Northwest Louisiana Staycation

In May I had the opportunity to be the chauffeur for a group touring Louisiana in celebration of National Tourism Week. Wow! What a great experience. Though I’ve lived in the Bayou State all my life this whirlwind tour opened my eyes to our rich diversity. Viva la difference!

To see the variety Louisiana has to offer from north to south will require dozens of staycations over several years. Pick ten of your closest friends, join me and hit the road for one in Riverside Limousine’s luxury Sprinter Van or take up to 24 in our Mini Bus. There is plenty of room for luggage, ice chests and other travel comforts. There’s even room for a local guide if you want one. For entertainment along the way bring movies for the flat screen and tunes for the sound system.

Remington Suites

Our first destination will be Caddo and Bossier parishes in Northwest Louisiana. The drive from Baton Rouge to Shreveport takes 4 1/2 hours. While we drive … you have fun! Leaving at 6:00 pm we can be checked into Shreveport’sRemington Suites Hotel by 11:00 pm and be rested for an early start the next day. This beautiful hotel in downtown is the most comfortable place I’ve ever stayed. The staff is extremely helpful and you will feel at home.

Strawn’s

Breakfast the next morning will be at the original Strawn’s Eat Shop on Kings Hwy. Strawn’s is legendary for good food and great, friendly service since 1938. For breakfast dessert I’ve heard they have fantastic great strawberry pie. You do want dessert with breakfast don’t you?

 

J. Bennett Johnston Waterway

After breakfast we’ll visit the J. Bennett Johnston Waterway Regional Visitor Center. 8300 square feet are dedicated to the history of the Red River and Northwest Louisiana. At the center look for other attractions you want to visit during the next afternoon’s unscheduled time.

Cypress Black Bayou

Cypress Black Bayou Park and Zoo near Benton, La is a short drive. The parks features a petting zoo that is home to local wildlife and animals that have been injured and are being rehabilitated. The park also features nature trails s. If you think you’ll be hungry after that big breakfast we will pack an ice chest will drinks and sandwiches.

Noble Savage

Back on board you can enjoy refreshments while we go back to the Remington and get ready for a night out. To start we’ll have supper at the Noble Savage Tavern. According to the Shreveport Bossier Fun Guide, the tavern, “serves hearty food in a turn-of-the-century room with a long, mahogany bar, and has a relentless schedule of blues, jazz and rock music. ” They also feature wild game on the menu.

Lake Street Dancehall

Later we’ll move on to the Lake Street Dancehall. As one Google review said, ” It’s as though you have stepped back in time, to the 40’s and 50’s, of Old South Louisiana and the music is pretty decent too. They put out some really tasty treats for the patrons to munch on while taking in the decor of the place and chilling to the music …”

The chauffeur and vehicle will stay on location to take the group to other spots or take early birds to the hotel and return for the night owls.

Back at the Remington, we’ll sleep in a little later – but not too late. After a light breakfast we’ll pack up our bags and check-out with our ice chest loaded for one more day of adventure.

Spirit of the Red

At 10:00 a.m. We board the Spirit of the Red River for a one hour cruise with Captain Sandy Jac kson. He will show us river wildlife, share local history and point out the changing face of the cities and recent developments.

Ferrita’s

For lunch we’ll go to Papa Ferrita’s at 1124 Fairfield Ave home of Papa’s Ferrita’s Olive Mix. According to their website, “Fertitta’s is the very definition of a Shreveport dining institution. The building that houses this hallowed eatery was built in 1927 and has never been out of the hands of the same family. It is one of only a few restaurants in the state of Louisiana on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally built by John Fulco as a neighborhood grocery, it passed to his son-inlaw Sam R. Fertitta and his wife Florence in 1949.”

Your Choice

The afternoon is open. We’ll go where the group wants – perhaps there is a festival they have heard about or maybe they will want to see Louisiana Downs. Or we can ride the zipline at Gator’s and Friends before we head back to Baton Rouge.

As we head home everyone except the chauffeur can relax, socialize, maybe catch a nap. Remember our motto – “we drive … you have fun!