1. The People Of Shreveport Live In Parishes, Not Counties
Louisiana is the only state in the entire nation where cities aren’t divided into counties. Yep, seriously. Don’t be surprised if you hear the word parish all over the place—it doesn’t refer to a priest’s pad. A parish is, in fact, relative to a county anywhere else. Shreveport is part of Caddo Parish. So don’t call it a county, you’ll look like such a tourist.
2. Shreveport Is A Melting Pot Of Southern Culture
Shreveport is in much closer proximity to these three other states than you think. You’re actually just a two-hour drive away from Dallas, believe it or not. Shreveport is the commercial and cultural center for the Ark-La-Tex region, and brings portions of those other states together in one gleeful combination of awesome.
3. Shreveport Is So Great, Even Bigfoot Hangs Out Here
This simple lake located in Shreveport may look serene and quiet, but the infamous Caddo Lake is quite frankly a hot bed for tremendous sightings. The lake actually contains a wetland ripe for alligator populations, so you might see a lot of them there. Oh, yeah, Big Foot tends to walk around it according to a 2006 Travel Channel documentary, allegedly.
4. Mardi Gras In New Orleans Has Nothing On Shreveport
If you’re bummed about having to go all the way to Nola every March, think again, because Shreveport knows how to tear it up, too.
5. Shreveport Knows How To Fake It…At Least During War
Shreveport is notorious for sporting possibly the only military site designed to fake the real thing, back during the Civil War. Fort Humbug fooled Confederate spies into thinking the fortress was actually armed to the teeth (which it was, if you consider wood logs dangerous). Looks like Shreveport is more than meets the eye.
6. Roses Are Serious Business In Shreveport
That’s not to say you won’t find other flowers in this city, because you will. But Shreveport is home to the American Rose Society, sporting a staggering 20,000 rose bushes at the American Rose Center. Other botanical gardens just pale in comparison.
7. People In Shreveport Know Monster Candied Apples Are A True Delicacy
It’s already been mentioned that Cajun cuisine can be a bit out of the ordinary. But get a load of the desserts to really see what I mean. Just try to finish all of one of the Chocolate Crocodile’s Monster Croc Candied Apples.
8. Everyone’s Favorite Band Is 30 Seconds to Mars
No wonder, considering the band’s lead singer Jared Leto was born right in Shreveport before he got all famous and award-winning. When the band comes back into town you’ll know—people go a little nuts.
9. Be Sure To Have The Latest Smartphone In Shreveport
Louisiana may be part of the Old South, but Shreveport happens to be a hotspot for tech startups. Why? The nonprofit CoHabitat Foundation is dedicated to bringing in new business, promoting innovative technology.
10. People In Shreveport Know How To Handle The Snow
The South is pretty humid, but also pretty hot, so the chances of a full-on blizzard are relatively zero. However, Shreveport does average about one snowy day each year, so you’ll see those flakes briefly. One pair of winter boots and a parka should suffice for a few decades of your life here.
11. Try For A House In The Burbs
Shreveport is pretty great. But be prepared for your hard-earned cash to be mostly spent on your house if you decide to find a place downtown. Most residents choose to live outside the city in the much more affordable suburbs. But don’t worry, because you’re still close enough to enjoy the downtown nightlife.
12. How Could Shreveport Make Poker Better? They Play It On A Boat
Shreveport’s Red River has hosted riverboat gambling for decades, and the Horseshoe Riverboat Casino, is the largest in town—open all hours, seven days a week, no strings attached. Just bring your money and get out on the water.
13. Roller Derby Isn’t A Sport In Shreveport, It’s A Lifestyle
Shreveport’s roller derby club, the Twin City Knockers, might have a funny name, but they mean business—and they’re seriously fun to watch. Just don’t let them see you laughing. They’ll deck you.
14. Shreveport Is The Best Place To Work On Your Drive
Even if your skills are on the lackluster side when it comes to picking up a putter, you’ll do just fine at the Querbes Park Golf Course. Take a class from Pete Lockwood, a golfing institution in the city, and pretty soon you’ll be swinging like a pro.
15. All You Need To Be Famous In Shreveport Is A Cajun Accordion
Forget the piano, forget the violin. Definitely forget the cello. Shreveport doesn’t really go in for that fancy classical music. Shreveport is all about crazy Cajun music. In fact, the accordion happens to be the official state instrument.
16. Boudin Noir Sausages Will Change Your Life
If you’re going to make your home in the Pelican State, you’ll need to learn to love this Cajun/Creole specialty. How is it different than just any old sausage? It typically includes these ingredients: Rice, crawfish, pork, and alligator. That’s a lot more badass than the stuff you’d pick up at your local grocery store, right?
17. So You Think You Can Fish? Prove It.
Fishing’s pretty fierce here in Shreveport so if you do have that tackle box and pole, be prepared for your outings to be a lot more intense than just an afternoon of relaxing by the river. It’s cutthroat competition, especially if you’re training up for the prestigious Bassmaster Classic on the Red River.
18. Shreveport Should Really Be Called The Sunflower City
The Boom or Bust Byway has quite possibly the largest field of sunflowers you’ll ever see, ever. Every June the blooms stretch as far as the eye can see along the bayous and plantations, making for the perfect afternoon stroll or even popping the question. Or just a photographer’s dream.
19. “Top Gun” Fanatics Are In Heaven In Shreveport
Don’t be surprised if you’re buying tickets to go see these iron babies every single day. Shreveport is home to the amazing Barksdale Global Power Museum. Once titled the “8th Air Force Museum” in the Barksdale Air Force Base, the museum features all the legends of the military branch in all their glory, like the B-24J Liberator, the “Louisiana Belle II.”
20. Shreveport Makes Art Fun…
It won’t even matter what age your kids are. When they get a load of the largest children’s festival in the entire state they’re sure to freak, especially when they discover that not only does the event feature art but also a theater, plenty of yummy food, and a 5K race.
21. … And Some Major Bragging Rights
The “Once In A Millennium Moon Mega Mural” is the pride and joy of Shreveport highlighting the city’s triumphs, tragedies, and timeless treasures. It’s also one of the country’s biggest public arts murals, covering 25,000 square feet. It’s a must-see in Shreveport and once you move here you’ll be quick to brag about it.
What do you love about living in Shreveport? Tell us in the comments below!
