Tales of the Twin Rivers

Tour Dates: April 21-26, 2027
Tour Arrival: Wednesday, April 21, 2027 – Arrive at Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV)
Tour Departure: Monday, April 26, 2027 – Depart for Global Media Marketplace in Bentonville, Arkansas
Cities/Towns Visited: Shreveport, Bossier City and Natchitoches

Explore the stories, traditions and flavors of Northwest Louisiana on a journey connecting the communities and cultures along the Red River and Cane RiverBegin in Shreveport-Bossier City, two cities on opposite sides of the Red River, where nature, food and nightlife offer different perspectives on the region. Explore the newly revitalized Walter B. Jacobs Nature Center, dine at Abby Singer’s Bistro, where Chef Niema DiGrazia brings her West African culinary heritage to the table, and experience the restaurants, craft brews and entertainment of Bossier City’s East Bank District.

Continue to Natchitoches, the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase, for a deeper look at the people and the French, Spanish, African, and Native American cultures that have shaped the region. Walk through the Historic District to explore French and Spanish colonial influences and Creole culture, then visit Melrose on the Cane to learn the stories of Marie Therese Coincoin and folk artist Clementine Hunter. At the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum, explore everything from the role of sports in Louisiana culture to 3,000 years of regional history. Together, these experiences reveal a part of Louisiana rich in tradition, history, culture and flavor.

Destination Highlights:

Shreveport – “Nature, Culture & Local Flavor”
Three nights in Shreveport introduce journalists to Northwest Louisiana through its natural environment, food and local culture. The Walter B. Jacobs Nature Center, reopened in 2026 following extensive reconstruction, features modern exhibits highlighting wildlife such as alligators, bees and turtles, along with interactive experiences focused on the area’s flora.

Bossier City – “Entertainment on the Red River”
Across the Red River, Bossier City brings a lively dimension to the journey. The East Bank District, the city’s newest entertainment district, offers restaurants, craft brews and activities such as axe throwing, providing an opportunity to experience local nightlife.

Natchitoches – “Centuries of Louisiana Stories”
Two nights in Natchitoches immerse travelers in the history and culture of the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. From its Historic District and Creole culture to Melrose on the Cane and museums exploring regional history and sports, the city provides a window into the people and traditions that have shaped Northwest Louisiana.

Culinary

Shreveport
At Abby Singer’s Bistro, Chef Niema DiGrazia brings the flavors of her West African culinary heritage to the plate, creating an opportunity to explore how personal and cultural influences contribute to Louisiana’s broader food story.

Bossier City
The East Bank District combines dining with nightlife and entertainment, giving visitors the chance to explore local restaurants and craft brews in one of Bossier City’s newest gathering places.

Arts and Culture

Natchitoches Historic District
A walking tour showcases the French and Spanish colonial influences and Creole culture that contribute to Natchitoches’ distinctive identity.

Melrose on the Cane
At this National Historic Landmark, which is one of the largest plantations in the Unites States built by and for free people of color, learn the story of Marie Therese Coincoin and the origins of the estate, then explore the work of Creole folk artist Clementine Hunter, who learned to paint at Melrose using paints left behind by another artist.

Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest Louisiana History Museum
Two museums in one provide different perspectives on Louisiana culture. Interactive exhibits explore the achievements of Louisiana athletes, coaches and sports figures and the importance of sports to life in the state, while the history museum traces 3,000 years of Northwest Louisiana history and the cultural traditions that continue today.

Nature and Outdoor Experiences

Walter B. Jacobs Nature Center
The revitalized nature center provides an introduction to Northwest Louisiana’s natural environment through modern wildlife exhibits and interactive displays focused on local flora. Visitors can learn about species including alligators, bees and turtles while exploring another side of the region.

Story Ideas

  1. Tales of the Twin Rivers: Exploring Northwest Louisiana
    Follow the Red River and Cane River through Shreveport-Bossier City and Natchitoches to uncover the communities, cultures and stories that distinguish this part of Louisiana.
  2. Beyond the Bayou: A Different Side of Louisiana
    Explore Northwest Louisiana through nature, historic communities, local food, art and cultural traditions.
  3. West African Flavors in Shreveport
    Meet Chef Niema DiGrazia at Abby Singer’s Bistro and explore how her West African culinary heritage contributes to the region’s diverse food story.
  4. The Women of Melrose on the Cane
    Learn the stories of Marie Therese Coincoin and Clementine Hunter and the impact they’ve had across the state. Explore their connections to one of Louisiana’s National Historic Landmarks.
  5. 3,000 Years of Louisiana History in Natchitoches
    Trace the region from its earliest history through French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences, Creole culture and traditions that remain part of Northwest Louisiana today.
  6. More Than a Game: Sports and Louisiana Culture
    Explore the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the role athletes, coaches and sporting traditions have played in the state’s cultural identity.
  7. From Alligators to Art: Unexpected Northwest Louisiana
    Connect the wildlife of the Walter B. Jacobs Nature Center with Natchitoches’ historic sites, folk art and cultural experiences for a story showcasing the region’s variety.

Limited spots are available, and these Global Week Press Trips are offered first-come, first-serve. Don’t delay – contact your recruiter today to begin your exploration of Louisiana.