Vineyard concerts and gallery crawls. Arts festivals and artisanal markets. Globally-inspired cuisine and handcrafted spirits. For those seeking the perfect fall getaway, look no further than the vibrant twin cities of Monroe-West Monroe. Nestled against the picturesque Ouachita River and Bayou Desiard, this northeast Louisiana destination also offers treasure-filled antique hunts, scenic nature hikes, and plenty of adventure. So consider this your official invitation to join us for a weekend escape this autumn.
Landry Vineyards
Shake off that picnic blanket and grab a few chairs before heading over to the Landry Vineyards for their Saturday concerts. From country to jazz to classic rock, this outdoor music series fills fall evenings with good vibes to suit every musical taste. While you’re there, sample any of the 20+ wines produced by this beloved family-owned hillside winery, which has been crafting Louisiana-native wines since 2002.
The Lucy Look Alike Contest at Landry Vineyards
Strauss Theatre Center
Whether you’re more drawn to comedy or tragedy, chances are that Strauss Theatre Center, one of Louisiana’s leading not-for-profit theaters, has just the ticket. The fall lineup includes crowd-pleasing productions of Annie Get Your Gun (September 15–24), Irving Berlin’s rousing tale of sharpshooter Annie Oakley; and Hamlet (October 27–November 6), Shakespeare’s classic saga of family rivalry, revenge, and madness.
Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival
The Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival, on October 1, features live renditions of Irish and Scottish music and dance. Bring the kids along for this one-day festival, held on the 150-acre grounds of Kiroli Park, to enjoy activities ranging from Celtic dance demonstration, to caber tossing, to artisan crafts.
Downtown Gallery Crawls
Bi-Monthly Downtown Gallery Crawls spotlight the works of artists both within the region and from all over the country. Multiple galleries throughout the historic downtown area offer art enthusiasts access to everything from exterior exhibitions at The Outdoor Gallery to newly created pieces by a selection of rotating artists at Sugar Gallery.
Fall Market on the Alley
Fall Market on the Alley, on October 8, celebrates the best of homemade and homegrown. An opportunity to enjoy local homegrown treats, including a food truck, and handmade artisanal goods. Kids can get creative at the pumpkin decorating station and bring their pumpkins home as souvenirs.
Live music
Live music is a particularly enticing highlight of visiting Monroe-West Monroe –– every night of the week. From old-world pub vibes at Enoch’s Irish Pub & Grill to live music and karaoke nights at Brass Monkey, to venturing in to downtown’s newest music hall and artist haven, The Murphy Room –– an array of venues spotlight the talents of local musicians across multiple genres and styles, be it acoustic guitar, jazz saxophone, or piano ballads.
The Restaurant Scene
All those can’t-miss events and must-do activities will generate a hearty appetite, and in this, the sister cities do not disappoint, with over 100 locally-owned spots to try. Catfish to po’boys, Italian to Indian, craft beers to hand-crafted cocktails, there is something to please every palate. Try the oysters and champagne at Warehouse No.1; duck wraps and cocktails at Cotton; and Honduran fare and Cuban coffee at Alex’s Latin Restaurant & Cafeteria. For fried catfish (grilled, blackened, or wrapped up in a taco), try Catfish Charlies; there’s also Cajun-style pizza with andouille and crab at Johnny’s Pizza House. Head to Lea’s of Lecompte for homemade pies and biscuits with gravy; get cappuccinos and cinnamon rolls at The Coffee Bean; or visit The Good Earth Juice and Salad Bar for acai bowls and smoothies.
Christmas on the River
A special holiday sneak peek: What better way to start the holiday season than by coming back for the annual Christmas on the River (November 11–December 31) festival? Parades, wagon rides, movies in the park, lights festival, fireworks, shopping galore, and so much more –– make this holiday season your merriest and brightest yet!
Plan your next weekend getaway this fall (and beyond) at monroe-westmonroe.org.
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