Come to Minden, Louisiana, to experience the epitome of Southern hospitality.

Hector Manuel Sanchez

The people of Minden, Louisiana, have a lot to smile about.

McDaniel and Rachel Miller were instrumental in bringing the HGTV showHome Town Kickstartto Minden.

Downtown Minden, LA

Credit:Hector Manuel Sanchez

Everybody is so kind and friendly that you will not be able to walk our streets and not smile.

Mindens reputation as a friendly town is exemplified by its exceptional community spirit, says Mayor Nick Cox.

Each villa exudes elegance and comfort, making for a memorable stay.

Rental cottage in Minden, LA

Hector Manuel Sanchez

In fact, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

After restoration, they turned it into an Airbnb property, conveniently located in Mindens historic downtown.

Antiquing

Antiquing is a popular activity in historic Minden.

Bayou Dorcheat North

Donald Atkinson/Getty Images

Best Shopping

Parish Design Co. Seventeen local merchants, including painters, jewelry makers, and more, sell their wares here.

Hers Bridal

Hers Bridalhas been outfitting the brides of Webster Parish since 1975.

People come from all over the nation to shop, says McDaniel.

Two women walking in downtown Minden

Hector Manuel Sanchez

They come to buy their wedding dress and experience Minden.

Price Tire and Service Centers

Opened in 1936, the family-owned and operatedA.J.

Price Tire and Service Centersis the oldest Western Auto in the country.

Top view of a plate of crayfish on the table

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Grays Jewelry

If youre searching for a little bling,Gray’s Jewelryis the place to go.

He makes amazing crawfish, says McDaniel.

When its crawfish season in Louisiana, hes our go-to.

View of the Minden water tower and top of a church

Hector Manuel Sanchez

They have sports memorabilia from people who hail from our parish, says McDaniel.

Neta’s Bar-B-Que

When it comes to barbecue,Netasis legendary.

Established in 1955, this joint is located just outside of town near I-20.

two women sitting on a bench in downtown Minden

Hector Manuel Sanchez

Brick Street Coffee

Derek and Debbie Peris moved their entire coffee roasting business from Washington to Minden.

They renovated an old hardware store and opened acoffee shop, says McDaniel.

It’s just been such an asset to our community.

Amateurs and professionals compete in traditional Highland Games.

Foodies, meanwhile, flock to Minden in June for the nationally sanctioned Grilling on Main cook-off.

Winter is the slower season in Minden, but something is always going on here.

Christmas in Minden and theHoliday Trail of Lightsare local favorites.

Most people drive to town, since its a good stopping point between the two cities.

Neighborhoods to Visit

The Minden Historic Residential District is easily walkable from downtown.

The beautiful thing about it is there are houses in a variety of styles, says McDaniel.

My house is an Acadian-style house, and its within the district.

Its an interesting depiction of architecture from days gone by.

Uber and Lyft are also options, with limited drivers and service.