With seven casino resorts, Shreveport-Bossier City has long attracted visitors looking to gamble (Atlantic City now has eight casino resorts, by comparison). However, it would be unfair to write off this northwestern Louisiana collective set along the Red River as a one-trick pony.
During a recent group media tour, hosted by the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, I was greeted by a community that truly understands the value of nurturing its growing arts and culture scene. No doubt about it, Shreveport and Bossier City are on to something bigger.
Festival Central
My visit took place during the Louisiana Film Prize, an annual short-film contest and festival started in 2013 that invites filmmakers to compete for the chance to win $50,000. The only stipulation is that films must be shot in the Shreveport-Bossier area, a smart move that keeps the locals connected.
I watched the first slate of films at the Robinson Film Center, a nonprofit independent movie theater offering two screens, educational programs and a bar and bistro (Abbey Singer’s Bistro) upstairs. The Robinson Film Center is available for rental and offers a 2,326-square-foot space for events.
My group also checked out the Red River Revel Arts Festival at Festival Plaza—an outdoor event space in downtown Shreveport—as well as the Music Prize battle of the bands at trendy VooDoo Cafe, set within Shreveport’s Red River District, where groups can go to experience the nightlife.
Group Experiences
The Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau has crafted a number of group experiences, including a Backstage Music Tour at the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, a Science Is Fun series of demonstrations at Sci-Port, and a wine and chocolate pairing at Margaritaville, among others.
All were worthwhile, but I was really wowed by the Municipal Auditorium tour, in which our guides shared stories of Elvis’ first time on the stage and the oppression that Sam Cooke faced in Louisiana. We also learned of an upcoming collaboration with The Agora Borealis, a cool, local art gallery.
Our most “extreme” group experience was ziplining over alligators at Gators & Friends, an alligator park and exotic zoo in nearby Greenwood. I’d never been ziplining before (I have a fear of heights), and even I enjoyed it!
Southern Hospitality
It would be a disservice not to mention the genuine hospitality our group received at both the Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites Shreveport/Bossier City and at 2439 Fairfield, a local bed-and-breakfast. Our entire group was commenting on how kind the staff and owners were at each property, and the same was true for the rest of the stops on our three-day media tour. The Shreveport-Bossier area is definitely worth a site visit.
Check out our Shreveport-Bossier City event gallery page for some images from the trip!
