On the second leg of our Louisiana Golf Trails journey, we passed through Baton Rouge, the Capitol, about an hour from New Orleans. Then onto Kinder, where we encountered weather that required us to take a break at Don’s Specialty Meats in Scott. Visitors to Don’s may not know that for the past nine consecutive years, they have been named “best boudin in Acadiana.”
Pretty impressive. Once inside, the selection of boudin and cracklin’ was a bit overwhelming to this city boy—everything from hog’s head cheese to chicken sausage with jalapenos to boudin balls to cotton candy. Don’s is where many locals gather for coffee, lunch, dinner, take out, and sittin’ and tellin’ stories about life and families.
Once the weather broke, we were on our way to Kinder to stay at the Coushatta Casino Resort (coushattacasinoresort.com). That night we had the “night of nights” at the Allen Parish Cultural Center hosted by the Allen Parish Tourist Commission. First, we are treated to an interactive narrated experience “inside the swamp.” There was a jukebox playing great dancin’ and cajun songs. Adding to the atmosphere was memorabilia, including Coushatta Heritage and the Wall of Honor and Military Exhibit of hand-drawn veterans, including Elvis and former President Bush. Quite impressive and a tribute to those who served our country. Allen Parish is the home of the Coushatta Indian tribe known as the “Red Shoes People” and the Coushatta Casino Resort, the largest land-based casino in Louisiana. Allen Parish Cultural Center also told stories of No Man’s Land, where pirates, outlaws, and pioneers called “home.” No Man’s Land had no king or country and no laws. This area is part of Louisiana’s Golf and Cultural Trails and Music Trails. (AllenParish.com) (VisitNoMansLand.com)
As you visit, you can “Explore the Lore,” a 181-mile drive through western Louisiana of tall tales, true stories, and legends. Twenty-two kiosks back you up along the way related to their fabled myths and true sagas. Don’t forget the 60-mile Re-Thunk Junk Flea Market Trail in October for a “junkapalooza” good ole’ time.
Koasati Pines
We begin our day with 18-holes at the 4.5-star rated Koasati Pines golf course at the Coushatta Casino Resort, part of the Louisiana Golf & Gaming Trails. (coushattacasinoresort.com/golf) Golf Advisor calls Koasati Pines a “golfer’s choice,” Golf Digest rated it “best course in the state” in 2016. With six sets of tees, you experience gently rolling terrain and 65 acres of glass-like lakes that have hosted many amateur events, including Notay Begay’s events for 300 boys and girls. The course has also hosted a state amateur tournament that, from the tips, is the longest golf course in Louisiana. A sign in the pro shop is so true….golf is a ball, no matter how you slice it. (koasatipines.com)
Cypress Bend in Many was our next course, with spectacular views of the Toledo Bend Lake and the banks of Texas across the way. Cypress Bend is part of the Audubon Golf Trail, which is an integral part of the themed Louisiana Golf Trails. It’s an 18-hole course with several elevation changes and amazing views of Toledo Bend Lake, the largest manufactured lake in the southern United States.
Cypress Bend
Cypress Bend Golf course did not disappoint with some challenging blind shots and rolling terrain. Cypress Bend is also home to world-class fishing, casual boating, and many outdoor activities, including birding, hiking, and biking. The resort will be undergoing a $4.5 million renovation to the golf courses fairways and greens and another $1.5 million to their hotel and convention center. Work will begin in May and be completed by the end of the year, weather permitting. This is where Louisiana Golf & Fishing Trails come together. A perfect way to end the day was a great fish fry or steak cookout on the Veranda overlooking the 18th hole and Toledo Bend Lake at sunset. (cypressbend.com)
Tamahka Trails
On our next and final stop on our visit to another part of the Louisiana Golf Trails, Tamahka Trails Golf Course at the Paragon Casino Resort. A definite must-stay and destination. (paragoncasionresort.com) This 18-hole design has hosted multiple Louisiana Golf Association State Championships and U.S. Open Qualifiers in addition to the ’21 Gulf States PGA Chapter Championship and ’20 Golf Digest’s Best Renovation of the Year. There are six sets of tees for players of all skill levels. You meander thru rolling terrain unique to the central part of Louisiana. Paragon Casino Resort will begin a $30M renovation soon due to an investment by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe to add more amenities to accomplish its goal of being a top-level golf destination resort.
After a round of golf, our treat was the Legends Steakhouse inside the Paragon Casino Resort. We enjoyed an incredible meal beginning with pepper jelly glazed lamb lollipops and Louisiana crab cakes. They were followed by a charred romaine salad and our entrée choice of petite filet mignon, braised short ribs, salmon Oscar, or chicken piccata. It topped off with a white chocolate bread pudding.
The Louisiana Golf Trails is a golfers delight to play, eat, and enjoy all that southern hospitality its people offer. With multiple trails, Golf & Fishing, Gaming, Culinary, Music, Distillery, and Craft Beer, you’ll love your getaway and find your joy in Louisiana (louisianagolftrails.com).