Things To Do If You're Visiting Candy Cane Lane

Come for the twinkling lights, stay for the small town adventure.

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:

For the Kids


Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo

Got the whole family with you? Head to our local zoo for more fun! The Louisiana Purchase Exhibit is a unique addition that explores local wildlife and the history of the land we are standing on.

Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum

This museum is a perfect place for the kids to play! Santa’s Christmas Village is happening during the holiday season, so check our Calendar of Events to plan your visit.

Excalibur Family Fun Center

Head here for go-karts, laser tag, and rock walls for the kids! Plus, arcade games and a playground are perfect to get the energy out.

Attractions

Landry Vineyards

This West Monroe gem has stunning vineyard views, a wide selection of local wine, and a tour that you can take through the vines! If you’re lucky, you might catch live music here too. (Check out Calendar of Events to increase your luck!)

Biedenharn Museum

Discover the Monroe area’s entrepreneurial spirit at the Biedenharn Museum & Gardens. You’ll find out where Delta Airlines first took lift off and Coca-Cola was introduced to the bottle. Plus, the beautiful gardens make for the perfect photo back drop, and you can purchase glass cokes from a vintage machine for a nickel!

Antique Alley

Get some Christmas shopping in and see more Christmas lights! This Downtown West Monroe destination is filled with antique stores, clothing boutiques, and local eateries. Plus, walk around the downtown light displays for more Christmas cheer!

Local Eats


Parish Restaurant

For high-end dining in a swanky atmosphere, try Parish Restaurant! Local Chef Cory Bahr is known for his appearances on Food Network, notably placing second in The Next Food Network Star. His Louisiana-inspired menu is locally-sourced and always fresh. We recommend starting with the duck wraps or the brussels (even if you don’t like brussels, you’ll like these!).

Trapp’s

For a more laid-back atmosphere, try Trapp’s in West Monroe. This restaurant sits on the Ouachita River and has stunning sunset views. We recommend demolishing a plate of the seafood nachos and ordering the gumbo or jambalaya.

Planter’s

Looking for a cool cocktail bar? Head to this restaurant for Moscow mules and drinks overlooking the Ouachita River. This place serves pizza, sandwiches, and oysters. Inside this downtown building, you can try two other restaurants: The Eli and Restaurant Cotton.

The Outdoors


Black Bayou National Wildlife Refuge

Explore the outdoors with nature trails and walk along the bayou. You might come across deer, little critters, or even an alligator swimming. Another great spots for sunsets, you’ll find many pristine photo ops out here.

Restoration Park

A shorter trip from Candy Cane Lane is this nature trail, great for outdoor views and long, contemplative walks.

Kiroli Park

With walking trails, open fields, multiple playgrounds, and a dog park, this is the perfect place to stretch all the legs! Bring your crew here to put some pep in your roadtrip.

Grab a Cup of Coffee

Corner Coffeehouse

Get a cozy cup of coffee to take with you to your Candy Cane Lane experience! This place has a drive through window, so you don’t even have to get out of your car and is open until 7pm!

Standard Coffee Co.

This coffee shop in downtown Monroe has cool vibes and unique coffee options, including seasonal drinks!

Alex’s Latin Food Café

Consider this your local insider tip: the coffee here is amazing. Plus, their Latin food menu is delicious, and you can also order smoothies and glass bottle sodas.