Living
Updated On: 7/13/2011 3:25:06 PM
Residents of the Shreveport-Bossier City area say that it is the best of both worlds, offering big-city services while keeping that small-town feel. Whether you're looking for an urban vibe or a seeking a quieter atmosphere, activities and opportunities in the Bossier Parish are wide-ranging and offer something for everyone.
ATTRACTIONS/SIGHTSEEING
No matter what your interests, Bossier Parish will keep you busy with the attractions available in the area. From gambling and horse racing to historic buildings, families and individuals can spend a lot of time exploring the various activities and sights.
Harrah's Louisiana Downs
8000 E. Texas St.
Bossier City, LA 71111 .(318) 742-5555
http://www.harrahslouisianadowns.com Enjoy live thoroughbred horse races or gaming at the 150,000-square-foot casino, as well as nearby shopping and dining.
Sci-Port Discovery Center
820 Clyde Fant Parkway
Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 424-3466
http://www.sciport.org Explore more than 290 science, math and space exhibits with daily changing programs, an IMAX Dome Theatre or the laser Space Dome Planetarium.
Splash Kingdom Water Town
(formerly Watertown USA)
7670 W. 70th St.
Shreveport, LA 71149 (318) 938-5475
http://www.splashkingdomwaterpark.com For family fun, this 20-acre waterpark has more than a dozen waterslides, a wave pool, a lazy river and a kiddie pool.
Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium
705 Elvis Presley Ave.
Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 673-5100
http://municipalauditorium.homestead.com One of only two designated National Historic Landmarks in the Shreveport-Bossier area, this hall is still used regularly for shows and musical performances. Visitors can also enjoy historic tours and "haunted" tours of the facility.
MUSEUMS
The history of the south is tangible in the many museums offered in Shreveport-Bossier City. Shreveport is second only to New Orleans when it comes to historic landmarks, and the museums in the area highlight a rich heritage and cultural diversity.
Touchstone Wildlife and Art Museum
3386 Highway 80 East
Haughton, LA 71037 (318) 949-2323
Founded in 1981, this museum displays more than 1,000 mounted animals from around the world, as well as American Indian artifacts and memorabilia from the Civil War, World War I and World War II.
Spring Street Historical Museum
525 Spring St.
Shreveport, LA 71101-3231 (318) 424-0964
Spring Street Historical Museum is one of the oldest buildings in downtown Shreveport, featuring Indian artifacts, historical memorabilia from the Civil War, WWI and WWII, and various examples of Shreveport's history.
Pioneer Heritage Center
Louisiana State University
1 University Place
Shreveport, LA 71115 (318) 797-5339
http://www.lsus.edu/offices-and-services/community-outreach/pioneer-heritage-center Located on the LSU campus, this is known as a "living museum" due to guides dressing in historic costume and conducting tours of the premises. The heritage center showcases the history of northwest Louisiana from the 1830s through the end of the 19th century.
8th Air Force Museum
88 Shreveport Road
Barksdale AFB, LA 71110 (318) 752-0055
http://www.8afmuseum.com Twenty-eight kinds of aircraft and missiles are on display at this museum, including a rare collection of bombers that were used by Air Force pilots during World War II.
J. Bennett Johnston Waterway
Regional Visitor Center
700 Clyde Fant Parkway
Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 677-2673
The center provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about the Red River, featuring an 8,300-square-foot space that houses a reception area, theater and exhibition hall.
The Stage of Stars & Legends Museum
705 Elvis Presley Ave.
Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 220-9434
Known as the place Elvis Presley got his start, this museum houses rare photographs, artifacts and musical instruments that were played by famous entertainers.
ARTS
Shreveport residents enjoy as many arts-oriented events as much larger cities, with venues for shows, music and dance available throughout the city.
East Bank Theatre
630 Barksdale Blvd.
Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 741-8310
Located in downtown Bossier City, the East Bank Theatre showcases a variety of comic and dramatic theatre.
Emmett Hook Center
550 Common St.
Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 429-6887
http://fumcshreveport.org Part of the First United Methodist Church in Shreveport, the newly opened Emmett Hook Performing Arts Center offers seating for 500 guests and a variety of stage plays and shows.
Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet
6654 St. Vincent Ave.
Shreveport, LA 71106 (318) 866-9916
http://www.shreveportmetroballet.org One of the oldest arts organizations in Shreveport-Bossier, the company presents classical ballet performances featuring its roster of local dancers and professional guest artists.
Shreveport Opera
212 Texas St., Suite 101
Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 227-9503
http://www.shreveopera.org Started in 1949, the Shreveport Opera regularly hosts amazing performers and offers a variety of programs throughout the season.
Strand Theatre
619 Louisiana Ave.
Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 226-1481
http://www.thestrandtheatre.com The official State Theatre of Louisiana and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Strand Theatre presents touring Broadway productions, concerts and comedy shows.
SHOPPING
In addition to tons of specialty shops, from antiques to art galleries, Shreveport-Bossier City residents have access to all the main department stores and clothing chain stores. The Line Avenue shopping district offers a five-mile stretch of boutiques, restaurants and shops, providing even the most discerning shopper with irresistible choices.
Louisiana Boardwalk
540 Boardwalk Blvd.
Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 752-1455
http://www.louisianaboardwalk.com Located across the Red River from downtown Shreveport, the Louisiana Boardwalk offers tons of shopping, cinema and restaurants, as well as a family picnic area, promenade and a wildlife carousel.
Pierre Bossier Mall
2950 E. Texas St., Suite 212
Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 747-5700
http://www.pierrebossiermall.com Enjoy more than 70 specialty shops, department stores, a food court, amusement rides and an arcade in this spacious mall.
PARKS AND GARDENS
The parks and gardens in Bossier Parish are among the most scenic in the country. Running and walking trails, playgrounds, fishing and acres of amazing greenery are just part of what the Shreveport-Bossier City parks have to offer.
C. Bickham Dickson Park
2283 Bert Kouns
Shreveport, LA 71105 (318) 673-7727
http://www.shreveportla.gov/dept/spar The largest park in Shreveport at 585 acres, visitors can enjoy equestrian trails, children's playground and a fishing dock, as well as a 200-acre lake.
A.C. Steere Park
4009 Youree Drive
Shreveport, LA 71105 (318) 673-7727
http://www.shreveportla.gov/dept/spar This 17-acre park is the home of "Leaps and Bounds," a unique playground offering universal playground modules that meet the diverse needs of all children, including those who are mentally or physically disabled.
American Rose Center
8877 Jefferson Paige Road
Shreveport, LA 71119 (318) 222-9395
The nation's largest park dedicated to roses, the American Rose Center is located on 118 acres and features more than 65 individual rose gardens, coupled with sculpture and fountains.
Barnwell Garden and Art Center
601 Clyde Fant Parkway
Shreveport, LA 71101-3207 (318) 673-7703
http://www.barnwellcenter.com A domed plant conservatory with a collection of tropical plants that include palms, trees and foliage.
EVENTS AND CELEBRATIONS
In Louisiana, there's always a reason for a party, and Shreveport-Bossier City is no exception. In addition to the events listed below, the cities also celebrate Mardi Gras with parades and street parties, as well as a Spring Bloom Celebration, with more than 20,000 roses showcased in individual gardens, and Hot Jazz on the Red, with musicians performing at the Barnwell Garden and Art Center on scheduled evenings in early summer.
ArtBreak
400 Clyde Fant Parkway
Shreveport Convention Center
Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 673-6500
http://shrevearts.org/education/artbreak Held each April, this is a fun-filled weekend of dance, music, theater and art. Caddo and Bossier Parish students can participate in juried exhibits and free hands-on activities.
Barksdale Air Show
109 Barksdale Blvd W., Suite 209
Barksdale Air Force Base
http://www.barksdaleafbairshow.com May brings the Barksdale Air Show, with a variety of air performances and demos, as well as displays of military aircraft.
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
101 Crockett St.
Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 658-6322
http://www.louisianalulac.org/fiesta Enjoy great food, live entertainment, the annual "Chihuahua Challenge" and family activities.
Mudbug Madness Festival
290 Crockett St.
Shreveport, LA 71101
http://mudbugmadness.com Held each Memorial Day weekend in downtown Shreveport, this is one of Louisiana's most popular Cajun festivals, with a variety of musical artists, Cajun cuisine and fun for all ages.
State Fair of Louisiana
3701 Hudson Ave.
Shreveport, LA 71109 (318) 635-1361
http://statefairoflouisiana.com A 14-day annual event, the State Fair of Louisiana is located in Shreveport and starts at the end of October. Carnival rides, music, livestock shows, exhibits and lots of food.
SPORTS AND RECREATION
Whether one is an observer or a participant, sports fans can enjoy a variety of recreational, semi-professional and professional sports in Shreveport and Bossier City. Golfing, tennis, fishing, hiking, camping and other outdoor activities are plentiful, and residents can join a local recreational sports team. Shreveport's Independence Stadium hosts many sports and attractions, including the Independence Bowl, Louisiana's most celebrated bowl game. Minor league baseball is popular here as well, with the Shreveport-Bossier Captains baseball team playing at the nearby Fair Grounds Field.
Golf
Huntington Park Golf Course
8300 Pines Road
Shreveport, LA 71129 (318) 673-4406
A lengthy course that is challenging enough for skilled golfers to enjoy yet also excellent for the entire family.
The Golf Club at Stone Bridge
301 StoneBridge Blvd.
Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 747-2004
http://gcstonebridge.com/golf/proto/gcstonebridge An 18-hole championship course, primarily a private member club yet offering some public play to non-members.
Querbes Golf Course
3500 Beverly Place
Shreveport, LA 71104 (318) 673-7773
A public, 18-hole course with more than 6,200 yards of golf, situated just two miles from downtown Shreveport.
Westwood Executive Golf Course
5006 Jefferson Paige Road
Shreveport, LA 71109 (318) 636-3162
The Westwood Executive course features 3,485 yards of golf on its 18-hole course, with wide open fairways and greens of medium size and speed.
Northwood Hills Country Club Golf Course
5000 Northwood Hills Drive
Shreveport, LA 71107 (318) 929-2322
This course was built in 1967 and offers something for all skill levels. Facilities include a pro shop, driving range and restaurant.
Tennis
The Shreveport Public Assembly and Recreation Department has three tennis centers. All have clinics available for players of varying skill levels and ages. There is a minimal fee for use of the facilities, and courts may be reserved up to two weeks in advance.
Bill Cockrell Tennis Center
4109 Pines Road
Shreveport, LA 71119 (318) 673-7790
http://www.shreveportla.gov/dept/spar Featuring 10 hard-surfaced courts, a pro shop and individual lessons, this is the only SPAR Tennis Center open late on Fridays, until 9 p.m. It also holds a tennis mixer on Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m.
Querbes Tennis Center
3507 Beverly Place
Shreveport, LA 71104 (318) 673-7787
http://www.querbestenniscenter.com This complex has six clay courts, five hard courts, two racquetball courts and a backboard complex with two mini courts. Querbes has been named one of the Top 25 Municipal Facilities in America several times, offering a pro shop, locker rooms and an observation deck for watching matches.
Southern Hills Tennis Center
1000 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop
Shreveport, LA 71108 (318) 673-7784
http://www.shreveportla.gov/dept/spar Southern Hills has 10 fully lit hard courts and has been used for many tournaments, selected by the United States Tennis Association for an Area Training Center for the top-ranked Louisiana Junior for North Louisiana. Its pro shop has tennis equipment, with racquetball stringing, hats, grips and other accessories available.
Fishing
The Red River
The Red River, which divides Shreveport and Bossier City, has some of the best fishing in the south. There are recreational sites all along the river, from Shreveport to the Mississippi, with areas for camping, biking, hiking, boating and fishing.
Cross Lake
Cross Lake, on the west side of Shreveport, is the city's main water supply. Fishing here is popular, with bass, bream, white perch and catfish among the species in the lake. Bass are stocked on a regular basis, and Cross Lake features several bass tournaments each year.
Hiking/Camping
Lake Bistineau State Park
103 State Park Road
Doyline, LA 71023 (877) 226-7652
http://www.crt.state.la.us/parks/ibistino.aspx Lake Bistineau State Park is on the western shore of Lake Bistineau, which is near Shreveport. The park has cabins, a campground, swimming area and picnic spots along the lake. It has a trail system that covers almost 10 miles of woodlands, as well as an 11-mile canoe trail.
Hilltop Campgrounds
200 Hilltop Road
Haughton, LA 71067 (318) 949-8486
Hilltop offers 106 RV sites, as well as tent sites, showers, restrooms and a fitness center. The lake encompasses 10 acres. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking and swimming, and the campground is open year-round.
Clark's Red River Marina
Located 19 miles south of Interstate 20, between Bossier City and Coushatta, Clark's Red River Marina provides visitors with RV hookups, three boat ramps, air-conditioned cabins for rent, a convenience store, covered picnic pavilion and guiding services for fishing.
Minor League Baseball
Shreveport-Bossier Captains
Fair Grounds Field
2901 Pershing Blvd.
Shreveport, LA 71109 (318) 636-5555
http://www.sbcaptains.com Hockey
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
2000 CenturyTel Drive
Bossier City, LA 71112 (318)752-2847
http://www.mudbugshockey.com read more...
