Happy Monday, Cenla! We hope you had a great weekend!
Whether you spent it out on the water or at home watching some NFL preseason games, we hope it gave you a little reset for the week.
Today’s edition of Know Cenla is filled with local updates, fun events, and other important info you need to know for this upcoming week!
So pour up another cup of coffee, kick back for a few minutes, and let’s ease into the week together.
In today’s edition:
New Business at Buhlow Lake
Restaurant of the Week: Pamela’s Bayou in a Bowl
Job Opportunities in Cenla
Multiple events this week & more
— The Know Cenla Team
Restaurant of the Week: Pamela’s Bayou in a Bowl
Source: tripadvisor.com
Pamela’s Bayou in a Bowl — Southern Comfort Food Done Right
If you haven’t yet discovered Pamela’s Bayou in a Bowl in Alexandria, get ready to have your lunch break upgraded.
Here’s why locals keep coming back:
Home‑style, scratch‑made Southern cooking: Think shrimp po'boys, crawfish étouffée, smothered pork chops, and mustard greens.
Chicken-and-dumplings cozy vibes: Just like Mom used to make.
Real, generous portions: Your stomach and your wallet both win.
Counter-service speed: Means good food without the wait—perfect for quick weekday fuel.
And the best part? You’ll feel like you stepped into someone’s home kitchen, not a chain.
Tip: Go during lunch rush! This place fills up fast, and trust us, you don’t want to miss a seat.
Where: 2049 N Mall Dr, Alexandria, LA
Find out more: Check their menu and hours →
Cenla Digest
Cenla Water Rentals at Buhlow Lake
If you’ve been looking for a new way to enjoy our summer afternoons, Buhlow Lake now has its very first full-service water-recreation rental spot: Cenla Water Rentals.
Whether you’re in the mood for a peaceful paddle on a kayak, a workout on a stand-up paddleboard, or a laid-back pedal boat ride with friends, they’ve got you covered. Rentals start at just $30.
Perfect for weekend family fun, date days, or even a solo escape, it’s another reason to get outside and soak up our Cenla scenery.
Find more information on their website: cenlawater.com
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CenLA Events
Here are some notable events happening around Cenla this week:
AMoA: Creative Roundtable | 5:30PM-7PM, Aug 12 (Free)
Location: 933 Second Street, Alexandria, LA 71301
Description: Are you an artist or creative in Central Louisiana? Are you looking for a place to come and talk to other creatives? Join us for the Creative Round Table! Being an artist can be isolating, but we can lift each other up! Do you want to learn about grants and artist calls? Talk about process? Maybe you want to learn how other artists market their art or ship their art? Well, come on! Let’s talk about it!
AMoA: Yoga in the Gallery | 5:45PM-7PM, Aug 12 (Free)
Location: 933 Second Street, Alexandria, LA 71301
Description: Free Yoga at the Alexandria Museum of Art - Every Tuesday from 5:45pm-7pm.
Growing Herbs with Molly Lyles | 1:30PM-4PM, August 13 (More Info)
Location: 411 Washington Street, Alexandria, LA 71301
Description: Join Molly Lyles from the LSU AgCenter as she shares the basics of Growing Herbs! Learn how to plant, care for, and harvest a variety of herbs—perfect for adding fresh flavor to your meals and beauty to your garden.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time | Daily, Aug 14-24 (More Info)
Location: 1102 Third St., Alexandria, LA 71301
Description: A story about difference, courage, and connection. When 15-year-old Christopher Boone is wrongfully accused of killing a neighbor’s dog, he sets out to solve the mystery—unraveling far more than he expected. Based on the bestselling novel, this powerful play is a visually stunning, emotionally charged journey through the eyes of a brilliant, neurodivergent mind navigating a world that doesn’t always make sense. Content Notes: Language, Adult themes.
Winner of the 2013 Tony Award® for Best Play. 2025 Richard Gwartney Series show.
Author of the Month Mike Wynne Book Signing | 11AM-12:30PM, Aug 14 (More Info)
Location: 5416 Provine Place, Alexandria, LA 71303
Description: Mike Wynne will be doing a book signing at Westside Regional Library for his latest book, “Haunted Central Louisiana”.
The public will also have the opportunity to be the very first to obtain noted author Michael Wynne’s new book, “Haunted Central Louisiana,” the complete and true story of the ghosts and spirits who roam forever through Central Louisiana.
“New Orleans doesn’t hold a monopoly on Louisiana’s haunted lore. Souls who brave the shadows along the bayous and byways of Central Louisiana will encounter a haunted heritage centuries in the making. From the legends swirling about Alexandria’s historic Hotel Bentley and the Old Pineville City Hall to an exploration of an abandoned speakeasy in downtown Alexandria, explore the spirted legacy of the Crossroads of Louisiana.
Spirits Sunset Club with Live Music on the Patio | 6PM-9PM, Aug 14 (More Info)
Location: Spirits Food and Friends
Description: Join us on Thursdays on the patio at Spirits Food and Friends for great live music, great food, great friends, and hopefully, great weather!
Author Of The Month Mike Wynne | 10AM-11:30AM, Aug 16 (More Info)
Location: 801 West Shamrock, Pineville, LA 71360
Description: Be one of the very first to uncover the true tales of the strange and supernatural in Central Louisiana! New Orleans doesn’t hold a monopoly on Louisiana’s haunted lore. Souls who brave the shadows along the bayous and byways of Central Louisiana will encounter a haunted heritage centuries in the making! From the legends swirling about the old Pineville City Hall and Old Rapides Cemetery, to the historic Kent House, Hotel Bentley, Loyd Hall, and the old Speakeasy hidden deep below downtown Alexandria, and a hundred other spirited sites, all will be revealed to the public for the very first time in personal accounts offered by the real live victims of the spirits!
Hear the exciting tales at the Martin Branch of the Rapides Parish Library on Saturday, August 16th, at 10am.
The public will also have the opportunity to be the very first to obtain noted author Michael Wynne’s new book, “Haunted Central Louisiana,” the complete and true story of the ghosts and spirits who roam forever through Central Louisiana.
This is a free event, with refreshments, and may never take place again…
“No Limits, Just Possibility”: Karren Alexander Book Signing Event” | 10AM-11AM, August 16 (More Info)
Location: 1115 Broadway Avenue, Alexandria, LA 71302
Description: Karren Y. Alexander, WGNO’s 2025 Remarkable Women Winner, will be here to highlight her book “Invisible Hand: Overcoming Obstacles and challenges.” Karren was born and raised in Alexandria, Louisiana. Her journey is one that will uplift and inspire. Affectionately and proudly called a Canologist, Karren is a phenomenal conference and keynote speaker, as well as, an author, songwriter, and mentor.
Books will be available for purchase.
Indoor Pool Party at the Paragon Casino | 2PM-6PM, Aug 16 (More Info)
Location: Paragon Casino Resort
Description: Make a SPLASH at Paragon Casino Resort with new WEEKLY pool parties!
Poll of the Week
You get one free meal in CenLA… where are you going?
Job Board
Medical Receptionist - Teche Dermatology, Alexandria, LA (Apply)
Delivery Driver - D. G. Williams, Inc., Alexandria, LA (Apply)
Administrative Coordinator 2 - State of Louisiana, Alexandria, LA (Apply)
Thanks for reading Know Cenla! Let’s chat again on Friday!
— The Know Cenla Team
