On January 1, 2018, I posted a blog surrounding the opportunity for a cultural vibe in Lake Charles, Louisiana. If you weren’t able to read it, here’s the link:
(Please accept this new blog post as a follow up, with exciting updates for the future of Lake Charles.)
In that blog entry, I discussed the potential for Lake Charles to organize and create a culture, second to none. At that time, Lake Charles was beginning to see new types of people coming into the city. These new people brought their passions and their need for positive vibes. This influx did something quite extraordinary. It woke up the local artists, musicians, influencers, and creators, and established a call to action to form the vibe.
Before, Lake Charles had become a humble city. The local festivals were still popular, and there were a few restaurants and venues that were able to maintain, but there was a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ that seemed to be missing. Simply put, there weren’t enough people. For a while, residents were having to leave Lake Charles to seek better opportunities and experience the thrills of life. As much as I hate to admit it, Lake Charles was becoming almost…boring.
As industries began building new facilities and bringing jobs to the area, the people started coming back. Opportunities are everywhere now! All of these people MUST be taken care of, so we are seeing growth like never before. Lake Charles is trying to keep up, and to say the least, the city is THRIVING!
So many different types of people are joining the city, and bringing their cultural values and influences. Lake Charles is positioned in a perfect spot of hospitality and southern class. We want the influences here because we are all very well aware of how 'almost…boring’ we were before.
Sure, the roads are overflowing, you may not be able to find that grocery item without traveling to three different stores, and you may have to wait in line, but these are all signs of growth and economic change. Lake Charles is becoming that metropolis for which our parents had hoped. I remember hearing the stories of when the rock roads were paved and when the mall was built and how the 210 loop influenced the landscape. These were all done for the promise of a greater Lake Charles. That time is now!
The Lake Charles vibe is organizing so well! The local Arts and Humanities Council works diligently to maintain and create new and exciting opportunities for culture to continue to grow. With more events than ever before, there is something to do for families, nightlife, and everywhere in between. There are antique stores and flea markets, again. Specialty shops are surviving. Smaller, speakeasy bars are inviting late night friends to gather. Bands are coming into town, willfully. Restaurants are being invited into the area. Yoga, dance classes, and other enriching opportunities are happening. There are even Guided Meditation classes to help return to your core zen. Welcome to the new and improved Lake Charles, and surrounding areas.
Flock of Five Gift and Art Emporium in Sulphur has 7000 sq ft of one of a kind, specialty items and lots and lots of things to see!
Recent Relics Antiques and Collectibles is a groovy shopping experience over on Broad Street. It’s worth a walk through if you’re a collector or working on a personal museum
The potential was always there. Lake Charles is positioned on a strategic port and sits atop a wealth of natural resources. It’s great to see the area developing such an upbeat positive cultural experience. The future is unpredictable, but as long as we all participate, we can ensure that Lake Charles will remain on this thriving track. Go find an event, you might be surprised what you’ll see and who you’ll see there!
A few of my personal recommendations include:
Panorama Music House: Live Jazz on Tuesday Nights, go listen to the smooth tunes of the Jay Ecker Quartet.
Crying Eagle: Any night of the week you can try out some locally brewed favorites straight from the tap. Say hi to Brewer Bill!
Bayou Rum: Tours and you probably could catch a taste testing! Go find Distiller Jeff!
Rikenjaks Brewing Company: There’s literally something every night of the week, so just go!
Yellowfin Distillery: Did you know it’s locally distilled in Sulphur? Hello!
Zephyr’s: The mixologist with the mustache…sometimes he’ll stare right into your soul, but he makes great dranks. I like it though because it reminds me that I have a soul.
Crystal’s Downtown: Rainbows, cocktails, and some of the best dance music in town. It’s been around for over 30 years, and it’s still going strong as one of Southwest Louisiana’s best little gay bars.
Whatever your flavor, Texas Blues, Zydeco, Rock, or some fun karaoke, there’s literally a cultural experience awaiting you!