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The South is known for having its own special kind of charm, hence the term “Southern Hospitality.” It’s especially true when it comes to the Pelican State.

USA TODAY recently shared its results from a reader’s choice poll of the 10 best small towns in the American South for 2025, where Louisiana’s own West Monroe nabbed the No. 4 spot. Now Travel + Leisure is singing the state’s praises too, giving one community the honor of “the friendliest town in the South.”

Welcome to Minden, Louisiana

Travel + Leisure has dubbed Minden the “friendliest town in the South,” with its beautiful “lakes, bayous and charming antique shops.”

Minden is a Northwest Louisiana town that’s an outdoor-lover’s paradise, with lakes and bayous perfect for fishing, boating, kayaking and hiking. There are also unique antique shops and boutiques that make for good shopping opportunities. Minden also has an interesting history, which can be explored at the Germantown Colony Museum and the Dorcheat Historical Museum.

Although, while the town has its attractions, locals and visitors alike agree that it’s the people that are the town’s best asset, and the city has even held the title of the “friendliest city in the South” since at least the ’80s, says Travel + Leisure.

Top 5 things in Minden that you can’t miss out on according to Travel + Leisure

  • Staying at The Villas at Spanish Court, located near the edge of Minden’s historic downtown at 224 W Union Street
  • Exploring Dorcheat Bayou on a kayak rented from Dorcheat Bayou Rentals
  • Ordering the crawfish cheese nachos at Seafood Empire LLC
  • Shopping for locally-made products at Parish Design Co
  • Grabbing a cup of coffee from Brick Street Coffee and going for a walk in the historic district

Best hotels and resorts in Minden according to Travel + Leisure

  • The Villas at Spanish Court: A collection of eight renovated rental units in downtown Minden, located at 224 W Union Street, each equipped with a queen-size bed, fully stocked kitchen, full bath, TV, high-speed internet, outdoor patio and more.
  • Cottage on Fort: A cozy and artistic cottage, located at 519 Fort Avenue, designed in the Mid-Century Modern style that will make your stay both welcoming and peaceful.
  • Fuller House Upper Room: A detached garage loft in the backyard of Minden’s historic Fuller-Polk House, located at 720 Main Street, that’s full of character and personality.
  • Baird-Sanders House: A rentable historic home from 1917, located at 1103 Broadway Street, that has a peaceful atmosphere and is within walking distance of Minden’s historic brick road found downtown.

Best things to do in Minden according to Travel + Leisure

Best shopping in Minden according to Travel + Leisure

  • Parish Design Co.: Local artisan market located at 727 Broadway Street
  • Hers Bridal: Bridal store located at 728 Main Street
  • A.J. Price Tire and Service Centers: Tire and automotive repair service shop located at 724 Main Stret
  • Gray’s Jewelry: Jewelry store located at 709 Main Street
  • LaKait Boutique and Momma’s Little Corner: Shared storefront, located at 707 Main Street, women’s clothing store.

Best restaurants in Minden according to Travel + Leisure

  • Seafood Empire LLC: Seafood restaurant located at 302 E Union Street
  • Under Dawgs Sports Grill: Sports bar located at 605 Main Street
  • Geaux Fresh Bistro & Bakery: Casual dining restaurant located at 801 Broadway Street
  • Neta’s Bar-B-Que: Barbecue joint located at 1433 Shreveport Road
  • Brick Street Coffee: Coffee shop located at 509 Main Street

Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com



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