Hidden Gems of Shreveport: A Local's Guide to Louisiana's Best-Kept Secrets

While the riverboat casinos might dominate Shreveport's tourism brochures, the city's true soul lies in its vibrant arts scene. The Shreveport Regional Arts Council has transformed the old Central Fire Station into artspace, a magnificent cultural hub where local artists showcase everything from traditional Southern crafts to avant-garde installations. My partner and I spent an entire afternoon lost in conversation with local artists who shared stories behind their work.

Just a short walk away, the Strand Theatre stands as an opulent reminder of Shreveport's golden era. This meticulously restored 1925 vaudeville palace hosts everything from Broadway touring productions to intimate jazz performances. Pro tip: book tickets for a Friday night show, then stroll hand-in-hand along the illuminated Texas Street Bridge afterward – the changing LED light installation creates the perfect romantic backdrop for an evening selfie.

For history buffs, the Spring Street Historical Museum offers an intimate glimpse into Shreveport's past, housed in a building dating back to 1866. The docents here share fascinating tales that never made it into history books – ask specifically about the city's unique role during the Civil War.

Let me tell you something that took me three visits to discover: Shreveport's food scene is criminally underrated. Skip the casino buffets and head straight to Herby-K's, a local institution since 1936. Housed in what looks like someone's grandma's house (because it originally was), this place serves the legendary Shrimp Buster – butterflied fried shrimp on buttered toast that's worth every calorie. My husband Carlos still talks about it two years later.

For a romantic dinner that won't break the bank, Wine Country Bistro offers farm-to-table Southern cuisine with a sophisticated twist. The courtyard seating under string lights creates an atmosphere that's made for holding hands across the table. Their wine list is impressively curated for a mid-sized city.

Coffee lovers should make a beeline for Rhino Coffee on Southfield Road. This spacious converted home serves the best flat white I've found outside Australia, along with house-made pastries that pair perfectly with their locally roasted beans. I never visit without picking up a bag of their small-batch coffee beans to bring home – the perfect souvenir that keeps the Shreveport memories alive long after your trip.

For picnic supplies before heading to the waterfront, stop by Maxwell's Market for their legendary muffuletta sandwiches and pick up a bottle from their surprisingly extensive wine selection. Their insulated wine tote keeps everything perfectly chilled for riverside picnics.

Having grown up on Australia's Gold Coast and honeymooned on Kerala's houseboats, I'm admittedly a bit of a water snob. But Shreveport's Red River waterfront surprised me with its charm, especially in autumn when the humidity drops and the riverbanks burst with color.

The Red River District, tucked beneath the Texas Street Bridge, has been revitalized into a charming collection of shops, restaurants, and public spaces. On weekend evenings, local musicians often set up impromptu performances that give the area a festive atmosphere. My favorite discovery here is Fully Stacked, a board game café where couples can enjoy craft beers while challenging each other to everything from classic chess to obscure European strategy games. Their collection of two-player games is particularly impressive for couples looking for some friendly competition.

For a more secluded experience, rent bicycles from Bike Shreveport and explore the paved trails along the river. Pack that picnic from Maxwell's Market and head to C. Bickham Dickson Park, where you'll find quiet spots with river views and significantly fewer people than downtown. I always pack my compact picnic blanket which folds into a tiny pouch but provides ample space for two people and all your picnic goodies.

For those with a bit more time, a sunset cruise on the Spirit of the Red River offers spectacular views of the city skyline. The captain shares fascinating tidbits about Shreveport's riverboat history while you sip local craft beers and watch the sun paint the water in shades of gold and crimson.

After years of exploring accommodations around Shreveport, I've learned to bypass the flashy casino hotels for more authentic stays. The Remington Suite Hotel in downtown Shreveport occupies a beautifully restored 1920s building that once housed a medical arts center. Each suite is uniquely decorated with period-appropriate furnishings, plush bedding, and surprisingly spacious bathrooms. Request room 507 for its corner windows and stunning city views.

For couples seeking a more intimate experience, The Fairfield Place Bed and Breakfast in the historic Fairfield neighborhood offers Southern hospitality at its finest. Housed in a Queen Anne Victorian home built in 1870, this B&B features four-poster beds, claw-foot tubs, and a veranda perfect for morning coffee or evening wines. The innkeepers, Tom and Judy, prepare a breakfast that rivals any restaurant in town – their pecan waffles with Shreveport-made Mahaffey Farms small-batch bacon are worth the stay alone.

If you're visiting during peak festival times, book accommodations at least two months in advance. I learned this lesson the hard way when I spontaneously decided to attend the Red River Revel arts festival and ended up staying 30 minutes outside the city. For light sleepers like me, a good white noise machine is essential if you're staying downtown, as the nightlife can continue well into the early hours, especially on weekends.

Fall in Shreveport brings perfect weather and a calendar packed with events that showcase the region's unique culture. The jewel in Shreveport's festival crown is undoubtedly the Red River Revel, held annually in October. This massive arts festival transforms Festival Plaza into a wonderland of art installations, live music stages, craft demonstrations, and food vendors serving everything from traditional Louisiana fare to international cuisines. My partner and I spent an entire day wandering through artist booths, where I found a handcrafted ceramic mug that's now my daily coffee companion.

For couples who enjoy culinary adventures, timing your visit to coincide with the BREW festival (also in October) lets you sample creations from dozens of regional craft breweries while enjoying live music in the beautiful Columbia Park. Bring along a collapsible cooler to transport any bottled treasures you discover – Louisiana has surprisingly strict laws about open containers!

If your visit doesn't align with a major festival, fear not – the Shreveport Farmers' Market (Saturdays, May through August) and the smaller Benton Farmers' Market (Sundays, June through July) offer a glimpse into local life and agriculture. The prepared food vendors at these markets serve some of the most authentic regional specialties I've found anywhere in Louisiana. My absolute favorite is finding fresh pralines – that distinctive Southern confection that's somewhere between candy and cookie. I always pack a reusable shopping tote that folds into a tiny pouch but expands to hold all my market treasures.