1. Christmas In Roseland
City: Greenwood, LA
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (318) 938-5402
Address: 8877 Jefferson Paige Rd.
Description: The largest rose garden in the United States transforms into a magical winter paradise with more than a million lights, large seasonal cards created by local school children, Santa’s Candy shop, entertainment, and a ride on the Roseland Express. Open Fri through Sun at 5:30 p.m., with gates closing at 9:30 p.m. Closed Christmas Day. Admission is $5 per person or $15 per vehicle.
2. Crooked Hollow Golf Club
City: Greenwood, LA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (318) 938-5060
Address: 8667 Elysian Fields Rd.
Description: Designed by Jim Lipe, this 18-hole tree-lined course has its fair share of hills and water hazards, making for exciting play. Completed in 1991, Crooked Hollow is a par 72, 6,255-yard Bermuda grass course located close to the Texas state line. Many of the tees are double-tiered. You will enjoy hole #12, the signature hole, with a par 3 across a body of water. A driving range is located on-site, as is a log-cabin clubhouse, complete with a restaurant and snack bar; try the burgers. The restaurant will also cater to groups as large as 120 people. Reservations for tee time required; call a few days in advance for weekend play. Proper dress is required: collared shirts, long pants, and soft spikes only. Cost for greens fees and cart for 18 holes is $34, increasing to $39 on weekends and holidays. Senior discounts available. Interested in lessons? Call in advance. Take I-20 west to Exit 3, head south on Highway 79 briefly before turning right onto Highway 80. Turn left onto Parish Road 109 and follow the signs.
3. Greenwood Flea Market
City: Greenwood, LA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (318) 938-7201
Address: 9249 Jefferson–Page Rd.
Description: Take exit 5 on I-20 on any Sat or Sun and investigate what treasures you can find among the 130 vendors. A true flea market experience, with every imaginable item tucked away somewhere. Antiques and collectibles available, as well as jewelry. Mostly an indoor market, complete with air-conditioning and heating. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
4. American Rose Center
City: Greenwood, LA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (318) 938-5402
Address: 8877 Jefferson Paige Rd.
Description: Who would have thought that Shreveport would be home to the American Rose Society and the largest park in the United States dedicated to celebrating this amazing plant? Situated on 118 acres, the American Rose Center offers a wonderful educational environment for budding (no pun intended) rose aficionados and a delight to the dedicated grower. Not interested in roses? Then enjoy walking the well-established trails and relish the beauty and serenity of this outdoor oasis. Opened in 1974, the center has more than 65 different gardens, 20,000 rosebushes, and countless beautiful trees. On your walk, visit the Windsounds Carillon Tower, the tranquil Dayna & Ronnie Sawyer Memorial Prayer Garden, and the New York State Garden of Gene Boerner. After walking the grounds and enjoying the gardens, take a ride on the Roseland Express, a feature sure to please the younger members of your family. Although rose season runs from Apr to early Oct, in winter the park engages in a magical transformation, becoming Christmas at Roseland, complete with fantastic light displays and singing choruses. A seasonal must-see. Gates are open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Mon through Sat, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sun. Come take pleasure in one of the true wonders of the area.
5. Gators And Friends Alligator Park And Exotic Zoo
City: Greenwood, LA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (318) 938-1199
Address: 11441 US 80
Description: More than 200 alligators can be found in this park, established in 1996 to educate folks about wildlife. From Apr to Oct there are usually four alligator feeding sessions. Watch the gators wrestle one another, roll, and swim with excitement. After each feeding, visitors will have an opportunity to hold a baby alligator; do not worry: it feels both weird and thrilling at the same time. There is also a large petting zoo where you can meet zebras, deer, llamas, kangaroos, and miniature horses. Other, more exotic friends also are ready to great you, including wallabies, ostriches, coatimundis, and Scottish cows. All can be petted, but you might want to think twice about touching the African porcupine! Purchase some feed and provide your favorite new friends a special treat. You will definitely want to bring your camera to capture the wonderful moments that will surely occur during your visit. As you might imagine, a great location for birthday parties; call for prices and details. A snack bar is available on-site. In the summer, dress for comfort; it will be hot. From May through Aug, the park is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. From Sept through Apr, when the alligators are less active but the other animals remain eager to make your acquaintance, the park is open Wed through Sun, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.