Rambling along the Red

Southern Living, Oct 1997 by Nash, Susan Hawthorne

Settled in a crook of North Louisiana's meandering Red River, Shreveport and sister community Bossier City draw charm from the history and culture of not one Southern state but three. Spend an October weekend in the Ark-La-Tex, a label natives coined for the metro area's nearness to its geographic neighbors. You'll discover plenty to celebrate along the banks of the mighty Red and beyond.

Don't Miss

* Whiling away a blue-sky day at the Red River Revel Arts Festival. You can shop for artwork, sculpture, and handmade glassware by noted craftspeople; feast on funnel cakes, crawfish tamales, Cajun corn, plus a dozen other treats; and tap your toes to the beat of country music greats Delbert McClinton and Ricky Skaggs. The state's largest outdoor visual and performing arts party runs October 4-11.

* Winding through a rainbow of roses blooming at The Gardens of the American Rose Center.

* A performance at the Strand Theatre, ShreveportBossier's bow to a bygone era of grand theaters.

Weekend Dining Details

Take a break from sightseeing with lunch at Cafe Bon Appetit. Healthy options, children's selections, and a daily entree from the lunchroom's cookbook highlight the menu. At Herby K's Restaurant try the Shrimp Buster ($9), a local favorite, or the Oyster Loaf ($8). Treat the family to an all-you-can-eat catfish feast at Earl's Bayou Inn ($9.95). It includes trimmings of coleslaw, pickled tomatoes, and hush puppies.

The Shopping list

Collect a trunkful of treasures from the boutiques along Line Avenue, the city's north-south shopping corridor. Begin or add to your collection of antique linens, enamel and Limoges boxes, and porcelain miniatures from Katie Beth's Antiques and The Village Washstand. The Needlepoint Shoppe on Azalea Drive features custom Christmas stockings, rugs, and pillows. At Tower Book Shop a friendly staff is happy to recommend the latest works of Southern authors. Fly fishermen find an easy fix on their habit at Clearwaters Rod 'n' Fly Shop. Rooms of seasonal decorations at Colony House Florist and The Hinton Gallery's selection of rare prints and antique books may help you locate the perfect gift for the loved ones on your Christmas list.

Just the Two of You

Trade nighttime city lights for a quiet evening at The Magnolia House in nearby Ringgold. Complete getaways begin at $115 and include a five-course dinner plus breakfast.

Plan a romantic dinner for two at Olive Street Bistro. Our choices included a salad of oven-roasted mushrooms tossed with goat cheese and arugula ($6.95); risotto with shrimp, fresh herbs, and tomatoes ($11.75); and a hearty pot roast served over polenta ($13.25).

DOWN ON

THE BAYOU

Pillars of cypress stand like sentinels along the banks of Dorcheat Bayou. In the buttery light of an Indian summer afternoon, Mark Norris carefully noses his canoe through the sleepy waters of a narrow channel. The only sound heard is a rhythmic pul-lunk, pullunk, pul-lunk echoing through the late-day stillness. Long, spiky branches bow toward glassy green waters like so many slender, mossy fingers. To some people, the lowsweeping limbs might seem a little menacing in the stillness. But for Mark, the watery scene represents an inviting gateway to one of his favorite retreats. As a canoe outfitting specialist and guide, Mark shares his love and knowledge of North Louisiana's backwater byways with guided float trips and canoe excursions. All of the trips include basic paddling instructions, a water safety briefing, and a wildlife and nature commentary. For additional information on seasonal excursions, hiking trips, and catered moonlight cookouts in North Louisiana, contact Norris Outfitters, P.O. Box 40, Princeton, LA 71067; (318) 949-9522.

With the Kids

SciPort Discovery Center features hands-on learning entertainment. My nieces loved building a house with kidfriendly "bricks," petting an iguana named Rex, painting their faces, and learning about electricity in a hair-raising experiment. Visitors at the Pioneer Heritage Center can explore plantation life at six restored structures that include a blacksmith's shop with period tools and a doctor's office displaying early instruments and medicines. Afterward, pack a picnic lunch or supper and head to Hamel's Amusement Park. A roller coaster, log ride, and classic carousel promise kids young and old a screaming good time.

Staying Power

II your notions oz relaxing e ne quiet hospitality of a bed-and-breakfast, Fairfield Avenue in Shreveport presents several options. Slattery House B&B exudes Victorian grace and elegance while offering thoughtful, modern conveniences, plenty of privacy, and a small pool. Rates range $85-$185. You'll also find Ramada, Hampton, Days, and Comfort Inns, plus a Sheraton.

Insider Tip

Through November 16, Meadows Museum urges visitors to experience a unique hands-on exhibit, "Please Touch." Local artists have created multisensory, durable works of art for a special exhibit designed to address the needs of the visually and hearing impaired and physically challenged audiences. All visitors to the exhibit have the option of wearing blindfolds.