Start your adventure at the Visitor Center so you can learn about the flora and fauna you'll see here.

After touring the Visitor Center, it's time to hit the trails.

There are several trails within the NWR, and all of them are kid-friendly.

Each one of the trails is more enchanting than the next, and you never know what wildlife will make an appearance, which is always fun.

As you're watching for wildlife, be sure to look up, too!

Caroline Lake is the centerpiece here at Red River NWR, and fishing and paddling are popular pastimes.

There are plenty of spots to sit for a spell and admire the view.

Bastop, Louisiana is one of the best towns to escape to if you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing getaway.

It’s the perfect spot for nature lovers.

Chemin-A-Haut is one of the lesser-known state parks in Louisiana, so it’s perfect for a fall visit.

The 503-acre state park has several miles of hiking, equestrian, and paddle trails to explore.

Speaking of paddle trails, the paddle out to Louisiana's famous Castle Tree.

The state park offers plenty of ways to stay, including RV sites, primitive campsites, and cabins.

Or you may be inspired to stay in a waterfront rental outside of the park.

Huckleberry Trails Park is a 23-acre community park located just southwest of downtown Ruston.

This quiet little park is great for families with little ones. The playground and picnic tables are the perfect set up to spend an afternoon outside.

One of my favorite parts about this park are the nature trails that weave throughout the park.

All of them are less than a mile long, so you can mix and match to fit your schedule.

The trails are great for introducing the next generation of nature lovers, too.

This hidden gem park is great all around, but especially if you want a little peace and quiet.

Notini’s has been a local favorite ever since it first opened its doors back in 1981.

Notini’s is as casual as you want it to be, just like if you were pulling up to grandma’s place.

This Italian restaurant in Bossier City, Louisiana has been a local favorite for more than three decades for a reason, and you’ll quickly become a member of the fan club.

Notini’s does things the old-fashioned way, making all of the sauces from scratch every day.

The pasta dinners are some of the best Italian food you’ve ever tasted, and the lasagna is one of the most popular items on the menu.

Be sure to get a glass of Notini's famous spiced mint tea, it's delicious!

Notini’s also does a weekly special on Wednesday nights.

Welcome to Thee Heavenly Donut, a locally-owned donut shop with locations in Baton Rouge and Henderson, Louisiana.

No matter which location you visit, you’re in for a sugar rush.

Thee Heavenly Donut has a wide range of donuts and pastries to choose from, and they’re all baked fresh each morning.

The gourmet donuts are so tempting.

The gourmet donuts are offered on the weekends, and they’re always adding new flavors.

The gourmet donuts are offered on the weekends, and they’re always adding new flavors.

But there's something to be said about the traditional glazed donut.

Mrs. Heather’s Farm opens up for pumpkin season on September 23, 2023.

Once you arrive, you’ll want to make a beeline to the pumpkins.

We all know choosing the perfect pumpkin is a process that cannot be rushed.

Speaking of photos, there will be a ton of photo opportunities. Mrs. Heather’s really does a wonderful job at decorating for the season.

There will be plenty of activities to enjoy all season long.

Once you've plucked the perfect pumpkin, head over to the picnic tables to start painting!

From face painting to nature trails, you and your family could easily spend an entire afternoon here.

Blackpot Festival takes place October 27-28, 2023 at Vermilionville in Lafayette.

The two-day festival celebrates all things Cajun, starting with the tunes.

The main event takes place on Saturday afternoon, where chefs of all backgrounds compete to win top honors with their blacktop creations.

Categories include gravy, gumbo, franklins, jambalaya, and dessert.

If two days just isn't enough for you, then bring your camping gear and enjoy Blackpot Camp.

Blackpot Camp is full of classes and workshops where you can learn everything from music to cooking, and even a few Cajun dances.

You will need to purchase tickets to attend both Blackpot Camp and Blackpot Festival.

Less than one mile from the Louisiana/Mississippi border on US-51 is where you’ll find Skinney’s Restaurant & Banquet Facility.

This neighborhood eatery seems like it’s in the middle of nowhere, yet it’s easily one of the top picks for locals on the hunt for a good meal in a casual, relaxed atmosphere.

Skinney’s is known for having some very generous portions, so be sure to come hungry!

The menu features a wide range of options, covering everything from hamburger steak to fried seafood platters.

Speaking of steaks, the steaks at Skinney’s are legendary. Treat yourself to an 8-ounce filet or go big with one of the ribeyes, available in both 12 and 16 ounces.

The ribs have a fan base of their own, and they're absolutely worth it.

1. Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch

2. Curry Farms

3. DixieMaze Farms

4. Poche’s Patch & Maze

Welcome to Moncus Park, a 100-acre green space in Lafayette, Louisiana.

The space was owned by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette from 1920 until about 2005, and used it for agricultural research and also kept cows and horses here. This eventually gave the area the nickname “the Horse Farm.”

During the warmer months, the 5,100-square-foot water feature is always a hit with kids.

Your kids will love the entire playground, actually.

And there’s always something to look forward to here at Moncus Park...

...Like the Farmers Market which takes place every Saturday from 8 a.m. till 12 p.m.

There are plenty of walking paths to enjoy, with several benches peppered along the way to sit and admire the view.

Or you may be inspired to just pill up some grass and watch the sunset!

Moncus Park is always adding new features to this park, and the newest attraction will be a separate dog park for big dogs!