Louisiana — Blog — SHELBY SORREL

You ever visit somewhere that just absolutely surprises you in every way? Like truly every way? Located just a mere four and a half hours from Austin, Lake Charles, Louisiana was that for me. I went into the weekend ready to have fun with my bestie in Louisiana’s Playground, but truly didn’t expect to be absolutely blown away by the kindness of everyone, the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen, and the amazing seafood.

We stayed at the iconic L'Auberge Casino Resort, which is located right on the water and boasts nine eateries/bars, a casino with 73 table games and 1,600 slot machines, and an incredible lazy river. They’e got everything from a buffet to steaks and seafood to authentic Cajun and Creole specialties. We got nachos and burgers from Barstool Sportsbook, seafood gumbo and shrimp pasta from Drago’s Seafood and sipped wine by the fire at Ember Grille and Wine Bar.

The Bekery: This spot is truly something else — it’s giving French café of my dreams and I love it. They have amazing iced oat milk lattes (and iced americanos, too) and is absolutely pivotal that you order the breakfast crossant sandwich with bacon. It was packed almost every time we went, but was worth the wait every single time. Gorgeous decor, incredibly kind staff and a cinnamon roll the size of your head.

Crying Eagle Brewing: I fully believe that this is the brewery of my dreams! The patio is huge, with a large stage for entertainment and live music and the inside has ample seating. They have an incredible food menu featuring pizzas (we got the ‘What the Fig?!’ and loved it), fried shrimp platters, loaded fries and pretzels. A brewery that also serves cocktails and wine is my kind of brewery, plus they have happy hour Tuesday-Friday from 2pm-6pm and all day on Sunday’s. We love a happy hour drink special!

Darrell’s Po’ Boys: Darrell’s was the most recommended spot in Lake Charles by a landslide. It was made very clear to me early on that I would be making a huge mistake if I didn’t make time for one of these po’ boys. To say that Darrell’s lived up to the hype would be an understatement. The Darrell’s Special with ham, turkey, and roast beef served with roast beef gravy (and a side of 20 napkins) was my favorite, but the spicy cajun shrimp was also phenomenal.

Famous Foods: This iconic spot should 100% be your go-to for homestyle BBQ in Lake Charles — they serve sandwiches, cracklings (pork rinds) and boudin. We got the brisket sandwich and loved how friendly and efficient the staff was.

Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center: This public art and history gallery showcases some truly amazing exhibitions from around the world and gives spotlight to dozens of regional and local artists. Admission is free to the public and trust me, you won’t regret taking some time out of your day to walk these three floors of gallery space.

The James 710: Get the huevos rancheros! Get the huevos rancheros! I fell in loooove with this spot when we went in for Saturday brunch. It is so cute, the cocktails were amazing, and the food was just next level. The french toast was decadent and if you haven’t already heard, the huevos rancheros were simply to die for. There’s also something to be said for an all around bad ass staff and these guys just hit the nail on the head.

Lulu’s Specialty Snocones & More: If you don’t get a snocone from Lulu’s when in Lake Charles, what are you even doing? Order the “Do It For the Gram” snocone and thank me later - it comes with cake AND cotton candy on top. The owner, Ashley, is one of the kindest humans, too, which makes it that much easier to want to support these amazing folks!

Kayak on Lake Charles with Lake Area Adventures: Not to be dramatic, but trying to put into words just how much we loved this experience with Sarge seems impossible. Everything about Sarge just radiates joy - he immediately makes you feel safe and comfortable and is truly a one-of-a-kind person; We were just thrilled to get to adventure during sunset with him. We took off from Prien Lake Park and our jaws immediately fell to the bottom of our kayaks when we saw the stunning sunset. Lake Charles sunsets are truly something else. Contact them here to plan an adventure of your own!

Panorama Music House: Bri and I let out a little squeal with we entered this gorgeous building in Downtown Lake Charles because there are just so many picturesque spots around the entire space! Their colorful patio is not only cute, but is the perfect spot to enjoy a happy hour drink. They have live music, craft beers, cocktails, and food — I just know I need to go back to try the poutine. Their happy hour is half off ALL booze from 4pm-6pm Wednesday-Sunday (!!!!!!!) Panorama Music Exchange is connected to Panorama Music House and is filled with vinyl records, posters, instruments and plenty of other rad vintage items.

Coffee 30: I will regret not getting beignets from here probably for the rest of my life, but I am delighted that I got to try the coffee. I got the pumpkin pie latte with oat milk and it was HEAVEN. Loved this spot for a quick afternoon pick-me-up.

Luna Bar and Grill: If I could pick this restaurant up and move it to Austin, I would. This downtown Lake Charles cutie gives off massive Shelby Sorrel energy and I absolutely adored it. We’re talking jazz brunch. We’re talking Eggs Calcasieu (two eggs, fresh boudin, brioche toast, fried shrimp, topped with hollandaise, I KNOW). We’re talking Voodoo Hash with Louisiana crawfish. I just loved everything about this spot.

Area 337: A must visit in Lake Charles for Latin American cuisine. Family-owned and serving up plantains, arepas, and other yummy plates, this restaurant is as authentic as it gets.

Explore Downtown Lake Charles: Lake Charles has a seriously cute downtown. It has so many adorable shops and restaurants. Grab a bite at Pujo St. Cafe and shop at Olive & Indigo for the cutest curated goods and Bayou Blend for the softest clothes you’ll ever wear. Bayou Blend was created by Kaysie Bolton after her son’s Autism diagnosis and struggle with clothing, so all streetwear adheres to sensory needs and advocates for Autism Awareness and I just love it so much. Note: The Charlestown Farmers Market is the first Saturday of every month located on Bilbo Street behind the Historic City Hall. 10/10 recommend.

Insane Sausages: Located about 30 minutes from Lake Charles in Vinton, Louisiana, this spot was hoppin’ when we arrived which meant we were doing the right thing by making a pit-stop. We ordered the Pepperjack Hangover and the Cajun Hangover and had absolutely zero regrets. This is a must add stop for a road trip snack if you happen to be driving through Vinton.