Top Five Destinations of Shreveport

I have to be honest, I?m blank when it comes to the town of Shreveport, Louisiana. It?s close to the borders of Texas and Arkansas, two states where I have a bit of familiarity, but not in that particular corner. Interstate 20 runs through Shreveport on the way of connecting Kent, Texas to Florence, South Carolina, two cities about which I know even less. (Maybe that?s because Kent is unincorporated at the junction of the 10 and 20, while Florence has a population of only about 38,000, nearly the same as my hometown for which I would struggle to find five things to interest others that can?t take the memory lane walk like I do. However, at some point, I may accept that challenge. Oh, and all this info came from Wikipedia as I have never to my knowledge traveled east-west through the south on this particular road.)

Having said that though, finding cool things in Shreveport, much like other large cities, came easily. I?m beginning to think that complaints concerning smaller cities and nothing to do are a bit overblown. However, that could be that I?m only thinking for time over a long weekend, instead of years. Anyway, I know I could find fun in Shreveport with these five destinations.

Visit the McNeil Street Pumping Station

So, of course I open with the McNeil Street Pumping Station, a museum devoted to municipal water systems. I don?t think I could write a clause that felt as boring to people unlike me. Still, when you think about the important elements to a successful civilization, potable water is at the top of the list. This gives us a chance to look at where we?ve been as a civilization, and if aquifers run low, where we might have to return in the future.

Hike around Caney Lake

You want something more exciting? How about a nice hike around Caney Lakes Recreation Area, only 44 minutes away on the aforementioned 20. I could try to extol the virtues of the historic Sugar Cane National Recreation Trail and sell you on it, but I think I have to admit I want to hike it because of my sweet tooth. Yes, I know that makes no sense.

Eat at Bella Fresca

On the subject of my predilection for sugar, HYPERLINK “http://www.bellafresca.com/” Bella Fresca has a nice, simple dessert menu with praline cr?me brulee and a peanut butter pie with a chocolate pecan ganache. The dessert will have to come after the food though as the lunch specials like the shredded pot roast po-boy and grilled shrimp kabob sound great.

Tour the Barksdale Global Power Museum

The Barksdale Global Power Museum was once just devoted to the 8th Air Force, but has expanded its scope. Not only does it have bombers on display, it also has exhibits that concern the training of the Air Force to deter war. What does a strong Air Force have to do with peace? I?ll have to go to the museum to find out.

Eat at the Blind Tiger, and then sing Karaoke

The karaoke at Blind Tiger is just a lark, a chance to sing Hall and Oates in a different city. It?s really all about Creole pecan catfish, red beans and rice, gumbo and etouffee. Writing those four dishes makes me smile.

Any suggestions for things that I missed? Any additional recommendations for the area? Just let me know in the comments.