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Walk the downtown cultural district to find live bands in local restaurants, shops and boutiques offering exceptional shopping opportunities, arts and cultural events, food trucks, and concerts in Railroad Park! Each weekend brings a new way to celebrate Louisiana’s unique culture in Louisiana’s College Town! For more information, visit ExperienceRuston.com. Shreveport-Bossier is making waves! The allnew Shreveport Aquarium is now open in downtown Shreveport. Visitors will be able to view and interact with more than 3,000 animals including sharks, rays, octopus, jellyfish, and more. Shreveport Aquarium is also home to SALT, a contemporary American restaurant that emphasizes sustainable sourcing and offers a unique riverfront dining experience. For more information, visit ShreveportAquarium.com. Catch Mardi Gras this year in Shreveport-Bossier, where the cities throw the best familyfriendly Mardi Gras around! Mardi Gras float-riders toss more than eight million beads each year to seas of people waving their arms and shouting, “Throw me something, mister!” The parades attract as many as 400,000 visitors a year. The party starts with the first parade of the season, Krewe of Sobek, at 1:00pm on January 13. Mardi Gras comes to a close with the Krewe of Highland Parade at 2:00pm on February 11. For more information, destinations, and events, visit Shreveport-Bossier.org. Every year, Mardi Gras brings excitement and joy to Louisiana, as families gather to delight in the regalia, marching bands, throws and merriment. As a family-oriented festival set amidst the parades of Jefferson Parish, Family Gras is a highlight of Carnival season featuring music and entertainment for all ages, your favorite Louisiana seafood and cuisine, and a diverse and colorful art market all
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along with The Round About record store, Pops & Rockets gourmet popsicles and Botsky’s gourmet hotdogs. Lake Charles’ own Crying Eagle brewing is expanding recipe selections; Rikenjaks Brewing has live music nearly every night, and The Listening Room, a new food and music series, sells out every show. Also, dining and entertainment selections are ever-expanding at the area’s four casino resort complexes where people can pamper themselves with a spa treatment, listen to live entertainment, play a round of golf, or even catch a horserace! Plan your trip and learn about Mardi Gras Events at VisitLakeCharles.org/Party.
Family Gras
conveniently placed along the parade route of storied krewes such as Excalibur and Caesar. High-caliber entertainment has included national and regional favorites such as Zac Brown Band, Taylor Swift, Allen Toussaint, Beach Boys, The Drifters, and The Imagination Movers. Admission is free, though a Royal Pass VIP experience is available at Ticketmaster and offers premium viewing, backstage access, food and beverage, and restroom facilities. This year’s festival takes place Friday and Saturday, February 2-3. For information, visit FamilyGras.com or call 1-877572-7474. Located ten minutes from New Orleans, Jefferson Parish offers family fun year-round— from the decadent Oyster Trail to the magnificent trails of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve and the excitement of minor league baseball. Plan your itinerary at VisitJeffersonParish.com. Trek into the New Year with a visit to Natchitoches, the little city with a big history. Immerse yourself in 300 years of history in Louisiana’s oldest city! It’s a year-long adventure. Explore the historic district and uncover French Creole architecture, a French Marines’
life at Fort St. Jean Baptiste, modern architecture, sports legends and history at the Louisiana State Museum, and eclectic shopping featuring nostalgic, collectable, and gourmet treasures. Uncover centuries-old cultural legacies and traditions through National Historic Landmarks, Cane River Creole National Historical Park, and Melrose Plantation as you journey through the Cane River Heritage Trail, a Louisiana Scenic Byway. Experience culinary delights with authentic Creole, Cajun, and Southern dishes. Whether it’s meat pies and Cajun potatoes, seafood and steaks, or burgers and po-boys, Natchitoches is full of flavor! This month, the iconic Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant celebrates its 50th anniversary. Finally, relax from your adventures at a national chain/boutique hotel or a quaint bed and breakfast. Plan your trip at Natchitoches.com. If you haven’t been to Lake Charles lately, you might be surprised by all the new shops, restaurants, and locally owned businesses that have added to the charm and eclectic spirit of the area—not to mention new events! Downtown Lake Charles boasts many locally owned restaurants and establishments with live music and original art
Accommodations & Entertainment Downtown New Orleans is already full of life, and the energy and activity continue to grow with the South Market District, a new neighborhood within a neighborhood at the corner of Girod Street and O’Keefe Avenue. Encompassing a five-block area connecting the Warehouse/Arts District, the Central Business District, Medical District, and Sports/ Entertainment District, this mixed-use, transit-oriented development combines luxury apartments and condominiums with a lively mix of retailers, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and services. Visitors can explore nearly 20 shopping, dining, fitness, and beauty destinations, and an on-site garage offers convenient parking and electric car charging stations. Residences include The Standard, The Beacon, and The Paramount, each with their own signature styles and exclusive lifestyle offerings. The Beacon and The Paramount are currently leasing, and The Standard will welcome condominium residents this spring. For more information, visit SouthMarketDistrict.com.