Wynn, N Dvm

The expanse of the 200-acre Oxbow Lake at the C. Bickham Dickson Park is the first clue that the natural allure of the water and all of its outdoor surroundings will create a picturesque moment that you will look back on with a smile. This amazing 585-acre park is the largest in Shreveport.

If you've been moving too fast and haven't taken the time to stop and smell the roses, the Gardens of the American Rose Center will give you so many opportunities to take in the pleasant aroma and sight of the beautiful flower. Over 20,000 blooms can be seen throughout the 42-acre research and garden attraction, so there's no excuse for missing the chance to take a break from your busy-pace-rat-race to literally smell these roses.

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.

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.