Small Towns and Country Roads through Louisiana and Arkansas

Lake Charles is many things. One thing it is not is hurried. Kick back and take your time relishing all the sights. Start on the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, which passes through marshland wilderness and Gulf of Mexico beaches in Southwest Louisiana. This area is known as Louisiana’s Outback, where you’re likely to spy alligators, marine life and some of more than 400 species of birds. Back in town, explore quaint streets lined with stately homes built by resourceful local carpenters in the Charpentier Historic District. Pick up a brochure locally for an architectural tour that doubles as a history lesson. Notice the thoughtful details that give these abodes their signature Lake Charles-style from gables to turrets to wrap-around porches made for entertaining. Lake Charles folk adore a good party, and what’s a better celebration than Mardi Gras? If you can’t make the annual Mardi