Queensborough - Shreveport, LA

Originally part of the planned Virginia Place neighborhood founded in 1901, Queensborough expanded over time to include many of the community's surrounding subdivisions. The area, rife with Cajun/Creole culture, remains one of the most respected areas in the city for its residents' commitment to maintaining their small single-family bungalows or large, spacious two-story homes with wrap-around porches.

A visit downtown to Shreveport's annual Mudbug Madness Festival at Festival Plaza on Crockett Street introduces you to the community's local flavor. This free event features a vast assortment of crawfish dishes and other types of regional cuisine, as well as arts and crafts from local artisans and live music.

Attend an opening or show at the nearby R. W. Norton Art Gallery on Caswell Avenue to meet more area art lovers. This small venue houses an impressive permanent collection and several stimulating revolving collections throughout the year.

Like most Shreveport suburbs, the best Queensborough eats are located in different areas of the community instead of one central restaurant location. No one can put a finger on what makes the tartar sauce at C&C Cafe on Milam Street so much tastier than other local seafood shops. Order the fried shrimp to find out for yourself why this sauce is so special, and take a jar home with you to share with your family and friends. Other C&C Cafe menu stars include the half-chicken with gravy and the pork chops with red beans and rice. When you need a good, hot meal fast, stop in at Jade Express Chinese Restaurant on Kings Highway across from the LSU Health Sciences Center. This hole-in-the-wall prepares traditional fare such as sweet and sour chicken and beef and peppers. Ask the person behind the counter for the special of the day to enjoy an unusual yet tasty Asian entree. Herby K's on Pierre Avenue serves as a local social gathering place and one of the most beloved restaurants in the neighborhood. This Queensborough landmark, known for its fried shrimp Buster sandwich, also prepares some of the most authentic Cajun dishes in the area. Try the crawfish etouffee, fried soft-shell crab platter or seafood gumbo the first time you go to understand why this place has been in business since the 1930s. After your meal, head over to Great Raft Brewing on Dalzell Street. This locally owned, chic, contemporary bar and amazing craft beer selection helps you unwind from your busy day without leaving the neighborhood. If you want a more laid-back dive bar experience, check out the dark, smoky Bears on nearby Fairfield Avenue. Featuring decor such as a moose head, this no-frills establishment hosts local bands throughout the week.

Queenborough's location on both the east and west sides of Interstate 20 allows you to quickly get in and out of the neighborhood whenever you need to take a business or social trip. You'll also use LA-3094 and U.S. Route 79 to maneuver daily throughout the local area.

Because this community houses many more residents than businesses, plan to bike or walk through the subdivisions for exercise and take your car to go to work or to run errands. Expect free parking at most local businesses and restaurants throughout the neighborhood. This neighborhood does not host any dedicated bike lanes outside the area's residential subdivisions.

If you don't own a car, take the Sportran-City Transit System from the downtown Shreveport terminal or from the stops at the corner of Texas and Murphy Street or West College and Hearne Avenue. When you need a cab, call for a pickup.

When you want to soak up the sunshine with your little ones and on-leash dogs, take them to nearby Betty Virginia Park on Fairfield Avenue. This free park houses a children's play area, a baseball field, a softball field, a picnic area and a paved hike/bike trail.

Just minutes away from Queenborough, the Red River National Wildlife Refuge on Eagle Bend Road in neighboring Bossier City provides you with year-round educational and recreational opportunities. Fish along Lake Caroline, hike or bike through miles and miles of stunning seasonal foliage with your on-leash dog, or pick fresh pecans during the fall harvest. This fee-based park also hosts numerous children's and adults' educational programs throughout the year.

Living in Queensborough provides you with about a 9 percent lower cost of living than the surrounding Shreveport communities. Renting a one-bedroom residence runs you approximately $525 per month, while having a pint of beer at a local pub runs you between $3.50 and $5.

Catching a one-way ride on the bus to the center of town puts you back roughly $1.25. However, the 17 percent average savings off of the national average for a gallon of gas might make you more inclined to drive your car to and from Queenborough area destinations.

When a special occasion or formal event arises, browse the high-end selections at the nearby Knox Goodman's Boutique on Azalea Drive. Featuring a wide variety of on-trend cocktail dresses, handbags, jewelry and selections, this locally owned establishment's staff helps you find just the right look for your big night out. When you want to dress up on a budget, head over to the New to You Consignment Boutique along the nearby Shreveport-Barksdale Highway. This consignment shop's owner scours the gently used items from local residents to ensure you get the best quality dresses, designer handbags and unique jewelry pieces at prices you can afford. If you still don't find what you're looking for, Mall St. Vincent on nearby St. Vincent Avenue houses national brand stores, including Sears, the Shoe Department, Dilliard's and Claire's. Grocery stores abound around the Queensborough neighborhood. Take your pick from Fairfield Grocery on Fairfield Avenue, Cotten's Super Market on Lakeshore Drive or Brookshires Food Stores on King's Highway when you need to stock up on kitchen staples. On Saturdays, take the short drive downtown to the Shreveport Farmers Market at the Festival Plaza Pavilion on Crockett Street to load up on local seasonal produce, homemade baked goods, canned, pickled vegetables, made-to-order sandwiches and rustic Mexican fare.