1. This Town Doesn't Stay Down
Lake Charles has been around for centuries, but it's the town that almost wasn't after a devastating fire back in 1910. But these people are made of strong stuff-they rebuilt and bounced right back, and now the city is a booming industrial and educational center of Acadiana.
2. Who Needs Vegas When You Have Lake Charles?
With three major casinos in the city (and a fourth opening this year), your gambling itch will be more than satisfied. And we aren't talking truck-stop penny machines. The L'Auberge du Lac Casino is a 26-story complex with nearly 1,000 rooms, a spa, heated swimming pools, a lazy river, gift shops and a golf course. Speaking of which...
3. Lake Charles Has ALL The Golf
The L'Auberge Casino doesn't have the only course in town. Lake Charles has a total of five public courses for fulfilling all of your ESPN-fantasy needs. There's also a handful of family putt-putt courses for everyone else.
4. You Can Take A Deep Breath
The Creole Nature Trail, colloquially known as "
Louisiana's Outback," was one of the first official scenic byways in the country. The 180-mile driving tour offers fishing, boating, bird watching, and even crab hunting. Tours are open year round so the views and wildlife is constantly changing.
5. The Best Snacks You've Never Had
This may sound a little off-putting at first, but hear me out: Boudin is made of pork meat, liver, rice, onions, parsley, and seasonings like salt, peppers and garlic powder. It's delicious, and a staple in Lake Charles along with the rest of the South. Soon to be one of your favorites.
6. Lake Charles Has Perfect (Humid) Weather
Lake Charles is tied only with
Port Arthur,
Texas and
Astoria,
Oregon as the most humid city in the contiguous United States of America. The average relative humidity is 90 percent in the morning, and 72 percent in the afternoon. Welcome to your new home!
7. Two Words: Mardi Gras
You've heard about the crazy capers, the drunken insanity, the three days off from school and work. That's right, it's Mardi Gras! Lake Charles isn't left out of the fun, and the celebration usually draws in crowds of about 150,000 people. That's nearly double the population of the city itself, man.
8. But Don't Worry, Lake Charles Still Has Class...
The galleries in Lake Charles are constantly shifting around their art to make sure you're never bored. The Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center showcases exhibits from around the world, like "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition" (with actual bits and pieces of the historic vessel), and, of course local artists' work too.
9. ... And Might Even Teach You A Thing Or Two
Not only is this region drowning in arts culture and talented people, the arts community loves to pass on their knowledge to the public. You can paint a dish, make some jewelry, learn the ins-and-outs of watercolor-basically, Lake Charles is your canvas, so create what you will.
10. Art Isn't The Only Thing You'll Learn About
Between the ever-popular local Children's Museum, the vibrant exhibits of the Mardi Gras Museum, and wonderfully nostalgic DeQuincy Railroad Museum, you've got your history lessons covered in Lake Charles. But no lectures, notes, or finals required. Which is the best part, really.
11. A Pirate's Life For Lake Charles
During the first two weeks of May 200,000 people attend Lake Charles' Contraband Days Festival, clamoring for delicious food, fun music, and awesome live entertainment. In an ode to the piracy legend of the city, the festivities begin when the pirate crew of Jean Lafitte capture the city and force the mayor to walk the plank. Awesome.
12. You Can Still See Men In Tights Here
The Lake Charles Civic Ballet is just what the doctor ordered for those looking for a night of high culture in southern Louisiana: The classical music (by the Lake Charles Symphony), the ridiculous costumes-they even put on a ballet version of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" last December.
13. You'll See A Larger-Than-Life Relic Of US History
The USS Orleck had her glory days back in the 1800s and served in Vietnam and Korea, but nowadays she's a constant reminder in the Calcasieu River of the dedication of the armed forces. The ship also turns into a haunted ghost ship every Halloween, which is pretty much about as terrifying as it sounds.
14. Everyone In Lake Charles Loves To Give Back
A handful of the city's parks were actually built by volunteers! Adventure Cove, for example-a state-of-the-art park constructed entirely by unpaid good Samaritans. It's also specifically designed for handicapped children. I feel guilty already.
15. This City Will Have You Dancing All Night
Like any good Louisiana town, Lake Charles doesn't skimp on music. Restaurants and bars playing Cajun, Zydeco, rock, indie, folk and every other type of music you can think of can be found just about everywhere. Trust me, they have your nightlife covered.
16. It's Even Produced A Few Famous Musicians
All the music in this town has to rub off on some people. Surrounding towns like Westlake have been put on the map for producing talented artists (Joshua Ledet from American Idol in 2012), but Lake Charles has made its markt too. Opera singer Paul Groves was born and raised here, and the legendary Dolly Parton recorded her first single at Goldband Studios.
17. Lake Charles Loves Small Business
Despite the efforts at pleasing crowds with big-city amenities, Lake Charles is a small town at heart, with plenty of locally owned businesses and mom-and-pop shops. Keith's Jewelry & Pawn Shop sells and takes loans on jewelry, sizes rings, repairs watches, and a bunch of other stuff. Not to mention they're in the oldest building in downtown.
18. The Grocery Stores Aren't Like Yours
Lake Charles has a glowing admiration for farmers and all of the fruit, veggies, jams, spices, soaps, and other goodies they make. The city hosts two farmers markets that run weekly for most of the year, where you can find what you need and discover stuff you didn't even know you wanted.
19. Lake Charles Throws The Rule Book Out The Window
Back in the city's early days, there were no actual architects who had studied and practiced the vocation at all to build houses. So the good folk of Lake Charles got their plans from pattern books, and went about building in their own styles. The result was a district of remarkably unique houses on every street. This older Historic District of the city is now called the Charpentier (French for 'Carpenter') District.
20. You Can Take Out Your Anger In Fun Ways...
... like a trip to Geaux Splat Paintball, a locally owned paintball spot that lets you rent paintball guns and show your affection for your friends and other loved ones with high-velocity paintballs. As long as they're still your friends afterwards.
21. Lake Charles Has Been Hitting The Books For Over A Century
The city's first library was built back in 1904 and was financed by steel industry giant Andrew Carnegie himself. No joke. The city has added more libraries and bookshops since, but the oldest and first is still going strong.
22. Lake Charles Has Been "Almost Famous" More Than Once
Lake Charles hasn't had its 15 minutes in the spotlight yet, but many movies, TV shows, and songs have mentioned the small town over the decades: Catch Me If You Can, The Andy Griffith Show, The Band's song "Up on Cripple Creek" and even the Tony-nominated musical "Caroline, or Change." It's a small town, but hey, it dreams big.
23. The Birthplace Of "Chuck"
Actor Zachary Levi, most famous for his roles in the uber-popular TV shows "Chuck" and the voice of Flynn Rider in "Tangled," was born right here in Lake Charles. So it's not a starring role for the town itself, but we'll take it.
24. You'll Be Welcomed By... The Sidewalk?
The downtown area of Lake Charles features some of the most endearing sidewalk art you'll ever encounter, further ensuring that the spring will never leave your step even on bad days!
25. Athletes Are Their Precious Resource
The home of the (seriously) beloved McNeese Cowboys is currently undergoing construction to add a state-of-the-art field house that will nearly double the stadium's size and add in climate-controlled seating and a clubroom. College football isn't a game to these people. It's a lifestyle.
26. You'll Always Be In Good Hands Here
Lake Charles has a history of excellent medical care, as the hometown of world-renowned surgeon Michael E. DeBakey. Four hospitals, numerous specialized doctors' offices and medical clinics throughout the city continue the tradition and take your health off of your worry list.
