Finally! As sweltering summer temperatures abate, it’s time to plan a little outdoor fun. Start with the Biedenharn Museum & Gardens, one of Monroe’s most visited attractions and home to numerous events. The museum is the original residence of Joseph Biedenharn, the first bottler of Coca Cola, and its décor is elegant beyond measure. The site also includes a separate Bible Museum in which visitors view an extensive collection of historically significant and rare Bibles, including a mid-15th century Gutenberg Leaf, part of the first Bible printed using moveable type.
The museum’s accompanying ELSong Gardens are named for Biedenharn’s daughter Emy-Lou, an internationally acclaimed opera singer prior to World War II. Wander through the romantic and dreamy gardens and view terraces and trellises draped in plantings, along with statuary and manicured shrubs. The gardens’ design was inspired by the great traditions of French and English landscape architecture. In the fall, ELSong host numerous events, including Scarecrows in the Garden in October. Stroll through to see grand Halloween displays created by local nonprofits that feature scarecrows in the starring role. You can even vote for your favorite.
Michell Morris
Black Bayou Sunset
Sunset over the Black Bayou National Wildlife Refuge
Fall’s gentler temperatures also inspire many visitors to explore the stunning Black Bayou National Wildlife Refuge, a top birding destination and a soothing setting for a day hike. Birders know that Black Bayou is a must-see during the fall, one of two peak migration seasons for a variety of warbler species. Bring your binoculars to spot the bright yellow Prothonotary Warbler and many other varieties of this beautiful songbird. Stroll along the boardwalk into the Cypress swamp to see the numerous waterfowl. Or, trek along the seven-mile Edgewater Trail that wends along both Bayou Lake and Bayou Desiard. Getting back to nature is just what you need after the record-breaking climes that kept us stuck indoors this summer.
