Experience peak holiday joy this year in Ruston and Monroe–West Monroe. From incredible shopping and fantastic locally owned restaurants to the awe-inspiring Holiday Trail of Lights, everyone will find something to love.
Local Dining in Ruston
Whether it’s a table for two or a big family affair, the restaurants around Ruston offer scrumptious dishes and Bayou State favorites. Not far from the Christmas light installation at Railroad Park, try the twin food trucks of Staple Sandwich Co. and Grown and Grazed. Staple Sandwich Co. uses freshly made focaccia for offerings like the muffuletta, Cuban and pimiento cheese.
At Grown and Grazed, find breakfast and lunch items that include Louisiana Sweet Potato Hash and several Smith Family Farms beef hamburgers. (Don’t miss the Patty Melt!)
Each with its own comfortable atmosphere, Trio’s Ruston and White Lightnin’ Cocktail & Culinary Co. serve up fancier plates. At Trio’s (which also has a location in Monroe), try the Blackened Grouper & Crab; at White Lightnin’, pair one of the Prohibition-era cocktails with New Orleans’ favorite BBQ Shrimp & Grits or Creole Fish Meunière.
For a casual meal of pizza and locally brewed beer, don’t miss Utility Brewing Co., conveniently located next door to the Dixie Center for the Arts.
Must-Dos in Ruston
- Soak up some history at the North Louisiana Military Museum.
- Catch a show at The Revelry music hall.
- Browse the selection of preserves, pickles and more at Mitcham Farms Peach Store.
- Peruse the vendors at Big Creek Trade Days in nearby Dubach, Louisiana.
Attractions & Experiences
Downtown carriage rides, the Lincoln Parish Park drive-through light display, art markets and the Christmas Parade are just a few of the holiday events in Ruston. You can also take the family to see popular films like It’s a Wonderful Life and Polar Express at the Dixie Center for the Arts. Nearby, you can stroll the downtown shops, restaurants and boutiques. Creative Exchange and Ruston Artisans offer local art, while Patton’s Downtown is an ideal place to pick up clothing or gifts for loved ones. After shopping, relax and recharge at Railway Coffee with a mug of hot chocolate and a sweet treat.
Holiday Trail of Lights
It’s seven metros and one magical holiday experience! For three decades, these areas have joined together for the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights: Alexandria/Pineville, Logansport, Minden, Monroe–West Monroe, Natchitoches, Ruston and Shreveport-Bossier. Catch a horse-drawn carriage ride in Ruston, shop at Antique Alley in West Monroe or take a cruise through the nearby Candy Cane Lane in Monroe. Theatrical performances, parades and dazzling fireworks displays fill out the schedule. For details, visit holidaytrailoflights.com.
Monroe/West Monroe
Monroe–West Monroe
Dining Destinations
From classic Southern fare to dishes with that distinct Louisiana flair, Monroe and West Monroe have got you covered. At Magic Grill, folks will find the famous roast beef po’ boy along with other country-fried favorites. For more seasonal comfort, head to Portico, where the fried chicken, macaroni and cheese and tender greens are sure to satisfy the heartiest appetite. Sometimes, a restaurant’s name says it all, and Not Just Pie is certainly one of them. In addition to sweet pies, you’ll find savory options, like the roast beef po’ boy. Nearby Levee Grill overlooks beautiful Bayou DeSiard and serves up memorable dishes like bacon-wrapped duck drizzled with cane syrup and mahi-mahi served with pineapple pico de gallo.
Must-Dos in Monroe–West Monroe
- Get a comforting cup of joe at Standard Coffee.
- Enjoy a tasty beverage at Flying Tiger Brewery.
- Taste local wines at Landry Vineyards.
- Run wild at the Duck Commander compound.
Shopping & Fun
If you’re looking for gifts, West Monroe’s Cotton Port Historic District is known for the incredible finds along Antique Alley. This three-block area features nearly two dozen shops, restaurants, B&Bs and boutiques that specialize in everything from home furnishings and knickknacks to art and clothing. Just a block away, visitors can enjoy a delightful Christmas display at The Land of Lights. If the weather outside gets chilly, warm up while taking in some of the area’s well-appointed museums. The Biedenharn Museum & Gardens features the Coca-Cola Museum (as Joe Biedenharn was the first bottler of the iconic beverage) as well as a Bible Museum, which showcases a collection of rare and historically important Bibles. The nearby Chennault Aviation & Military Museum honors soldiers and airmen from WWI through Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Poverty Point
Just a short drive from Monroe, visitors will find the monumental earthworks at Poverty Point World Heritage Site in Pioneer, Louisiana. These Native American mounds were once part of a massive trading hub in the Mississippian culture and can be explored at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. For more information, visit povertypoint.us.
