Press Play on Fun in Shreveport-Bossier

Summer’s the perfect time for a food and fun-filled adventure the whole family will enjoy in Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana– a place that’s easy to get to and even easier to fall in love with, but don’t just take our word for it. Bring your family–and your appetite–and press play on an unforgettable getaway. 

DAY ONE

Kick off the fun with Southern Brunch at Ralph’s Place. We recommend one of Ralph’s famous overstuffed breakfast beignets, filled with bacon, egg and cheese.

After breakfast, head to the Shreveport Aquarium where you’ll see sharks, jellyfish, stingrays and the brightest-colored fish this side of “Finding Nemo.” 

It might seem odd to have seafood for lunch after going to an aquarium, but hey, this is Louisiana, right? Head to Orlandeaux’s Café on scenic Cross Lake for the Shreveport-style shrimp– large shrimp stuffed with fiery Creole dressing, deep-fried and served with a spicy tartar sauce. If the little ones’ palates aren’t ready for fiery shrimp yet, try the Missing Link, where they do hot dogs like nowhere else. 

After lunch, take a bike ride around town. You can rent bikes with SB Rides and cruise around the East Bank District, where reserved bike lanes make for a fun, safe ride.

Dinner options in Shreveport are plentiful, but we recommend you head to Frozen Pirogue. Their Oysters 318 are shucked and then chargrilled with Great Raft Brewing’s 318 Golden Ale and parmesan cheese, and the result is delicious.

Close out the day at local ice-cream shop Sweetport, where we recommend a satisfying scoop (or two!) of Caddough, their cookie-dough flavored ice cream named for the Louisiana region it comes from, Caddo Parish. 

DAY TWO

Begin your day with the breakfast of champions: Southern Maid Donuts!  Fun fact: Southern Maid Donuts is the only product for which Elvis Presley ever recorded a jingle. 

Once you’re sugared-up, head to Gators and Friends Adventure Park for animals and adventure. Get up close with goats, lemurs, camels, kangaroos and more at the petting zoo, then race the kids around the go-kart track. (Don’t be surprised if they leave you in the dust!)

For lunch, don’t miss Abby Singer’s Bistro and their Marinated Crab Claws– sweet, meaty claws drenched in a signature herb-spice marinade and served cold on a bed of spring mix.

Ready for some souvenirs? Head to the scenic riverfront in Bossier City for the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets, where you’ll everything from toys and games to fashion and home goods.

For your last dinner in town, you gotta go with Louisiana classics– catfish, gumbeaux, red beans and rice, the good stuff. The Blind Tiger Restaurant is a local favorite that offers all that and more and never disappoints. 

Close out your 48-hour epicurean adventure with Shreveport’s most decadent dessert: the Chocolate Sack at Windrush Grill. It’s exactly what it sounds like– an artisanal chocolate sack filled with everything from cinnamon ice cream to pound cake topped with sprinkles and a cherry, of course.  

You’re welcome, y’all!