The cities of Monroe-West Monroe offer double the possibilities for those looking for downtown fun. Located on the banks of the Ouachita River in North Louisiana, this dual-city destination off I-20 is a fun spot for a getaway filled with variety.
Of course there is shopping. In historic downtown West Monroe, Antique Alley (100-300 Blocks of Trenton Street, West Monroe, Louisiana 71291; 318-387-1933) offers a diverse shopping experience with its antique malls and individual stores, boutiques and specialty shops. The variety of shops here also includes the creative collection of local artwork in Courtyard on Cotton’s (102 Cotton Street, West Monroe, Louisiana; 318-348-6045) art gallery and sculpture garden, furniture and home décor at Walsworth & Company (311 Trenton Street, West Monroe, Louisiana 71291; 318-323-1454) and the wide-ranging assortment of goods at The Shoppes on the Alley (215 Trenton Street, West Monroe, Louisiana 71291; 318-366-2676). Adding a little spice to the collection of specialty businesses is JAC’s Craft Smokehouse (401 Trenton Street, West Monroe, Louisiana 71291; 318-855-8680), Louisiana’s first smokehouse restaurant. They serve everything from finger-licking good sandwiches to large meat entrees, all featuring gourmet sauces and seasonings.