When is the last time you experienced Ruston?
While the city remains true to its historic roots and displays the charm and hospitality that made it easy to call home, there’s no denying that Ruston has evolved into a lively college town with an abundance of activities. Residents and visitors alike can attest to the growth of Ruston within the last five years alone.
The 18-block historic district of downtown Ruston still serves as the heartbeat of the city, but with an enticing new energy. Restaurants like Raw, the local hotspot for sushi and cocktails, and Utility Brewing, Ruston’s first craft brewing spot, provide an atmosphere unlike anything else in the area. Still thriving are old favorites like Sundown Tavern and Ponchatoulas that offer unbeatable southern cuisine, live music every weekend, and familiar faces each time you visit.
Commerce in Ruston has also been taken to another level. Downtown continues to flourish with an abundance of restaurants, boutiques, specialty stores, and luxe shopping options. Development also includes new hotels, Chick-fil-A, Rotolo’s Craft & Crust, TJ Maxx, Hobby Lobby, Ulta, and more. The Ruston Sports Complex to be completed in 2019 will provide a first-class facility for all types of recreational and sporting events.
“There’s nothing to do in Ruston” is a comment of the past. Each weekend is a chance to catch live music at local dives, to shop produce from local farmers and works from local makers at the Ruston Farmers Market, and to check out area artist exhibitions in downtown galleries. New attractions fit for individuals and families include a trampoline park, escape room, zip line course, and paint ball arena.
Annual events scattered throughout the year include Railroad Festival, a celebration of makers and music downtown; Ruston Fashion Week, an event-filled week showcasing Ruston’s retail community; the Louisiana Peach Festival; ARToberfest, the area’s largest home brew beer tasting event; and Rock the Railroad, Friday night music, beer, wine, and food trucks in Railroad Park.
Not to be missed by Louisiana Tech University fans are Loyal Blue Weekends in downtown Ruston. Loyal Blue Weekends celebrate the Bulldogs and home football games with a weekend-long list of activities. Complete with live entertainment, downtown pep rally, shopping, Louisiana cuisine, free shuttle service to the game, tailgating, and so much more, Loyal Blue Weekends provide the ultimate gameday experience for fans of all ages.
The progress of Ruston and Lincoln Parish is undeniable, with more still to come. Come enjoy new additions to restaurants and shops, tour Ruston’s public art displays and murals, take in the beauty of the parks and historic landmarks. Come see how this city has grown.
