Moving every few years is difficult for so many reasons. Having everything you own packed up, planning the trip to the next destination, saying goodbye, and unpacking is hard enough. We all know the first thing every spouse does when orders come in is join every Facebook group and ask for all the information. What is there to do? Where are the good restaurants? What activities are there for kids? And as all the information comes flying in, you must try and organize it all. It’s basically like planning the next couple of years’ worth of activities. Can you relate?
Well, Spouse SERVE is doing all the research for you! Follow along on Instagram and Facebook as fellow Milsos share their recommendations on “Bucket List Monday”. You can also read all about it on the blog. So, grab your Duty Station Bucket List, conveniently located in your planner! You can also snag a free printable here.
The Bucket List Monday campaign begins in Fort Polk, Louisiana. Some amazing military spouses have created the ultimate duty station bucket list, Fort Polk Edition. Thank you, Jamie Lynn, Kym, and Pamela, for sharing your experiences.
Restaurants
Toups’ Kajun Kitchen in Leesville has some excellent breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus! Think Cracker Barrell but with a Cajun twist.
Need a pizza night? Head over to Gilbert's Louisiana Pizza House, located right outside the main gate, and they deliver on post!
The Daiquiri Station provides customers with refreshing drinks through a very convenient drive-thru!
Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen is in neighboring town Deridder and offers a variety of Cajun cuisine and often has live music!
Parks and Recreation
CM Farms in Dry Creek has Barrel Train Rides, tractor rides, farm animals to pet and feed, horse rides, play structures, a corn kernel play pit, zip lines, slides, and corn mazes. Additionally, they have events all year round like Santa Visits.
Klubs and Karts located on Fort Polk, offer both mini-golf and go-karts!
Alexandria Zoo is a small enough zoo to enjoy in a single day, and they have a cute train that runs all day long.
Gone Wild Safari in Pineville is a fun drive-thru experience where the family can enjoy feeding animals up close. They also have a petting zoo and playground.
Natchitoches Alligator Park teaches safety and conservation and provides visitors opportunities to hold alligators and other reptiles.
In Shreveport, Louisiana, Jubilee Zoo - Petting Zoo & Play Place offers animals, playgrounds, splash pads, tractor rides, etc.
In Monroe, Louisiana, the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo and The Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum offer a variety of activities, from boat and train rides to interactive play areas that will surely keep the family busy for hours!
Toledo Bend Army Recreational Park is an excellent place for a weekend getaway. The reservoir is on the Sabine River between Texas and Louisiana, comprised of 1,200 miles of shoreline. The park offers cabins and yurts to rent, and the marina has pontoon and bass boats, kayaks, and paddleboards.
Alligator Lake Recreation Park is another great place to enjoy the outdoors. There is an RV park as well as tent sites available to rent. In addition, there are several pavilions available for large parties and, of course, plenty of pontoon and bass boats along with canoes and kayaks.
Cities to Explore
New Orleans, LA, is a must-see! There are so many places to explore, so carve out at least a long weekend to get the most out of your trip.
Bourbon Street is a popular site, so fellow milso Kym Keil recommends enjoying the historic street in the mornings. The Ruby Slipper Cafe and Cafe Du Monde are great places to enjoy yummy food. The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk and The Fillmore New Orleans offer great shopping and entertainment. If you are looking for a place to stay, The Old No. 77 Hotel is a beautiful rustic hotel that offers its guests the perfect blend of old and new.
Natchitoches, LA, is a historic city with plenty to do. Visit the Melrose Plantation, the Riverwalk of Cane River, or spend the night at the Steel Magnolia house. There is always something going on in this lively city.
Lake Charles, LA, is another beautiful place to visit. Millennium Park is located on the water and is perfect for all ages. In addition, the Creole Nature Trail is a great activity for everyone in the family.
Houston, TX, is a popular destination for Fort Polk residents. Be sure to visit the Houston Zoo, which offers military members and their dependent half-priced tickets.
If you have enjoyed this blog, follow along on Instagram and Facebook as we continue Bucket List Mondays!
Kelly