Many thanks to the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association for partnering with me to make this Monroe-West Monroe travel guide post possible. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Located on the banks of the Ouchita River in North Louisiana, the cities Monroe and West Monroe offer unforgettable experiences for everyone. Shopping along Antique Alley, indulging in Louisiana cuisine, canoeing through the scenic swamp, and wine tasting and touring in the rolling hills are just a few ways to pass a good time in these southern cities.
I recently had the pleasure of partnering with the Monroe-West Monroe Convention and Visitors Bureau to fully experience Monroe-West Monroe like a local. After getting a feel for everything the cities had to offer, I’ve highlighted the best places to stay, eat, and play in this ultimate Monroe-West Monroe travel guide! If you’re planning a trip to Monroe-West Monroe, be sure to put this on your list!
MONROE-WEST MONROE TRAVEL GUIDE: WHERE TO STAY, EAT & PLAY
WHERE TO STAY IN MONROE-WEST MONROE:
Hamilton House Inn
This luxury bed & breakfast is located right in the heart of West Monroe’s Antique Alley! You’ll be within steps of antique shops and restaurants, making this not only a posh choice, but a convenient one too! Hamilton House Inn features five elegantly styled rooms for a quiet and cozy stay.
WHERE TO EAT IN MONROE-WEST MONROE:
Miss Kay’s Sweets & Eats
Calling all Duck Dynasty fans! This sweet spot is Miss Kay Robertson’s dream come true and you won’t want to miss making a stop here! Miss Kay’s serves a variety of fresh handcrafted pralines, cookies, dessert bars, mini pies, and more. Drop by for breakfast, a mid-day snack or a quick bite to eat for lunch!
Warehouse No.1 Restaurant
Located in historic downtown Monroe overlooking the Ouachita River, Warehouse No.1 Restaurant offers award winning steak and seafood. If you’re looking for a dinner spot with a view, this place is for you! If you’re torn between steak or seafood, my advice is to get the best of both worlds and go with the surf & turf special – it won’t disappoint!
Bayou Roux
When it comes to Bayou Roux, it’s hard to tell which is better – the food or the atmosphere! Both are amazing, but don’t just take my word for it – go see for yourself! If you’re looking for a place to kick back with a cocktail, enjoy classic southern soul food, or indulge in chicken and waffles for brunch, this place is for you!
SITES TO SEE IN MONROE-WEST MONROE:
Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge
This 5,300 acre refuge serves as a habitat for many endangered, neotropical migrant, and local wildlife. Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to pass time in the scenic Louisiana outdoors and offers a variety of recreational activities. Explore the nature trails, go fishing in the 1,600 acre lake, or rent a canoe and spend some time in the swamp among the picturesque bald cypress trees.
Poverty Point World Heritage Site
Located in Pioneer, LA, approximately an hour drive from Monroe, is Poverty Point. This ancient World Heritage Site dates back to over 3,000 years ago and is centered around a collection of earthworks built during a 600-year period. Archaeologists have learned that this site served as a trading hub and ceremonial center to the ancient people. Guided tours are available, or you can drive and tour the sites on your own.
Monroe-West Monroe Murals
There are several wall murals throughout Monroe and West Monroe that make for great photo opportunities! The West Monroe mural can be found along Antique Alley on the north side of Miss Kay’s Sweet and Eats. The Monroe mural is located on Walnut Street, just past the NELA Children’s Museum.
THINGS TO DO IN MONROE-WEST MONROE:
Wine Tasting and Tour at Landry Vineyards
Who knew North Louisiana could be considered wine country!? It’s true! Located in the rolling hills of West Monroe is Landry Vineyards, home of beautiful vineyards and distinctive Louisiana wine! Take a tour of the property with the owner, Jeff, himself, or indulge in a tasting of all the local wine. Wine lovers are welcomed to bring a chair, blanket, and picnic dinner and enjoy one of the many outdoor concerts that take place on the scenic property.
Shopping on Antique Alley
If you’ve got the urge to splurge, Antique Alley, located in the Cotton Port Historic District of downtown Monroe, has got you covered. With over 40 stores ranging from antique malls, to individual antique stores and specialty shops, you never know what kind of gem you’ll find!
Tour Biedenharn Museum & Gardens
Biedenharn Museum is one of the most unique Coca-Cola museums around! It all started back in 1894 when Joseph Biedenharn, a country businessman, became the first person to bottle Coca-Cola. Inside the museum, visitors can find an array of nostalgic Coca-Cola memorabilia, including the first Coca-Cola delivery truck, a fully functioning 5 cent Coke machine, a display of historic Coca-Cola bottles over the years, and a soda counter.
Guests can also tour inside Biedenharn’s elegantly decorated home, which features an extravagant garden with over an acre of terraces, fountains, formal plantings, and statues.
Tour Chennault Aviation and Military Museum
Chennault Aviation and Military Museum occupies one of the last standing buildings from the World War II Selman Field Army Air Corps Navigation School. The museum is filled with many exhibits, artifacts, and exploration stations highlighting national and local history. Visitors can view Nazi artifacts, weaponry, uniforms, photographs, documents and other artifacts depicting World War I and World War II. There is also an outdoor display of WWII aircraft and vehicles for viewing. Admission is free and guided tours are offered.
If you’re planning a trip soon, be sure to use this Monroe-West Monroe travel guide as a reference for things to add to your itinerary!
Have you ever visited Monroe-West Monroe? Share your experience in the comments below!
If you found this Monroe-West Monroe travel guide helpful, I’d love for you to pin this post so others can see it too!
Looking for more North Louisiana travel guides? Check out the Ultimate Natchitoches Travel Guide: Where to Eat, Stay & Play in Natchitoches, Louisiana!
Coral says
This looks like such a great place to visit… i’m sold!
lindsay says
Oh wow! That heritage site looks like an amazing place to visit. I love nature and being outdoors, so that place is definitely appealing to me. Too bad I live in Ireland and not Monroe-West as I’d be frequenting that apot otherwise, haha😁
Lecy | A Simpler Grace says
This looks like such a pretty city! Adding it to my travel bucket list!
Marette Flora says
My friend actually used to live there. It looks so beautiful and full of fun stuff to do!
Jiawun Phng says
Oh, Monroe is beautiful! Hamilton House looks super cozy and not to mention, instagram-worthy haha! The food there look so yummy too!
Cassie says
I’ve been wanting to go to Louisiana. This looks like an amazing place to visit. Great photos too!
Michelle @ And Then We Tried says
Antique Alley looks like a dream street! I’d love to spend some time shop-hopping
-Michelle
http://www.andthenwetried.com
Alex says
What a great travel guide! All of that food looks soooo amazing – I LOVE Louisiana!
Jenny says
Such a great guide! All the cajun food makes me so hungry haha.
Valerie says
This looks like a great trip! I especially liked seeing Poverty Point and reading that pic you took of the sign. I love those kinds of sights and will definitely add it to my list!
Tori Dunlap says
Looks like you had a great trip! Hoping to stop in Louisiana on my next trip!
Tori || Victori Media
https://www.victorimedia.com
Azanique says
These views are amazing but the food and winery look even better! I need to take a trip here.
– xo, Azanique | http://www.lotsofsass.com
Paige says
I am sold! What a cute and picture-worthy part of Louisiana.
xoxo, Paige
http://www.thedailypaigeblog.com
the sophia diaries says
Never even heard of this place but you totally make me want to go visit!! the photos of the place and the food looks amazing!!
McKenna Bleu says
I need to visit these spots when I visit next!
Christine Anne says
This looks like a fun place to visit. I love finding new little cities to explore.
Kait Around The Kingdom says
I’m from Louisiana and I’ve still never been here! Officially on my list!
Kristine says
I could definitely see myself spending all day in that wildlife sanctuary!