Shreveport

Shreveport

Shreveport sits on the Red River in the Ark-La-Tex corner, with riverboat casinos lining the waterfront and a food scene that runs Cajun, Creole, and serious smoked meats. The Mardi Gras parades here are smaller than New Orleans but just as enthusiastic. Texas is 20 minutes west, which gives the city a regional crossroads feel. Quieter and cheaper than the bigger Louisiana metros.

Little Rock

Little Rock is the Arkansas River curving past downtown, the Clinton Presidential Library lit up at night (it's a striking modernist building), and a state capitol modeled directly on the U.S. Capitol. The River Market district is the food and bar center. Pinnacle Mountain on the western edge is a quick hike with a view of the whole valley. It's smaller and friendlier than its reputation.