BUSINESS

Explore rural road trips on Louisiana's Boom or Bust Byway

Shalisa Roland
Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau

SHREVEPORT – The Boom or Bust Byway is a 136-mile road trip through Caddo, Bossier, Webster and Claiborne Parishes, traveling through more than 10 towns with low population counts. Due to COVID-19, the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau shifted from traditional summer promotional material to outdoor escapes, including a road trip on the Boom or Bust Byway, which is home to several parks, lakes, farms, flower patches, and more. The Tourist Bureau highlighted everything from kayaking in Caddo Lake and picnicking at Robert L. Nance Park in Hosston, to driving the annual Sunflower Trail in Gilliam and u-pick crop experiences, and more for visitors and residents to experience safely.

The Boom or Bust Byway is home to several parks, lakes, farms, flower patches, and more.

“We’re fortunate to have a destination that thrives because of our drivable market with outdoor recreation,” said Brandy Evans, vice president of communications for the Tourist Bureau. “We are a comfortable drive from central Louisiana, east Texas, and south Arkansas. Additionally, Caddo and Bossier Parish has more than 25 community and neighborhood parks, seven bodies of water, and countless outdoor experiences.” 

According to Forbes, the pandemic is influencing approximately 62 percent of travelers to exchange more elaborate tourism plans for road trips this summer. The Byway has been a preferred designation for road trippers this summer and summers past because the path is crafted for tourists to experience an area of natural or cultural beauty. The Boom or Bust Byway received its name from the fluctuating industries, including agriculture, gaming, oil and gas, plus more. The path reveals economic booms and busts with its historic museums, oil derricks, pastures, and more.

The Byway has been a preferred designation for road trippers this summer and summers past because the path is crafted for tourists to experience an area of natural or cultural beauty.

“This year, it was more important than ever for families to enjoy the Sunflower Trail in a healthy atmosphere after enduring a slew of summer cancellations,” said Karen Logan, Sunflower Trail and Festival organizer. “Although we couldn’t have our festival this year, visitors from south Louisiana, Dallas, and Houston shared some compelling stories about how the sunflowers gave them something to look forward to. Not only was it important for them to get out of the house and on the road, but they needed to observe the story of the Boom or Bust Byway from the seat of their car.” 

Looking for something to watch?:Stream these 10 movies filmed in Shreveport-Bossier

The CDC advises road trippers to do the following before hitting the road:

•    Perform advanced research to prevent entering COVID-19 hot spots.

•    Confirm your vehicle’s roadworthiness before traveling.

•    Bring ample supply of hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and disposable gloves.

•    Pack your own food to minimize exposure from restaurants and grocery stores.

•    Sanitize all surfaces in your hotel room before settling in.

Travel through more than 10 towns along the Boom or Bust Byway.

For more health and safety tips, visit www.cdc.gov. To learn more about outdoor activities on the Boom or Bust Byway, visit www.BoomOrBustByway.com. To view summer hotel package deals, visit www.Shreveport-Bossier.org.