A Charming Louisiana Gem With A Vibrant Downtown Is Known As The 'Friendliest City In The South'

Think Louisiana, think New Orleans. But there's more to this Southern state than the most fun city in all of America; it's also home to the friendliest. In the opposite corner of Louisiana to New Orleans, you'll find Minden, known for decades as the "Friendliest City in the South." With a vibrant, historic downtown, easy access to the outdoors, and heaps of Southern charm, Minden is the perfect northern Louisiana getaway.

Step into downtown Minden, and you'll see a mural welcoming visitors and proudly proclaiming it as the "Friendliest City in the South." The town gained national recognition when it was featured on HGTV's "Home Town Kickstart" in 2022. Early in the episode, town leader Sara McDaniel says, "You can hardly go anywhere in Minden and not see a friendly smile, a friendly face." There couldn't be a better advertisement for the town, and you can experience that same warmth and welcome as a visitor.

Most visitors begin their exploration on Minden's Main Street. The thoroughfare is paved with red bricks and lined by beautifully maintained buildings, making it an inviting place to stroll. Minden is a haven for antique lovers, and along Main Street, you can hunt for gems in Kim's Attic, Heavenly Treasures and Possibilities Antiques and Collectibles.

Venture down a side street, and you'll come across a colorful mural with the text "Love Over Everything," located just across from Geaux Fresh Bistro & Bakery. The eatery was selected for a makeover by HGTV, and it's a great place to stop for a bite to eat. It boasts outstanding reviews, with one customer on Google writing not only about the delicious food but also calling the service a "true blessing."

When it comes to dinner time, Smokin' J's is a classic for barbecue lovers and has garnered fantastic reviews. If seafood is more your style, you can't go wrong with the equally well-reviewed Seafood Empire, where crawfish and shrimp dominate the menu. Once you're happily full and sleepy, you'll need a place to lay your head. Consider the gorgeously decorated Villas at Spanish Court or the delightful Cottage on Fort.

Beyond its vibrant downtown, Minden offers tons of outdoor activities. Just north of town, you'll find Caney Lakes Recreation Area, part of Kisatchie, Louisiana's only National Forest. There, you can enjoy picnicking and fishing and take a hike on the 6-mile Sugar Cane Trail, which leads through the lush landscape and offers plenty of opportunities to see some local wildlife. There's even a swimming beach open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

For more opportunities to get out on the water, rent a kayak from Dorcheat Bayou Rentals and take a languid float down Bayou Dorcheat or head a little way south to Lake Bistineau State Park. There, you'll also find hiking and biking trails and great fishing for local favorites, including bass and catfish.

Minden's welcoming spirit shines through in its full calendar of events. If you choose to head south to ditch the cold for a road trip in warmer weather, you might hit Minden's Mardi Gras celebrations or the Annual Black History Parade. June sees a barbecue cookoff on Main Street, while fall kicks off with Oktoberfest. When winter rolls around, the Holiday Trail of Lights brightens the city. Joining in with the festivities is the perfect way to experience Minden's friendly spirit and Southern hospitality.