Things To Do If You're Visiting Candy Cane Lane
Come for the twinkling lights, stay for the small town adventure.
Candy Cane Lane draws people from all over the region! Whether you’re visiting from out of town or a local with free time on your hands, we’ve got your whole schedule planned for you. Come in a few hours before nightfall for lunch and choose from over 100 local restaurants! We've even got plenty to do if you stay the night.
Check out a few ideas below to discover more of Monroe-West Monroe:
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For the Kids
Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo
Got the whole family with you? Head to our local zoo for more fun! The Louisiana Purchase Exhibit is a unique addition that explores local wildlife and the history of the land we are standing on.
Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum
This museum is a perfect place for the kids to play! Santa’s Christmas Village is happening during the holiday season, so check our Calendar of Events to plan your visit.
Excalibur Family Fun Center
Head here for go-karts, laser tag, and rock walls for the kids! Plus, arcade games and a playground are perfect to get the energy out.
![](https://discover-monroe.imgix.net/images/Biedenharn-Museum.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=6c15188b2f138380925edaf00c8db902 320w, https://discover-monroe.imgix.net/images/Biedenharn-Museum.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=c29418ed776b90c57dd58885f615f924 540w, https://discover-monroe.imgix.net/images/Biedenharn-Museum.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=f185c1a3f51f1f1de6dcc24f2fe5f38c 768w, https://discover-monroe.imgix.net/images/Biedenharn-Museum.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=ef7885d14cb81c37b3afad813507b043 1024w, https://discover-monroe.imgix.net/images/Biedenharn-Museum.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=7d9e6638c2c96c90226a99e35db3c73b 1200w, https://discover-monroe.imgix.net/images/Biedenharn-Museum.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=8015f8d46859f4e974a198c1b29acd2e 1440w, https://discover-monroe.imgix.net/images/Biedenharn-Museum.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=39d5d2db6928fa7e10e44493611b118b 1920w, https://discover-monroe.imgix.net/images/Biedenharn-Museum.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=900829888b6e9692472af644cebef0f0 2560w, https://discover-monroe.imgix.net/images/Biedenharn-Museum.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=3d2c39432d29214f95dcae4a6fd0ce28 3840w)
Attractions
Landry Vineyards
This West Monroe gem has stunning vineyard views, a wide selection of local wine, and a tour that you can take through the vines! If you’re lucky, you might catch live music here too. (Check out Calendar of Events to increase your luck!)
Biedenharn Museum
Discover the Monroe area’s entrepreneurial spirit at the Biedenharn Museum & Gardens. You’ll find out where Delta Airlines first took lift off and Coca-Cola was introduced to the bottle. Plus, the beautiful gardens make for the perfect photo back drop, and you can purchase glass cokes from a vintage machine for a nickel!
Antique Alley
Get some Christmas shopping in and see more Christmas lights! This Downtown West Monroe destination is filled with antique stores, clothing boutiques, and local eateries. Plus, walk around the downtown light displays for more Christmas cheer!
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Local Eats
Parish Restaurant
For high-end dining in a swanky atmosphere, try Parish Restaurant! Local Chef Cory Bahr is known for his appearances on Food Network, notably placing second in The Next Food Network Star. His Louisiana-inspired menu is locally-sourced and always fresh. We recommend starting with the duck wraps or the brussels (even if you don’t like brussels, you’ll like these!).
Trapp’s
For a more laid-back atmosphere, try Trapp’s in West Monroe. This restaurant sits on the Ouachita River and has stunning sunset views. We recommend demolishing a plate of the seafood nachos and ordering the gumbo or jambalaya.
Planter’s
Looking for a cool cocktail bar? Head to this restaurant for Moscow mules and drinks overlooking the Ouachita River. This place serves pizza, sandwiches, and oysters. Inside this downtown building, you can try two other restaurants: The Eli and Restaurant Cotton.
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The Outdoors
Black Bayou National Wildlife Refuge
Explore the outdoors with nature trails and walk along the bayou. You might come across deer, little critters, or even an alligator swimming. Another great spots for sunsets, you’ll find many pristine photo ops out here.
Restoration Park
A shorter trip from Candy Cane Lane is this nature trail, great for outdoor views and long, contemplative walks.
Kiroli Park
With walking trails, open fields, multiple playgrounds, and a dog park, this is the perfect place to stretch all the legs! Bring your crew here to put some pep in your roadtrip.
![](https://discover-monroe.imgix.net/images/Miss_LA_Standard-18.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=2b05e89061401c3d82ce4496a3d66aaa 320w, https://discover-monroe.imgix.net/images/Miss_LA_Standard-18.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=21f86a0a582b65108715e3e2efd367b6 540w, https://discover-monroe.imgix.net/images/Miss_LA_Standard-18.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=4a17d37d1e124a7646574334404121d7 768w, https://discover-monroe.imgix.net/images/Miss_LA_Standard-18.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=768106f80bf95112eff11d681fa2dfc8 1024w, https://discover-monroe.imgix.net/images/Miss_LA_Standard-18.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=d0fde74a43ca532177dae574810e930a 1200w, https://discover-monroe.imgix.net/images/Miss_LA_Standard-18.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=5f2701dfd21b483b567fabaf126357d2 1440w, https://discover-monroe.imgix.net/images/Miss_LA_Standard-18.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=0c4d45c819c08c3774c3bd96e68e18f6 1920w, https://discover-monroe.imgix.net/images/Miss_LA_Standard-18.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=e36830b13f0cdff49aca83c5f44b82a2 2560w, https://discover-monroe.imgix.net/images/Miss_LA_Standard-18.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=73ef0dbcd528941130f97534d4d46662 3840w)
Grab a Cup of Coffee
Corner Coffeehouse
Get a cozy cup of coffee to take with you to your Candy Cane Lane experience! This place has a drive through window, so you don’t even have to get out of your car and is open until 7pm!
Standard Coffee Co.
This coffee shop in downtown Monroe has cool vibes and unique coffee options, including seasonal drinks!
Alex’s Latin Food Café
Consider this your local insider tip: the coffee here is amazing. Plus, their Latin food menu is delicious, and you can also order smoothies and glass bottle sodas.
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A Magical Christmas in Monroe-West Monroe
The most wonderful time of the year is here—and nothing beats spending the holidays in your favorite place in North Louisiana!
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7 Ways to Enjoy the Holidays in Monroe-West Monroe
Start with joyful parades and a fireworks show, add one million radiant lights and a visit to Santa’s Christmas Village, and you’ve got the makings of an unforgettable holiday season.
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Monroe-West Monroe Local Holiday Gift Guide 2023
Our Monroe-West Monroe Holiday Gift Guide is here…just in time for the season of giving! From the unique clothing, art, and furniture shops on Antique Alley, to the charming boutiques and gift…