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City of Lake Charles LA

Lake Charles is an ambient community situated along the pristine banks of the Calcasieu River in southwestern Louisiana . Looking at the small skyline, tourists, at first glance, might not see all that much. The central business district is by no means tiny, but compared to larger cities like Chicago and Los Angeles, Lake Charles seems minuscule. What Lake Charles lacks in skyscrapers, though, it more than makes up for in the way of entertainment and fun.

Lake Charles , located in the zip code 70601 , is a party town, and once you take a walk on this Louisiana wild side, you will come to understand that the residents of Lake Charles view life and work not as a means to an end, but as a reason to have a good time. Though it is New Orleans which remains the center of attraction in the state of Louisiana , Lake Charles comes in a close second. The population of Lake Charles is now over seventy thousand, which is large enough to allow the city to offer its residents and its guests numerous entertainment options, and small enough to keep the traffic on the area roads flowing smoothly.

Driving through some of the residential neighborhoods in zip code 70601 , your eyes cannot help but feast on the Victorian architecture of the homes around you. Blossoming magnolia trees permeate the air with their sultry scent, and orange cross vine plants can be found growing up walls and trellises, leading up to the delicate dormers and spindles set atop the roofs. Some of the houses look like something straight out of a storybook, with fish scale siding and intricately carved lattice and trim. The architectural variety also gives visitors a chance to sneak a glimpse of creole here and there, with its ornate wrought iron railings and large, comfortable wrap around porches.

Lake Charles is home to a state University and a technical community college, which lends to the youthful energy of the area. Though the younger generation certainly knows where to go to have a good time, Lake Charles caters to everyone, no matter what year your birth certificate reads. In addition to the higher education available in Lake Charles , LA , it is also a major petrochemical manufacturing and refining center, which provides jobs for residents in the area. But there is yet another industry in the area that offers residents several hundred jobs from which to choose, and it is perhaps the biggest attraction that can be found here. Gaming is big business in Louisiana , providing stable employment for its people and high entertainment value for the tourists that come to try their luck at the slots.

The naturally beautiful city of Lake Charles encompasses 42 square miles of land. Not only does it sit on the banks of a river, it also borders a freshwater lake with soft, white, sandy beaches. In addition, it is a port that is located on a deep water channel leading to the Gulf of Mexico.

Because of all of this water, Lake Charles has been hit by hurricanes as well as flooding. Being a tough town, with strong roots and a determination that is not to be broken, each natural disaster has been dealt with and overcome. The spirit of this strong, passionate city lives on, no matter what has befallen it.

Zip code 70601 is known for its playful, celebratory spirit, which no hurricane has been able to destroy. This Louisiana city enjoys the celebration so much that it hosts over one hundred festivals and carnivals annually, graciously accepting the title of the Festival Capital of Louisiana . In fact, the residents of Lake Charles will find just about any reason to get together, eat great food, listen to Zydeco music and party till dawn.

One such festival celebrates the local legend of pirate Lafitte, who, as legend has it, hid his treasure somewhere on the banks of Lake Charles as he was fleeing from capture. The city hosts a shrimp festival, a crab festival, and a Cajun food and music festival, as well. They celebrate Celtic History with as much joy and splendor as they honor and celebrate the marshland that is within their midst. But the granddaddy of all of the festivals would have to be Mardi Gras. The enthusiasm and pride that the city displays in their annual festivities hints at the happiness and relaxed ease with which residents here go about their lives.

Festivals are great fun for residents and tourists alike, but Lake Charles offers more than these celebratory events to their residents and guests. There are several fine museums in the area that entice locals to get out and enjoy the day with their families. One particular museum pays homage to the historically significant events that have shaped Louisiana through the centuries, and visitors can see artifacts from back in the day, including a circa 1850s kitchen, barber shop and other intriguing exhibits, in addition to historical documentation. Artwork from local and regional artists is on display at the art museum, along with several galleries in the area.

The children's museum gives children a rich, real life experience through tactile play with such exhibits as Mr. Bones, Waterworks, a hands on art area that entices kids to create and then take home their creations, and a bubble factory where children find themselves inside of a giant bubble. Grown ups can see the learning taking place and the discoveries that are being made, but all the kids can see is fun, fun, fun. The nearby railroad museum give young ones an up close and personal look at the wonder and the history of trains, railroad tracks and depots. Adults think it is pretty fun, too.

There is a handful of local theater groups in Lake Charles , LA . These groups put on several different performances each year. Some have an in-house cast of actors from across the country, while others audition local residents of all ages to come and be a part of the acting experience. The children's theater gives kids the power to put on their own performances, and includes stage creation, lighting, directing and other important aspects of the theater. Lake Charles also has its own symphony orchestra, which performs regularly in town and at festivals. For aspiring dancers, the city boasts a ballet school for kids and adults to be taught the beautiful and physically challenging art of ballet.

For many people in Lake Charles , LA , zip code 70601 , though, night time means good time. The students, tourists and residents alike enjoy fine dining, especially spicy Cajun food, like gumbo and blackened catfish. No matter what your mouth wants, from fresh, locally caught seafood to Mexican, Lake Charles offers it up, generously.

The Boardwalk area that runs along the waters edge in the downtown central business district comes alive when the work day ends. Offering guests a variety of restaurants, bars, and live music venues where party goers can dance, drink and mingle, the Boardwalk is a favorite among locals and tourists. Live music from all different genres can be found after the sun goes down. The boardwalk is a perfect place to catch a beautiful sunset, or watch the silent sailboats glide by.

Residents appreciate the riverboat casinos and the hotels that they have constructed for all of the jobs that they bring to the city, but tourists appreciate them because they provide a fun, relaxed atmosphere where the party never stops. From slots to roulette, from Poker to Pai Gow, the riverboat casinos in Lake Charles , LA have got it all. There is horse racing, Keno, blackjack and craps. Plus, the casinos offer some of the best restaurants and bars in the city, with live music, and even childcare services at the hotels. No visit to Lake Charles is complete without a trip to the boats.

For outdoor enthusiasts, this area of Louisiana will not disappoint. The city has skate parks for the teen sector, playgrounds for the younger kids and plenty of picnicking spots. It boasts a pristine lake complete with a hurricane slide and a huge tree house for climbing, as well as all kinds of watercraft sports, such as boating, skiing, kayaking and jet skis. There are at least four beaches in Lake Charles. One of the beaches is located on the gulf of Mexico itself.

The wildlife refuge nearby offers a scenic marsh trail where visitors can spot wildlife amidst the low hanging Spanish moss that seems to be dripping from the trees overhead. But for a true glimpse into the wild creatures that inhabit the area, take the drive. Lake Charles offers a 180 mile nature trail, made for automobiles. The lush scenery unfolds before your eyes like a mystery novel. You never know what breathtaking view you will see around the next bend. Winding with serpentine grace through marshes, bayous, prairies and forest, the views are something truly significant to behold. Alligators, herons, birds of all kinds and plants that you just do not see anywhere else taunt your senses. This is a must do attraction for visitors in the area who appreciate the beauty of nature. Just do not try to feed the alligators!

Lake Charles , Louisiana , zip code 70601 is a play land for families, a party for individuals and a good time for everyone. There is never a shortage of activities, always a festival to be found, rhythm and blues music that speaks to your soul as well as taps your toes, food that will delight, gaming throughout the night and scenery that will take your breath away, leaving you awed by the mystery of life on the bayou.