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New Orleans?
Yeah, that’s old news — at least according to our fall coverage of an unsuspecting lake town deemed Louisiana’s latest tourism hotspot.
Now that summer is around the corner, lake towns take on a whole different vibe compared to fall, when you likely just dusted off your North Face jacket in the back of the closet.
As you know, the South gets blazing hot come summertime, but when there are ample resorts and waterfront hotels to cool off in the pool, weather reports go by the wayside.
While everyone melts in the sauna-like humidity on Bourbon Street, you could be relaxing poolside after a big win on the slots at one of Lake Charles‘ name-brand casino resorts, a city brimming with soulful heritage, scenic nature, and numerous high-end stays perfect for an epic weekend getaway.
Escape The Summer Swelter: Sip Cocktails Poolside At A Lakeside Hotel
It doesn’t matter where you go in the South, temperatures can reach triple digits and the heat index often implies it feels hotter than the thermostat reads.
Straddling the Texas-Louisiana line, Lake Charles drew the short straw as far as summer weather goes.
But the beauty is that it makes the towering hotels all the more enticing. You can cool off in the A/C while you split aces and crank the penny slots all day, or you can venture to the glistening pool.
One such place with a pool to die for is the Golden Nugget, offering over 250 lounge chairs, 29 cabanas, and a winding lazy river fun for all ages.
Next would be L’Aurberge, self-described as a ‘tropical oasis’ with a lazy river, swim-up bar, and even an adults-only pool in true resort fashion.
In case you haven’t caught on, having a pool is practically a summer necessity in Lake Charles. There’s also Horseshoe Lake Charles, a Caesars brand — no, not the cheap tomato-sauce slathered bread that one chain has the nerve to call pizza.
The best part about Horseshoe is that its pool requires guests to be 21+ to enter, and unlike L’Auberge, the entirety of the hotel grounds is smoke-free.
Lastly, there’s The Marco Hotel to round out the most notable stays here. It boasts an outdoor pool and typically cheaper rates than the other 3 just mentioned. It is also within walking distance of the scenic waterfront Lake Charles Veterans Memorial Park and the locals’ favorite watering hole, MacFarlane’s Celtic Pub.
Creole Soul: Lake Charles’ Steep History And Mouthwatering Cuisine
Louisiana is one of America’s most unique states, as past influences of European, African, and Native American influences converged.
Like much of South Louisiana, Lake Charles has a deep history rooted in the Spanish and French colonial times.
Often intermixed, the usage of “Cajun” and “Creole” has two different meanings. Creole often refers to those of the so-called “New World” and European descent, but over time, it lost its singular definition.
Regardless, Lake Charles might be flashy from a distance with towering lakeside resorts, but surface level you’ll find proud locals and as famed world traveler and chef Anthony Bourdain once proclaimed, “You learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together”.
Downtown is where you’ll find the heart of the city, away from posh digs wrapping the lake. Those who think New Orleans is the only place to indulge in Creole classics are sorely mistaken, and downtown is just the place to change your perspective.
Leonard’s Food Quarters has been a community staple since 1986 and still going strong, serving Louisiana favorites like boudin balls, po-boys, and crawfish etouffee.
Leonard’s would certainly be my go-to downtown, but for better waterfront views, there’s no doubt Steamboat Bill’s is your best bet.
For something truly ‘Creole’, the Creole Nature Trail known as “Louisiana’s Outback” is always a great option for exploring the outdoors by exploring the marathon of Gulf beaches, road-tripping the 180-mile scenic byway, and or even go fishing and crabbing, but you might want to plan for an early morning or evening trek to avoid the heat.
There’s an array of wildlife here free to roam, including alligators. To stay safe, the Creole Nature Trail provides not only a ‘survival kit’, but ideal itineraries so you won’t get lost like I would!
What’s Happenin’ This Summer?
Lake Charles is known for year-round activities, even in scorching hot weather. It is known as “Louisiana’s playground,” after all.
You just missed the Crying Eagle’s Annual Crawfish Cook-Off this month, but turning the calendar to June and beyond, there are plenty of events to keep an eye on:
- Downtown at Sundown – June 6 and 13
- The Holly Beach Crab Festival – June 13 to 15
- Red, White, Blue and You – July 4 🇺🇸
- The Cajun Music and Food Festival – July 19
- Marshland Festival – July 24
- Louisiana Food & Wine Festival – September 18 to 21
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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