Description

In this episode, I'll be speaking with Sara McDaniel of Simply Southern Cottage about Minden, Louisiana. 

Join Sara and me as we spend a day paddling, hiking, biking, and enjoying all of the local cuisine surrounding "The Friendliest City in the South"!

About Sara McDaniel

Sara is an adventurer and entrepreneur who loves where she lives.

At 41 years old, she retired from a successful sales career to explore entrepreneurial interests, including real estate investing, educational consulting, and social media influencing.

While pursuing those interests, she has reclaimed and restored her home and her life.

Now she says it’s her mission to provide inspiration to help others do the same.  

Sara’s now quite famous home has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, Cottages and Bungalows, Southern Lady, Apartment Therapy, HGTV, Southern Hospitality, and Martha Stewart, just to name a few!

What We Cover in This Episode

• A unique fact that makes Louisiana different than every other state in the United States.
• What would draw an outdoorsy person to visit Minden.
• Minden's claim to fame and most favored outdoor activity.
• The best time of year to visit Minden, Louisiana.
• The best place to stay in Minden, Louisiana.
• The best spot for coffee and New Orleans-style beignets in Minden, Louisiana.
• The best bayous and lakes for a paddle.
• What to do if you see an alligator in the bayou.
• Learn about an outfitter business opportunity in the Minden area.
• Whether inflatable kayaks and alligator waters mix.
• A spot where you can find an old 19th-century shipwreck.
• The best lunch and dinner spots in Minden, Louisiana.
• A place where you can order a taco in an avocado.
• The best local state parks for camping, hiking, biking, paddling, fishing, picnicking, and swimming.
• A spot where you can see how local pioneers lived in the 19th century.
• The most beautiful destination for Instagram photos.
• A Louisiana film history trail.

Quotables

"I know it's cliche, but I do love where I live... so I love, love, love to celebrate our state."

"[Minden] is just the cutest, quaintest little Southern community. And in fact, a few years ago, we were named the friendliest city in the South. So I love the people here. We have tons of amazing historic homes and architecture, cute little shops, and boutiques. And then we also have lots of amazing outdoor activities that people can participate in."

"Honestly, [in Minden], we have it all. We have historic homes, we have our historic downtown, we have the great outdoors, and I'm telling you, our people here are so friendly and so amazing. And I promise you will not be disappointed."

Links to Places Mentioned in this Episode

Where to Stay in Minden, Louisiana:

• Pearl Street Studios

Minden, Louisiana Outdoor Activities Mentioned in this Episode:

• Bayou Dorcheat
• Caney Lakes Recreation Area
• Lake Bistineau State Park
• Germantown Colony Museum
• Minden’s Historic Residential District
• Academy Park

Minden, Louisiana area Restaurants Mentioned in this Episode:

• The Broken Bean
• Geaux Fresh
• Habacu’s

Thanks for Listening!

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