There is a song, Lake Charles by Lucinda Williams, that goes…”He always said Louisiana was where he felt at home”. After spending a few days in Lake Charles, Louisiana I can relate. The song continues…” he liked to stop in Lake Charles cause that’s the place he loved.” True again.
Before my trip to Lake Charles, I had often heard about the area from colleagues but never had the chance to visit. Upon arriving, I immediately felt comfortable, at home so to speak. People were friendly, as I explored the area, I had the chance to learn more about the community, what there was to do, where to eat, and of course, where to play golf. I found out why the song rang true….” where he felt at home.”
Upon arriving at the Lake Charles Regional Airport, I headed over to L’Auberge Casino Resort. L’Auberge offers casino gaming and an incredible atmosphere. My room was impressive, providing plenty of room to stretch out and relax.
Contraband Bayou Golf Club
Let’s begin a golf trip to remember, the first golf stop was Contraband Bayou Golf Club. Attached to L’Auberge, I didn’t have to travel far. Designed by world-renowned golf architect Tom Fazio.
Fazio’s design complemented the lowland marsh features of the natural Louisiana environment to enhance this unique layout. Eight lakes spread across the course challenge golfers of all skill levels. The course was voted by Golfweek Magazine as one of the Best Places to Play in Louisiana in 2010-2015 and Best Casino Courses 2010-2015. After golf, it was time to eat.
The destination for food and beverages was Jack Daniel’s Bar & Grill at L’Auberge Casino Resort. The bar offers 25 beers on tap, steaks, and several Cajan/Creole dishes made by award-winning Chef Lyle Broussard. The food was spectacular from the plating to the last bite. Incredible.
Gray Plantation Golf Club
The next tee time was 18-holes at Gray Plantation Golf Club. A semi-private facility that will challenge the better golfers to the weekend warrior. Gray Plantation is part of the Audubon Golf Trail, named “Best in the South” by AAA Southern Traveler. Plus, Golf Digest called it one of the top 100 of America’s greatest public courses. With 60 acres of lakes which come into play on two-thirds of the course designed by Rocky Roquemore’s Calcasieu River course, it includes 94 sand traps of which I found a few, maybe more than I would like to tell.
After golf, food and drink are up next. The next stop was a tasting tour at Bayou Rum Distillery. Crafted from locally grown sugarcane, Bayou Rum gives you a real taste of Southwestern Lousiana. Bayou Rum’s signature recipe uses 100% single estate molasses produced by the oldest family-owned and operated sugar mill in the United States. Great tour and the tasting was a special experience that left me feeling oh so good!
Now, dinner at 121 Artisan Bistro in Lake Charles. From a menu that features hand-tossed, oven-baked pizza to pasta dishes that make your mouth water all made from great local ingredients in a comfy bistro surrounding.
The National Golf Club of Louisiana
After a good night’s rest, back to golf. The next round is at The National Golf Club of Louisiana, designed by David Bennett. The layout is carved from a mature pine forest and features water hazards, preserved wetlands, and 90 bunkers. With five sets of tees and yardages ranging from 6,065 to 7,025 yards, golfers of all abilities can enjoy the course. Golfweek Magazine selected the National Golf Club of Louisiana as one of America’s Best New Courses when it opened in 2009.
Can you hear that? My stomach is grumbling; it must be time for food. Lunch featured PO-boy offerings from Darrell’s, a bar and grill loved by locals and visitors alike. Visitors can’t wait to go back for the famous and great tasting PO-boys and their signature jalapeno mayonnaise that requires napkins (and a Bib) due to the messy nature of this sandwich masterpiece.
To start the evening, our group went to Crying Eagle Brewing Co., a local brewery featuring seasonal hand-crafted beers, tours, and live band performances throughout the week. This Lake Charles local brewery is a must-stop on your visit.
After the brewery tour, we went to Restaurant Calla, a new addition to the Lake Charles culinary scene. Restaurant Calla features modern tapas with Louisiana specialty cocktails and exceptional wines.
Country Club at Golden Nugget
For the final round of the trip, we headed over to the Country Club at Golden Nugget. The Golden Nugget recently announced that the Korn Ferry Tour would play here March 23-29, 2020. With the new partnership between the Korn Ferry Tour and Lake Charles/SWLA ConventionVisitors Bureau, the tournament will host 156 players competing for a $600,000 purse. The agreement runs through 2024.
The Golden Nugget course was challenging and quickly proved why the Korn Ferry Tour chose it as a host venue. This par-72 layout was designed by award-winning architect Todd Eckinrade and Origins of Golf Design. It was honored as the #2 course in Louisiana in Golfweek’s Best of 2018 issue. The Golden Nugget is a 242-acre waterfront casino resort featuring a dozen dining and bar options, including the Chart House.
The Chart House has spectacular views of the course and a menu to match. The signature Chart House menu includes fresh fish specialties and slow-roasted prime rib and seafood entrees. My choice was the scallops and shrimp, which was a great way to end the day along with a Mango Mojito.
Lake Charles Summary
Lake Charles was never on the top of my list of places to visit. Well, it is now! I would love to go back, play the courses, and visit the great choices of places to eat and drink. Visitors from East Texas and other parts of Louisiana are within a short drive. East coasters are just a short flight from Lake Charles. From the song, Lake Charles, “will hold you close” and “the place he loved, where he felt at home.” You always like going back home.