Shreveport-Bossier Getaways January 2012 Newsletter

January 2012 Newsletter



	January 2012 Newsletter


The Superbowl of Bass Fishing returns to Shreveport-Bossier
The 2012 Bassmaster Classic is making a splash in Shreveport-Bossier as it returns February 24-26, 2012. The event billed the “Superbowl of Bass Fishing” will take over the sister cities as 49 professional anglers, more than 150 vendors and thousands of fans flood in during the three-day event. The Classic first came to Shreveport-Bossier in 2009, and for many who attended the boat launches at Red River South Marina & Resort and daily weigh-ins at the CenturyLink Center, the classic was more comparable to a rock concert than a fishing tournament. The theatrical final weigh-in will no doubt be the pinnacle of the competition as the winner takes home a prize of $500,000 and the title of Bassmaster Classic Champion. Of course, it’s impossible to pull off a show-stopping event like the Classic’s final weigh-ins without a little live entertainment. Break-out band Bush Hawg will perform their blend of backwoods, blue collar, bar-fighting Bible sounds at the weekend’s events. In addition, fans will be treated to a free expo at the Shreveport Convention Center sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods. Giveaways by B.A.S.S.’s sponsors, fishing seminars, angler appearances and top-of-the-line industry products make this expo the favorite among fishing enthusiasts. For more information and to plan your trip to Shreveport-Bossier for the 2012 Bassmaster Classic click here.

Throw Me Somethin’ Different, Mister!

Carnival season has arrived, and while a wild Mardi Gras party may excite some, others may prefer a toned-down version of celebratory festivities. Shreveport-Bossier is a great place to experience family-friendly parades of all shapes and sizes. While the Krewes of Centaur (Feb. 11) and Gemini (Feb. 18) are the area’s largest parades rolling on consecutive weekends in February, the sister cities also boast a diverse range of krewes with very different parade experiences.

Animal lovers, make plans to see the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux strut, gallop and promenade along Riverview Park on Sunday, Feb. 12 following the area’s largest Mardi Gras parade put on by the Krewe of Centaur, Saturday, Feb. 11. Shreveport-Bossier’s only pet parade, the Mardi Paw Parade, is a local favorite. Pet owners dress their furry friends in festive garb for a good cause. All proceeds from the parade go to help support medical care and shelters for area animals. Click here for more information.

For fans who want to experience a different parade, the Krewe of Highland is the perfect, quirky alternative on Sunday, Feb. 19. Following the Krewe of Gemini Parade on Saturday, Feb. 18, stay an extra night and experience Louisiana’s largest neighborhood parade put on by the Krewe of Highland in Shreveport’s historic Highland neighborhood Sunday, Feb. 19. While elaborate beads are typically tossed from passing floats, parade-goers may be more likely to catch moon pies, spam sandwiches and hotdogs in addition to the traditional string of beads. Click here for more information.

Mardi Gras parade beads

Pour Me Somethin’, Mister!

Mardi Gras speaks to the senses. The sound of jazz music, the feel of a freshly-caught strand of beads on your neck, the scent of a fresh-baked King Cake. If Mardi Gras has a taste, that taste may be a frozen daiquiri. And nowhere will you encounter a more outrageous selection of daiquiris than Shreveport-Bossier during Mardi Gras season. Here are a few favorites:

The “Taste of Mardi Gras” can be found at Cajun Daiquiris located at 3306 Youree Dr., Shreveport. This favorite is basically a frozen adult lemonade. Sweet and tart, it's also within walking distance of the parade route that Krewe of Gemini and Krewe of Centaur travel.

The “Orange Dreamsicle” is a must have at Chicky's Boom Boom Room & Oyster House, located at 205 Texas St., Shreveport. After the Krewe of Centaur ends in downtown Shreveport, make your way over to the bar and oyster house and sample the orange creamsicle. Request an added shot of real cream and marvel at how much this delicious frozen cocktail tastes like the Popsicle® that inspired it.

The “Prickly Pear Frozen Margarita” is another frozen cocktail at Don Juanz Baja Beach Tacos, located at 2333 Airline Dr., Bossier City. There are a lot of frozen margaritas in town, but this may be the best. Made using real pear puree and fresh-squeezed juice, it’s a local favorite for good reason. Whatever your taste, please drink responsibly!

Check out our blog and see what's happening in Shreveport-Bossier

Shreveport-Bossier’s new blog, 20X49.com, is all about the events, food, places and culture that keep visitors coming back for more. Get the scoop on new restaurants, local attractions and exciting events "where Shreveport-Bossier intersects with everywhere." Louisiana Cookin' Magazine had this to say about 20X49: "Shreveport-Bossier is booming with new authentic ethnic eateries and family-owned restaurants, and the CVB has launched a new food, art, and culture blog to help share them...the site is full of restaurant reviews and local food news."