The New Year brings in fresh expectations for what’s to come and things to try. In 2026, new experiences to celebrate, places to eat and things to shop for lie ahead for visitors who are looking to make traveling to Monroe-West Monroe a New Year’s resolution!

Discover Monroe-West Monroe 50th Anniversary: Discover Monroe-West Monroe turns 50 in 2026! We’re celebrating “Everything Gold” with the tourism bureau entering its golden year. The 2026 Tourism Industry Awards Banquet is happening May 7th at The Hotel Monroe, during National Travel and Tourism Week.

Emergency Cravings: During the last quarter of 2025, Emergency Cravings opened on Louisville Avenue in Monroe – serving pastries that will fulfill your sweet or savory needs. Their 2026 January lineup includes items such as Stuffed Biscoff, Brown Butter Chocolate Chip, Pizza Rolls, and a KitKat Duo brownie!

Blush by Sadie C's: 107 Constitution Drive in West Monroe became the new home address of Blush by Sadie C’s. It’s Northeast Louisiana’s premiere destination for all everything bridal and formal. The bridal collection will make its brand-new experience official at their ribbon cutting and grand opening on Feb. 20, 2026.

Sushi KoKo: Sitting directly across the street from Parish Restaurant, a fun and inviting restaurant called Sushi KoKo is scheduled to open this winter at 319 North 2nd Street – inside a fully renovated 106-year-old-building in Downtown Monroe. The open kitchen and sushi will allow visitors, who dine in, to watch the hands-on action of chefs creating a unique culinary experience.

Ouachita Paddling Trails Phase II Development: With the help of local outdoor advocate Steve Birmingham, Discover Monroe-West Monroe is launching a Phase II development of the Ouachita Paddling Trails that will introduce five new trails, pop-up events, annuals events and a special day for beginner paddlers. No matter if you’re an expert or beginner paddler, the trail is open to you!

The Northeast Louisiana Delta African-American Heritage Museum Gift Shop: Shop inside NELA Delta African-American Heritage Museum’s gift shop for African attire coming from Cameroon, featuring sizes for both men and women. Museum visitors can also find African jewelry that comes from the same area and Black history puzzles for children.

The Sheaux: Louisiana’s first live game show studio called The Sheaux opened on Jan. 9, 2026. This new game show experience in West Monroe offers daytime television fans the chance to live nostalgic moments of classic game shows in real time. Thrive in competition, buzzers and lights with family and friends at this new entertainment spot! The studio operates by appointment/booking only.

Author

Kenya Ross

Public Relations & Media Coordinator

Kenya is the Public Relations and Media Coordinator for Discover Monroe-West Monroe, shaping the stories of the Twin Cities’ attractions, local eateries, awards, and experiences at hotels. She writes independently on her LinkedIn on tourism development in Ouachita Parish. She’s also been published in Lola Magazine where she’s written about winter fashion, community, and a local coffee shop. When she’s not writing, she’s grabbing a Black Earl Grey Tea latte to drink, watching old Disney movies, and finding as many Michael Jackson archives as she possibly can!