By Who knew that Southwest Louisiana had so much to offer? We got to take it ALL in a couple of weeks ago and we’re giving you the lowdown on things you must do when visiting the area.
Keep reading for what to include in your itinerary!
- The Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu (809 Kirby, Lake Charles, LA 70601): Located in the Central School Arts & Humanities Center, Lake Charles’ Mardi Gras Museum is not to be missed when visiting the area. Whereas the museum in New Orleans is most known for its Mardi Gras floats, the museum in Lake Charles plays hosts to an extensive collection of Mardi Gras costumes. And they are beautiful!! There is an admission fee of $10 per adult, but they do offer group rates.
One of the more risque costumes 😉 
This costume weighs about 50 pounds! 
Kim tries on one of the costumes! 
(L-r) Val, David J. Faulk, director and curator at the museum, and Kim - Huff & Thomas Cemeteries (located on the corner of Shattuck and Carl streets in Lake Charles): Located on a small L-shaped plot of land, the Huff & Thomas cemeteries are the burial ground for some of the area’s first African American leaders. The cemetery visit is part of the Living History Cemetery Tour, a walking tour of historical cemeteries in Lake Charles. Actors and actresses portray the famous residents that have passed on. It’s very educational.
An actor portraying and telling the story of Professor J.E.L. Hoskins 
An actress portraying and sharing the story of Earline Ball Carter - Bayou Rum Distillery (20909 South I-10 Frontage Road, Lacassine, LA 70650): Any person who appreciates good rum needs to schedule a trip to the Bayou Rum Distillery. Craft distilled from locally grown sugarcane, Bayou Rum really helps you take in the essence of Southwest Louisiana. We were able to go on a tour of the facility where we learned the entire process of making rum and of course stood in awe at all of the barrels! And the best part was of course the tasting at the end 🙂 Our personal favorite was the Satsuma. Distillery tours are free to the public and offered hourly from 10am-4pm (excluding noon) seven days a week.
So many barrels! 
Just some of the different flavors… 
Tasting time - Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel (2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton, LA 70668): There’s horse racing. Betting. Live entertainment. Casino. Restaurants. Oh yeah, and a hotel. What’s not to love at Delta Downs? We were taken on a tour of the racetrack before enjoying dinner at The Lookout Restaurant – which gave us trackside views of the live horse racing while we ate. So much fun!
Have you visited Southwest Louisiana? What’s your favorite thing to do there? Let us know in the comments!
2girlswhotravel 