Alexandria: What's It Like? (Lake Charles, Monroe: 2009, casino, live)

[fallguy]

Hi-
I've never been to Alexandria. What's it like? Is it comparable to Monroe, which I've been to once.

Also what are your thoughts on Lake Charles? I've never been there either but am slated to drive there with 2 friends who have never been there in Apr. or May 2009 for L'Auberge du Lac Casino & Cotton's Famous Hamburgers.

I live and work in the Dallas, Texas Metro Area.

Thanks,
fallguy

[MetroBTR]

I don't have much experience with Monroe, so I cannot compare it to Alexandria. Alexandria is a typical mid-sized southern town. I would venture to say that it is a pretty boring place unless you have a family to keep you busy. If you have a family, it's probably a good place to be.

[fallguy]

Thanks. I'll let you know if I ever get there. I've heard the same assessment from several people that Alexandria is boring & there's, in the words of one person who has family there 'nothing to do in Alexandria but fish(!?)' which I think is actually pretty funny in the dark-humored sense!!

[psulions2007]

They have a decent mall. Actually, I remember one summer... a few years ago... I went to their mall and on one end they had an ice cream and treats shop (don't remember the name, but it was local, not a chain)...and I got a frozen chocolate covered banana that was rolled in crushed M&Ms.... mmm....I still think about that deliciousness today!

[Rmaf623]

There's also a decent sized zoo, a couple of museums downtown, and some good restaurants. There is plenty of outdoor recreation nearby and some plantations as well. There is supposed to be an effort going on right now to restore Fort Randolph (a Civil War fort) in Pineville just across the Red River from downtown Alexandria, which may become a destination in the future. One place that provides family fun is the Buhlow Fun Park, a small amusement area on Buhlow Lake with putt putt golf, go-karts, and an arcade.

The closest casino is approx. 45 minutes down Highway 1 in Marksville. However, a new casino has been approved for the Creola community, just north of the Pineville area although many residents near the site are unhappy and protesting it.

The Alexandria Mall was partially flooded when the roof collapsed during Hurricane Gustav. I haven't been to the mall in a while so I'm not sure if the cleanup has finished yet.

[fallguy]

Thank you to all respondents...I'll take your comments into account.

[beau99]

Of all Louisiana cities...Alexandria is the WORST! I'm sorry, I normally do not put down ANY Louisiana city, but Alexandria is awful! Not only is there nothing to do, but they are the strangest people there!! I used to have to go down there everyday for work, and I thought they were some of the rudest people I'd ever met. Moderator cut: inappropriate comment