Visit Shreveport, Louisiana

Northwest Louisiana is proud of Shreveport, Louisiana. Years ago, cotton and the Red River kept the city busy. Steamboats and railroad trains brought supplies to the Confederate army during the Civil War. Cotton bales were sold in the heart of Shreveport.

Today cotton and soy bean fields have made way for progress. Oil and gas men have made the city glisten from "black crude." Oil wells pump where the cotton fields were once planted.

Shreveport, Louisiana, was home for fifteen years. The town's appeal was the friendliness and truly Southern hospitality that was at every corner.

The town's cultural aspects center around the well kept antebellum homes on Line Avenue. These homes reflect the type of genteel society that lived here during the Civil War.

The restored Strand Theater, located in the downtown area, offers a venue of performing arts throughout the year. When the opera comes to town, the patrons are decked out in their finest gowns and jewelry.

Holiday in Dixie is an arts and crafts festival that is held in April. May is Mudbug Madness featuring Cajun music and crawfish(mud bugs). The Red River Revel Arts Fest is held in early October. Artisans come from all over the country to participate in this festival. Good food is always available here. Meat pies and alligator on a stick are some of the delicacies served at this gathering. The State Fair is slated for the end of October. The Petro Sun Independence Bowl is held in December and is televised nationwide.

Great eating is everywhere in the city. Some of these eateries have been in existence for years. Ernest's Orleans Restaurant is an upscale restaurant, featuring delicious sea food and steaks. Prices range from $15 to $39 for the entrees. This is a popular eating place for tourists and residents, so reservations are required. The phone number for the restaurant is 318-226-1325.

Barbecue is another staple in Shreveport. Podnuh's has been in business for years. They offer inexpensive meals, but great food.

My favorite restaurant was Don's Seafood Restaurant, located on Highland Avenue. This restaurant has been offering sea food and steaks for over 40 years. The portions are large, and the food is very good. The prices range from $7 to $40 for most entries. The fish cooked in a brown bag is perhaps one of their most famous dishes.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner in any of the Shreveport restaurants includes friendly servers and great food. If the food is not up to par, Shreveporters have a tendency to not support the restaurant. Bad restaurants do not survive with the townsfolk.

If you are shopping and don't want to stop for a large lunch, Brookshire's Grocery Store on Line Avenue, offers good quick lunches. There are other small grocery stores that offer "to go sandwiches" and lunch. They range from Italian to Cajun.

Some of the great things to do in Shreveport are the museums. The Barnwell Memorial Garden and Art Center offers floral displays and fine art. The admission cost is free. It is located on the Clyde Fant Parkway on the Red River.

West of town is the American Rose Center. This property transforms the urban landscape into a flora masterpiece. Blooming roses and plants make this a "must see" for the flower lover. It is open from April through October. At Christmas the center features millions of lights and animated Christmas scenes. The cost for the regular season is $5, and at Christmas the cost is $10 per carload.

Louisiana State Exhibit Museum depicts local Louisiana history through displays. The cost is free for this museum.

The Meadows Museum of Art features a 360 piece collection of Jean Despujals paintings and drawings. The cost of admission is also free.

R.W. Norton Art Gallery is another free museum featuring rare tapestries and fine art pieces.

The Spring Street Historical Museum, located on the river, features history of the area. The cost is free.

For those who enjoy games of chance, Sam's town Shreveport Casino is docked on the river near the downtown area. It is open 24 hours daily.

The Louisiana Hayride, a popular radio program, entertained Shreveporters in the 1950's. The State of the Stars Museum depicts the program's history. There are several rooms with star memorabilia. Elvis Presley sang on this radio program.

Lodging is abundant in the city. There are many motels and quality hotels available. Some popular choices are the Best Western, Clarion Hotel, Ramada, and Comfort Inns. Prices range from $89 to $140 per night.

Shopping is another favorite past time for visitors. The city offers several malls, such as Mall St. Vincent, Louisiana Broadwalk, Uptown Shopping Center, and Shreve City Shopping Center. There are countless specialty shops, along with antique malls. For more information on location and shops, contact www.DISCOVEROURTOWN.com.

The Shreveport/Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau can be contacted at 800-551-8682 for additional data on the city.

References:

Shreveport/Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau
www.DISCOVEROURTOWN.com
AAA Publishing Company