Shreveport—or "the other side of Louisiana," as it's nicknamed to separate it from New Orleans—shows there is much more to the state of Louisiana than Mardi Gras beads.
While much quieter than its Southern sister, Shreveport has a few surprises for travelers, including food, entertainment and dancing.
Mudbug Madness is a huge festival that occurs in the later part of May. The event includes musical acts, booths of souvenirs and local grub. I swear Miss Sissy Spacek served me funnel cake herself!
While the party drew me in, I checked out much more in the surrounding area.
South of the Mason-Dixon Line, people really know how to cook. For breakfast there are such places as The Glenwood Village Tea Room for biscuits and scones. Smother your biscuit with local honey from Hummer & Son's bee farm. It's never too early to eat pie at Strawn's Eat Shop, which serves grits and pancakes as well. The amount of butter the restaurant used would make Paula Dean blush!
In between meals, run over to the Multicultural Center to see a variety of treasure from around the world or pop over to Artspace for more creative expression.
The kids can have fun while being educated at the Sci-port Science Center and older folks may stroll The Gardens of the American Rose Center to relax.
Llamas, among other furry creatures, may greet you at Gators & Friends animal parks.
Try the one and only Muffy Sandwich ( filled with deli meats, cheeses, tangy mustard and Papa Fertitta Olive Mix ) at Papa Fertitta's for lunch. The mix has been kept in the family for generations.
Sip the afternoon away On Cloud Wine, where there are many wines to sample; continue your wine excursion with an incredible dinner at Wine Country Bistro.
If dinner and a movie are your style, the Robinson Film Center provides theme styled dinners to accompany the flick you pick. For example, the movie Fried Green Tomatoes will include a "Southern Comfort" feast such as brisket, berry cobbler and, of course, fried tomatoes as an appetizer. Many films were made in the area, where the town will even shut down a section of its highway to assist with production. The TV series True Blood, along with films W. and The Mist, were made in Shreveport.
For dessert, The Chocolate Crocodile has everything under the sun dipped in chocolate; it also sells caramel apples made fresh.
Casinos and downtown are within walking distance to stretch your legs after a big dinner. Try a margarita at Nicky's Restaurant to make you say, "¡Olé!"
If you still crave exercise, dance until the next day at the local gay bar Central Station with a drag show and country line steppin' on Saturday nights.
With all these yummy options don't forget to try Cajun crawfish—better known as "mudbugs"—while you are in town to make your trip complete.
For addresses and more information, visit www.Shreveport-Bossier.org or call 1-888.45-VISIT.
