Coca-Cola got its start in Monroe, La., by Misti Stone
How can I spend my free time?
• Need a duck call? Or, at the very least, a replica of Uncle Si’s tea cup? Fans of the A&E hit “Duck Dynasty” will be flying into the new gift shop at the Duck Commander Warehouse, headquarters for the Robertson clan’s duck call empire. The shop is stocked with T-shirts, mugs, spices and, of course, duck calls.
• The Biedenharn Museum and Gardens is more than a tribute to the man who first bottled Coca-Cola, the world’s best-known soft drink. Visitors can tour Biedenharn’s home, a Bible museum, an English garden and a Coca-Cola museum, where a Coke in a glass bottle is a nickel.
• Pick up an outfit or an armoire at Antique Alley, home to more than 40 boutiques and antique shops.
Where should we dine for a true taste of Monroe/West Monroe?
Chef Cory Bahr is king at Cotton restaurant, known for its Muscovy duck wraps, alligator corndogs and rib eye with duck fat fries. Bahr was a champ on the Food Network’s “Chopped” and, in 2011, was Louisiana Seafood King.
At Big Momma’s Fine Foods, plates are heaped with fried chicken, smothered pork chops, mashed potatoes, butter beans, candied yams, greens and black-eyed peas. Warehouse No. 1, a former cotton warehouse, is now a relaxing restaurant on the Ouachita River. Start and end the meal with something fresh and hot: hush puppies and flaming bread pudding. Waterfront Grill on the quiet Bayou DeSiar was touted for its grilled seafood and rustic charm by “Southern Living.” The restaurant’s Dinner Boat on the Bayou can be booked for special occasions. Follow your fried oysters and boiled crawfish with lemon icebox pie and coconut cream pie at Cheniere Shack.
800-843-1872
www.monroe-westmonroe.org
