Orlandeaux’s Café

No travel nurse assignment in Shreveport would be complete without a taste of the city’s most beloved soul food for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Originally opened in 1921 as the Freeman & Harris Café, Orlandeaux’s Café is recognized as the oldest continuously African American family owned restaurant in the United States and is known for serving the very best Creole cuisine in town, if not the South itself. People drive from all over the state for their stuffed shrimp, but their catfish, crawfish, gumbos, and gizzards are just as popular. Don’t forget to order the peach cobbler or beignets for dessert!

Tejas Kitchen Bar Patio

The food truck craze is alive and well in Austin, and the city is currently home to a number of food-court trailer parks that feature a variety of menus to please every palate. With five locations throughout Austin to choose from, Veracruz All Natural gives you ample opportunities to sample their authentic Mexican food, smoothies and juices. This Zagat-rated taco truck is beloved by locals and tourists alike for its migas tacos, al pastor and other Mexican specialties created with local ingredients and homemade corn tortillas or locally made flour tortillas. Additionally, their all-natural, fresh-squeezed juices and smoothies are legendary in Austin. Hours vary by truck location, but all are open for breakfast and lunch, while others stay open through late night.

Rhino Coffee

Travel nurses on assignment in Shreveport who are looking for a hip local coffee house should definitely give Rhino Coffee a try. With two locations – one uptown and one downtown – they offer a great starting point to a day of exploring the city or the perfect spot to people watch during your weekend winddown. This locally owned business is passionate about their process of sourcing, roasting, cupping and brewing, which is obvious the moment you take a sip of one of their coffees, cold brews, espressos, lattes or teas. They also offer an impressive selection of baked goods, breakfast and lunch items, with a variety of gluten-free and vegan options.

Flying Heart Brewery

Shreveport locals love Flying Heart Brewery not only for its craft beers and ample outdoor seating underneath an expansive magnolia tree, but also for the city history embedded throughout the location. The space formerly housed a fire station, and it pays homage with numerous wooden spool tables anchored by red metal fire hydrants. A half-dozen house brews are served year-round, with seasonal favorites including strawberry, pineapple, blackberry and king cake shandys available for limited runs. House-made New York-style pizza, pretzels, wraps and wings make this the perfect place to relax after work or on your day off.

Southern University Museum of Art

The Southern University Museum of Art is dedicated to preserving the art and culture of the African and African American Diaspora, and features an expansive collection of artifacts, prints, poems, lithograph illustrated poems, sculptures and more from the major art producing regions of Africa. It is the only facility of its kind in North Louisiana to showcase the contributions of African-descendent artists from both Africa and America. Numerous permanent, traveling, special and interactive exhibits are showcased. Visit the website to schedule a tour.

Asian Gardens of Shreveport

A lush oasis representing 15 different Asian countries, the Asian Gardens of Shreveport is a great place to relax, unwind and just focus on the beautiful plants, flowers, statues and sculptures located there. This multi-level garden is open to the public every sunup to sundown and free to visit. The countries represented include India, the Philippines, Cambodia, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, China, Myanmar, Laos, Korea and Burma. Twice a year, the gardens host a festival featuring Asian street food, a Chinese street fair, Thai dancers and an Indian festival of lights.

Red River National Wildlife Refuge

Red River National Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful place to spend the day in nature during your travel nurse assignment in Shreveport. Wildlife that can be viewed and photographed here include white-tailed deer, armadillos, dragonflies, alligators, sea turtles and more than 246 species of birds, including colorful wood ducks. Nearly 12 million people visit the park each year to see and photograph the wildlife here, and in fact most of the photographs featured on the park’s website and visitor center were taken by center volunteers. Take a walk on one of the park’s numerous trails or launch a kayak or canoe on scenic Lake Caroline.

“A Call to Action” Mural in Downtown Shreveport

Some of the best social media photography features street art in the background — or as the subject matter itself — and Shreveport is home to a mural that is sure to help blow up your newsfeed with hearts. Titled “A Call to Action,” this 20-foot tall, 75-foot wide public mural by artist Ali Bahler is a colorful depiction of Shreveport’s cultural heritage. It features festivals, live music and gaming in vivid colors enhanced by LED neon flex lighting. The dramatic mix of color and light is best photographed during the golden hour before dusk, but it can help you create a stunning social media image at any time of day.