Special to the American Press

Lake Charles has been featured in Southern Living’s “The South’s Best Cities On The Rise 2024” list.

This annual list recognizes cities across the South that have shown exceptional growth and development, highlighting their unique offerings and contributions to the region. With an estimated 15.8 million unique monthly visitors and over 7 million followers across its social media channels, SouthernLiving.com is a prominent platform for such recognitions.

Published on March 6, the article acknowledges our community’s resurgence with the introduction of captivating new attractions and developments. One of the standout projects mentioned in the article is Port Wonder, an iconic new entertainment and education complex featuring the Children’s Museum of Lake Charles and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ Nature and Science Center. This exciting addition is slated to open this summer.

“We are thrilled to see Lake Charles recognized by Southern Living as one of the best cities on the rise in the South,” said Kyle Edmiston, President/CEO of Visit Lake Charles. “This recognition reflects the resilience and creativity of our community, and we are excited to continue showcasing all that Lake Charles and all of SWLA has to offer to residents and visitors alike.”

“I attribute this honor to teamwork between local stakeholders, business owners and all citizens of Lake Charles,” said Mayor Nic Hunter, City of Lake Charles. “I thank Southern Living for seeing the renaissance happening here in Lake Charles, and we’re not done yet!”

The Southern Living feature underscores Lake Charles’ dedication to growth and innovation, positioning it as a city to watch in the upcoming years. With its rich history and dynamic new developments, Lake Charles provides a diverse range of experiences, making it an essential destination in Southwest Louisiana.