By Scooter Anderson Scooter Anderson Communications America’s scenic highways still offer the chance to break free from the hustle and bustle of society and enjoy life at a slower pace. Nestled somewhere peaceful in Northwest Louisiana, the Boom or Bust Byway does just that. The Byway winds its way through charming smaller towns, including Vivian, Gillam, Plain Dealing, and Sarepta. Upon stopping in any of these places along the way, you can find charming cafes, interesting antique shops, and the friendliest people you will ever meet. However, as they say, getting there is half the fun ..read more

By Scooter Anderson Scooter Anderson Communications If you are looking to get away from it all, but not too far, then escape to the Great Outdoors at Lake Claiborne State Park. The park has something for everyone to enjoy. Let’s start with the park’s namesake, the 6,400-acre Lake Claiborne. Lake Claiborne is truly a Sportsman’s Paradise. Anglers of all skill levels can enjoy a day on the lake fishing for largemouth bass, bream, crappie and more. Load up your tackle with some buddies and spend a day reeling them in. Later, you can tell all the fish tales you want about “the one that got ..read more

By Scooter Anderson Scooter Anderson Communications Mile indicators. Billboards. Historical markers. Signs point the way for every great road trip. The Boom or Bust Byway is no exception. Artistic gateway signs are being installed in towns along the scenic Boom or Bust Byway across north Louisiana, including Gillam, Oil City, Plan Dealing, Vivian, Belcher, Hosston, Homer and Lake Claiborne. “The Boom or Bust Byway is deeply woven into the culture of northwest Louisiana, and we are excited to highlight the heritage of the people that live along its route,” said Stacy Brown, President of ..read more

By Scooter Anderson Scooter Anderson Communications Maybe you’re in Gillam for the Sunflower Festival. Maybe you’re in Gillam for a night of racing at the speedway. Or maybe you’re in from Dallas, looking for a little escape. Whatever brings you to Gillam, your visit isn’t complete without a meal from Main Street Restaurant. Gilliam is one of many charming small towns along the Boom or Bust Byway, a National Scenic Byway which spans four parishes and 136-miles. “I had a couple a month or two ago, they specifically drove here from Dallas, not to come to Shreveport, not to do anything else, bu ..read more

Are you looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season? Slow down with the family by taking a drive down the Boom or Bust Byway through Northwest Louisiana this November and December. Discover the Boom or Bust Byway, named because things grow here in Northwest, Louisiana. The booming gaming industry, the crops that develop, and the resilient oil and natural gas economy, to name a few. The Boom or Bust Byway is the ultimate journey through the scenic, back road countryside for international visitors, families, retirees, and young explorers who are looking for an off-the-b ..read more

Escape the City. Embrace the Byway. Explore the rich history and culture of Shreveport-Bossier along with neighboring communities.  The annual Heritage and Harvest tour is back, starting Oct. 8, 2022.This free self-driving tour showcases the historic homes, farms, businesses and churches that have built our beloved region. Sample a tea room delicacy, view a private collection of antique cars, browse through various arts and crafts vendors and so much more. Visit www.redrivercrossroadshistorical.org for the latest updates and starting locations.  The annual Heritage and Harvest tour ..read more

Louisiana’s National Scenic Boom or Bust Byway earned a Toyota grant to install new picnic tables at Robert L. Nance Park in Hosston and Lake Plain Dealing Park in Plain Dealing. The Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau submitted the grant on behalf of the Boom or Bust Byway and won the “Love Our Byways – Conservation and Beautification Grant” from the Toyota Motor North America and National Scenic Byway Foundation. The grant will fund eight new picnic table installations at two local parks. On Saturday, Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Tourist Bureau will host byway clean-up ..read more

The Boom or Bust Byway unveiled a full summer itinerary that is stacked with outdoor recreation, back-road eats, must-see attractions, and more summer activities along the rural areas of Caddo and Bossier Parishes. The summer road trip itinerary features more than five small towns with more than 20 stops along the route, giving road trippers a full day of fun to explore in Shreveport-Bossier’s backyard. Click here to download the summer Boom or Bust Byway road trip itinerary. The Boom or Bust Byway is the ultimate road trip for young explorers, families, retirees, and international visitors ..read more

One of my favorite pastimes is looking up on a clear night’s sky and seeing thousands of stars. The Boom or Bust Byway offers some amazing spots to get away from the city lights and enjoy the night sky. It doesn’t matter if you have a telescope, binoculars, or your eyes, you are in for one of the most spectacular sights the Byway has to offer. You can find multiple spots on the 136-mile Byway, but I will share my favorite places to stargaze. My go-to spot for any astronomical event is North Caddo Recreation Area—located on Hwy 2 at the Red River. The area has plenty of parking, picnic tab ..read more

With 136 miles of rolling hills, pine forest, bayous, and lakes, the Boom or Bust Byway is a camper’s paradise. If you find yourself camping the Byway, you definitely won’t have a shortage of places to stay. Whether you are ruffing it in a tent or bringing an RV, the Byway has options to suite your needs. Here are the best spots to camp on the Byway. Lake Claiborne State Park Located just outside of Homer, Louisiana, Lake Claiborne State Park is an outdoor lover’s paradise. The park has 10 cabins, 89 campsites, and 10 glamping tents with bathrooms and showers located around the pa ..read more