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.
Whether it's talented locals or world class, seasoned performers, they all feel at home when they're performing at the Shreveport Opera. Some of the season's many notable productions include Don Giovanni, La Boheme and Tosca. The entertainment venue is also the site for several book fairs and other fund-raising projects throughout the year in an effort to keep the art of opera alive in Shreveport.
Various facets of history all intersect at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum. From artifacts of some of the state's most high-profile figures to pieces from prehistoric life in the area, the dramatic sweep of these collected stories is breathtaking. The Louisiana State Exhibit Museum is a Smithsonian affiliate museum and features 18 world renowned dioramas and rotating exhibits. Science, technology, culture and history intertwine here, and the stories that they tell will give you a deeper sense of understanding and appreciation of what the state's founding fathers went through. Admission is always free and the museum is open seven days a week.
Looking for a fun nightlife spot you and your buddies can escape to and take a break from the kids and the office? How about the Sand Bar? It's a guy's guy bar, with beer from all over the world, pool tables, basket ball hoops, beer pong, and a DJ spinning your favorite songs. It's all spread out over three floors, with video screens everywhere running the latest sporting events from all over the country. If you don't have a man-cave at home, the Sand Bar can be your home away from home!