With summer right around the corner, I thought I’d share what my perfect day in Monroe-West Monroe looks like full of local favorites, sweet treats, and memories waiting to be made.

Rise and shine! It's time for a great workout and an even better breakfast! One of my favorite ways to start the day is at Tribe 31, an all-women’s gym with incredible classes that help keep health, fitness, and fun in balance. After breaking a sweat, there’s only one place on my breakfast list: Lea’s. From the moment you walk in, you feel right at home. The welcoming atmosphere paired with a delicious, comforting breakfast makes it the perfect start to any morning.

By 11:00, it’s time to hit the streets because the local shops are ready to welcome us in! Whether you’re searching for stylish clothes, unique treasures, or Louisiana keepsakes, Antique Alley in West Monroe is always my go-to shopping destination. I never leave LoLa Jane’s Boutique without a bag full of the cutest clothes and gorgeous jewelry. Then, just a few doors down, I head into The Shoppes, where there are endless booths filled with hidden treasures perfect for gifts, décor, and one-of-a-kind finds.

Now, if you know me, you know I LOVE a sweet treat. My favorite? Turtles — and not the ones swimming in our bayous! Bayou Chocolate has some of the best chocolate treats around. And when I’m craving something a little different, the cinnamon rolls from Emergency Cravings are absolutely unbelievable.

By the time I finish my sweet stop, I’m usually ready for a little fun. Growing up involved in sports, I’ve always loved friendly competition, especially when it’s with friends. One of our favorite places to spend the afternoon is Bayou Bowl. It’s the perfect spot to laugh, compete, and make memories together.

After all that fun, we’ve definitely worked up an appetite. For dinner, I love a place with delicious food and a fun, laid-back atmosphere, which is why Tailgators is one of my favorite dinner spots. My go-to order is the flatbread Philly cheesesteak pizza, and if I can, I always request a seat on the patio. Watching the water while enjoying live music on certain evenings makes for the perfect ending to a summer day.

There are so many more places and experiences I could add to this list, but honestly, this is a day I could relive over and over again. Monroe-West Monroe has a way of making you feel right at home while always giving you something new to discover.

For more local favorites and adventures waiting to be explored, visit monroe-westmonroe.org and start building your own perfect day in Monroe-West Monroe!