This Is the Friendliest Town in the South — With Beautiful Lakes, Bayous, and Charming Antique Shops

Come to Minden, Louisiana, to experience the epitome of Southern hospitality.

By Trudy Haywood Saunders (originally published in www.travelandleisure.com)

The people of Minden, Louisiana, have a lot to smile about. An outdoor lover’s paradise of lakes and bayous, the northwest Louisiana town is perfect for fishing, boating, kayaking, and hiking, but if you ask the locals, it’s the people who are the destination’s greatest asset. Visitors tend to agree — small, historic Minden holds the title of the “friendliest city in the South” — a moniker dating back to at least the ’80s, and they even have a mural to back up the claim.

“You will not meet a stranger on our streets,” says Sara McDaniel, local home renovation expert of Simply Southern Cottage. McDaniel and Rachel Miller were instrumental in bringing the HGTV show Home Town Kickstart to Minden. “We welcome everybody. Everybody is so kind and friendly that you will not be able to walk our streets and not smile.”

“Minden’s reputation as a friendly town is exemplified by its exceptional community spirit,” says Mayor Nick Cox. “The residents’ willingness to support meaningful causes and make a positive impact on the world contribute to the overall friendly and caring atmosphere that defines Minden as a welcoming and inclusive community.”

He adds, “If you’re going to the grocery store, you better plan for at least an hour because you’re going to run into the mayor, your favorite school teacher from 20 years ago — you’re meeting your community and communing with them.”

TOP 5 CAN’T MISS

• Book a room at The Villas at Spanish Court, located at the edge of historic downtown Minden.
• Rent a kayak from Dorcheat Bayou Rentals and explore the bayou for an afternoon, or go later for a moonlight paddle when the bayou comes to life.
• Order the crawfish cheese nachos at Seafood Empire LLC.
• Shop for locally made products at Parish Design Co. and get your “Friendliest City in the South” T-shirt to look like a local. 
• Grab a cup of coffee from Brick Street Coffee and go for a walk in the historic district.

Best Hotels and Resorts 

The Villas at Spanish Court

“The Villas at Spanish Court are a collection of eight beautifully renovated rental units in downtown Minden,” says Mayor Cox. “Each villa exudes elegance and comfort, making for a memorable stay.”

Cottage on Fort

Another Minden Stays Airbnb, Cottage on Fort “is a standout choice for visitors, especially larger groups looking for a unique and memorable experience in Minden,” says Mayor Cox.

Fuller House Upper Room

For history buffs, the Fuller House Upper Room, located in the detached garage loft of the Fuller-Polk home, is ideal. In fact, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Baird-Sanders House

The four-bedroom Baird-Sanders House was built in 1917 and remained in the same family until Ricky and Diana Sanders bought the property in 2017. After restoration, they turned it into an Airbnb property, conveniently located in Minden’s historic downtown.

Best Things to Do 

Kayaking

Louisiana likely conjures images of bayous with Spanish moss hanging from trees. Rent a kayak from Dorcheat Bayou Rentals, or bring your own to explore a portion of the 115-mile-long Bayou Dorcheat, Caney Lake, or Lake Bistineau. 

Water Activities on and Around Caney Lake

“Whether enjoying water sports, swimming, or fishing in the expansive lake or exploring the scenic hiking trails in the surrounding woods, Caney Lake is a beloved destination for my wife and me,” says Mayor Cox says of the water surrounding Jimmie Davis State Park, one of the best beaches in Louisiana. 

Fishing

When spring arrives, fish start biting and people flock to the lakes, hoping to reel in big bass, crappie, or catfish. For those looking to increase their odds of catching a big one, take a guided tour with Red River Guide Service, led by local professional fisherman Homer Humphreys.

Antiquing

Antiquing is a popular activity in historic Minden. Numerous shops such as Heavenly Treasures, Kim’s Attic, Possibilities Antiques and Collectibles, and FlipFlop Resale purvey the furniture and wares of days gone by.

Best Shopping 

Parish Design Co.

Owned by Patrick and Rachel Miller, who co-nominated Minden for the HGTV show Home Town Kickstart, Parish Design Co. is the area’s local artisan market. Seventeen local merchants, including painters, jewelry makers, and more, sell their wares here. One example is Sarepta Brown Cotton, owned by retired high school teacher Tony Mullins and his wife, Carol, who harvest brown cotton to make blankets, underwear, and Christmas stockings.

Hers Bridal

Hers Bridal has been outfitting the brides of Webster Parish since 1975. “People come from all over the nation to shop,” says McDaniel. “They come to buy their wedding dress and experience Minden.”

A.J. Price Tire and Service Centers

Opened in 1936, the family-owned and operated A.J. Price Tire and Service Centers is the oldest Western Auto in the country. Now in its fourth generation of ownership, it’s worth a stop just to see the original neon sign, even if you’re not in the market for tires or wheels. 

Gray’s Jewelry

If you’re searching for a little bling, Gray’s Jewelry is the place to go. Opened in 1959 by Lawson and Rosemary Gray, this fine jewelry store is now owned and operated by their grandson, Lonnie.  Locals shop the legendary store for bridal sets, and Seiko, Citizen, and Pulsar watches are repaired on site.

LaKait Boutique and Momma’s Little Corner

LaKait Boutique and Momma’s Little Corner share a storefront on Main Street, making shopping for clothes easy and convenient. Kaitlyn Mosley’s LaKait Boutique offers trendy, affordable women’s clothing and jewelry, while Denee Simmons’ Momma’s Little Corner stocks fun T-shirts and sweatshirts.

Best Restaurants 

Seafood Empire LLC

Owned by local restaurateur Buddy Myles, Seafood Empire LLC is a must-stop if you love seafood. “He makes amazing crawfish,” says McDaniel. “When it’s crawfish season in Louisiana, he’s our go-to.”

Under Dawgs Sports Grill

Under Dawgs Sports Grill is a gourmet hot dog restaurant that pays homage to local sports legends. “They have sports memorabilia from people who hail from our parish,” says McDaniel. “There are high school heroes, college heroes, and JJ Sneed, the most famous one right now because he plays for the Chiefs.”

Geaux Fresh Bistro & Bakery

Jodie Martin was led by faith to begin baking cheesecakes with a borrowed pan, and since shifting her focus to healthy, clean meals for families, Geaux Fresh has grown exponentially. The popular local bistro was renovated by HGTV and offers a fresh start to women overcoming addictions through the Louisiana Adult & Teen Challenge program.

Neta’s Bar-B-Que

When it comes to barbecue, Neta’s is legendary. Established in 1955, this joint is located just outside of town near I-20. Walk up to the window and order a chopped beef barbecue sandwich with potato salad and a root beer float and eat it at one of the picnic tables outside. 

Brick Street Coffee

Derek and Debbie Peris moved their entire coffee roasting business from Washington to Minden. “They renovated an old hardware store and opened a coffee shop,” says McDaniel. “It’s just been such an asset to our community.”

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Minden is spring through fall because of the many outdoor events and activities.

In April, the Scottish Tartan Festival draws in about 3,000 people annually with bagpipers, marching bands, and river dancers. Amateurs and professionals compete in traditional Highland Games.

Also in April, the town hosts the ASA Archery tournament, televised on ESPN, from the Louisiana National Guard’s Camp Minden Training Site.

Foodies, meanwhile, flock to Minden in June for the nationally sanctioned Grilling on Main cook-off. Grill masters from across the country vie to win their share of the $10,000 prize for best ribs, chicken, and barbecue.

Winter is the slower season in Minden, but something is always going on here. Christmas in Minden and the Holiday Trail of Lights are local favorites. On Super Bowl weekend, the town holds the annual Minden St. Jude auction, contributing more money per capita to the children’s hospital than any other city in the United States.

How to Get There

Minden is about three hours from both Dallas, Texas, and Jackson, Mississippi. Most people drive to town, since it’s a good stopping point between the two cities. For those who choose to fly, the closest airport is the Shreveport Regional Airport, about 40 minutes away.

Neighborhoods to Visit 

The Minden Historic Residential District is easily walkable from downtown. Laid out in somewhat of a parallelogram, this district has houses that date back to before the Civil War. “The beautiful thing about it is there are houses in a variety of styles,” says McDaniel. “My house is an Acadian-style house, and it’s within the district. It’s an interesting depiction of architecture from days gone by.”

How to Get Around

Walking is the best way to get around downtown, since the historic district and most restaurants and shops are within close proximity to each other. You’ll need a car to go to the lakes, bayous, and parks, and rental cars are available through the local Enterprise office. Uber and Lyft are also options, with limited drivers and service.