Small-Town Charm, Big Summer Adventures: Discover All That Zachary Has to Offer This Season
This summer, escape the ordinary and discover something unforgettable—just 20 minutes north of Baton Rouge. Zachary is your hidden gem for warm-weather fun, combining small-town hospitality with big-time adventure.
Tee Off on Championship Greens
Golfers, rejoice! Zachary boasts not one but three premier courses: Beaver Creek Golf Course, Copper Mill Golf Club, and Fennwood Hills Country Club. Whether you're perfecting your swing or just enjoying the scenery, the greens here are as welcoming as the locals.
Savor the Local Flavor
Zachary’s food scene is rich with flavor and local pride. From the family-run favorite Asian Pearl to Louisiana comfort food at LeBlanc’s and spicy seafood at Cajun Catch, your tastebuds are in for a treat. For patio vibes and live tunes, don’t miss South Plains Food Company and Agave Blue Tacos & Tequila.
Explore the Heart of Downtown
Downtown Zachary comes alive in the summer with the Zachary Farmers Market every Saturday from 9am-1pm. Plus, don’t miss Food Truck Fridays every Friday in June and July (except July 4th) from 5–8 p.m. on Virginia Street in Downtown Zachary—where live music meets great eats in a family-friendly setting.
Explore the city's historical district with a tour of the McHugh House, or book a stay at its unique Airbnb to enjoy the charm up close. Grab lunch at the oldest building in town, The Depot Diner, a pet-friendly restaurant in an historic train depot. Cool off with a snowball at Virginia Street Snowballs and enjoy it in the nearby Hug Your People Park, a walkable, whimsical green space where the historic oak trees light up every night, year-round.
The downtown area is also home to great shopping. Best & Co. Boutique, Lee Street Boutique, and Z Market are great places to find a cute gift or outfit. Feeling snacky? Check out Sweet Stirrings for fresh-baked cookies, cakes and macarons!
Soak Up the Outdoors
With 13 parks across the city, including Zachary Community Park and Zachary Youth Park, families can enjoy splash pads, nature trails, skateboarding, volleyball, and more. Whether you're chasing fireflies or home runs, Zachary is a playground for all ages. And if you're looking for even more adventure, head up the road to Ethel's Magnolia Ridge Adventure Park and the adjacent Magnolia Wilds (formerly Barnhill Preserve), a nature preserve and wildlife haven where visitors swim with otters and get up close with other animals on Safari. While you're out that way, stock up on organic blueberries at Luckett Farms, a you-pick farm where buckets full of fresh berries are only $15.
The Really Hot Air Balloon Festival
Mark your calendar for August 8–9 when the sky above Zachary comes alive during the 3rd annual Zachary Really Hot Air Balloon Festival. Featuring 9 hot air balloons, 5 live bands, a splash pad, 60+ craft vendors, and 18 food and drink vendors, this event brings the whole community together. Don’t miss the dazzling Nighttime Balloon Glow, weather permitting!
The first week of June brought two more fantastic events to the region: LA Night Jam at Bennett's Ski School, and the Feliciana Wildflower Festival in East Fel. Believe it or not, Zachary's ski school is world-renowned, and water-skiers from around the globe flock to the outpost deep in the Zachary woods to learn from championship water skiier Jay Bennett. The compound also boasts an outstanding pro shop, where you can stock up on wakeboards, ski suits and everything else you'll need for a summer on the lakes.
Nearby East Feliciana Parish also hosted the second annual Wildflower Festival on June 6th, where dozens of flower farmers from around the region put their pretty petals and plants on display. Don't miss it next year! And, weather permitting, each spring at Magnolia Wilds there's a Market on the Hill, another great music, food and crafts festival. Follow the page for updates!
Live, Eat, and Play in Americana
Zachary’s premier traditional neighborhood development is where many C-suite executives from around the country call home when transferred to one of the area's large major industrial facilities. The walkable neighborhood boasts three restaurants, a doctor's office, a state of the art YMCA, walking trails, parks, ponds, community events and so much more. It's a great place to visit - or to stay a little longer!
Whether you're dancing downtown, strolling with the kids, or teeing off at sunrise, Zachary offers a wholesome blend of nostalgia and new experiences.
This summer, take the short drive and make lasting memories in Zachary. Follow along on social media @CityOfZachary or visit CityOfZachary.org to plan your adventure.
