Sizzlin’ Summer Fun in Cenla

By Shanna Worth

For many, high gas prices are curtailing the traditional vacation in favor of so-called ‘stay-cations’. To that end, I’d like to re-introduce you to the heart of Louisiana…the state’s crossroads…Central Louisiana. This area, conveniently located on the banks of the Red River in the center of the state, encompasses everything that is Louisiana. Thriving agriculture, historic landmarks, rich culture steeped in heritage and flourishing art, cozy bed and breakfasts and world class gaming to boot are just some of the many unique attributes of Central Louisiana.

The Alexandria Museum of Art has been home to many world-renowned exhibits, including the Heart of Spain exhibit. The galleries offer opportunities for learning, introspections, and connection with cultures from around the world. The Museum’s holdings range in period from antiquity to 20th century works. The view is ever changing with special exhibitions and events.

The Alexandria Zoo, noted as being one of the best small zoos in the world, includes over 600 animals, housed in exhibits covering 33 acres of land, from places as far away as Africa, Asia, Australia and South America. All animals are exhibited in environments resembling their natural habitats.

Arna Bontemps African American Museum, located in downtown Alexandria, was the first African American museum to be built in Louisiana. It was the childhood home of Arna Wendell Bontemps—a noted author, poet, anthologist, and librarian, who was part of a core of young black writers who led the "New Negro" movement; what became known as the Harlem Renaissance.

The chance to golf in central Louisiana is one that shouldn’t be missed. As a matter of fact, Cenla is home to three of 13 distinguished Audubon Golf Trail courses: Oak Wing in Alexandria, Tamahka Trails in Marksville, and Cypress Bend in Many. Not only do these courses offer a challenging 18 holes, but also a beautiful natural environment for play. Alexandria is also home to the multi-million dollar, 18 hole public course, Links on the Bayou, and the historic, 9 hole Bringhurst Golf Course.

Come explore the unique, mysterious and exciting world of the American Alligator, at the Bayou Pierre Alligator Park, located just outside of Natchitoches. This 5-acre park is an authentic Cajun countryside, complete with Cajun music, genuine Cajun cuisine and an abundance of world-famous Louisiana "joie de vivre". Hundreds of alligators will entertain you with hourly feeding shows. You can feed them, touch them and even have your picture made with them. It will be an adventure your family won't soon forget -- a true Louisiana experience.

In its 75 years on Masonic Drive in Alexandria, Bringhurst Field has featured four different professional baseball franchises, seen significant renovations, and played host to numerous championship games. The historic ballpark was built in 1933 for the Alexandria Aces of the old Evangeline League and featured the same dimensions it does today – 315 feet down the foul lines, 365 feet to the gaps and 385 feet to dead center field. The ballpark’s trademark grandstand displays especially wide rows to accommodate fans with lawn chairs. One of the classic ballparks of the South, Bringhurst Field is ready for an entertaining summer of baseball in 2008 and beyond.

Buhlow Fun Park, overlooking beautiful Buhlow Lake, is full of fun and excitement! With 18 hole miniature golf, batting cages, go-carts, arcade games and amusement rides, this park is a great way to relieve stress, and feel like a kid again.

Visit the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center for the best entertainment and performing arts in central Louisiana. The performing arts center is located at 1202 Third Street in downtown Alexandria. Residents and tourists alike enjoy the hottest tickets in town for live theatre-from drama to musicals, dance-from jazz to ballet, and music-from the blues to symphony.

Central Louisiana’s oldest standing structure, Kent Plantation House was built between 1796 and 1800 and welcomes visitors to experience plantation life. You can see candle making demonstrations, open-hearth cooking, and more. Kent House is an outstanding example of rural Louisiana plantation architecture and is open for daily tours.

We are also the proud home to the state’s only national forest, Kisatchie National Forest, filled with trails and streams as well as several scenic lakes, all providing a variety of outdoor activities in a setting only nature can provide. In addition to Kisatchie National Forest, many more recreation areas are found near various lakes and rivers here in Cenla. Camping, hiking, canoeing, biking, bird watching, and horseback riding opportunities await the adventurer in you.

The Louisiana History Museum, located in downtown Alexandria, was constructed in 1907 with funds from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation as a library to replace the one that burned during the Civil War. The current Louisiana History Museum is a unique destination to find Louisiana history through the ages. Depicted in 50 large exhibits this museum showcases the state of Louisiana, and specifically central Louisiana, from what’s known as “prehistory” to present times. Admission is always free and tours are always welcome.

The Louisiana Maneuvers and Military Museum is housed in a replica of a World War II barracks and gives tribute to the soldiers and civilians of the Louisiana Maneuvers. Exhibits feature an extensive collection of artifacts from colonial Louisiana to Desert Storm.

Listed on the National Historic Register, Loyd Hall Plantation (circa 1820) is a 640-acre working plantation. Framed by stately oaks and surrounded by sugar cane, cotton fields and pastureland, Loyd Hall provides visitors a sense of calm inspiration and appreciation of the timeless charm that only the south can bring. Loyd Hall offers five bed and breakfast cottages and two luxury suites as well as accommodations for reunions, weddings and other special events.

Built in 1857 by Bishop Leonidas Polk, Mt. Olivet Episcopal Chapel was saved from the burning that destroyed other downtown buildings during the Civil War because it served as Union Headquarters and housed Union troops. This church is the oldest structure in Pineville.

The Old Town Hall Museum was originally built in 1931. It has been faithfully restored to its circa 1935 appearance. Once home to all of Pineville's city offices, including the fire station, city court, jail, library, mayor's office, judge's chambers, police department and utilities office, the court room served as a public library and Driver's License Bureau when court was not in session, the Old Town Hall Museum is the only museum in the entire state of Louisiana dedicated to municipal government.

Whether you’re a serious poker player or just enjoy the fun of nickel slots, Paragon Casino Resort has plenty of exciting choices. This one-stop vacation destination has something for everyone. At the bigger and better Marketplace Buffet, there are over 95 dishes to please every palate. Or, for an unforgettable fine dining experience, make a reservation at Legends Steakhouse for an appetizer of Shrimp Michael followed by an exquisitely grilled bone-in filet mignon. At Paragon, entertainment extends well beyond the casino floor. The new Mari Showroom features a glamorous stage that plays host to world famous performers to the delight of audiences all year round. Travel scenic Highway 1 to Marksville to discover sizzling slots, table action, the poker room, luxurious accommodations, family fun, Tamahka Trail Golf Club, exclusive Spa La Vie and exceptional dining and entertainment at the Pearl of Louisiana!

The sister cities of Alexandria and Pineville sit atop opposite banks of the Red River in “The Heart of Louisiana.” This river brought people of many diverse cultures to settle. Our river is still a port of commerce, but also provides beauty and recreation. Whether you want to stroll through the river park, fish the oxbows, or ski down to the sandbars, it all happens on the Red.

River Oaks Square Arts Center is a contemporary visual arts and fine crafts center containing over 30 individual studios, two galleries and a unique gift shop. River Oaks is comprised of two facilities - the 15,000 square-foot Studio Annex Building and the historic Bolton Home, which is exemplary of Queen Anne Revival Architecture in Louisiana.

Experience life in a sawmill town at Southern Forest Heritage Museum. The 57-acre museum displays rare equipment and buildings dating back to the early 1900s. The collection includes three steam locomotives, the roadhouse, and a belt-and-shaft driven machine shop. Two rare McGiffert log loaders and a Clyde skidder are examples of early steam logging equipment. Southern Forest Heritage Museum offers a unique opportunity to glimpse the “golden age” of lumbering and sawmilling.

The first Catholic chapel in Alexandria was constructed in 1817 as St. Francis Church. During the Civil War, this church was the only structure in town to escape the fires. Father J.P. Bellier disguised his voice to impersonate General Banks, the Commanding Officer, and ordered the troops to spare the church. Thinking it was General Banks the Yankee troops left the church alone. On August 6, 1910, Pope Pius X erected the Diocese of Alexandria, and St. Francis Church was raised to the dignity of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. Guided tours are welcome by appointment.

The T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum (The Rapides Exploratory Education House) is located in downtown Alexandria. T.R.E.E. House is a unique educational and cultural resource that represents the community's interest and investment in our children and their childhood. The museum provides playful learning experiences and environments where children (4-12 years), families, schools and community groups discover and explore their world through hands-on, exhibits and programs.

Built on a 3,200-acre cotton plantation for George Mason Graham, who is known as “the father of Louisiana State University," sits Tyrone Plantation (circa 1843). This historic bed and breakfast offers four beautifully decorated guest rooms with full private baths. The house and grounds are also available for weddings, receptions, group seminars, and luncheons. A full breakfast is offered.

In Central Louisiana, residents and guests enjoy a treasured, peaceful lifestyle. Here we celebrate our diversity through food, fun, family, arts, and festivals. We open our doors to a place where the world stops when you sit down at the dinner table, where life is a spin around the dance floor, and where southern hospitality ingredients are essential in our gumbo of life. Visitors can enjoy world-class restaurants and accommodations ranging from economical to luxury, while being captivated by our art, theater, and music.

No matter what your interests may be, there is something for you in Cenla. For additional information on any of the attractions listed above, feel free to visit with the Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. You can find us online at www.theheartoflouisiana.com or give us a call, toll-free, at (800) 551-9546. We look forward to helping you discover “The Heart of Louisiana.”