This Gaming Destination Thrives With Culture
Site Visit By Peyton Posey
Tucked in the northwest corner of Louisiana along the Red River lie the historic twin cities of Shreveport and Bossier City. Here, gaming opportunities through six major casinos meet Louisiana's one-of-a-kind flavor. The
Shreveport-Bossier City Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) invited me to the area for a familiarization tour in early February—just in time for Mardi Gras.
In the twin cities, the revelry prior to and during Fat Tuesday has an energy that nearly matches that of New Orleans yet is considered by many to be a bit tamer and more family friendly (The city designates "no throw zones" and alcohol-free zones.). The area boasts 15 krewes, or Mardi Gras organizations, that host parades and balls during this annual celebration period known as Carnival.
During my trip, I experienced the festivities first hand. Excitement was in the air before the parade ever got started. The float loading party I attended was a time to admire the elaborate floats, which were outfitted with speakers blaring everything from Cajun music to today's dance songs. You can't help but dance, and the atmosphere is very welcoming to people of all ages, including children.
Along the parade route, some groups set up hospitality tents. The CVB's tent was equipped with seating, food vendors serving up crawfish gumbo, and a front row seat to catch the oh-so-coveted throws—mostly beads—from costumed krewe members. As these floats slowly rolled by, "throw me something mister!" was a familiar phrase heard among the crowd as hundreds of arms are raised into the air to catch a prize.
The area's culture is also captured year round at the Ark-La-Tex Museum, which explores the history of Mardi Gras traditions and displays costumes worn by krewe kings and queens. It currently houses the second largest collection of Mardi Gras costumes and exhibits in the world. If you're not familiar with the traditions of krewe royalty, the museum offers an eye-opening experience. Plus, 10,000 square feet of meeting space is available, including a 24-foot stage with audio/visual capabilities and seating for up to 200.
Another museum, Sci-Port Discovery Center, has nearly 300 hands-on science exhibits, a planetarium, an IMAX dome theater and numerous spaces for one-of-a-kind events.
Also open year-round and not to be missed is a visit to Julie Anne's Bakery and Café, "The Best Little Bakery In Shreveport," whose claim to fame is definitely homemade King Cakes. These traditional cakes have come to be a hugely popular culinary treat during Mardi Gras. The cakes originated in honor of the three kings present at the birth of Christ. Latin Americans introduced the tradition of baking a small figure or "baby" into the cake. It is said that good fortune comes to those who find it.
Julie Anne's offers three sizes and 20 different fillings for their cakes, including my favorite, pralines and cream.
Other recommended eateries include Bistro 6301, Gators Seafood Grill, Ristorante Giuseppe and Glenwood Village Tearoom.
In the way of accommodations, the Clarion Hotel Shreveport recently completed a renovation of its 267 guest rooms, 6,400-square-foot ballroom, five salons and seven conference rooms. On site is Robert's Bistro Restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus offers a full-service bar.
The refreshed Clarion is not all that's new in town, the 313-room Hilton Shreveport will celebrate its one-year anniversary in June. It has 2,000 square feet of function space and is adjacent to the Shreveport Convention Center, which opened in 2006 and offers 350,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space.
For casino action, plus lodging and meeting accommodations, check out these three options: DiamondJacks Casino and Resort – Bossier City, Sam's Town Hotel and Casino – Shreveport, and Eldorado Resort Casino – Shreveport.
