I am going to alexandria in a week and want some input (1 Viewer)

hotairgypsy

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I am driving from NM to alexandria to pick up a car but want to check some stuff out while there...so what are the must see things from Shreveport to Alexandria? also what are the the things to avoid like dangerous areas, foods to avoid, etc? where to stay and not stay?

thanks gang
 
when i lived in Denton i used to do that drive on the regular
but that was moons ago
all i really remember now is Prejeans by lafayette
but we got plenty of posters in that area -they'll hook you up im sure
 
Parts of downtown Shreveport can be dangerous. Close to Baton Rouge dangerous.

You have casinos there and Louisiana Downs in Bossier.

I lived briefly in Alex. Like any city it has some bad areas. Conservative.

Pineville is very conservative.

Not much to do in Alex or Pineville unless you like Wal Mart.
 
Haven't been to that part of La in many years; unfortunately, ain't much to see between Shreveport and Alexandria. If you like to fish, the Toledo Bend area used to be a hotbed for bass fishing, though I hear it's not what it used to be. Shreveport does have casinos, if you are into gambling. Area near the airport used to be kind of rough, but again, it has been a while since I was there.

Only notable restaurant I can recall in the Alexandria area would be Tunk's Cypress Inn (I think it's in Boyce, La). While it's not prime oyster or crawfish season, they should still be pretty good.

As far as places to avoid, I'd probably recommend steering clear of Alexandria and Shreveport. ;)
 
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.
 
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Almost forgot,

Bar-B-Q: Real BBQ and More on Pierremont ave near the art gallery.

Sushi and Korean: Kabuki on Airline Hwy in Bossier City

Dairy Palace in Canton, Tx, about 100 miles outside Shreveport, on I-20. Stop and get an elk burger or duck sandwich. Biscuits and gravy are awesome. Get some hand scooped BlueBell ice cream.

Finally, get a whole fresh homemade strawberry or peach pie at Strawn's eat shop on King's Hwy in Shreveport. It is the original Strawn's.

In Amarillo, Tx stop at The Big Texan Steakhouse. It is an awesome place.
 
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Places to stay: Any bed and breakfast in Natchitoches, La. , or Fairfield Place in Shreveport, also a Bnb.
 
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Saints gear, you can find some stuff at a gas station right off 49 in Natchitoches called French Market Express. Granted it's not a lot of stuff, but if you need gas, want to grab a meat pie to go, you can check out their limited selection. In my experience, there are more potential speed traps closer to Shreveport. Once you hit the Stonewall exit, there's usually not many state troopers until Natchitoches. Now if you were going further down to Opelousas, I'd warn you about Washington parish. Notorious speed trap there.
 
I don't eat shellfish or pork, so I only eat my family's gumbo and haven't tried any restaurant's gumbo in the area. Marilynn's place in Shreveport on Fern Ave has both beignets and gumbo. For a more upscale environment, 2Johns in Bossier City will have gumbo and seafood, but not sure about beignets.
 
From what I have heard, the aforementioned French Market Express does have good food.

Speed traps are not as common as they used to be since the state has cracked down on interstate ticket revenue being paid to the state as opposed to the municipality. The state troopers can be found near the Stonewall exit, Mansfield exit, and a 12 mile radius around the Natchitoches exit. Now the speed limit is 75 on most of I-49, so I am content not to speed.
 
Saints gear, you can find some stuff at a gas station right off 49 in Natchitoches called French Market Express. Granted it's not a lot of stuff, but if you need gas, want to grab a meat pie to go, you can check out their limited selection. In my experience, there are more potential speed traps closer to Shreveport. Once you hit the Stonewall exit, there's usually not many state troopers until Natchitoches. Now if you were going further down to Opelousas, I'd warn you about Washington parish. Notorious speed trap there.

Yes stop at French Market Express and load up on Natchitoches Meat Pies. Then go check out Front Street.
Go to Lea's Lunchroom just passed Alexandria (in Lecompte) for some other delicious pies!
 
great info...looks like plans changed a little...i am going to ferriday via monroe....so if you all have any suggestions on this route let me know

thanks all
 

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