Once you’ve checked into your hotel, start your weekend with something every good trip needs: a great meal.

For an elevated take on Louisiana flavors, grab a table at Parish Restaurant & Bar in Downtown Monroe. Nearby, Restaurant Cotton serves Southern-inspired dishes overlooking historic Art Alley.

If pizza and a cold drink are more your Friday-night speed, you have options on both sides of the Ouachita River. Flying Tiger Brewery & Pizza Bar is located in Downtown Monroe, while Flying Heart Brewing & Pub is across the river in West Monroe.

Not ready to call it a night after dinner? Spend a little time exploring downtown, take a walk near the Ouachita River, grab a drink at the Star Bar or dessert at Eskamoe’s before heading back to your hotel. There’s a full day of Warhawk fun ahead!

Before you break out the maroon and gold, start Saturday with breakfast and coffee.

Grab a cup at Standard Coffee Co. in Monroe or Corner Coffee in West Monroe. If you’re looking for a full breakfast, stop by Delta Biscuit Co. for Southern breakfast favorites or visit Lea’s of Monroe, a local institution known for its breakfast and homemade pies.

Then, spend a little time seeing Monroe-West Monroe beyond the football field.

Get outside at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Walk the nature trails and boardwalk, take in the views of Black Bayou Lake, and keep an eye out for some of the wildlife that calls the refuge home.

Explore local history at the Biedenharn Museum & Gardens. Tour the historic Biedenharn home, stroll through the beautiful Elsong Gardens, and learn about the local connection to one of the world's most recognizable drinks at the Coca-Cola Museum.

Discover aviation history at the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum. Explore exhibits highlighting Northeast Louisiana's aviation and military history and learn more about General Claire Lee Chennault and the famous Flying Tigers.

Shop your way through Antique Alley. Head to Downtown West Monroe to browse antique shops, boutiques, home décor stores, and more. It’s also an easy place to grab a little something to remember your weekend.

Just remember to keep an eye on the clock - you have somewhere important to be!

Now it’s time for the main event.

Throw on your maroon and gold and head to the University of Louisiana Monroe campus to join Warhawk fans before kickoff. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the game-day atmosphere, explore campus, and get settled before the Warhawks take the field at FMOL – St. Francis Stadium.

Whether it’s your first ULM football game or you’ve been saying “Talons Out” for years, there’s nothing quite like a Saturday in The Grove and a night under the lights at FMOL – St. Francis Stadium.

Be sure to check ULM Athletics before your trip for the latest kickoff time, tickets, parking information, and game-day details.

The game might be over, but your Saturday doesn't have to be!

Celebrate a Warhawk win - or simply refuel after four quarters of football - with another taste of Monroe-West Monroe.

Keep things casual with wings, burgers, pizza, or other game-day favorites, or settle in for a late dinner at one of the area's locally owned restaurants. If you’re looking to keep the night going, head to Parlor 5 for a specialty cocktail or Enoch’s for live music.

After the energy of game day, enjoy a slower start to Sunday.

Grab breakfast or coffee somewhere you didn't get to try on Saturday, then squeeze in one more Monroe-West Monroe experience before lunch.

Take a peaceful morning walk through Kiroli Park, where you’ll find wooded trails, gardens, and plenty of room to enjoy the outdoors.

Or skip the itinerary altogether and enjoy a leisurely morning. Sometimes the best part of turning a football game into a weekend getaway is not having to rush home.

Before you hit the road, there’s time for one last local meal.

Go Louisiana-style with seafood and Southern favorites at Catfish Charlie’s, enjoy a meal overlooking Bayou DeSiard at Catahoula’s, or find another locally owned restaurant you haven't had the chance to try yet.

The final whistle doesn’t have to mean the end of your trip. A ULM football game is the perfect excuse to spend a full weekend discovering Monroe-West Monroe.

Come in Friday night, cheer on the Warhawks Saturday, and stick around through Sunday lunch. You may come for football, but between the food, history, outdoors, shopping, and local favorites, you’ll find plenty of reasons to come back.

Talons Out and we’ll see you in Monroe-West Monroe!