- States:
- Louisiana
These two cities offer a unique combination of two great American heritages.
When people think of the major cities of Louisiana, they often think of those in the southeastern region, on the Gulf of Mexico. Shreveport-Bossier is on "Louisiana's Other Side" toward the northwestern corner. The two cities are just minutes from both the Texas and Arkansas borders, so they have a Cajun flair along with an East Texas laid back vibe – a unique combination of two great American heritages.
Family Friendly Attractions
For the kids and kids at heart, Sci-Port Discovery Center is well worth a visit. With interactive exhibits and entertaining demonstrations, this museum is fun for all ages.
For a bit of nature and adventure, head out to nearby Greenwood, where you’ll find Gators & Friends Alligator Park and Exotic Zoo, an animal park with attractions for visitors of all ages. The giant alligators are certainly the main draw, but Gators & Friends also offers pony rides and a petting zoo with llamas and kangaroos – even a zip-line ride over the alligator pond!
For a relaxing movie evening, the Robinson Film Center with Abby Singer’s Bistro is the perfect spot. This art house cinema features classic, independent and international films. Order a drink at the popular Abby Singer’s Bistro on the second floor and enjoy it with your movie.
A Commitment to Public Art
Shreveport-Bossier offers wonderful places to discover arts and culture. Some city buses, walls and benches all serve as canvases for some of the area’s greatest artists. Favorite murals include “A Call to Action,” which can be seen during the day and at night when lit by neon LED lights and “Once in a Millennium Moon,” which covers two sides of the 13-story AT&T building.
Known as a cultural district, downtown Shreveport has Artspace – a historic building where all disciplines of the arts are created. Near there, visit the Multicultural Center of the South, which promotes culture and diversity from around the world. About 20 minutes away, stop and smell the roses at the gardens of the American Rose Center, which has more than 20,000 bushes.
Cultural Festivals
Around here, there are cultural celebrations and festivals throughout the year. Shreveport is famous for its Mudbug Madness Festival – a four-day crawfish celebration in May with family-friendly activities, all kinds of music, Cajun cuisine and contests. Fabulous bands such as Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, get the crowd up and dancing. Or, see the Red River Revel Arts Festival – the largest outdoor arts festival in northern Louisiana.
Fun Night on the Town
For a lively night out, local brewery Great Raft Brewing Co. holds special events and regular tastings. Don’t pass up this Shreveport favorite! Great-looking restaurants and bars are plentiful in town. For night owls, check out The Stray Cat – this bar stays open till 6 a.m.!
Louisiana Boardwalk and Riverfront Casinos
Another draw is Shreveport-Bossier’s scenic shopping and entertainment area, Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets. The 70 stores are laid out like a small village, with water fountains and pedestrian streets serviced by a picturesque trolley. There are many riverfront cafés and restaurants to relax in alongside the boardwalk promenade, some with live entertainment. International visitors shop tax-free.
The boardwalk gets you close to many of the riverboat casinos that the area is famous for. On both sides of the river, six casinos offer slots and gaming tables, as well as dining and entertainment. Relax with a drink on the tropical pool deck of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Resort Casino, or head for one of the restaurants followed by a concert in the performance hall. If that isn’t enough, spoil yourself with an escape to the elegant spa. There’s even a “racino,” Louisiana Downs Casino & Racetrack, which focuses on thoroughbred horse racing.
Delicious Dining
Delightful eating abounds in Shreveport-Bossier. At Strawn’s Eat Shop, they serve up amazingly good classic Southern food. Definitely try their most popular dish – the icebox pies. For local Louisiana favorites, stop by Kim’s Seafood to try a “po' boy” – a traditional submarine sandwich on New Orleans-style French bread, stuffed with shrimp and a secret sauce.
Visit one of the oldest family-owned restaurants in the state, Fertitta’s Delicatessen, to have their famous “Muffy,” a take on the muffaletta – a giant, delicious, toasted sandwich filled with several Italian meats, cheeses and their famous olive mix.
Another historic food spot is Herby K’s. For more than 70 years, they have served their twist on the po’ boy called the “Shrimp Buster.” This delicious dish is full of butterflied fried shrimp on buttered French bread with their special remoulade sauce.
There’s so much fun to be found in Shreveport-Bossier. Come on over and see Louisiana’s Other Side!
