Guide for the Ruston First Timer

Ruston, LA is a quaint college town located in North Louisiana. Ruston is known for its famously sweet peaches, walkable historic downtown district, and its thriving arts scene. Here's how to spend your first time in Ruston, LA and fully experience the vibrant spirit of this town:

EAT

Ruston's culinary scene is full of bold flavors that continue to captivate food enthusiasts. From morning coffee to evening cocktails, the town offers an unforgettable dining experience that showcases local culinary creativity. Here's a list of some of the best restaurants to experience while you're in Ruston:

Breakfast:
Lula Perl- A local cafe making great coffee and delicious food. At Lula Perl, you can have home cooked food that will warm your soul and drink coffee out of their adorable mugs.

Lunch:
Heard Freighthouse Food Park- A trip to Ruston isn't complete without trying one of the food trucks at the Heard Freighthouse Food Park. From award winning BBQ and sandwiches to Asian stir fry and scratch made biscuits, this park has something for everyone to enjoy.

Dinner:
Log Cabin- This local favorite boasts an extensive menu featuring steaks, Tex-Mex cuisine, BBQ, and seafood. The attached market offers take-and-bake items, fresh meats, and local seasonings, making it a must experience dining destination.

Drinks:
Sundown- Located in the heart of downtown Ruston this Ruston staple is know for its relaxing patio and lively music scene at night. After you've spent the day in Ruston, be sure to stop by Sundown Tavern to grab a drink and pair it with one of their many delicious appetizers.

Heard Freighthouse Food Park

See

Lincoln Parish Park: It's always refreshing to spend some time outside and Lincoln Parish Park is one of the best places to do it. You can take a walk through their scenic trails, fish on the piers, kayak on the lake, or bike through one of the best biking trails in America.

Public Art: Ruston is proud of its abundance of public art, created by area artists. Many murals can be found in the heart of the city in Downtown Ruston, but there are plenty of art instillations scattered about the city, making for a perfect scavenger hunt.

Dixie Center Live Performances: The Dixie Center for the Arts is a historic theater and a gem of Ruston. They show a variety of live theater performances, musicians, and comedians throughout the year. Click here to see their upcoming events.

Lincoln Parish Park Biking Trail

Experience

Downtown Ruston: Take a stroll through historic Downtown Ruston and discover more than 50 local shops, restaurants, and attractions in this thriving, revitalized downtown district. Throughout the year, downtown hosts various events from holiday activities and festivals to arts markets and exhibits. Click here for a list of downtown shops.

Mitcham Farms: A visit to Ruston isn't complete without a visit to Mitcham Farms. A staple of the Ruston community for over 70 years and home to Louisiana's largest peach orchard, Mitcham Farms offers fresh peaches in the summer months, along with a variety of peach products and treats.

Mitcham Farms

With this guide you're sure to get the most out of your first time in Ruston but there’s still so much more to experience. So, come back to visit us and take a look at our other itineraries to see what else you can do while in Ruston.

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Leah Freeman

Author

Leah Freeman

Marketing & Communications Assistant

Leah Freeman is originally from Bossier City and moved to Ruston in 2021 to attend Louisiana Tech University. In her free time she enjoys running, playing volleyball, and exploring Ruston, LA. As the Marketing and Communications Assistant, Leah supports the Director of Marketing and Communications in managing digital assets, content development, and social media management.
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