Alexandria Travel Guide, Louisiana

Alexandria, LA US – Overview: A Blend of Art, Culture and Strength

Located along the south bank of the Red River, the city of Alexandria is the seat of Rapides Parish, Louisiana in the United States. Named after the infant daughter of a Pennsylvanian businessman, it has a population of 45,800. The city is a hot spot of activity with a wealth of artists, performers, sportsmen and musicians who contribute largely to the festive culture of Alexandria.

Climate

With humid subtropical climatic conditions, Alexandria can be said to have hot summers and pleasant winters. While it receives rainfall in plenty around the year, snowfalls are very rare.

Art

Predominantly inclined towards the performing arts, the city of Alexandria sees during its music festivals and annual concerts is a spectrum of musical and theatrical performances along with a dose of dance performances. Displaying depth in the field of arts, many festivals also showcase the talents of storytellers, clowns, adults and children in arts and crafts. Not to mention, the Rapides Symphony Orchestra has been performing at the city’s Arts Center since almost forty years.

Culture

Alexandria’s love for arts is best displayed in its many cultural events and festivals that are brimming with activity during the festive season. Always vibrant, the festivals it celebrates are reflective of its cultural heritage. Some of the festivals that facilitate such artistic activities include the Mardi Gras - a major festival celebrated on a large scale and the Celebration that has since 1980 hosted musical treats with artists performing on all genres including blues, jazz and zydeco. Another such event is the River Fest, which also brings together artists from different fields.

Economy

The economy of Alexandria is mainly dependent on industries in the manufacture of wood panels, adhesives, fishing lures and fabricated metals. The city’s infrastructure is intelligently designed and its tallest building is occupied by Capital One. In 2007, Inc. Magazine voted Alexandria as the best place to conduct business. The city also homes two major hospitals, which are undergoing expansion.

Reaching Alexandria

The Alexandria International Airport allows for easy accessibility from any part of the world. Other alternatives for reaching the city of Alexandria include the regional mass transit handled by Alexandria Transportation Authority. Additionally, the city can also be accessed by bus via Greyhound Lines.

Once resurrected after it was burned down by fire during the Civil War in May 1864, Alexandria has continued developing with a new spirit, leaving the scars of a turbulent past behind it.