DALLAS ROAD TRIP IDEAS || VISIT SHREVEPORT - BOSSIER

One of the most consistent DMs I'm getting these days is for ideas of easy road trips from Dallas. Obviously a fraction of us are flying compared to what it normally would be, and I'm seeing so many people on instagram hopping in the car for a getaway. One of my favorite towns also happens to be a food lover's paradise. This post is all about how to spend your time on a road trip from Dallas to Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana.

The drive to Shreveport is an easy one, just 2.5 hours east of Dallas. In fact, the more I talked to locals the more I learned that Dallas is actually a favorite destination of Shreveport residents too! BONUS - everyone I met was a Cowboys fan, not a Saints fan 😉 Do with that what you will!

WHERE TO STAY IN SHREVEPORT - BOSSIER

HORSESHOE CASINO

Horseshoe is located in Bossier City and an EASY recommendation for those looking for *SAFE* fun. Masks, unlike other casinos in the area, are REQUIRED in all public spaces. No questions asked. No mask, no stay!

In addition to spacious rooms with sweeping views of the red river, they also have an insane party pool called the "Dare Pool". If you're reading this and COVID has a vaccine, praise be and book this hotel because this pool is going to be an absolute blast.

Now, if you're living in 2020 with me - a party pool doesn't sound quite as appealing. I'll have you know though that THE POOL IS CURRENTLY ONLY AVAILABLE TO HOTEL GUESTS! Making this an easy place to relax, have a few fancy cocktails and socially distance.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HORSESHOE - VISIT MY FULL BLOG POST HERE.

WHY CHOOSE A SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY CASINO

I LOVE visiting Shreveport / BC for a few reasons. I'll keep this short and sweet because they sell themselves.

1. You drink for free when you're gambling 🍻

2. There is no "ante" when you're playing table games. For example, some casinos charge a fee to play each hand. The house keeps that no mater if you win, lose or push.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT VISITING HORSESHOE CASINO (PARTICULARLY DURING COVID) VISIT MY FULL BLOG POST HERE.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK WHEN YOU'RE IN SHREVEPORT / BOSSIER CITY

Oh yeah, on to the good part now - THE FOOD! I've loved visiting Shreveport for many, many years mainly because the food is SO GOOD. It is a food lover's paradise and wildly underrated. I won't waste time, let's dive in to my favorite food stops in Shreveport / Bossier City.

1. Lucky Palace

I'm not haphazardly listing this first, this is the best restaurant in Shreveport (maybe all of Louisiana??) When you arrive you're going to be like, whoa I'm at the wroooooooong spot. You will walk through a sketchy, pay-by-the-week motel to get to Lucky Palace. Trust me, you're not in the wrong spot and you're in for the meal of your life. Lucky Palace is the best Chinese food I've ever had, and the winner of countless awards for their wine program including awards from Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast.

2. Marilynn's Place

No trip to Louisiana is complete without beignets. The best beignets in Shreveport are at Marilynn's Place. Oh, and they have all of your cajun favorites like crawfish etoufée and jambalaya.

3. Frozen Pirogue Oyster Bar

Oyster and daiquiri lover's this one is for you! They have a ton of different types of frozen daiquiris (the combinations are endless when you combine flavors), and six different flavors from oyster crab cakes to garlic parmesan.

BONUS- this is in the East Bank district, the only spot in Shreveport - Bossier where you can take your drink to go in an open container!

4. Strawn's

This is an awesome three meal a day restaurant, but I'd for sure recommend going for solid classic breakfast. Your classic diner style fare, and they have a special love for large mounds of butter. But don't we all.... I mean, it even has its own instagram page 😂

5. Jack Binion's

The steakhouse located inside Horseshoe is amazing. A classic fine-dining experience, but with a comfortable and approachable atmosphere. Take your blackjack winnings and indulge in a tempura fried lobster tail or a filet and a dirty martini!

6. The Blind Tiger

I originally, many many years ago, heard about the blind tiger from a shuttle driver. He told me it was so good it'll make you slap three people in line. He. Ain't. Lyin. Y'all. Their cajun food menu it sure to spice and delight. Adore this spot, it's a can't miss for me.

7. Fatty Arbuckles Pub // Craft Cocktail Lounge

Although I didn't eat here (I believe they have a full sandwich menu), I did drink here. They have over 200 whiskeys to choose from and a full craft cocktail menu. These bartenders knew their liquors - a must visit in the Red River District.

8. Flying Heart Brewery

Not only is this a great spot for a cold one 🍻 but they have a great food and dessert lineup too. It's just a solid spot for a Sunday funday or a Thursday night beer and pizza.

9. Real BBQ + More

BRB, I need to grab a tissue because I was just brought to tears remembering this meal all over again. The "Now and Later" baked potato topped with brisket, sausage, pork, turkey, chicken and piled HIGH with Mac and cheese is a whole mood. Harvey Clay, the owner, has been cooking BBQ since 1968 and it shows. A must visit!

10. Herby K's

Although they haven't updated their website just yet, according to their Facebook page it does appear they are now open again after their COVID closures. Known as a classic "hole in the wall" they're famous for their shrimp buster meal, a unique twist on the po-boy with a "secret sauce" on the side. They also have all of your classic, Louisiana cajun staples.

WHERE TO DO WHEN YOU'RE VISITING SHREVEPORT / BOSSIER CITY

1. VISIT THE SUNFLOWER + WILDFLOWER FIELDS

If you happen to be visiting during June or July, they also have a sunflower trail. The trail is along Hwy 3049 off Grimmet Drive to Gilliam, which includes Sentell Road where these photos were taken. There was also a pick your own wildflower field less than a mile down the road. Get updates on all things Sunflowers HERE.

2. Watch and bet on Horse Racing at Harrah's Louisiana Downs

This was one of the most fun ways to spend the day. We enjoyed a private suite with a full bar and amazing food while we watched the day's racing lineup. We even had our own private betting machines in the suite, plus a perfect view of the finish line. I love horse racing, and have even been to the Kentucky Derby. Add this to your list for some easy, safe, socially distanced fun.

( I just really liked this guy's shirt.... 😂)

2. Visit DARE Pool and Dayclub at Horseshoe

If you're looking for a place to let loose, this is your spot. Please note, that as this post was written - the pool is for hotel guests only! Normally though, outside guests are able to get a day pass. They have the coolest, most instagrammable cocktail lineup and on the weekends have a DJ spinning.

One of the cabanas even has its own private pool. This is the cabana we stayed in and it was just the best! Give the hotel a ring to book that cabana!

I hope you'll add Shreveport-Bossier to your road trip {love} list this Summer. The food is outstanding, the people are wonderful and the casinos are clean and safe with masks being a requirement.

To book a stay at Horseshoe || CLICK HERE

To check out everything Shreveport-Bossier has to offer for your visit || CLICK HERE