Fielder Paint & Body

If you want to steer the family away from all the hustle and bustle of the city and relax near the water, a good choice is the Charles and Marie Hamel Memorial Park. Clean, well-maintained and serene, the scenery is a nice break from all of the city's fast-paced activity and mainstream attractions. Over the park's seventeen acres, you'll find the perfect spot to have a picnic and enjoy the river view. The hours are dawn until dusk, so plan a day full of wide open spaces with the Hamel Park as your only destination.

Instead of jeans and t-shirts and the usual laid back date, get dressed up for a romantic night out. Reach into the back of your closet for that suit or cocktail dress you rarely wear and step out to enjoy the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra. With various performances scheduled throughout the year, it's a great opportunity to absorb some classical music and soar with some of the area's culture vultures instead of the usual bar flies.

If taking a break from your usual scene and expanding your world view sounds like fun, then check out the various collections of art on display at the Meadows Museum of Art. The museum's holdings include pieces that date back to the 1800s as well as pieces by American Impressionist Alfred Maurer, German Expressionist George Grosz, and Texas Regionalist Don Brown. It's a visually captivating trip that's sure to invigorate your senses.

If you've ever wanted to get up close to a vintage SR-71 aircraft and learn its role in our country's military schematics, as well as the story of its construction and specifications, you need to visit Barksdale Global Power Museum. On your visit, you'll discover these seldom-documented stories that will add an even deeper dimension to brave men and women who served in our Air Force during some of the most dangerous moments in our nation's history.