With more health conscious families these days, even vacation plans are getting a check-up.

The idea of healthier excursions has spurred the term "active tourism," which is a travel philosophy that merges adventure, nature and culture for more responsible travel. So get outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty that Louisiana's Other Side has to offer. Hailed as a sportsman's paradise, Shreveport-Bossier is a hub for exciting outdoor adventures.

It's no secret that our convenient location straddling the Red River means water sports are plentiful during warm months. Take a cruise along the river and while you're there, learn more about the beautiful array of natural features and animal habitats while fishing. But that's not all there is.

Explore and discover at the 160-acre Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park in Shreveport. The park enhances nature's best with interpretive exhibits and also through special events beginning each spring, which are great for both families and individuals. A handicapped-accessible trail is available at the park and several naturalists are available to provide information and interpretation to park visitors.

Located in Benton, just north of Bossier City, Cypress Black Bayou Park and Recreation Area offers numerous adventures. From swimming and fishing, to its nature center, petting zoo and much more, the park and recreation area is great for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. And there's no need to rush, with 73 RV sites and a host of cabins, cottages and huts, Cypress Black Bayou offers families a great weekend getaway.

For more on outdoor recreation in Shreveport-Bossier, visit www.ShreveportBossierFunGuide.com.


That's Entertainment
Mudbug Madness Serves Up Sights, Smells, Sounds of Louisiana

Immerse yourself in Cajun heritage by paying homage to a cherished Louisiana tradition - the crawfish boil!

This year's Mudbug Madness Festival promises to be the granddaddy of them all, serving up all the sights, smells and sounds that are Louisiana, May 21-24. Located at downtown Shreveport's Festival Plaza, enjoy all the crawfish you can eat while the three entertainment stages dish out a veritable gumbo of Cajun, Zydeco, Blues and Jazz from favorite local and regional artists.

Popular headliners set to perform this year are Wayne Toups on Thursday, May 21; Rockin' Dopsie on Saturday, May 23; and Louisiana's LeRoux, Saturday, May 23.

The festival is proud to host Grammy Award winning artist Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience, on Sunday, May 24. Also performing are local favorites the Red River Playboys on Sunday, May 24, and Professor Porkchop & the Dirty Dishes on Sunday, May 24, among many others.

This Memorial Day weekend, join in the raucous contests for all ages, play in the huge children's area and discover authentic Louisiana crafts. Both comical and engaging, the competitions planned for this year's festival include youth, adult crawfish eating contests, crawfish calling contents and more.

Admission is $3 at the gate. For the entertainment schedule or more information about the Mudbug Madness Festival contact Melanie Bacon at (318) 222-7403 or visit their website at www.mudbugmadness.com.


Bret Michaels, Merle Haggard To Rock Horseshoe Casino & Hotel In June

Horseshoe Casino & Hotel is adding heat to its list of star-studded performances with hot performances by Bret Michaels and Merle Haggard in June.

Bret Michaels, rock legend and the center of attention on Vh1's "Rock of Love with Bret Michaels," will perform Friday, June 5, in the Riverdome.

As front man for the legendary rock band Poison, Michaels has sold 25 million records and scored an amazing 15 chart-busting Top 40 singles including "Talk Dirty to Me," "Something to Believe In," "Nothing But a Good Time," and the timeless No. 1 smash "Every Rose Has its Thorn."

Tickets to see Michaels are on sale for $35. The show will be standing room only and patrons must be age 21 or older to attend.

Legendary artist Merle Haggard will perform live on Friday, June 12, in the Riverdome.

Immediately embraced by country music fans, Haggard has 40 No. 1 hits under his belt, along with scores of Top Ten songs. He's won just about every music award imaginable, both as a performer and as a songwriter, and in 1994 was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Tickets to see Haggard are on sale for $85 and $75. Seating is reserved and patrons must be age 21 or older to attend.

The doors for both shows will open at 7 p.m., with each show starting at 8 p.m. Purchase tickets at www.riverdome.com, by calling 1-888-512-SHOW (7469) or at the Horseshoe Gift Horse® Gift Shop.


Bossier City State Fair Rolls Into Town

The Bossier City State Fair will roll into town, May 15-25, at Harrah's Louisiana Downs. The list of events will include Demoltion Derby, Thrill Show, Carnival Rides, Elephant Encounter, Ostrich Races, Petting Zoo, Live Music Acts, an Arts and Crafts Exhibit and much more.

The hours will be 4 p.m.-10 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 4 p.m.-11 p.m., Fridays; 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturdays; and noon-10 p.m. on Sundays. The fair will be open from noon-10 p.m. on Memorial Day, May 25.

The cost will be $7 for adults and $4 for children, ages 5-12. Children age 4 and under are free.

Wristbands will be sold for $20 and allow all day rides. Ride tickets also are sold separately. All active/retired military personnel receive free admission on Memorial Day, with a military ID. Military families get half-price admission when accompanied by military personnel.

Parking is free daily.

Find more information about daily specials, here.


Book Your Hotel Stay At Holiday Inn Shreveport West, Get A $20 Gift Card