in the world! Who’s gonna argue with that?!?

Duck hunting has been a strong family connector in the Monsour household. I’ve been hunting with my dad since I was two years old. We’d have father-daughter duck hunts at the camp in Johnson’s Bayou for as long as I can remember.

A father teaches his children to call ducks.
Photo by www.monsoursphotography.net

My dad would always have a string of calls around his neck, but my favorite was the old wooden Faulk’s call. It just looked more rustic than the synthetic calls, and I’m sure it sounded better!

Faulk's Game Calls was started by Clarence "Patin" Faulk. Patin was a local guide and a trapper in Big Lake, Louisiana. He made duck and goose calls at his home starting in the mid 1930s. His son Dud Faulk learned about call making from him. In 1951, Dud created a full line of calls and started going to trade shows. Dud won the International Duck Calling Championship once and the World Champion Goose Calling Championship twice. He continued to grow the business with his wife Rena at his side.

Today, Dud's wife Rena, daughters and grandchildren assist in running the business in Lake Charles, LA. Faulk's Game Calls is still producing quality, hand tuned calls with the same attention to quality calls that they started with in 1951.

A Few Duck Calling Tips from Canaan Heard with Faulk’s Game Calls:

- Don't over call.
- Call when the ducks are flying away from you or are passing in front of you.
- Don't call when they're flying at you.

Check out this video of avid outdoorsman Hal McMillin during teal season. To learn more about duck hunting in Southwest Louisiana and to find guide services, go to www.visitlakecharles.org/hunt.

Local Christmas Shopping

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 16:36:00 +0000

Keeping it local during the Christmas season is what I’m all about! No Black Friday crazy lines at big retail outlets or camping out for door buster deals for me! Some of my favorite memories Christmas shopping were with my mom going to the Cottage Shops, sniffing yummy candles and sampling the wassail at the Christian Book Store.

I enjoy supporting our local businesses. Plus, they have all of the Louisiana-centric gifts that my friends who live out of state enjoy so much this time of year! You can find locally made art and food products all over Calcasieu Parish.

Here’s a quick video of some of the unique Louisiana products that might be great Christmas gifts ideas for some of those on your Christmas list!

Don't forget about all of the great Christmas Events happening in the area. Click Here to check them out!

Fun Filled Family Getaway

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 19:56:00 +0000

By Angie Kay Dilmore

Do you and your family have a free long weekend and you’re wondering what to do? Consider a mini-vacation to southwest Louisiana for the perfect family getaway! Whether you and the kids love history, science, art, or the great outdoors, the lake area has something for everyone.

If there’s one thing southwest Louisiana has plenty of, it’s water. And where there is water, there are water sports. Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes are prime destinations for fishing, boating, crabbing and alligator watching. Bring your canoe or kayak and your fishing poles and explore the many rivers, lakes and bayous. Or rent a pontoon boat, kayak or standup paddle board when you get there!

Air Boat or Swamp Tours

Experience the mystery of marsh grass swamps from an airboat or eco-tour. Call Airboats & Alligators in Grand Chenier, 337-274-2395 or Grosse Savanne Eco-Tours, 337-310-4260.

Photo credit: www.wanderwithwonder.com

Creole Nature Trail All-American Road is one of America’s oldest scenic byways. This 180-mile driving tour traverses both Cameron and Calcasieu Parishes. Through marsh grass and wildlife sanctuaries to the Gulf of Mexico and back again, this unique loop offers fishing, crabbing, hunting, boating, and nature photography. It’s an excellent place to look for alligators and bird watch, especially during migration season. There's a free app for your smartphone that's like having a tour guide with you in the car!

Search "Creole" to download the
Creole Nature Trail tour app.

Sam Houston Jones State Park

This popular state park offers 78 camp sites for both tents and RVs. There are also eight cozy cabins. Numerous hiking/biking trails are available, depending on your fitness level. Boat or fish along the West Fork of the Calcasieu River. The park is well-known for bird watching. Bald eagles have recently been spotted there.

RV Camping at Sam Houston Jones State Park
Photo Credit www.monsoursphotography.net

Bord du Lac Park and other Area Parks

Southwest Louisiana boasts many parks and recreation centers, but the grandest of them all is Bord du Lac Park on the lakefront near the Lake Charles Civic Center. Completed in 2013 after the original Millennium Park burned down, this creatively-designed playground allows children to romp, climb, swing, slide, spin and splash.

Speaking of splashing, in the warmer months, kids love parks with water features. In addition to Bord du Lac Park, several other area parks, such as Prien Lake Park and Pinederosa Park in Westlake, also have so-called “splash zones.” The most impressive southwest Louisiana water park is at the Sulphur Parks and Recreation (SPAR) facility.

The SPAR Waterpark is open in the summertime
for kids of all ages!

Festivals

Southwest Louisiana is known as the Festival Capital of the state, and with good reason. Over 75 festivals throughout the year celebrate all varieties of food, music genres, wildlife, and more. Check out www.visitlakecharles.org for the Events Calendar.

DeQuincy Railroad Days Festival
Photo by www.lindseyjanies.com

If the weather doesn’t cooperate for outdoor activities, don’t worry. There are plenty of indoor activities to entertain children of all ages.

Children’s Museum

The Children’s Museum, at 327 Broad St., offers numerous exhibits and activities that will delight your young ones. Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

USS Orleck

The naval destroyer USS Orleck served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. She now serves as a historic naval museum. Located at the north end of Enterprise Blvd. Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Imperial Calcasieu Museum

If you are interested in Southwest Louisiana history, visit the Imperial Calcasieu Museum. They also feature the work of Louisiana artists. 204 W. Sallier St., Lake Charles. Open 10:00 – 5:00 Tuesday – Saturday.

1911 Historic City Hall

Affectionately called Old City Hall, this art gallery showcases traveling art exhibitions from around the world, as well as a permanent exhibit on the Great Fire of 1910. 1001 Ryan St. Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Sulphur Museums

The Henning Cultural Center features contemporary and local artists. The Brimstone Museum, located in the restored train station next door, highlights the history of Sulphur. 923 Ruth St. Open Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – noon and 1 – 5 p.m.

DeQuincy Railroad Museum
Kids love the caboose, steam engine and passenger car on display at the DeQuincy Railroad Museum. And while you're there, don't miss the DeQuincy Town Hall Museum nearby. 400 Lake Charles Ave., DeQuincy. Open Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Mardi Gras Museum
The Mardi Gras Museum is always a great one to visit to lift your spirits and prepare for the Carnival Season! 809 Kirby St., Lake Charles. Open Tuesday - Friday 1-5 p.m.

Take in a Movie

Lake Charles has two multi-screen theaters. United Artists at 3416 Derek Dr. and Cinemark at the Prien Lake Mall, 548 W. Prien Lake Rd.

Bowling

Bowl a few games at Petro Bowl, 630 Petro Point Dr., Lake Charles.

Whether you have three days to spend or a whole week, there’s plenty here to entertain you. No one can say there’s nothing to do in Lake Charles!

To read more of Angie's adventures, check out her blog, angiekaydilmore.blogspot.com.

My Cajun Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 21:19:00 +0000

By Elizabeth Eustis

Southwest Louisiana has planned so many parades, concerts, fireworks, and food events for Christmas this year, it is definitely the place to be to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. With this abundance of holiday cheer, choosing an event is going to be hard! Attending as many holiday happenings as I can, might become my newest Christmas tradition!

Photo by Lindsey Janies Photography

My mother in law and I kick off our holidays with the Junior League of Lake Charles’ annual Mistletoe and Moss Holiday Market (Nov. 20-22). Those ladies know how to throw a shopping party. I am thinking this year for another shopping treat, we’ll visit Sulphur’s Holiday House (Dec. 5-6), too. Nothing puts me in the Christmas spirit like finding the perfect gifts for my family and friends. And, maybe we’ll even see that “snow” that magically falls at Christmas Under the Oaks (Dec. 5-6).

Photo by MonsoursPhotography.net

Once the presents are wrapped and nestled under the tree; it’s time for a parade! Living in downtown Lake Charles, my family has gone to the Light up the Lake Christmas Celebration (Dec. 6) for years. In fact, we used to decorate and string up dozens of multi-colored Christmas lights around our sailboat and participate in the lighted boat parade. It is such a special and unique parade-if you haven’t been-you need to go! But there are a total of eight parades this year, so I might have to head over to DeQuincy’s “Deck the Halls” (Dec. 5) or Vinton’s “Cajun Christmas” (Dec. 12) to see how they welcome Santa to town.

Speaking of Santa, one of my favorite memories growing up is sitting on Santa’s lap and listing all of the toys and sometimes animals (you know you asked for a pony too!) that I wanted for Christmas. I’ll be making my way over to Westlake for Breakfast with Santa (Dec. 13) to see if Santa can bring me that Kate Spade bag I saw the other day at Stiletto. I hope he can! If not then at least I got some hot pancakes.

There are just so many wonderful activities going on this season, including some beautiful performances like The Nutcracker (Dec. 11-14) and The Little Drummer Boy (Dec. 13); so there is no reason to sit at home. Also, stop by the Convention & Visitors Bureau, 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive, to view the entries for the annual Gingerbread House contest (Dec. 6-30). Be sure to vote for your favorite creation!

Plan your Christmas fun by visiting www.visitlakecharles.org/cajunchristmas for a complete listing of holiday events throughout Southwest Louisiana.

An Evening at the Races

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 15:17:00 +0000

By Angie Kay Dilmore

How often have you driven down I-10 West and seen signs for Delta Downs Racetrack and Casino? Have you been there? Recently, I went for the opening day of Thoroughbred Season. Being newbies to Louisiana horse racing, my husband Bob and I were excited!

Photo by www.lindseyjanies.com

The first step at horse racing is to buy an Official Program. This booklet tells you all about the races, information about the horses, their odds of winning, the names of owners, trainers, jockeys, and lineage. There is also information about each horse’s racing history, weight of the jockey, and more data than I can understand or need to know!

Program photo by Angie Kay Dilmore

For some, horse racing is serious business. I saw people there who sat intently with their pens and programs and pored over the pages, studied the stats, made notes in the margins, and obviously put considerable thought into their betting.

How did I pick a horse to bet on? Whichever horse had the prettiest name, of course!

Soon after we arrived, the first race was about to start. Post time 5:55 p.m. We quickly purchased our program and scanned the horses slated for Race 1. Horse number 8, Lovely in Lavender, sounded like a winner to me. Never mind the odds were 15-1. It was early in the evening and I felt lucky.

Photo by www.lindseyjanies.com

Minimum bet is $2.00. I’m such a big spender; I bet $3.00 for number 8 to show (1^st or 2^nd place). She came in 7^th. Out of 10 horses. Maybe rooting for the underdog isn’t the best idea in horse racing.

The horse and jockey were muddy after the race.
Photo by Angie Kay Dilmore

So we went to The Lookout Restaurant for dinner. They specialize in fine dining, steaks and seafood. The south wall is all windows and overlooks the racetrack. There is also a balcony where you can watch the races, and a convenient betting window, so diners don’t miss the fun and excitement of a single race.

Photo by Angie Kay Dilmore

Most of our bets resulted in similar outcomes to that first race. After two or three races, I started considering the odds and checking “Don’s Picks” on the television screens. He seems to have a pretty good track record.

Eventually, I picked a favorite and bet $3.00 for the horse to place (1^st, 2^nd, or 3^rd). And he came in second! Yay, I won something! I went to the betting window to cash in my ticket. The return was $3.90. I netted .90 cents.

We weren’t big winners that night, but it didn’t matter. Win or lose, horse racing is fun and entertaining. There’s a certain thrill, trying to guess which horse will win and watching him race around the track. Your eyes focus on the color of his silk (the cloth that identifies his number). You cheer him on as he thunders by; go, Go GO! It’s especially exciting if you watch from the fence beside the track. You smell the horses’ sweat and adrenaline. You hear them pant, snort, and battle it out for first place. Their hooves kick up the dust and pound out a competitive beat; and your own heart drums a little bit faster.

Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel is located in the quiet town of Vinton, near the border of Texas. Watch Thoroughbred racing every Wednesday through Saturday evenings, October 15- March 14, except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. The resort sits on 240 acres of Louisiana countryside, the perfect setting for an evening’s entertainment, a weekend getaway, or a fun-packed vacation.

In addition to live horse racing, they offer off-track betting, over 1,450 slots, live entertainment, modern hotel rooms and suites, an outdoor pool, and five restaurants, from fast food to fine dining. Meeting and convention facilities are also available. For more information, go to www.deltadowns.com.

To read more of Angie's adventures, check out her blog, angiekaydilmore.blogspot.com.

Most Decorated Rum

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 14:03:00 +0000

Just down the road from Lake Charles is a new and exciting venture that is taking the world by storm. Bayou Rum began shipping July 1, 2013. Louisiana Spirits entered Bayou Silver Rum and Bayou Spiced Rum in some tasting competitions. As of October 27, 2014, Bayou Rum has been honored 50 times in tasting competitions and 26 times by marketing organizations. This award total is the most for any rum brand in the USA and may be most in the entire world for the 2014 award’s season.

“Winning Best in Class distinctions from our craft distilling peers at American Craft Distillers Association and American Distilling Institute was a very proud moment. Competing against all the world’s rums and coming away with Best in Class Gold Medal at the Miami International Rum Festival and 6 medals at the Los Angeles International Spirits Competition was sweet indeed!” said Trey Litel, President of Louisiana Spirits.

So while you are in the Southwest Louisiana region, make sure to stop by the distillery to take the tour and pick up some Bayou Rum to take back home.

About Bayou^®Rum

Bayou Rum is America’s Rum^® handcrafted from fresh Louisiana sugarcane for an award-winning flavor; distilled and bottled consistently with quality assurance at the largest private rum distillery in the USA. Bayou Rum is currently available in LA, TX, MS, AL, and FL and is represented by Republic National Distributing Company. Bayou Rum comes in 2 types, Silver and Spiced, 3 glass bottle sizes - LITER, 750ml, 200ml - and in convenient to carry 200ml pouches. New Bayou Satsuma Rum Liqueur is available in 750ml bottles. For more information, visit www.bayourum.com.

To subscribe to latest news on Bayou Rum: Click on www.bayourum.com/connect or visit www.facebook.com/bayourum.

Gumbo Season

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 19:47:00 +0000

In Southwest Louisiana, gumbo is a staple that’s cooked in big cast iron pots and stirred with large wood spoons – or boat oars, depending on how many people are being fed. Variations of the roux-based soup include chicken and smoked sausage, shrimp and okra, wild duck and smoked sausage, even rabbit or seafood gumbo with shrimp, crab and oysters.

Gumbo is eaten year round in Southwest Louisiana, but home and professional cooks enjoy it most during the cool months of fall and winter. It’s gumbo season, y’all!

Everyone makes their gumbo differently and the origin of “gumbo” is a melting pot, as well. The Southern Foodways Alliance put together a great oral history of the Southern Gumbo Trail that even interviews David Papania from Seafood Palace.

One of the best attended cook-offs in Southwest Louisiana is the “World Famous Cajun Extravaganza/Gumbo Cook-off” that occurs the Saturday prior to Mardi Gras at the Lake Charles Civic Center. With over 50 teams competing, there are professional and amateur categories for Wild Game, Chicken and Sausage, and Seafood Gumbos. For $5, you can taste from event pot!

Learn how to make your own traditional chicken and sausage gumbo from Chef Scott Landry from Lake Charles, La.

Gulf Coast Bird Club

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 14:14:00 +0000

By Angie Kay Dilmore

Eastern Bluebird by Gulf Coast Bird Club Member
Deanna Griggs

I love bird-watching. I enjoy seeing them eat at the feeders in my backyard. I’m thrilled when I spot a heron or egret wading along the shoreline when I paddle my kayak or see a flock of geese flying in V-formation across an autumn sky. But I’m not very good at specifically identifying birds by sight or, worse yet, recognizing their calls and songs. Sure, I’m familiar with the common backyard birds like cardinals, bluejays, eastern bluebirds, and black-capped chickadees. But ask me to differentiate between a red-bellied and a red-headed woodpecker, and I’m stumped.

Brown-headed Nuthatch

So I sought out some help from our local Gulf Coast Bird Club this past Saturday. They meet for a bird walk the 4^th Saturday of every month, 8 a.m, at Sam Houston Jones State Park. On this most recent bird walk, the club spotted wood ducks, nuthatches, Carolina wrens, chickadees, and a variety of woodpeckers, and that was all in the first ten minutes! Experienced birders lead these walks, which are designed for beginner birders.

Carolina Wren

On most walks, the club sees an average of 20-25 different species of birds. “We’re in fall migration season right now, so we’re seeing some different migratory birds; some warblers and northern tanagers,” says David Booth, club founder and vice president of programs.

Hooded Warbler

In addition to the monthly walks, the club occasionally takes field trips to the Lacassine area, Toledo Bend, Smith’s Point, or wildlife refuges such as Cameron Prairie or Sabine.

Snowy Egret

Their next event will be a program called “Listen Up! Birding by Ear,” which will help participants learn to identify birds by their call. This event coincides with Meet the Blind Month. All bird lovers, including the sight impaired, are encouraged to attend this program on October 10, 8 - 9:30 a.m. at Drew Park, 416 Michael DeBakey Dr., Lake Charles.

Pileated Woodpecker by Gulf Coast Bird Club
Member Deanna Griggs

Blue Heron

The Gulf Coast Bird Club is dedicated to promoting the knowledge and conservation of birdlife, other wildlife, natural habitats and natural resources; and to fostering an appreciation of our natural environment and of the significance of its influence upon human life. Founded in 1983, the club seeks to provide educational opportunities to the general public and to other organizations regarding bird life.

For more information on the club or their events, see their website, join their Facebook page, or call 337-526-0837.

To read more of Angie's adventures, check out her blog, angiekaydilmore.blogspot.com.

Mike's Road Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 16:04:00 +0000

By Mike Shubic

Feeling the Love in Lake Charles

By Mike Shubic

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “southern hospitality” before, it’s a romanticized notion personified in movies and television shows, where chivalry flourishes and visitors are made to feel welcome. While on a recent trip to Lake Charles, Louisiana for a travel conference, I discovered the essence of southern hospitality is not a cliché, but the very embodiment of its residents. The charming southwestern Louisiana town of Lake Charles has a strong Cajun culture and has a lot to offer its visitors; from performing arts, festivals, lush golf courses, glitzy casinos, historic districts, posh resorts, wildlife excursions to authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine.

By Mike Shubic

Louisiana was one of only four states to which I had not yet traveled, so I was thankful the folks at TMShowcase selected Lake Charles for their annual travel conference which allowed me to knock yet another state off my list. The conference was held at the extraordinary L’Auberge Casino Resort, which is a retreat that captivates guests, many of whom may never want to leave due to the abundance of activities and luxuriousness of the property. Some of the journalists, myself included, were upgraded to a suite, which I have to say was one of the nicest rooms I’ve ever had the pleasure of staying in—and, as a perpetual traveler, that’s saying a lot! Beyond the amazing bed and other typical features you’d expect in a luxurious suite, this room had a few things I’d never experienced before, such a remote control that takes care of just about everything…from dimming the lights, adjusting the thermostat, to controlling a T.V. embedded in one of the bathroom vanity mirrors. Speaking of the bathroom…it was fit for royalty, with its focal point being a huge claw foot bathtub that fills from the ceiling. Yes, the ceiling. A gushing stream of water falls some ten feet into the middle of the tub. To one side of the bathtub is a large marble shower; to the other, a frosted glass enclosure with high-end loo and bidet.

While the accommodations are spectacular, so too is the entire property at L’Auberge: The casino floor, nicely manicured golf course, spa, shopping, to the lazy river swimming pool and on-site restaurants. A spot I enjoyed one evening with a colleague was the beach along a tributary at the back of the resort. I also visited the Barbier, an upscale barbershop where I experienced my first old fashioned shave. One evening several of the journalists and I were treated to a meal at Ember Grille and Wine Bar, the resort’s fine-dining restaurant. Rather than ordering off the menu, the chef brought out samples of his signature dishes for us to try, which included items like Tuna Tartare, Foie Gras, Crab Cakes, Kobe beef Carpaccio, and Ember Prime, a 40oz Rib Eye carved right at the table. Following that was a host of decadent desserts. It was a sensational meal and without a doubt one of the best I had during my trip to Louisiana.

By Mike Shubic

I arrived in Lake Charles a few days prior to the conference and was able to check out some of the local flair and activities. As a road tripper, I was particularly interested in the Creole Nature Trail, which is one of the oldest scenic byways in the country. The All-American road winds through more than 180 miles of bayous, marshlands and shores along the Gulf of Mexico. It’s an amazing blend of scenery and a wonderful view of Louisiana’s fertile prairies, lush marshes and abundant wildlife.

Along the Creole Nature Trail is a place called Airboats & Alligators where you can take an airboat ride through the marshland and visit an alligator farm. This experience was both interesting and educational…not to mention fun to zip through a marsh atop an airboat. Talking with the owner, I learned that just weeks after Katrina hit New Orleans, Hurricane Rita devastated parts of Lake Charles, including the area where Airboats & Alligators is located. Rita took away the house and the business, including $6 million in Alligator inventory. It has taken many years of recovery, but they are finally getting back to normal. It was quite inspiring to listen to the passion and persistence they had to rebuild the home and their business. Alligator farming is an interesting business and can be quite lucrative if done properly. A top tier alligator can fetch up to $1600—and, once harvested, nothing goes to waste…the skin/hide is used for shoes, belts, wallets, etc., the meat is consumed, and the teeth are often used for jewelry and tourist trinkets.

By Mike Shubic

The next stop of the day was really special…it was a relaxing eco-tour boat ride with the folks at Grosse Savanne Eco-tours, which was lead by our amazingly well-informed guide, Bobby Jorden. Situated on 50,000 acres of private land, Grosse Savanne Eco-tours has unlimited access to a multitude of various ecotypes, including both fresh and salt water marshes, cypress swamps, native coastal prairies, pine forest plantations, and agricultural lands. Our tour was through the cypress swamp, which provided amazing bird watching and other wildlife opportunities, including an abundance of alligators.

The next day I visited Rutherford Beach, which is located along the Gulf of Mexico and is a great place to find unique seashells. While strolling the beach I witnessed a pod of dolphins swimming not fifty feet from shore…it was quite a sight. I also drove the three-mile Pintail Wildlife loop, which is wetlands known as Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge. This area has been manipulated by the US Fish & Wildlife Service to provide feeding/nesting habitat for wintering waterfowl, allowing visitors to view a variety of wildlife & birds close-up and year round.

By Mike Shubic

Later that day, a number of my fellow travel journalists and I went to Bayou Rum for a distillery tour. This fairly new rum distiller is producing handcrafted spirits on-site the Louisiana way, using a traditional copper pot (which is like a work of art…and, it cost as much too) using 100% natural Louisiana cane sugar and molasses. Not only was the tour informative, and the facility beautiful, but we also enjoyed a rum tasting. It had been a while since I had actually consumed rum, and I have to say, it was quite tasty! The following week I was in New Orleans and actually had a cocktail made using Bayou Rum, so it seems the word is getting out.

If you’re into historic architecture, you won’t want to miss the Charpentier Historic District, which features a number of Victorian mansions and other sites, some of which are palatial estates along the banks of Lake Charles.

By Mike Shubic

After a few days of exploring Lake Charles, it was time for the conference to start. By day we spent most of our time in one of the conference halls at L’Auberge, and by night, we were taken to various venues around town for dinner, drinks and entertainment. The first night we went to a place called The Brick House, a really cool and historic venue where they had a Zydeco band playing some lively music that blended the accordion, washboard, spoons and an electric guitar.

Another evening we went to the Lake Charles Civic Center, where again, we feasted on local cuisine and enjoyed live local music. The venue is situated across the street from the banks of Lake Charles, so the view was quite stunning. Just before sunset I escaped the festivities for a spell and strolled along the nicely developed boardwalk that follows the lake. It was a sensational sunset with a silhouetted sailboat skimming the smooth surface of the lake.

By Mike Shubic

On my final evening in Lake Charles, I got tickets to an outdoor concert that was held at L’Auberge by the pool. The massive stage with sophisticated light and sound system hosted the 80s cover band, The Molly Ringwalds. From Devo to Duran Duran, the band played all the 80s favorites…we (those of us old enough to know all the songs) danced like it was 1999. I had to laugh at one point…when these three young women looked our way as one of my fellow travel journalist and I were rocking out and singling along to a song of which we knew all of the lyrics…it was evident by their stares, the young women had never heard the song before!

It was quite warm and muggy, and after rocking out for a bit, we all decided to head to our respective rooms to don our swimsuits and head back down to conclude the concert by floating down and around the lazy river…it was a fantastic end to our wonderful time in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

The folks of southwestern Louisiana seem to be quite proud of their boudin and other Cajun and Créole creations; I on the other hand, found it to be my least favorite part. Call me a culinary snob if you will, but I prefer more refined and less fried foods. Personally, I gravitated toward the fresh seafood dishes in Lake Charles, which, given their proximity to the Gulf, were quite plentiful. The shrimp and crab for example were out of this world. If more traditional Cajun fare is your thing, you’ll find no shortage of that either.

I found the real stars of Lake Charles to be its people…so very friendly, hospitable, old school politeness, with an air of southern hospitality and charm.

Click the following link to see more of Mike Shubic's photos of Lake Charles.

Halloween Events

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 21:01:00 +0000

Southwest Louisiana has a multitude of events and attractions sure to scare you and thrill you this Halloween season. From climbing aboard the USS Orleck's haunted ship, or partaking in the theatrical production of Macabaret, to harvest events for the children, there's something for all ages. The Lost Hollows has a fun, Spooky Timbers trail for children and another more frightening side called the Deadly Pines trail that winds through the woods. To kick off this haunt season, below is a few questions and answers from The Lost Hollows.

1. How did the concept of The Lost Hollows come to be a reality?

Years ago, after purchasing land in Lake Charles, we considered creating a hay maze unlike anything that had ever been seen before; however, after gathering research we realized our grand hay maze would not financially support itself. During a brainstorming session about what else we might be able to offer the community, we came up with the idea of a haunted attraction. Since we didn't have a building to create a haunted house, we began researching haunted trails throughout Louisiana and Texas, attending some of the country's largest haunt conventions. After a year of extensive planning, we opened our trails in 2012.

2. Where do you find inspiration for the trails?

Much of our inspiration comes from other haunted attractions around the country. We borrow ideas from these haunts, making each concept our own by twisting them into unique visions.

3. What would you say is the scariest part of the trail?

This is always a difficult question to answer. Depending on your phobias, different parts of the Deadly Pines trail will be more terrifying than others. That being said, many people find the slaughter house and circus area the most frightening parts of the trail.

4. Will the trail have any new experiences this year? Expansions? Special Activities?

Though some sections of the trails are similar to last year's, staff members work year-round to make sure the experience is bigger and better than the previous season. This year, our major expansions on Deadly Pines can be found in the cemetery, junkyard and circus. We have also made our all-ages trail, Spooky Timbers, longer.

5. Who scares easier guys or girls?

Girls tend to scare easiest; but we have witnessed many grown men cowering behind their dates, pushing everyone out of the way as they run past in fear. We always know a good night by the amount of shoes we find along the trail left by people who were in too big a hurry to exit and too scared to turn back to retrieve them.

6. Does the trail need volunteers? If so, how would I sign up?

We are ALWAYS looking for volunteers. For more information, visit the volunteer page on our website (http://thelosthollows.com/volunteer.html)!

WEBSITE: www.TheLostHollows.com
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/TheLostHollows
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/TheLostHollows
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/TheLostHollows

For details on all the Halloween events in Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana, go to www.visitlakecharles.org/boo.