FALL CRAWL IS NEARING…

Written by Jessica Slaughter, NCLAC Executive Director

Now that we have passed Labor Day, I find myself yearning for Fall. Most of September is officially the fall season, even though Louisiana weather often disagrees. However, everyone is back in school, football has begun, and our minds begin to wander toward pumpkins and cooler weather. To celebrate this new season and enjoy an early evening outdoors, be sure to come downtown for the Fall Crawl. Several arts-businesses in downtown Ruston are joining together for a great evening on September 19, from 5-8pm.

  

Painting by Frank Folino, OFM

Fine Line Art Supply will be featuring Frank Folino, OFM, of St. Thomas Aquinas. Father Frank’s mixed media paintings, with bold color and deep relief, are expressionistic and engaging. Kelly Moore Bag will be featuring husband and wife photography team Hannah Cooper McCauley and Zachary McCauley. These artists are Masters Candidates at Louisiana Tech and each has been recognized, awarded, published and exhibited nationally in the last year. This is a great opportunity to buy works by artists on the rise. Kelly Moore Bag will also be hosting music by Josh + Jenn.

Be sure to stop by Main Street Exchange, who will be featuring toys created by Christiane Drieling, whose craftsmanship is impeccable. Main Street Exchange’s featured nonprofit of the month is NCLAC—so sales at the shop will support our organization this month! Makers Union will have James Gilcrease from Day Old Blues Records with a pop-up shop chock full of vinyl. He’ll be spinning records, of course, so head over to treat your ears.

Works by Andi and Robert Moran

Just down the street at Studio 301 is another husband and wife team, Robert and Andi Moran, who will be exhibiting sculptural works. Robert and Andi are a creative powerhouse, with experience as designers of furniture, ceramics, lighting and more. Around the corner at Pastry Moon, owner Bonnie Ferguson will have her new autumn soaps as well as the artists she regularly features, such as Dorene Kordal’s felt, Whitney Caskey’s photography, and Lora Lee’s jewelry. I hear a buzz about a musician at Pastry Moon as well… Frame of Mind will be exhibiting new works by artist Peter Hay, who recently graduated from LA Tech’s MFA program, but has since moved back to Oklahoma. Peter is a fine printmaker and painter, with a style rooted in surrealism, often depicting beautifully illustrated animal imagery.

At the Dixie Center for the Arts, Dubach artist Nina Stephens’ oil paintings will be featured. As a self-taught artist, Nina channels her emotions and energy by creating pieces that represent personal journeys along with locally inspired pieces and animal portraits. Art Innovations is joining the Fall Crawl, and will have an installation titled A Walk in the Woods, featuring bird houses and bows by Francis Carson, and small paintings by Jackie Cochran. Alexandria Bozeman will be on site creating “Energy Portraits,” and there’s rumor of hot dogs and s’mores!

Plans are still begin generated, with conversations about food, music, and book readings, so be sure to mark this date on your calendar. If you remember, there was a Spring Crawl earlier this year, and there were people everywhere! It was a wonderful night. Let’s make it happen again. Grab a friend and head downtown after work. Join our facebook event for continued details.

 Tell us about your adventures in #RustonLA!

            

Top Fall To-Do in Ruston, LA

It's going to be a great fall in Ruston! We hate to see summer go, but with cooler weather and beautiful Autumn colors also comes many of our favorite events. Festivals, music, theatre and of course, FOOTBALL! Don't miss out on all the excitement. Take a look at the Top To-Dos in Ruston this coming Fall.

Masters of Soul
October 21 at 6 p.m.

The Masters of Soul is a celebration of Motown artists and their music and lifestyles. You don't want to miss the stylish costumes, choreographed tributes and of course, the dynamic vocals of these seasoned musicians!

Lincoln Parish Library - 910 North Trenton Street - Ruston, LA 71270

Eli Young Band

November 13 at 9 p.m. (Doors open at 7 p.m.)

We love great music out on the big stage! Come check out one of country music's hottest bands at this outdoor concert! Get your tickets here.  

The Revelry - 2647 South Service Road West - Ruston, LA 71270

Jason Coleman

November 15 at 7 p.m. 
Don't miss this inspiring performance from Jason Coleman and the Piano Magic of Floyd Cramer! This unique concert features Jason honoring his Grandfather Cramer at the piano.  
Dixie Center for the Arts - 212 North Vienna Street - Ruston, LA 71270

17th Annual Holiday Arts Tour

November 20-22

It's never too early to start thinking about Christmas gifts. Join us for this celebration of local artists as downtown merchants host a weekend of art, music and shopping. For more information visit www.nclarts.org.

Downtown Ruston, LA

ARToberfest

October 24 from 5 to10 p.m.

This annual event benefits the North Central Louisiana Arts Council and features local brewers providing sample of their beers alongside many regional and national beer providers. Food trucks will also be onsite site! Come out and support the arts! 

Norton Building - 207 West Mississippi Avenue - Ruston, LA 71270

Louisiana Chicken Festival 

September 26-17

It's time again for this annual festival in Dubach, LA! You can enjoy arts & crafts booths, live music, a parade, carnival rides and so much more! For more information visit www.rustonlincoln.com. 

Downtown Dubach, LA

                

P.L.A.Y Festival

October 11 beginning at 8 a.m.

What does NELA have in common with San Francisco, NYC and London? An annual festival centered around the well-being of your mind, body and spirit! Come out and celebrate Peace, Love, Art and Yoga!

Louisiana Yoga & Paddle - 3458 LA-181 - Ruston, LA 71270

Country Western Boot Skoot Boogie Night

October 25 at 6 p.m.

Put on your blue jeans and dust off those cowboy boots for this shindig at the library!

Lincoln Parish Library - 910 North Trenton Street - Ruston, LA 71270

China Circus Acrobats

September 27 at 7 p.m.

You do not want to miss this incredible performance from the China Circus Acrobats! 

Dixie Center for the Arts - 212 North Vienna Street - Ruston, LA 71270

Til Beth Do Us Part

October 9-12

Come have a few laughs as the Ruston Community Theatre acts out this romantic farce written by Jones Hope Wooten. 

Dixie Center for the Arts - 212 North Vienna Street - Ruston, LA 71270

Spooktacular Night at the Dixie

October 30 

It's going to be a night of Halloween reels and chills featuring the Tom Hanks 1989 comedy and suspense film The 'Burbs!

Dixie Center for the Arts - 212 North Vienna Street - Ruston, LA 71270

LA Tech vs. Northwestern State

September 20 at 6 p.m.

Come out and watch the Bulldogs dominate the field! For a complete game schedule visit www.latechsport.com. Check out the list of home games below.

October 4 - LA Tech vs. UTEP
October 18 - LA Tech vs. UTSA
November 1 - LA Tech vs. Western Kentucky (Homecoming)
November 29 - LA Tech vs. Rice

21st Annual Piney Hills Classic Mountain Bike Race

September 27-28

Round 3 of the Texas Cup, this is one of the oldest races in the south! Join this cross country race open to all ages and abilities!

Lincoln Parish Park - 211 Parish Park Road - Ruston, LA 71270

Grambling State University vs. Alcorn State

October 11 at 2 p.m.

Football frenzy is swing! Check out the GSU Tigers take on Alcorn State University. For a complete game schedule visit www.gsutigers.com and take a look at the home games listed below.

October 18 - GSU vs.University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (Homecoming)
November 15 -  GSU vs. Alabama State University 

Cotton Country Horse Show

October 18

Come enjoy these beautiful creatures in this all-breeds horse show.

Northeast Louisiana Exhibition Center - 165 Fairgrounds Road - Ruston, LA 71270

Gulf Coast Bike Championship

November 16

Watch as the top racers from Mississippi and Louisiana go head to head to determine who is the best in the Gulf Coast Region.

Lincoln Parish Park - 211 Parish Park Road - Ruston, LA 71270

 Tell us about your adventures in #RustonLA!

            

Five Fun & Free Things To Do

Written by Amanda Quimby, Marketing Director 

What make visiting any destination a little sweeter? Finding cool things to do around town that don't cost you a dime! Check out this list of five fun & free things you must do during your visit to Ruston, LA!

1. Catch an outdoor event or concert in Railroad Park. Located in Downtown Ruston, historic Railroad Park is the perfect place to gather around, hear local musicians, check out local artists displayed during art crawls, or even just have a picnic. Events run throughout the year so check out experienceruston.com for what's upcoming.

2. Play a game of Frisbee golf in Garland Gregory Hideaway Park. Gather friends for an afternoon of fun and fierce competition. The park is open daily from dawn til dusk and includes pavilions and picnic areas. It's located near Louisiana Tech's campus and provides endless opportunities for outdoor entertainment! 

3. Peruse the exhibits at the university student art galleries. Visit Louisiana Tech University and Grambling State University for a look inside these young artists. LA Tech's School of Art Gallery and GSU's Dunbar Gallery truly showcase the talent of art students in Lincoln Parish.

             

       Cindy Gibson                                    Nadine Saylor
    Abitante del Mare                             10,000 Breaths
                                              

  MC Davis
Koi

4. Visit James Lake Birding Trail. Calling all outdoor enthusiasts! View a wide variety of birds on the James Lake Birding Trail in Dubach, LA - one of Louisiana's best places to enjoy bird watching. Just want to enjoy nature? Take a stroll on the walking paths or sit an reflect by the lake! 

5. Visit the Autrey House. The Autrey House Museum is a dogtrot home build in 1849, and is believed to be the oldest surviving structure in Lincoln Parish! 

The Autrey House
Dubach, LA

Let's get a drink!

After a long drive into town, a busy day shopping and exploring, or after an hour of being cooped up in a hotel room, who doesn't want to get out and sit down for a drink?

What’s your “go to” concoction? A Jack and Coke or an Apple Martini? Something dry or something fruity? What about locally brewed beers? I’m a Merlot lady, myself.

If you don’t know your way around, no worries! We’ve put together the ultimate guide to drinks and happy hours in Ruston and Lincoln Parish!

At the top of the list is Sundown Tavern. Located downtown and known for its laid back atmosphere, Sundown has been a local hot spot since 1975. Sit at the bar and visit with their friendly bartenders or take a seat outside on the patio and enjoy the unique décor. Try award winning Bloody Mary (voted Best of the Delta!) or a Fresh Mint Mojito.

Red Wine Sangria
Portico Bar & Grill of Ruston

Next is Portico Bar & Grill. It’s another great place to sit and sip. Tuesday nights are 2 for 1 Pint Nights and Happy Hour is from 4 p.m. til 7 p.m. Stop in for $4 wells and $1 off draft beers. Or beat the Louisiana heat with a guest favorite – the Red Wine Sangria made with red wine, brandy, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, Sprite and fresh fruit. I’ll take a pitcher, please! Portico also offers outdoor seating with refreshing cool-air misters and live music on the weekends.

Around the Louisiana Tech campus? Stop into the Dawghouse. They’ve been in business for twenty years and have earned a reputation for tasty food and great drinks. Play a game of pool or darts while you’re there, or check out any number of sporting events on their thirteen TV’s. They have a large selection of bottled and keg beers. They also carry premium liquors and can whip up anything your heart desires. And there is always something new to try with their seasonal beers!

And of course, there’s Ponchatoulas. Also located downtown right next to Sundown Tavern, Ponchatoulas is a Cajun/Creole restaurant with a great bar featuring daily specials. Try the Bob Marley, the layered martini made with vodka, rum, melon liqueur, pineapple and cranberry juice. They also serve locally brewed beer like Abita and Great Raft. And of course if you get a little hungry, their menu includes burgers, gumbo, seafood and more. And I get the white chocolate bread pudding with my wine. Try it; it’s fantastic.

    

The Bob Marley
Ponchatoulas

Also on the list is another restaurant with great bar and drink options. RAW, located in Downtown Ruston, serves a variety of wines, Saki and mixed drinks alongside their delicious sushi and Japanese cuisine.  

Beau Vines & the Revelry

Beau Vines and the Revelry are a great combination for fine dining and specialty spirits. Beau Vines offers an extensive wine list that guarantees something for everyone. Try one of their specialty drinks like the “manly, yet smooth as honey” Honeycomb made with Maker’s Mark, local honey and served on the rocks. Their counterpart – The Revelry is a more laid back “bar and grill” atmosphere. It’s the ideal place to grab a few beers and catch some live music. Check out the Revelry’s calendar for upcoming shows.

Trust a local on the right place to go!

“I really enjoy Ponchatoulas because of the great Cajun food they work hard to cook and provide by a very friendly staff. Not to mention the wide variety of local brew, my favorite being Abita Andygator on tap! Nice people, good location and great food and beverages! I highly recommend!” – Joey S.

“Dawghouse is the place to be. Play some pool, throw some darts. They have awesome burgers and plenty of beer.” – Lee R.

“RAW is a great place to grab cocktails with the girls. The location is ideal, very trendy and upscale, and the staff is friendly.” – Jessica E.

“I love Beau Vines. Go in, get a great steak, then walk over to the Revelry for some beers and live music. The Justin Moore show out on the outdoor stage was incredible. It’s one of my favorite places to go.” – Jeffery C.

Amanda Quimby is a native of Franklin Parish, a University of Louisiana at Monroe alumna and now a proud Ruston resident. As the marketing director for the CVB, she has an love for travel and tourism, and the coolest job ever. Amanda’s favorite things: coffee, wine and swing jazz. When she’s not working, ...just kidding. She’s always working. Follow her on Instagam and Twitter.

Join us for the 2014 Louisiana Peach Festival!

Summer has arrived in Ruston-Lincoln Parish! And we know what that means... the Louisiana Peach Festival is just around the corner! Come out June 27-28, 2014 and help us celebrate its 64th year! 

As one of the longest running agricultural festivals in the state, the Louisiana Peach Festival has given Ruston quite the reputation for "peach perfect" time. Both residents and visitors enjoy a weekend of great food, live music, unique shopping opportunities and an abundance of family-friendly activities. Get busy making your plans to attend this year! Visit www.experienceruston.com for more information.

All your favorite activities are back like the Peach Parade, Arts & Crafts Show and the Antique Car Show, but there's also featured events for the kiddos! Be sure to check out the Lincoln Parish Park Fishing Tournament and the Kids Zone in Railroad Park with a bungie jump, rock wall, carnival and more!

Don't feel left out, adults! We've also got you covered with a 5K Run/1 Mile Walk; tennis, golf and bass fishing tournaments; and a rodeo out at the Northeast Louisiana Exhibition Center. As well as multiple contest like the peach cookery and peach eating contests to show off your peach skills. 

Come get your sweet Ruston peaches!
Louisiana Peach Festival - June 27-28, 2014

The music lineup this year is impressive and offers a little something for everyone! Kicking things off Friday night in Railroad Park at 6:30 p.m. is Louisiana Swamp Donky with their own brand of "southern fried rockin' country." Taking the stage at 8:00 p.m. and promising the ultimate 80's experience is (my personal favorite) the Molly Ringwalds!

Opening Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. with some award-winning Zydeco tunes will be Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, followed with a 9:00 p.m. performance by rising country star, and Bastrop, LA native, Dylan Scott! Check out his single "Makin' This Boy Go Crazy."

                           

A new aspect to the festival, and one we're very excited about, is Peach Stops! For the week of June 23-27, festival enthusiasts will have the unique opportunity to purchase premier peach goods a select restaurants, retailers, galleries, entertainment venues and local organizations. In doing so, you'll receive a stamp on your Peach Stop Shopping Rewards Card to be used in entering for great prizes!

There's so much to experience! For complete information on the 2014 Louisiana Peach Festival visit www.louisianapeachfestival.org. See you downtown!