I Like Home The Best

by Angela Couch

It's rivers flow with a rhythm as they journey south. It's Magnolia blossoms, so striking in their beauty, give one a sense of strength wrapped in sleek satin. The sweet aroma of honeysuckle on the vine along it's country lanes soothe the soul. It's a place where people enjoy life in all of it's colorful hues and blends. A place where unique music, delectable food, or nature's bounty are reason enough to have a festival or throw a party. I'm talking about Louisiana. Even the name is a lovely melody.

Say it again, Louisiana.

We have such a wonderful country, filled with breathtaking vistas, endless fun, excitement and interesting people. After traveling in every state in America, except one, I have decided I like home the best. My goal, through a series of stories, is to give you a word picture of my area of Louisiana: its fun, its history, its attractions, its people.

I will be promoting events, highlighting history, supporting the arts, encouraging participation, and reporting on each event I attend or take a part in. Each month, my Facebook page, lists coming events and historical points of interest, highlighted by the crow as he flies 100 miles across north central Louisiana. Louisiana Trekker has graciously asked me to share with her readers some of the interesting places and people we see in this area.

Coming soon, two events we recently attended, the 55th Annual Louisiana Art and Folk Festival in Columbia, LA and Fall Fest & Antique Show sponsored by LaSalle Antique and Tractor Club based in Jena, LA.

Here are a couple of shots from those two events.

Louisiana, a lovely melody.

Photos and article copyright Angela Couch. All rights reserved. My not be copied or reproduced in any manner.

Can you smell it???? Cotton Candy, Corn Dogs, Sausage, Peppers and Onions...

Must be time for the Louisiana State Fair!!!

Alright, if you have read any of my past blog posts you know how much I love Louisiana. This time of year is one of my favorite times because I get to make memories with my family by visiting the State Fair of Louisiana. That's right, one of the highlights of the year is a trip to the state fair for a fun-filled day of eating, playing, riding, and having fun.

Trips to the fair bring back childhood memories of days gone by. Some things have not changed; the food, the smells, the carnies, and the rides.

This year's State Fair of Louisiana begins October 21 and runs through November 7. For a complete listing of all that the fair has to offer, visit their website State Fair of Louisiana. There are a series of concerts, rodeo, football classic, livestock shows, exhibits, rides and more. To view the special entertainment click here.

One event of interest is the World Championship Blacksmiths on October 22, 23, 24, 2010 at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum; visitors can watch a competition of blacksmiths creating a horseshoe.

An insider's tip: if you are able take off from school or work and get there between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and it is free to park and get into the fair; this will give you extra money to buy food or ride more rides!

Don't forget to visit the livestock barn and exhibit building while you are there. Many people have worked hard on different items to show at the fair from canned goods to arts and crafts.

Admissions
Ticket Prices
    * $8.00 Gate Admission
    * $28.00 Pay-One-Price *Includes Gate Admission and Ride Armband

FunPass - $75.00
    * Gate admission and armband for each of the 14 days the State Fair is open.
    * Once through the gate, redeem at Lowery Carnival office for FunPass ID.
    * Good for one person only. Non-transferrable.

Special Discount Tickets can be purchased at Brookshire's and Super One Foods.
Parking: $5.00
Hours of Operation : 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Opening Day Special - Dollar Day
Official Opening Day: Thursday, Oct. 21
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Free Parking & Admission
3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.: $1 Parking/Admission/Rides*
Even Many Food Items will be sold for $1!

Shhhhh Central Louisiana has a Secret

My mission when I travel is to find new and unique places to eat and visit. One of my favorite shows on television is Diner's, Drive Inns, and Dives. I just love seeing these real restaurants with real people who have a passion for what they do. I love smelling the food and taking in the local flavor. What really makes traveling fun and exciting is experiencing different cultures and people. One thing that I've noticed is that when you step off the beaten track and give local restaurants and businesses a chance you can find some GREAT people and places.

I'm going to let you in on a secret in Alexandria...you may already know about it...but in case you don't then you need to know about it...okay...I'm going to whisper it to you now...Atwood's Bakery on MacArthur Drive. There. Now you know. Whew, I feel better because I don't like keeping secrets.

When I find a great place I just want to share it with everyone. I'm sure if you are from Alexandria or Central Louisiana then you already knew about Atwood's Bakery. It has now made it to my list of must visit places on my trips to Alexandria. To be honest I love baked goods so I try to stay away from them and if I lived in Alexandria then I would have to take up extreme exercising because I would want to visit here often.

Our first few trips to Atwood's consisted of doughnuts or pastries and they were delicious! On our last trip we decided to take our little ones with us and actually go inside. The plan was to pick out some goodies and hit the road. When you walk into Atwood's you are immediately greeted with the smells you would expect from a bakery the overwhelming smell of buttercream frosting and assorted confections hit you like a ton of bricks. The variety is overwhelming (at least to those indecisive types as myself; I absolutely hate to go to cafeterias because there are too many choices and I start having a panic attack!). There are pastries, cookies, pies, cupcakes, Gelato, tea, coffee, cakes, candy and oh so much more.

Once everyone decided upon what they wanted to try, we decided to sit and eat our goodies. Below you will see what the little ones picked out...two monster cupcakes please. Only our son would not eat his; he liked it too much. He sat there at the table while everyone else ate their delicious treats and he would not eat it. It was not until we got home and took a picture of it would the boy eat it. Now, I don't know what planet he is from because I too had a cupcake (chocolate with buttercream frosting) and I had no problem gobbling mine right up.

Monster Cupcake from Atwood's Bakery in Alexandria
(The cupcake suffered some damage on the way home.)

I wanted to sample one of everything...that's how good everything looked and smelled. What I noticed while sitting there with my family and enjoying our break from the world was the friendliness of the staff and people who worked there. The atmosphere was relaxed and it felt like a place that you just wanted to stay and hang out for a while. Not many places these days give off that vibe. (I found myself singing the Cheers theme song in my head..."you wanna go where everybody knows your name...)

While we were waiting for our order we were drooling over the gelatos (which are fresh made right there at Atwood's Bakery). They offered us a sample; not just one flavor but I believe that if we had wanted to sample every flavor they would have let us. (oh and it was delicious!!!) They were friendly and nice. I felt special. Yes, in this day and age of fast food and rude workers; I actually felt like they had pride in their product and wanted to share it with me. What a great feeling!

Now, I have a quest. Now, I am going to have to try everything they have and find a favorite. That may take me years as their menu is quite extensive. The list is small right now....one cupcake, check; one eclair, check; one cannoli; check; one cream puff; check... It will be a while before my next trip to Alexandria but until then I'm dreaming about Atwood's Bakery and what to sample next.

I think in my zeal to share my secret I forgot to tell you that Atwood's Bakery also has a deli where they serve soups, sandwiches, salads, and breakfast. (Deli Menu) There is an extensive sandwich list including a build your own sandwich.

So, the next time you are in Alexandria, make it a point to drop by Atwood's Bakery. There's something for everyone. Prepare to be blown away! One other item of interest is that Atwood's Bakery was on TLC's Ultimate Cake Off. Wow! That's really cool. Louisiana has some really cool people!!

In my quest to promote Louisiana and our businesses, I must ask you that if you live in the Cenla area, please give this local business your money. We need to keep our dollars locally and spend them with the hard working and great entrepreneurs who make our state so great. For that next family gathering, Sunday dinner, special occasion, baby shower, birthday, wedding or other celebration, go to Atwood's Bakery and give them a try. I'm already trying to figure out how to move closer...so I can complete my quest!


Visit Atwood's Bakery at 1125 MacArthur Drive, Alexandria, Louisiana. Call 318-445-5134 or toll-free 800-374-8236

Rejoicing in the Roses at the Gardens of the American Rose Center

Rejoicing in the Roses, a celebration of contemporary praise music is set for Sunday, October 17, 2010, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Gardens of the American Rose Center. Three outstanding local praise groups will be performing live in the Gardens at the Windsounds Carillon Tower. Refreshments will be sold.

Performances are as follows:
• 2:00 p.m.: Gospel Quartet, Heaven’s Echoes
• 3:30 p.m.: St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Combined Adult and Children Choirs
• 5:00 p.m.: Silent Singers of Waller Baptist Church

Individual Admission:
• $5.50 per person
• Free: Ages 5-younger and ARS/ARC members

Group Admission:
• $3.50 per person for groups of 10 or more
• $35: Mini-bus
• $75: Bus

Gardens of the American Rose Center
Home of the American Rose Society, the Gardens of the American Rose Center was created in 1974 through the contributions of rose lovers around the world. The 118-acre park contains more than 65 individual gardens with each bed and planting specially designed to demonstrate ways roses can be grown in the average home garden. It is conveniently located just off of I-20, Exit 5, in Shreveport, LA.

By: Maria Scott, Director of Communications

318-938-5402
www.ars.org

A brand new day for Louisiana

There has been an idea brewing in my head for months now, I can't seem to shake it, so I'm going to go for it. One of the goals of this blog is to promote and bring attention to the great things that Louisiana has to offer. I focus on North Louisiana because this is where I grew up. This is what I know. This is my backyard. I am not an expert on Louisiana but I am passionate about this state and the culture. There are so many things to do and see. To visit Louisiana is to experience a people and a culture that is very diverse. The natives of Louisiana know how to live and experience life. There's a deep connection to the land, the outdoors, the arts, music, food, friends and family. The people of Louisiana are proud of their heritage and their history. This culture is what makes Louisiana unique. The food is influenced by so many cultures from around the world. To travel to Louisiana one must experience the food and flavors, the sounds and vibes, the arts and music, the products and people. Louisiana is not just a destination, it is an experience.

In the beginning, this was just a way to promote the people, places, products and events of North Louisiana; now it has become a journey. The very way of life in Louisiana is being threatened. For generations this state has relied upon tourism and industry to survive. There are very good people who work to make these jobs happen. Now, their very existence is threatened. My attention is still going to be focused on North Louisiana but I will not neglect the rest of the state. I will support my local seafood industry as I have since the beginning. I will support the entire state and their products and I implore you to do the same.

My family and I have supported local products for many years. When we have a choice we buy local, Louisiana-made products. We support great LOCAL Louisiana restaurants. We purchase great Louisiana food from many different people. You would be amazed at the many products that are available that are made right here in this great state!

This journey is not ours alone, there are many who have taken it before us and many who will continue it long after we are gone but my goal now is to take it up a notch. I plan on still promoting Louisiana events, businesses, travel destinations and products but I also want to give you an inside look into things that make this state great. If you are from Louisiana I hope that you will email me and share your ideas and comments. If you know of a business or place that I should feature, please let me know. Like I said before, I'm not an expert on Louisiana but I am passionate. I'd love to hear from you.

When I was growing up, I did not realize what a special place Louisiana was. I took for granted the pine trees, lakes and outdoor activities. I took for granted the friendly people and the great food. Now that I'm older I appreciate these things and I am thankful that this is where I call home. I have fond memories going to Toledo Bend with my grandparents. I have fond memories of playing outside. I have fond memories of traveling the great state to visit relatives. These memories are what keep me grounded and give me a sense of belonging. The past ten years I have had the opportunity to travel extensively in North Louisiana and explore the area with my family. We've hiked Mt. Driskill (Louisiana's highest elevation), visited Bonnie & Clyde Trade Days, enjoyed fishing and playing at Toledo Bend, visited Grand Bayou and Nichols in Coushatta, walked through historic Natchitoches front street, eaten at many, many great restaurants, visited alligator farms and the Alexandria Zoo.

If you haven't had the pleasure of exploring your own backyard, then please make plans today to explore the back roads of Louisiana. Stop at some local restaurants, shop at local stores, meet some new people and make some new friends. Enjoy one of the many festivals that celebrate our heritage. Our state needs help right now. We desperately need people to come visit and explore. We need locals to shop locally and keep their money here. This is a plea to think before you go out to eat, try some of the great local establishments. Shop at your local stores and look for locally produced products. Support our local economy. In the end everyone will benefit!

Thanks for reading and please email me if you have any suggestions! I look forward to sharing my journey with you and I would love to hear what you are doing and finding in this great state!!

July events in Monroe

The Monroe Jaycees present
CenturyLink Independence Day Celebration
Activities from 2 pm to 9 pm
Fireworks 9 pm

Forsythe Park
Free Admission

****

WMMX Independence Day Celebration
July 3 & 4 · 3 pm
West Monroe Motocross


Don't miss a weekend filled with racing, BBQ, live music,
children's activities and a fireworks show!

****

Lunch at the Children's Museum
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Noon
NELA Children's Museum

Enjoy "Tales and Tunes" every Friday in July with the
infamous storyteller Mrs. Moran! Be sure and
bring a sack lunch. Admission is $5.
www.nelcm.org · (318) 361-9611

From: www.monroe-westmonroe.org

Rock the Red in Alexandria

Summer Genealogy and History Camp

Monday, July 19, to Friday, July 23, 2010
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Alexandria Genealogical Library
503 Washington Street, Alexandria, Louisiana
318-487-8556

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Camp is open to boys and girls who have completed 6th grade to 15 years. Camp is limited to 15 campers. Camp fee of $10.00 must accompany Registration Form (call museum for form).

This Summer Camp is sponsored by the Alexandria Genealogical Library, the Alexandria Historical Museum and the Central Louisiana Genealogical Society.

Purpose of the Camp is to acquaint the participants with proper genealogical and historical research. Campers will fill out family group sheets for themselves, their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. Proper documentation of these sources will be discussed.

Campers will be given instruction on the use of computers in genealogical research and the role that the Internet plays.

Campers will need a three (3) ring notebook/binder for their information. Handouts will be given out to be placed in this notebook/binder. Campers will be acquainted with records found in parish/county courthouses. Campers will tour the Alexandria Historical Museum.

Louisiana History Museum, 503 Washington Street, Alexandria, Louisiana 71301
Dale Genius, Director & Curator, 318-487-8556
Web sites:
www.louisianahistorymuseum.org

See How They Run presented by Lagniappe Theatre Company

You DO NOT want to miss this comedy featuring professional actors from all over the country and also some amazing local talent mixed in!

So swift is the action, so chaotic the situations, so rib tickling the plot in this Comedy Smash that at its finish you're left as exhausted from laughter as though you've run a foot race. Galloping in and out of four doors of an English parsonage are an American actor and actress, a boy-crazed maid, an old church lady lurking around every corner, while four men dressed as ministers try to hide their true identities. Russian Spies, Mistaken Identity, and Loads of Laughs. It's like I Love Lucy on steroids! Great for the whole family! Don't miss the laughter!

You'll pay for the whole seat, but you'll only need the edge!!

WHERE: Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center,
1202 Third St., Alexandria, Louisiana

WHEN: Thursday July 15 at 7 p.m., Friday July 16 at p.m.,
Saturday July 17 at p.m., Sunday July 18 at 2:30 p.m.

HOW MUCH:
$15 adults, $12 for children 12 & under/Seniors 55 & up,
$10 for groups of 10 or more.

For tickets call 318-48-STAGE or purchase them at Cenla Broadcasting
at 1115 Texas Ave.

Lagniappe Theatre, PO Box 14015,
Alexandria, Louisiana

From: Lagniappe Theatre

Celebration on the Cane set for July 4

There will be fun for the entire family at Celebration on the Cane, Natchitoches’ Fourth of July celebration.

Enjoy a free live concert on Sunday, July 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the Fleur de Lis Stage. Rivers Revue, led by Hardrick Rivers, is a four-piece band specializing in a variety of jazz, rhythm and blues, zydeco and folk music.

The highlight of the evening will be a fireworks show over Cane River Lake that will take place at approximately 9:30 p.m. The downtown bridge will also illuminate with patriotic lights and patriotic music will play for all in attendance.

Many retail shops and restaurants located within the National Historic Landmark District will also be open for business on July 4. Visitors can also take a horse and carriage tour of the downtown area and visit other local attractions including the Fort St. Jean Baptist State Historic Site and the Natchitoches Alligator Park.

For more information about Celebration on the Cane, please call the Natchitoches Main Street at (866) 941-6246 or the Natchitoches Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 259-1714.

From: Natchitoches Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau