I am going to alexandria in a week and want some input

Natchitoches is the best thing between Alec and Shreveport. It is a little off the interstate, but Front street is fun to walk down. It is older than NOLA, and has similar architecture. Check out Melrose Plantation and the Cane River Creole National historic Park.

Shreveport's crown jewel is Norton Art Gallery. The grounds are nicer than any plantation and the museum has some world class art pieces. It is also free. While visiting Norton Art Gallery, stop at Rhino Coffee House a couple of blocks away for some single origin coffee.

Best Chinese food I've ever had is Ming Garden on Shreveport-Barksdale Hwy. Don't judge it by the exterior. It has been in business for like thirty years. I like the beef with hot pepper.

For Thai, Danh's Garden is about a mile away on Youree dr. Try the ginger salmon.
For curry, try Thai Kitchen on Mansfield Rd. Panang curry

For Indian, try Indian Restaurant a couple blocks north on Youree Dr.

For a burger, Papa's is a lunch only place. One burger feeds two. It is also close to Youree dr. For an exotic take on a burger, like antelope, Twisted Root south of town.

Fine Dining- Make a reservation at Mabry House in an old Victorian home.

Mexican - Amigos in Greenwood, la on I-20 west. Try the spinach relleno, and ask for a batch of the authentic spicy salsa; it isn't on the menu.

Italian- The original Monjuni's on Louisiana Ave. It is better than all the other Monjuni's franchises. Try the lasagna with a pasta salad, or the eggplant muffaletta.