“Birding is top-notch, with Southwest Louisiana located along both the Mississippi and Central Flyways, spotting new species is always in the cards. Fishing is a year-round affair with bass, crappie, redfish, and speckled trout—perfect for any Cajun dish. Crabbing is a local pastime, and anyone can join in the fun,” said the Visit Lake Charles website.
Food
Cajun and Creole cultures can easily be found on restaurant tables by way of local foodways. Independent restaurants lead the flavor charge along with nationwide brand names. Numerous mixed-use and strip mall spaces are available in an area where eating and entertainment are a passion.
“Jambalaya, gumbo, spicy crawfish, boudin, and bread pudding, these are just a few of the things you can sample of Southwest Louisiana’s famous Cajun French and Creole cuisine,” according to the Visit Lake Charles website.
In Southwest Louisiana strangers become family, food, adventure, fun, and culture are shared and the door is open for successful growth.
For more information about the region, visit www.allianceswla.org.
Destination Avondale, AZ
If you’re looking for a big city feel with a small-town charm, Avondale, AZ is the place for you. Nestled at the base of the scenic Estrella Mountains and located 15 minutes west of Downtown Phoenix, Avondale is a fast-growing suburb of the West Valley. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, Avondale’s infrastructure and attractions can cater to your needs.
In February 2022, the city unveiled its brand-new, state-of-the-art Visitor and Conference Center. The 2,331-square-foot facility is not only visually stunning, boasting a modern and sleek design, but also multifunctional in its ability to accommodate both indoor and outdoor events. Conveniently located just minutes from 500 hotel rooms, all within a 5-mile radius, the Conference Center is an ideal location for your next gathering. Stop by the Visitor Center to map out your stay, find the best places to eat, and pick up some cool Avondale swag.
Proximity is one of Avondale’s greatest assets. Avondale is a major sports hub, having professional sports arenas like State Farm Stadium (Arizona Cardinals), Footprint Center (Phoenix Suns), Chase Field (Arizona Diamondbacks), and multiple spring training facilities all within a 30-minute drive or less. Housed right in Avondale’s backyard is Phoenix Raceway, home to NASCAR and Championship Race Weekend twice a year. The American Sports Center, Arizona’s largest indoor multisport facility, which regularly brings in thousands of visitors for volleyball, basketball, and indoor soccer tournaments, is located in the heart of Avondale’s entertainment district, The BLVD.
Speaking of heart, the core of Avondale, and what truly keeps the city running, is its small business community. As a minority-majority city, locals and visitors alike get to experience the city through the passions and distinct cultures of our city’s entrepreneurs. Whether it’s food or fun, the businesses are as diverse as the community they serve.
Is nature more your speed? Well then, we’ll let you in on a little-known secret. In the middle of the desert lies a hidden river. Known as Tres Rios, the Gila, Salt and Agua Fria rivers all converge on the city’s southern end. These wetlands are home to many unique plants, animals, birds, and ecological wonders. Avondale offers some of the best bird watching in America. Home to the Base and Meridian area, an Important Birding Area (IBA), as designated by the National Audubon Society, this area is considered a conservation hub by wildlife experts, as the area has rich plant growth due to a perennial supply of nutrient-laden waters, which in turn attracts migrating species of birds—and flocks of bird watchers alike.
25 Towns Chosen For Outdoor Recreation Economic Boost
You don’t need to be at the lush wetlands to see (or go) green. As an eco-conscious city, Avondale businesses are at the forefront of reducing their environmental footprint, opting to operate sustainably. From adopting water-wise landscaping and low-flow water fixtures, switching to energy-efficient LED lighting, and upgrading toENERGY STAR appliances to installing rooftop solar panels, sourcing supplies locally and regionally, and creating products from recycled materials, Avondale small businesses are certified green!
When looking for your next destination, stop by, visit, and discover Avondale. For more information, visit discoveravondale.com.
