[today we're headed south for our weekly city guide, courtesy of paula of neutral dwelling. in addition to "big cities" i'm thrilled that we're able to branch out into smaller towns on d*s. if you want to represent your small town on d*s, just shoot me an email here!]
Louisiana’s Twin Cities, Monroe & West Monroe are two small-town southern charmers. The first Coca-Cola bottling plant was opened here, maybe that’s why no one will ask you if you would like a soda, only “Would you like a Coke?” Delta Airlines got its start here as the world’s first aerial crop dusting organization. Who knew? And, we even have our very own castle, Layton Castle, which is one of Louisiana’s 7 nationally registered castles. You won’t find nicer people anywhere in the world and I am happy to share some of our local culture with you on Design*Sponge today.
CLICK HERE for the full monroe & west monroe guide after the jump!
Places to Be
Louisiana is world renown for its music and knowing how to have a good time. Just this year our state was named as housing the happiest people in the nation. If you like listening to live music, you won’t be disappointed!
Enochs Pub and Grill is an irish pub with a rotating roster of artists from all genres including rhythm and blues, rock ‘n’ roll, rockabilly, pop, and soul. And bless your heart, if you are lucky enough to catch The Levees singing their original song, Bless Your Heart, which is a light-hearted perspective of Southern charm and manners. If you would like to put a smile on your face, have a
listen.
The newest happening place is
Coda Bar and Grill that houses the
Rising Sun where you are transported to the relaxing style of the Big Easy and you can sit back, relax and have a drink or two.
Sites to See
The
Masur Museum is the largest art museum in northeast Louisiana and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There is an ongoing schedule of temporary exhibitions so there is always something new to see!
Biedenharn Museum & Gardens is a favorite place to view the beautiful blooms in Elsong Gardens and take family or wedding portaits. You can also tour the Biedenharn home which is furnished as it was during the residence of Emy-Lou Biedenharn.
Coca Cola Museum offers a nostalgic trip back in time. It’s the Real Thing! They offer live demonstrations of coke bottling back in the day.
Bry Art Gallery is housed at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Be sure to view the exhibition gallery walls online.
The Ouachita River Art Gallery This is a non-profit artists co-op and you can find original ceramics, jewelry, photography and woodturning pieces of art. You can get a peek at the landscape and the abundant wildlife in our area by visiting photographer
Allen Harrison’s site and viewing the galleries. If you love nature, like I do, you’ll be awed.
Sculpture Garden contains works from artists across the country and is located on the grounds of the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
Design Guide with a Local Flavor
Louisiana is replete with wonderful antiques and antique aficionados are in heaven strolling down
Antique Alley located in downtown West Monroe. There are over 25 stores on Trenton Street for you to search for your prized possession. So many treasures and so little time! You’ll want to be sure and stop in at KK’s Gourmet and pick up some salsas and seasonings to take home with you, especially the award winning products from
Jac’s Tailgaters. Yum! If you get weary, you are cordially invited to step back in time and enjoy turn of the century splendor and spend the night in the antique furnished rooms at the
Rose Lee Inn Bed and Breakfast
The Muffin Tin located at 1904 Glenmora Drive in Monroe and its sister shop, Trenton House in West Monroe at 304 Stella Street house a bountiful collection of Arthur Court, crystal, china, gourmet and kitchen supplies.
Inside Indigo located at 1006 N. 3rd Street in Monroe offers upscale home furnishings along with a great collection of works from regional artists.
Intelligent Design offers design service with Sherrill Furniture and Liz Victory Designs being among the many lines carried. They are located at 1127 Forsythe Ave. in Monroe.
Material Things is a lovely store that is all about French design. You’ll find antiques, seagrass, linen, chandeliers, lanterns, garden statuary. Say hello to Peggy Gonzales or Joyce Sims and they will be happy to customize something for your home. Material Things is located at 609 Park Avenue in Monroe.
3rd Street Market located at 1806 3rd Street in Monroe is managed by Jessica Dreyer and is simply a wonderful little shop that offers antiques, home décor and gardening items presented with a bohemian flavor. You’ll find works by local artists such as Joida Evans- who creates wonderful pottery pieces, Trey Crowe’s unique wine glasses and original photography from around the world by Ray Ragsdill. By the way, the staff is exceptionally pleasant and engaging.
Paul Michaels is the largest home accessories store in the area. If you are looking for beautiful imported goods, this is the place for you. The Paul Michaels Company is a regional chain whose home is in the south.
The Gingerbread House located at 214 Haynes Street in West Monroe features home décor and has a flair for the fleur de lis!
Dining
You certainly won’t go hungry here. You can visit Restaurant Row located on Thomas Road in West Monroe where you will find many familiar chain restaurants. But if you are looking for the local flavor, you might want to try these:
Sage Restaurant features contemporary cuisine with a southern flair led by the culinary talents of Chef Cory Bahr.
The Waterfront Grill offers the best view of Bayou Desiard while enjoying your meal that is always fresh and never fried. One of my favorites is the Catfish Desiard.
Warehouse No.1 Restaurant at One Olive Street overlooks the picturesque Ouachita River. Lots of shrimp and fish dinners to choose from!
If you like Louisiana foods like po-boys, red beans and rice or jambalaya, your palate will be pleased at Sports City Grill.
