New Orleans is famous for its adult-focused Mardi Gras revelry and partying: However, most of it is definitely above a PG rating. So where does a family go if they want to celebrate Mardi Gras while enjoying other year-round activities that spell “Family Fun?”
As it turns out Lake Charles, a city located in southwestern Louisiana with a population of about 75,000, offers affordable family-friendly fun. And it’s not just at Mardi Gras, though this time of year definitely marks the cooler season. (Lake Charles has a warm humid temperate climate with hot summers and no dry season, so packing an umbrella or two is always a great idea.)
The laid-back Southern city offers families a variety of activities. From special children’s parades at Mardi Gras to nature that showcases alligators and wetland birds. Why there is even a culinary trail that features boudin (a uniquely regional type of sausage) and Cajun cracklins (fried pork skins and rinds).
Family-Friendly Mardi Gras
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As the nation’s second largest Mardi Gras celebration, Lake Charles is focused more on family by offering up to 75 floats throwing beads and goodies to people along the route. Why there is even a special “Children’s Parade” in the afternoon that guarantees family fun. It’s a purple, green, and gold parade for the young and the young at heart.
Be sure to mingle with the various themed groups that stage the parades, otherwise known as krewes. On the night before Fat Tuesday, meander through the staging halls as you marvel at the elaborate costumes of the Kings, Queens, Maids and Dukes. You can even take photos and selfies along the way.
Experiencing the Great Outdoors
Get the family close to nature on the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. Here you’ll find a 180-mile road that traverses through wildlife-rich wetlands, fresh and salt water marshes, and cypress swamps. You’ll cover four wildlife refuges, walking trails, Pintail Wildlife Drive, and of course, Gulf beaches. At the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, elevated boardwalk trails keep you out of “harms way” – that is from snakes, lizards, and alligators and whatever else may lurk in the wetlands.
For an up-close and personal family experience, try a boat tour with Grosse Savanne Eco Tours. You’ll be treated to a narrated experience from wildlife guides who know their local flora and fauna, all this while you glide through a 500-acre private marsh. With the highest concentration of alligators in North America, you’re bound to see one. Plus, there are upwards to 400 bird species, from pelicans, herons, sandhill cranes and snow geese to roseate spoonbills, anhingas and various water fowl.
Favorite Finger Foods: Boudin to Cracklins
A favorite snack in southern regions of Louisiana is boudin – a sausage made with varying amounts of pork meat, liver, rice, onions, parsley, and dry seasonings. (You will even find boudin made with shrimp, crawfish, or even alligator.) Whether smoked, grilled, baked or fried, be sure to sample the many mom and pop stores, specialty meat shops, and grocery stores that offer boudin along the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail along Interstate 10 and Highway 90.
If pressed for time, don’t miss Guillory’s Famous Foods, a family-owned and operated restaurant serving authentic Creole and Cajun food. Families and groups are welcome, with ample seating provided by picnic-style tables and seating.
But don’t stop with an order of boudin only as they are also famous for their cracklins – deep-fried pork rinds. Choices include regular, smoked and spicy.
Affordable luxury at the Casinos
There are more than 6,000 hotel rooms in the Lake Charles area (roughly one for every 12 residents) with more on the way. The reason behind so many rooms is that Lake Charles is the biggest casino market in the state of Louisiana. And this is the reason luxury rooms are affordable, even on a family budget.
The newest is Golden Nugget, having opened in late 2014. With 740-rooms and 300 more coming soon, the $700 million resort offers luxurious rooms, casino, spa and fitness center, golf course, tennis courts, a variety of restaurants, shopping, ballrooms, a Vegas-style dance club, and a marina. Families will love the private beach as well as the pools with a lazy river and slides.
While many neighboring Texans drive to Lake Charles for affordable entertainment (Houston is only 140 miles away), many choose to fly. Lake Charles is served by Lake Charles Regional Airport, which provides commercial airline service to Houston and Dallas. Also, Lake Charles is an easy drive from Baton Rouge at 122 miles and New Orleans at 218 miles.
IF YOU GO:
Creole Nature Trail All-American Road
Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail
All photos copyrighted by Karin Leperi
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