Play, Stay, and Eat in Lake Charles, Louisiana
Table of Contents
Story and photos by Scott Kendall (unless otherwise indicated)
Lake Charles is Louisiana's Playground
Play, Stay, and Eat in Lake Charles in southwest Louisiana for nonstop fun. Lake Charles is a delightful combination of Mardi Gras celebrations, beaches, fabulous food, casinos, hotels, restaurants, music, outdoor adventures, friendly folks, and so much more. While Mardi Gras in Lake Charles is certainly one of the highlights of the year in Louisiana’s Playground, festivals, celebrations, outdoor adventure, scrumptious food, and miles of smiles are here year round.
Lake Charles is known as the Festival Capital of Louisiana. The calendar is filled with more than 75 festivals and special events each year. Some of the highlights include Mardi Gras, the Louisiana Pirate Festival, the Black Heritage Festival, the Cajun French Music & Food Festival and the Calcasieu-Cameron Fair. Check with the great people at Visit Lake Charles for information about this wonderful playground. Find some of the best restaurants, hotels, casinos, Mardi Gras parades, and golf courses in Lake Charles.
Play in Lake Charles
Mardi Gras
Lake Charles is the home of the second largest Mardi Gras Celebration (second to New Orleans) in the US. You can get a taste of Mardi Gras throughout the year, but the big parades and events come full force the week preceding Ash Wednesday. This year events started February 25 and ended March 1, with five full days of nonstop parties.
Bring your appetite. Restaurants, outdoor grillers, and home chefs serve a cornucopia of fantastic creole and cajun foods. Try the iconic boudin, gumbo, jambalaya, redfish, etoufee, chargrilled oysters, and shrimp fixed a dozen different ways. These and other classic dishes are sure to fill your belly and put a smile on your face.
It wouldn’t be Mardi Gras without King Cake, the wildly popular colorful confection. Many styles and flavors abound. The vibrant purples, greens, and yellows of King Cakes are everywhere.
Mardi Gras Parades in Lake Charles
Mardis Gras celebrations include numerous parades, including the Children’s Parade, The Chicken Run, and the final Krewe of Krewes Parade. From the youngest child to the oldest resident, Mardi Gras brings smiles, hugs, and celebrations throughout the area.
We started with the Children’s Parade, which featured dozens of floats, corndogs, funnel cakes, and a wide assortment of music.
And beads – lots of beads!
Children and adults also enjoyed live horses, goats, dogs, and a brightly colored parrot as part of the festivities. While no live alligators were seen at this parade, there was a huge gator painted on the side of our float.
Cajun and Zydeco Music
Lively Cajun and Zydeco music is a big part of Lake Charles. A blending of early blues, jazz, rock and roll, and other music styles livens up every parade, party, and gathering. Iconic instruments can include the accordion, the electric guitar, the washboard, drums, and the triangle.
No one performs this local sound better than Brandon Ledet. We were lucky to sit in on a session by Brandon, featuring Ben Singleton on guitar and Harold Guillory on washboard and vocals. In addition to being a very talented musician, Harold also teaches Zydeco dance lessons. With his effervescent personality, he had all of us out on the dance floor, where each of us tried showing off a few moves he taught us. Some of us caught on quicker than others, but we all had fun practicing our new Zydeco moves. So much fun!
In addition to playing locally, Brandon’s band travels frequently to other cities. Check out his website to see where he’ll be next. I know he’s coming to Houston soon!
Calcasieu Museum in Lake Charles
The fascinating Imperial Calcasieu Museum in Lake Charles gives visitors a glimpse into some of the art, costumes, and traditions of Mardi Gras and the deep south. Extraordinarily ornate costumes worn by Mardi Gras “Royalty” through the years adorn the main viewing room. Exhibits also include interesting history, stories, and artifacts. The costumes are unbelievably colorful and extravagant.
David Faulk, Executive Director of the Mardi Gras Museum, and Justina Wolford, Executive Director of the ICM, gave us a wonderful introduction to this beautiful place. Don’t leave without checking out the Sallier Oak, a giant 375 year old oak tree behind the museum. The huge, gnarled branches twist and turn in every direction, as it hides century old secrets that may never be revealed.
Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point
Start your outdoor adventure at the Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point. This fascinating – and free – attraction highlights some of the best of the unique culture and beautiful nature of the area. Learn about alligators, wild birds, raccoons, fish, and other wildlife found around Lake Charles. Grab a map and choose your path along the 180 miles of nature trails and see some of southern Louisiana’s treasures for yourself.
You can also learn about some of the unique spices and foods of the area, from crawfish seasonings, a variety of peppers and hot sauces, and the ingredients to make that perfect cup of gumbo or jambalaya. Push a button, and catch a waft of wonderfully pungent aromas used in Cajun and Creole cooking. There is also a fun interactive exhibit where visitors can pick an instrument and join in on a rousing rendition of Cajun or Zydeco music.
Golfing in Lake Charles
If golf is your game, then you will feel right at home in Lake Charles. The Country Club at the Golden Nugget and L’Auberge’s Contraband Bayou Golf Course are championship golf courses conveniently located on the hotel grounds.
An exciting event right around the corner is the PGA Korn Ferry Tour at Lake Charles from Thursday, March 24, to Sunday, March 27, 2022. Come to Lake Charles to help welcome 156 professional golfers from around the world for this inaugural tournament, each competing for a $750,000 purse.
In support of Hometown Heroes, the following groups will receive free admission:
– First Responders (Police, Fire, EMT)
– Medical Professionals
– Military – All Active, Retired, Reserve
For more information on this exciting event or to learn more about volunteering, go to LakeCharlesChampionship.com.
Stay in Lake Charles
Golden Nugget
Like its sister property in Las Vegas, the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino in Lake Charles is a beautiful property. Visitors can enjoy the large gaming areas of the casino, several first class restaurants, shops, and services within the hotel. The resort style outdoor pool area features plenty of space to lay out and work on your tan, or find a shaded area under an umbrella to relax and enjoy your favorite beverage. Swim in one of the many pool areas or drift at your own pace in the lazy river.
Restaurants on property include Landry’s, Chart House, Vic Anthony’s, The Claim Jumper, Lillie’s, Saltgrass, Grotto, Bill’s Bar & Grill, Blue Martini, and Starbucks.
In addition to gaming or relaxing at the pool, The Golden Nugget has a lineup of great shows as well as an award winning 18 hole golf course.
My bed was extremely comfortable, and I could truly relax in my beautiful room after a full day of fun activities. From my private balcony, I could look out across the pools and the golf course and beyond to the arching bridge that brings lucky visitors from I-10 to this wonderful resort.
L'Auberge Casino Resort
Another mainstay of the casino scene in Lake Charles, L’Auberge Casino Resort, is adjacent to The Golden Nugget. The whole property is undergoing a huge renovation, with all rooms and spaces due for a touch up in the next year. L’Auberge has some great dining options like Drago’s Seafood Restaurant, Favorites Southern Kitchen, Asia, Ember Grille and Wine Bar, Daiquiris and Dogs, and the Barstools Sportsbook.
L’Auberge features a large pool area with plenty of outdoor seating. For those wanting to get in a round of golf, you’re in luck. The Tom Fazio designed Contraband Bayou Golf Club is just outside your door. For live entertainment, L’Auberge is know for bringing in top acts like Willie Nelson, Dustin Lynch, and the Asian concert. The L Bar also provides live entertainment on weekends.
A major renovation completed in mid-March is the new Barstool Sportsbook. This large area features several betting windows where guests can wager on their favorite sports team, horse, or other events while enjoying drinks and food. With lots of indoor and outdoor seating, Barstool can accommodate up to 300 people.
Eat in Lake Charles
Chart House at the Golden Nugget
One of the numerous great eateries at The Golden Nugget is The Chart House. With sweeping views of the golf course and the arching bridge, Chart House features great steaks, seafood, and other delicious dishes.
The Shrimp and Grits were very good. I also coveted the decadent Banana’s Foster Pancakes, the French Toast, and Crawfish Balls other diners were enjoying. One of our members ordered The “Big” Bloody Mary, a tomato juice based mini-meal with shrimp, bacon, olives, and fresh fruit.
Drago's at L'Auberge
Drago’s Seafood Restaurant is a Louisiana legend. Started in Metairie in 1969 by Drago and Klara Cvitanovich, son Tommy now runs the sixth Drago’s Seafood Restaurant at L’Auberge in Lake Charles. Diners throughout Louisiana and in Jackson, Mississippi rave about this fabulous eatery.Drago’s signature dish is their famous Chargrilled Oysters.
Even though I don’t generally like oysters, I found these to to very flavorful and tender. Our group devoured the entire three trays of chargrilled oysters at our table – a testament to their popularity. Other dishes included the Seafood Pasta, with shrimp and crabmeat in a delicate cream sauce served over angel hair pasta, topped with cheese.As expected, Drago’s also serves some of the best gumbo, grilled and fried seafood, boudin, and other Louisiana favorites.
Insane Sausage in Nearby Vinton
Derek Gaspard loved to experiment with different combinations of sausages to feed his family, friends, and coworkers when he lived in the Houston area. His sausages became so popular he decided to start his own company and make sausage for a living. And thus, Insane Sausages was born.
A labor of love, Insane Sausages lives up to its name. In addition to many traditional Boudin and other Sausages, Derek has come up with some unique flavors. One of my favorites is the Pork Enchilada Ball, an awesome combination of pork, tortilla chops, and spices that filled up my mouth with flavor. Insane Sausages also makes a great boudin, smoked sausages, and a creative line of specialty sausages, like Steen’s Syrup Sausage, Jalapeño Popper Chicken Sausage, and more. With dozens of great choices, it’s hard to decide which delicious menu item to try.
Derek and his staff typically spend Monday through Thursday preparing hundreds of pounds of specialty sausages to fill their large refrigerator spaces. Then, they open up their store on I-10 in tiny Vinton Friday, Saturday and Sunday, until they sell out their inventory. Then they repeat the process week after week. Derek says word of mouth is the best advertising for Insane Sausages. Try a few yourself, and you’ll be telling your family and friends, too!
Seafood Palace in Lake Charles
Seafood Palace in Lake Charles is your typical down home Cajun Restaurant. The casual, homey atmosphere and friendly folks provide the perfect setting to satisfying your Cajun cravings. Boiled Crawfish with Corn and Potatoes, Shrimp and Chicken Gumbo, Boudin Balls, fried shrimp and fish, and pistolettes filled with seafood are among the culinary delights you’ll find at Seafood Palace.
I was a little rusty on my crawfish peeling skills, but a quick lesson and a bit of practice had me digging into these tasty critters. Join the locals at this seafood treasure.
Luna Bar & Grill
Luna Bar & Grill in Lake Charles is known for their Luna Tuna – and a whole lot more. Owner and Chef Dave Evans has successfully combined his love of cooking, music, and art into a uniquely inviting venue.
In a trip filled with great meals in Lake Charles, my dinner at Luna’s was one of the best. We started with the Galactic Crab Dip, a tasty blend of lump crab meat, parmesan, and cream cheese with fried flour tortillas. For my main entree, I ordered the Redfish Apollo. Tender Redfish came with avocado and five fried shrimp on top, served with a crazy tasty crab au gratin cream sauce. Add their homemade garlic cheddar mashed potatoes, and you have the perfect seafood dish. Man, was it good!
Stuffed to the gills, I managed to take a few bites of the wicked concoction of pecans, chocolate, and caramel served with cold creamy ice cream – yum!
Coffee: 30 in Lake Charles
It’s always Coffee: 30 Gourmet Coffee & Beignets at this wonderful coffee and breakfast café. Start your morning with a cup of Sumatra Dark Roast, a White Chocolate Mocha Latte, or one of the other tasty specialty drinks.
I had the hearty Alarm Clock, a generous serving of scrambled eggs, grits, ham, and toast. A friend at our table was enjoying her Before the Chicken, thick cut apple-smoke bacon, fried egg, and smoked gouda on an artisanal sourdough toast, served with country potatoes.
The special King Cake Beignets were delicious, the perfect partner for the fresh brewed Breakfast Blend. Others at our table were feasting on the Sundial, The Wake Up, and other creative and delicious breakfasts. In addition to the wonderful coffee and breakfast items, Coffee: 30 serves a nice variety of lunch items until closing at 3 pm.
Bodega Wine Dive
Despite its name, this classy Italian restaurant is definitely not a dive. Bodega Wine Dive is a fabulous place offering cheeseboards, pizzas, gourmet sandwiches, and a wide assortment of cocktails and wine – lots of wine! In addition to delicious food and drink, Bodega Wine Dive is known for their wonderful Happy Hours, their monthly brunches, and intimate live music.
We started the night with some unique, creative cocktails. I loved the Pineapple Infusion, and the Fig Martini was also very tasty. Our group helped ourselves to a variety of fresh hot pizzas, cheeseboards, and other items to enjoy with our drinks. I chose a nice Cabernet to accompany my favorite munchie of the night, an awesome grilled cheese – delicious! Find out for yourself why Bodega was recently voted Best Wine Bar 2021 and Best Social Hour 2021.
The Village Coffeehouse in Sulphur
The Village Coffeehouse in Sulphur is a short drive from Lake Charles. This cozy town, named after the sulfur that was mined and processed in the area. Like some many other businesses and residents on the Louisiana coast, Sulphur has suffered numerous natural disasters in the form of hurricanes, flooding, fire, and other destructive events.
Owners Ashley and her husband John are a big part of the tight knit community of Sulphur. John is a pastor at a local church, and The Village Coffeehouse is a popular gathering point for locals, including teens from the nearby Sulphur High School. We were welcomed by Mayor Mike Danahay and Josie White, spokesperson for the city.
The Village Coffeehouse serves up avocado toast, breakfast burritos, and an assortment of fresh baked goods. I enjoyed a blueberry scone with my Hazelnut Latte, and other diners indulged in the delicious biscuits, muffins, and cinnamon rolls. In the short time we were there, we felt welcomed and part of the camaraderie of this small, proud town. We shared stories of the history of Sulphur, including the many times they have survived and rebuilt after devastating storms. A strong community gets even stronger when you work together as family to rebuild businesses, homes, and lives.
Crying Eagle Brewing
Crying Eagle Brewing features a 4,000 square foot taproom serving one of a kind craft brews. There is plenty of indoor seating, and a large beer garden outside to savor the beer and fresh food from the Bistro. Pizza, chicken wings, and other dishes are the perfect supplement to Crying Eagle’s line of rotating brews. I tried the Crying Eagle Pizza, topped with bacon, apples, goat cheese, and a drizzle of golden honey. The cold Louisiana Lager, the fresh hot pizza, and delicious boudin balls put me in beer drinkers heaven!
Owner Eric Avery is justifiably proud of this fantastic facility. Eric, locals, and visitors are eagerly anticipating the second Crying Eagle location scheduled to open on the waterfront in 2023. The new location will consist of a full-service restaurant and micro-brewery on the newly developed lakefront on the shore of Lake Charles.
Villa Harlequin
What happens when you combine two of the best restaurants in town? You get Villa Harlequin, the unification of two iconic restaurants in Lake Charles. This new, hip, elegant restaurant has some of the best food in this food-centric town. Chef Amanda Causey works her magic in the kitchen, extending her legend as one of the best young chefs in Louisiana.
My Tenderloin Tagliatelle, with tender beef tips and a savory roasted red pepper mushroom sauce over noodles, was fabulous. Other favorite dishes include the Lamb Sirloin, the Pan Seard Fish, and the Gnocchi with mussels, shrimp, and crawfish, grape tomatoes, broccolini,and shellfish in a cream sauce. Villa Harlequin also serves a nice line of creative cocktails, including Heaven on Earth and a flavorful Blueberry concoction.
Come Visit Lake Charles, Louisiana's Playground
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your visit now to Lake Charles, Louisiana’s Playground. Check out the links in this article, and be sure to let the great folks at Visit Lake Charles help you plan your next getaway for fun in southwest Louisiana.
Thanks to Visit Lake Charles and all the wonderful hotels, restaurants, and other attractions who hosted our visit. All opinions are those of the author.
Scott Kendall is the Founder, Editor, and frequent contributor to PlayStayEat. He is a former Navy Officer, teacher and tennis coach who is an avid traveler and writer. Scott has traveled extensively throughout the United States and overseas to Italy, France, England, Croatia, Slovenia, and others. In addition to his contributions to PlayStayEat, much of his published work can be seen at scottkendalltravels.com.