America’s Byways – Louisiana Part 1

Author: Pj Little
Date of Trip: December 2009

My mate wanted to go Las Vegas to gamble. I said I wanted to find out how well we like gambling. That year we went to Shreveport and gambled at the Harrah’s, Isle of Capri and the Horseshoe. I much prefer the later to the former as it is where we treated like royalty from valet parking to when we walked out the door. We gambled in seven states and I still prefer the Horseshoe.

We hopped onto 1-20 and headed east into Louisiana. It would not be our last trip. The thing I noticed was advertising for Christmas lights at a rose garden. We exited Road on La. Route 5 and turned north toward the Arkansas border. It was three miles or more to the entrance to the American Rose Garden Center. It is several acres of roses and other flowers that is anchored by the Windsounds Carillon Tower. If the fall is mild the summer roses can be in bloom to as late as December. Amid the acres of flowers, walkways and christmas lights were larger-than-life Christmas cards painted by area children. We found a kiosk with hot chocolate and a delightful gift shop where I found The Cajun Night Before Christmas for our grandchildren. 2013 is the 39th year The Garden will be open for the holidays.

I’ve included a photo of the famous carillion by William Groth. Permission to use is hereby granted by The American Rose Society
January 23, 2013.