Day 1 – Shreveport-Bossier, Minden

East Bank District and Plaza – Bossier City

What you’ll find: East Bank District is Bossier City’s newest entertainment district that has quickly become the heart of the city. Here, you’ll find Flying Heart Brewing and Pub, Bayou Axe Throwing Co., Bossier Arts Council, BeauxJax Crafthouse, Frozen Pirogue, L’Italiano and plenty of fun! In the middle of the district is the East Bank Plaza, where community events, live music, and parties are held. Grab a to-go drink from any of the restaurants or brewery and explore all that the East Bank District has to offer.

Biscotti’s at Lewis Gifts – Shreveport

What you’ll find: Southern favorites like fried green tomatoes and shrimp and grits, as well as creative sandwiches, salads and paninis. Before or after you sit down to eat, shop for candles, clothes, jewelry, fine art prints, cookbooks and home décor.

The Chocolate Crocodile – Bossier City

What you’ll find: Hand-crafted chocolates and fresh confectionary, including chocolate-dipped strawberries and apples in a dozen varieties. Try the “Monster Croc” if you are brave. Then check out other stores at Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets.

Brick Street Coffee – Minden

What you’ll find: A family-owned local coffee house, home to the Barnyard Coffee Roasters, a fresh and organic coffee roasting company. Discover unique blends of coffee as well as wired lemonade, lotus, pastries, smoothie bowls, and sandwiches.

Moody’s Restaurant – Minden

What you’ll find: The only restaurant in northern Louisiana to be featured in Jane and Michael Stern’s Roadfood, Moody’s Cafe opened as a boarding house for African American workers in 1951. Alma Moody and his brothers built the giant building by hand in order to house an influx of ammunition plant and railroad workers moving north from Alexandria and Lake Charles. The boarding house’s 16 rooms are vacant today, but the tiny cafe located downstairs at 600 Martin Luther King Drive is still serving up daily plate lunch specials including fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, country fried steak, and liver and onions alongside an incredible variety of richly-flavored vegetables and what may be the best macaroni and cheese in Louisiana or, for that matter, any state.

Day 2 – Ruston

Ponchatoula’s – Ruston

This local favorite offers exceptional New Orleans-style cuisine in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. The menu includes a variety of seafood dishes, as well as tasty appetizers and desserts. Try the Crawfish Shirley or Stuffed Catfish for a delicious twist on traditional seafood dishes. Ponchatoula’s also has a late-night menu, fully stocked bar, dart boards, and pool table. Be sure to stop in on the weekends for live music!

Heard Freighthouse Food Truck Park – Ruston

Need some options? Check out Ruston’s own food truck park “the Heard” to enjoy flavor-filled, locally-produced dishes! A few of the options include savory BBQ with the Bad Wolf BBQ crew, craft burgers from Grown and Grazed, and specialty sandwiches and cookies from Staple Sandwich Co.

Uptown Downtown – Ruston

Uptown Downtown is a cakery, bakery, and eatery that offers a variety of treats. Located in downtown Ruston, Uptown Downtown serves a breakfast and lunch menu (try the chicken salad!), as well as cupcakes, cookies, cannolis, chocolate-covered strawberries, and more!

Common Goods Co. – Ruston

Just a minute from Downtown Ruston, Common Goods is a bread bakery that features fresh loaves of bread, toasts, sandwiches, muffins, coffee and more!

Day 3 – Monroe-West Monroe

Big Momma’s Fine Food – Monroe

What you’ll find: A featured restaurant in Louisiana Cookin’ magazine’s Ultimate Fried Chicken Trail, Big Momma and her son Daryl are serving daily plate lunches of smothered pork chops, beef tips, and hamburger steak with good Southern vegetables like real mashed potatoes, butter beans, candied yams, greens (mustard and turnip), corn and black-eyed peas. You can’t leave without trying some of Big Momma’s hot water cornbread and for dessert, a big piece of homemade cake, cobbler or pie.

Trapp’s – West Monroe

What you’ll find: Enjoy the view of the Ouachita River while you dine. Begin your meal with Mom Bourque’s Seafood Nachos with fried crawfish, grilled shrimp, and white queso. Choose from po-boys, fresh seafood, crab cakes, Cajun favorites, and more!

jac’s Craft Smokehouse – West Monroe

What you’ll find: Flavorful, Spicy, Tangy – just a few words that describe West Monroe, Louisiana’s first smokehouse restaurant. From gourmet sauces/seasonings and a food truck to a restaurant, Tracy and Kristi Carter have been serving up local favorites for years. JAC’s menu items range from delicious handheld sandwiches to large meat plates to even fried brussels sprouts.

Day 3 – Natchitoches, Alexandria/Pineville

Mariner’s Restaurant – Natchitoches

What you’ll find: Mariner’s Restaurant sits on beautiful Sibley Lake in historic Natchitoches and features one of the most breathtaking sunsets in Louisiana. Recently purchased and completely remodeled by Chef Ben and Keri Fidelak Mariner’s menu features dishes such as Jumbo Shrimp & Lump Crab Carbonara with house made Lemon Pasta, seared Ahi Tuna with Ginger Sesame Seaweed Salad, and Tomahawk Steaks with Fire Roasted Rosemary. A casual menu featuring burgers, wraps and wings is available on The Docks. Late night dancing and live music featured in The Cove.

Lasyone’s – Natchitoches

What you’ll find: Lasyone’s famous meat pies have been a tradition since 1967. An authentic Creole cuisine experience, Lasyone’s family recipes are always prepared with love and soul. The family-owned and operated restaurant has been recognized nationally by leaders in the restaurant industry and is a local favorite.

Diamond Grill – Alexandria

What you’ll find: The Diamond Grill in downtown Alexandria, Louisiana, holds a storied history spanning over a century. Originally a jewelry store, it has become an upscale restaurant, a unique gathering place for locals and visitors. With its roots in the jewelry trade, the Diamond Grill continues to shine as a gem among the dining establishments in our area.

Spirits Food & Friends – Alexandria

What you’ll find: Spirits Food & Friends is a beloved restaurant in Alexandria, Louisiana, with a rich history of community and camaraderie. It has been a destination for locals and visitors seeking a welcoming atmosphere and delicious food. From their mouthwatering burgers and sandwiches to their inviting ambiance, Spirits Food & Friends has created a place where friends can gather, enjoy great food, and make lasting memories.

Tunk’s Cypress Inn – Alexandria

What you’ll find: Tunk’s Cypress Inn, originally a cypress mill in the 1800s, has evolved into a beloved restaurant in Alexandria. Preserving Cajun and Creole flavors, it offers a rustic charm and warm hospitality. Named after the influential Tunks family, the restaurant symbolizes Louisiana’s culinary heritage. With its rich history and authentic cuisine, Tunk’s Cypress Inn remains a cherished destination for locals and visitors alike.