Better Together: 10 Local Pairings to Try in Monroe-West Monroe
Some things are just better together. A day on the water followed by a meal overlooking the bayou. An afternoon of shopping followed by a glass of locally made wine. Or a little inspiration followed by a chance to create something yourself. If you’re exploring Monroe-West Monroe, pairing two local experiences is an easy way to make even more of your visit. Some of these stops share a piece of local history, while others simply make the perfect combination for a day out. Here are 10 Monroe-West Monroe pairings we think belong together.
Chennault Aviation & Military Museum + Flying Tiger Brewery & Pizza Bar
History, Then Hops
Start with the story behind the name. At the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum, learn about General Claire Lee Chennault, the Flying Tigers and the men and women who have served our country throughout military history. Then, continue the connection at Flying Tiger Brewery & Pizza Bar. The local brewery pays tribute to the Flying Tigers through its name and military-inspired atmosphere. Grab a locally brewed craft beer, order a pizza and raise a glass after learning more about the history that inspired it.
Forsythe Park + Enoch’s Irish Pub
Get Moving, Then Hang Out
Get outside at Forsythe Park, where you can walk, bike, play tennis or pickleball, enjoy the riverfront or simply spend some time in the fresh air. Afterward, head down the road to Enoch’s Irish Pub, a longtime Monroe favorite known for burgers, live music and its laid-back atmosphere. Whether you worked up an appetite on the courts or took a leisurely walk through the park, Enoch’s is an easy next stop.
Duck Commander Museum + JAC’s Craft Smokehouse
A West Monroe Kind of Day
You can’t talk about West Monroe without mentioning Duck Commander. Stop by the Duck Commander Museum to learn more about the Robertson family, the story behind the business and the local roots that eventually became known around the world. Then, make your way to Downtown West Monroe for another local experience at JAC’s Craft Smokehouse. Fill your plate with craft barbecue before taking some time to explore Antique Alley.
Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo + Eskamoe’s
Explore, Then Cool Off
Spend the day visiting some wild residents at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo. Explore the animal exhibits, hop aboard the train, take a boat ride and see what else you can discover throughout the more than 80-acre attraction. After a summer day at the zoo, there’s only one thing left to do: cool off! Head to Eskamoe’s for frozen custard and give everyone in the family a sweet reward after a day of exploring.
Ouachita Paddling Trails + Catahoula’s
Paddle, Then Pull Up a Chair
Experience Bayou DeSiard from the water by paddling one of the Ouachita Paddling Trails. You’ll see cypress trees, wildlife and some of Northeast Louisiana’s scenery from an entirely different point of view. Then, keep the waterfront experience going at Catahoula’s. Its location along Bayou DeSiard makes it a natural stop during your adventure. Get off the water, grab a seat and refuel after your paddle without leaving the bayou behind.
Antique Alley + Landry Vineyards
Shop, Then Sip
Start in Downtown West Monroe with a little treasure hunting. Antique Alley is filled with antique stores, boutiques, local shops and plenty of places where you never quite know what you’ll find. Once the shopping bags are full, trade downtown for the rolling hills at Landry Vineyards. Slow things down with a tasting of locally made Louisiana wine and enjoy a completely different side of West Monroe. If your visit lines up with one of Landry Vineyard’s outdoor concerts, even better!
Biedenharn Museum & Gardens + Geno’s Italian Restaurant
Two Monroe Classics
Spend part of your day getting to know one of the families that helped shape Monroe’s story at the Biedenharn Museum & Gardens. Explore the historic home, learn about Joseph Biedenharn’s connection to the first bottling of Coca-Cola, stroll through the Elsong Garden and discover the other collections found throughout the property. Then, continue your day at another longtime Monroe institution. Geno’s Italian Restaurant has been serving the community for decades with traditional Italian favorites in a cozy setting. Together, these two stops offer a taste of the history and longtime local places that have become part of Monroe’s story.
Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge + Two Warriors Meadery
From Nature to the Nectar
Slow down and experience the natural side of Northeast Louisiana at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Walk the trails and boardwalk, look for wildlife and take in views of the lake, cypress trees and surrounding landscape. Then, continue your nature-inspired outing with something you may not drink every day: mead. Two Warriors Meadery creates its locally made beverages using honey, making it a fun connection after spending time surrounded by the plants, wildlife and ecosystems that make Northeast Louisiana special.
Masur Museum of Art + The Good Daze Studio
Get Inspired, Then Create
Start by seeing what others have created at the Masur Museum of Art. Explore exhibitions featuring works from regional, national and international artists and spend some time taking in one of Monroe’s cultural attractions. Feeling inspired? Now it’s your turn. Head to The Good Daze Studio, a creative space offering workshops and opportunities to make something of your own. You may even leave Monroe-West Monroe with a handmade reminder of your visit.
Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Heritage Museum + Kravins
Learn Local, Eat Local
Learn more about the stories, art, history and contributions of Black communities in Northeast Louisiana with a visit to the Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Heritage Museum. Then, make your next stop Kravin’s, a locally owned favorite known for wings and plenty more. It’s a chance to support two local places while experiencing different parts of the community during your time in Monroe.
There’s more than one way to explore Monroe-West Monroe, and sometimes the best experiences happen when you put two local favorites together.
Biedenharn Museum & Gardens
Antique Alley
Ouachita Paddling Trails