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.

Habacu’s Mexican Restaurant – Minden

What you’ll find: Habascus is a fun Mexican restaurant featuring karaoke on Thursday nights. The restaurant was a hit when LA Rider TV filmed there.

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! 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!

Miss Kay’s Sweets and Eats – West Monroe

What you’ll find: This eatery along Antique Alley features many of Miss Kay’s own recipes. Enjoy coffee drinks and sweets like cupcakes, cookies, pie and the popular Carmelita. Lunch options include Chicken Pot Pie topped with a biscuit, Pulled Pork sandwiches and more. And don’t forget to grab one of Phil’s pralines!

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: In 1931 it was a downtown jewelry store. Now Diamond Grill, recipient of the 2006 Louisiana Preservation Honor Award, offers a wide range of superb menu items to suit every taste and budget.

Atwood’s Bakery & Deli – Alexandria

What you’ll find: Atwood’s Bakery is a local favorite for cakes, pies, and other sweets but has also made a name for themselves with their delicious lunches and Saturday brunch.

Lea’s Lunchroom – Lecompte

What you’ll find: Established in 1928 in Lecompte, Louisiana Lea’s has been a traditional place to stop not only for Louisiana residents but for visitors from all over the world. Lea’s has been featured on numerous TV shows (including the Johnny Carson Show) and in magazines, newspapers and tour guides throughout the United States. Their specials include homemade dishes from scratch and some of the best pies.