Things To Do If You're Visiting Candy Cane Lane

Candy Cane Lane draws people from all over the region! Whether you’re visiting from out of town or a local with free time on your hands, we’ve got your whole schedule planned for you. Come in a few hours before nightfall for lunch and choose from over 100 local restaurants! We've even got plenty to do if you stay the night. Check out a few ideas below to discover more of Monroe-West Monroe!

A Magical Christmas in Monroe-West Monroe

The most wonderful time of the year is here—and there’s no better place to spend it than in your favorite place in northern Louisiana! Pack up the family and head to Monroe and West Monroe for a memorable and magical Christmas on the River, a month-long celebration filled with stunning light displays, festive parades, amazing fireworks, great shopping and more. Take your pick of the stocking full of fun things to do and see on your holiday retreat to Monroe and West Monroe.

7 Ways to Enjoy the Holidays in Monroe-West Monroe

Family-friendly events and attractions, more than 40 antique shops and trendy boutiques and plenty of chances to visit with Santa Claus are among the many things Monroe-West Monroe has to offer this holiday season. If you’re looking for a magical getaway that your whole family will love, pay us a visit.

Places to Get that Perfect Afternoon Snack

If you're looking for the perfect mid-day snack, Monroe-West Monroe has you covered. Whether you prefer savory or sweet, there's always something to choose from around town. These places are great spots to take the little ones too! Here are 5 great snack places to choose from.

Team Friendly Restaurants

As the pressure rises throughout the competition, so does hunger! Where can a whole team share a quick lunch or a celebratory dinner? We’ve curated a list of 4 of the most “team friendly” places in town.

Sweater Weather in Monroe-West Monroe

The temperatures are dropping, the leaves are changing colors, and the days are getting shorter. It's time to grab a fall outfit and dress for sweater weather in Monroe-West Monroe! Check out one of these local boutiques for the perfect fall outfit for any event.

7 Coffee Shops in Monroe-West Monroe

Have you checked out many of our local coffee shops? They are extraordinarily unique, with delicious coffee drinks and other treats that you can’t find at a chain restaurant. Here are 8 great coffee stops in Monroe-West Monroe!

5 Ways to Celebrate Fall in Monroe-West Monroe

Embark on an epic birdwatching adventure through a national wildlife refuge, taste some of the Bayou State’s finest wines, and paddle among towering bald cypress trees on a breathtaking lake. When you’re looking to get away this fall, plan a trip to Monroe-West Monroe.

The 9/11 Itinerary

On 9/11, we remember the fallen Americans. Nineteen years ago, this horrific event brought fear and despair for the loss and immense pride in the collective response after. For those looking to experience this patriotic spirit, here is an itinerary to explore MWM.

A Vegetarian's Guide to Monroe-West Monroe

A vegetarian's guide to restaurants in Monroe-West Monroe. Charise Irving, travel blogger from Two Upright Tray Tables, shares her favorite vegetarian spots.

Local Restaurant Update

Louisiana is currently in Phase Two. Here's what that means about our local restaurants!

Outdoor Adventures in Monroe-West Monroe

From beautiful, sprawling gardens and picturesque parks to the ever-flowing waters of the Bayou Desiard and the Ouachita River (listed as one of America's 10 most beautiful rivers by National Geographic magazine), Monroe-West Monroe, Louisiana has all the makings of an unforgettable outdoor getaway. Beyond the stunning surroundings and lush landscape, there are countless outdoor experiences that will have you coming back for more. Take on fascinating nature trails. Put your archery skills to the test. Get up close and personal with wildlife. Indulge in local cuisine while overlooking our city’s blackwater rivers. Whatever you choose to do, you’re sure to make lifelong memories. Explore our area’s top outdoor activities and map out a one-of-a-kind North Louisiana adventure of your own.

Discover MWM Social

Want to know where to find us on social media? We share updates on events, new restaurants and attractions, and unique takes on some of your favorite Monroe-West Monroe places. We also love sharing your amazing MWM photos! Follow along here!

7 Ways to Enjoy the Best of North Louisiana in Monroe-West Monroe

Nestled among rolling hills shaded by towering pines, tranquil bayous and rivers, and scenic lakes, Monroe-West Monroe is the beating heart of North Louisiana. While its natural beauty is more than enough reason to visit, there’s much more to these twin cities that you must experience.

Relax or Jive to Music Virtually in Monroe-West Monroe

Acoustic guitars, jazzy saxophones, slow piano ballads and even classic rock make it a night to remember. Whether you are looking to sit back and relax or dance the night away in your living room, we've got great places to listen to live music in Monroe-West Monroe from the safety of your home:

Zoom-In to MWM: Joe Biedenharn and Coca-Cola

Zoom in a Bottle: The Biedenharn Museum and Gardens director Ralph Calhoun joins us on a Zoom call to share how their museum is doing during COVID-19 and to tell us the story of the Coke bottle, a combination created by Monroe resident Joseph Biedenharn.

Zoom-In to MWM: Germ Experiment at The NELA Childrens Museum

Join us as we virtually visit The Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum in Monroe, Louisiana! Director Melissa Saye shows us a fun home experiment that teaches kids the important of washing your hands!

Social Distancing Activities in Monroe-West Monroe

The official Stay at Home Order from the Governor of Louisiana allows for taking walks, hiking, jogging, and being in nature. Here are a few activities you can do in Monroe-West Monroe!

Things to Do - Virtual Edition!

There's virtually always something to do! Here are five things you can do at home while experiencing Monroe-West Monroe.

Heron Hunt!

Go on a scavenger hunt and explore the city with Herons on the Bayou's Heron Hunt! Find as many of our 50 art sculptures as you can!

Hotels Offering Special Rates

These hotels are offering discounted rates for medical personnel on the frontlines of COVID-19 in need of a place to stay during this time.

Local Shops in MWM Adapting to COVID-19

Due to the Stay at Home mandate by the governor of Louisiana, as of March 23 at 5:00 p.m., all malls and boutiques should be closed to the public. We’ve collected a list of boutiques and shops offering online shopping.

Cajun Comforts: Places to Get Crawfish

There are still SO many options for delicious crawfish that you can take and eat in the safety of your home! Enjoy the Cajun flavors of comfort with a few lbs of this Louisiana delicacy. Here are five places offering curbside crawfish!

Jive to Live Music in Monroe-West Monroe

Acoustic guitars, jazzy saxophones, and slow piano ballads make it a night to remember. Whether you're looking to sit back and relax or dance the night away, we've got great places to listen to live music in Monroe-West Monroe.

Local Burgers

All-American. Classic. The burger is a staple of U.S. cuisine. Whether you’re at a fast food joint or a high-end restaurant, it’s likely that the burger is there also. Here are 4 local joints that get the burger so right.

Top 5 Group Experiences

For when your crew wants to do something other than dinner. Check out these recommendations for group hangouts in Monroe-West Monroe!

Enjoy the Water in MWM

Summer sun is more fun with water. Monroe-West Monroe is home to the Ouachita River, Black Bayou Lake NWR, and more waterways. Here are some ways to enjoy the water in Ouachita Parish this summer!

Things to Do if You're Visiting for a Landry Vineyards Concert

Concerts at Landry Vineyards draw crowds of people from all over the region! Whether you’re visiting from out of town or a local with free time on your hands, we’ve got the whole schedule planned for you. Check out our itinerary to see how to discover more of Monroe-West Monroe!

Mardi Gras in Monroe-West Monroe

Join us in Monroe-West Monroe for our 2019 Mardi Gras celebration. The day is full of family fun and Mardi Gras adventures. Click here for the schedule of events for Saturday, February 16!

Spending A Weekend in Monroe-West Monroe

Local travel blogging couple Two Upright Tray Tables has explored the globe. In this article, they discover Monroe-West Monroe as visitors. Check out some of their favorite spots!

5 Places to Explore Your Artsy Side in MWM

Monroe-West Monroe's art scene is thriving. There are so many cool places to see art. Find unique gifts, locally made creations, and stunning exhibits at these spots!

7 New Year's Resolutions in Monroe-West Monroe

New Year's Resolutions are a time-honored tradition. This year, add some of these resolutions to your list to discover more in Monroe-West Monroe.

Hauntingly Delicious: The Halloween-Themed Spirit You Have to Try

Available only until October 31st, this mystical drink turns all of your goth dreams into reality. It's a classic margarita with a spooky twist. Watch the video here!

4 Unique Places to Take a Walk in Monroe-West Monroe

More than just a stroll. Explore the outdoors on our relaxing trails or find something truly unique while taking a walk downtown. Here are 4 great spots to roam in Monroe-West Monroe.

Places to Eat on Sunday and Monday

A list of restaurants that are open on Sunday and Monday in Monroe-West Monroe. There's a lot to choose from! Go after church, stop by after that first workday of the week, or just start your week off right.

Historic Downtown Tours

The rich history of Monroe and West Monroe has been largely preserved in the downtown areas. Both sides of the river offer self-guided walking tours.

Sterlington Sports Complex

Opening in Spring 2018, the new Sterlington Sports Complex offers sports planners, ball players, and spectators a great tournament experience.

Duck Dishes in Monroe-West Monroe

Discover Duck Commander and locally crafted duck dishes in Monroe-West Monroe. These restaurants serve our favorite fowl in unique ways.

Tasty Tuesday Weekly Instagram Giveaway

Guess the restaurant! This weekly Instagram contest uses clues in an Instagram story and challenges viewers to guess the location. See the clues, then comment your answer on our #TastyTuesday post. It can be any restaurant, coffee shop, or dessert stand in Ouachita Parish. Build your knowledge of local dives on our Where to Eat page. All correct guesses are entered in a drawing to win a $10 gift card to that restaurant.

King Cake in Monroe-West Monroe

No Carnival Season is complete without a King Cake! Here's where to find them in Monroe-West Monroe, whether you're looking for one for your whole party or a slice for yourself, you can try it at any of these places.

Top Views in Ouachita Parish

There are many reasons to love Ouachita Parish. The people are charming, the food is delicious, and you don’t have to look hard to find something beautiful.

Creative Continental: Banana Pancakes

A Holiday Inn Express breakfast includes fresh pancakes. In this video, we add a fun twist to the typical pancakes and syrup combo. This video series looks at ways to make creative continental breakfasts.

Attraction Gift Shops

After visiting a new place, people love to buy commemorative items and gifts to bring back home. Many of our boutiques have Monroe-West Monroe specific clothing, and there are some local specialty shops that have unique offerings.

Unique Ways to Eat Crawfish in MWM

Crawfish is one of Louisiana's delicacies. It's saved for special occasions, and eating it is a learned skill passed from generation to generation. But the culinary scene in Monroe-West Monroe takes it a step further. Here are 3 dishes where your crawfish is already peeled.

Faces of Tourism

It's Tourism Awareness Week! We gathered just a few of our friends to talk tourism in Ouachita Parish. #DiscoverMWM

Herons on the Bayou

Memphis has Tigers, New Orleans has Oysters and Bead dogs, Arkansas has pigs, and Ruston has bulldogs.  Soon, Ouachita Parish will have Herons.

Photo the 'Roe 2018 Finalists

From stunning bayou shots, unique views of local attractions, artistic takes on popular events, our winning photographs have it all. See the winners of this year's Photo the 'Roe photo contest!

7 of the Best Things to Do This Summer in Monroe-West Monroe

Explore tree-shaded trails on the bank of a tranquil bayou. Uncover the stories of a soft drink pioneer and an American war hero. Sample some of the best locally made wine and craft beer in all of Louisiana. This is just a taste of the many experiences you’ll find this summer in Monroe-West Monroe.