Photos and Stories by Ken Hulsey
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to visit the Shreveport/Bossier City area for an early safety meeting. After these meetings, I love to find a peaceful spot where I can walk, stretch my legs, and enjoy some quiet time with the Lord. On this occasion, I found myself drawn to the Louisiana Boardwalk along the beautiful Red River.
For those who may not know, the Louisiana Boardwalk is an outlet mall that has seen better days. It's not in disrepair or unpleasant, but unfortunately, it’s experienced some decline due to high rent and the closure of many shops—something I find quite disappointing. Despite this, the location was just what I needed to experience the tranquility I was seeking. The scenery was absolutely delightful, offering stunning views of the river and downtown Shreveport across the water. The towering Long-Allen Bridge, which connects Shreveport and Bossier City, loomed overhead, adding to the charm of the area.
Check Out: Louisiana Through My Lens - A Foggy Morning Walk Through Shreveport Riverview Park
Having spent many Saturdays at outdoor malls while living in California, I consider myself somewhat of a connoisseur when it comes to these kinds of spots. In terms of appearance, the Louisiana Boardwalk easily surpasses many of those I've visited elsewhere. The breathtaking view of the Red River along with downtown Shreveport makes it truly special. As I wandered along the river’s edge, I soaked up the vibrant atmosphere and enjoyed the refreshing breeze from the water. I couldn’t help but marvel at what a fantastic location this is, leading me to ponder the question: "Why isn't this place thriving?" When you look at the prime positioning nestled between two casino hotels and the massive Bass Pro Shop, it seems like a recipe for success! Bass Pro Shop is indeed a fantastic anchor store for the South.
If this mall were in Las Vegas, with its prime location, I can only imagine how successful it would be, bustling with high-end outlet stores! As I continued walking, I was even more puzzled to find a lovely Regal Cinema along with several great dining options available. In my experience, these are typically the very attractions that draw more stores and more visitors in other areas. While I felt a certain joy in having such a beautiful location mostly to myself, it also felt like it was too quiet for what should be a vibrant hub.
After I returned home and shared some photos from my day on Facebook, a dear friend chimed in, reminding me that the Louisiana Boardwalk was once a bustling hotspot. She mentioned how the owners became overly ambitious with their pricing, making it difficult for merchants to stay afloat, thus resulting in a gradual exodus of shops. It raises intriguing questions about what constitutes "too high" rent—how could it possibly be unmanageable for a Nike store or a Coach outlet? It makes one wonder if this reflects broader local economic trends.
Check Out: Louisiana Through My Lens | Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum in Gibsland
It does seem that malls across Louisiana are facing challenges, while those I’ve visited in Texas seem to be flourishing. Given the potential of the Shreveport/Bossier City area, it makes you wonder if it can support a mall like this. I truly hope this beautiful location can find a way to survive and thrive again, as it is indeed a wonderful place that deserves to be bustling with activity.
Here are a few of the photos I took that morning:
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