Discover the Heartbeat of Shreveport: Downtown Riverfront

• HelloHowdy
  [hah-dee]
• GoodbyeSee ya later
  [see yah lay-tur]
• YesYeah
  [yah]
• NoNah
  [nah]
• Please/You're welcomePlease
  [pleez]
• Thank youThanks
  [thaynks]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me
  [pahr-dun me]
• How are you?How y'all doin'?
  [hahw yawl doin]
• Fine. And you?Fine. And you?
  [fahyn. and yoo?]
• Do you speak English?Y'all speak English?
  [yawl speak ing-glish]
• I don't understandI don't get it
  [ah don't get it]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu, please
  [can ah see the menu, pleez]
• I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
  [ah don't eat meet]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI'm ready to settle up, please
  [ahm reh-dee to set-tul up, pleez]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Get outta here!
  [get out-uh here]
• Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [call the cops]
• Call a doctor!Get a doc!
  [get a doc]
• I'm lostI'm turned around
  [ahm turned around]
• I'm illI feel bad
  [ah feel bad]

• I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [ah wanna buy]
• I'm just lookingJust browsing
  [just browse-ing]
• How much is it?How much does it cost?
  [hahw much duz it cost]
• That's too expensiveThat's pricey
  [thats prahy-see]
• Can you lower the price?Can you do any better on the price?
  [can yoo do any bet-tur on the price]

• What time is it?What's the time?
  [whats the time]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [its one]
• Half past (10)Half past ten
  [half past ten]
• MorningMorning
  [mornin]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [after-noon]
• EveningEvening
  [ee-ven-ing]
• YesterdayYesterday
  [yess-tur-day]
• TodayToday
  [to-day]
• TomorrowTomorrow
  [tom-ah-row]
• 1One
  [wun]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Three
  [three]
• 4Four
  [four]
• 5Five
  [five]
• 6Six
  [six]
• 7Seven
  [seh-ven]
• 8Eight
  [ayt]
• 9Nine
  [nine]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [wheres the]
• What's the address?What's the street?
  [whats the street]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out (on the map)?
  [can yoo point it out on the map]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [whens the next bus]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [a ticket to]

Shreveport was founded in 1836 by the Shreve Town Company, led by Captain Henry Miller Shreve. The establishment was strategically located at the confluence of the Red River and Cross Bayou, which facilitated trade and transportation. This pivotal location would later influence the development of the Downtown Riverfront area, turning it into a bustling hub of commerce and culture.

During the mid-19th century, the Red River became a significant trade route, leading to the proliferation of riverboat traffic. This era saw the construction of various docks along the riverfront, allowing goods to be transported efficiently. The Downtown Riverfront thus played a crucial role in the economic prosperity of Shreveport, contributing to its growth as a regional center.

Shreveport served as a Confederate supply center during the Civil War, and the Downtown Riverfront was vital for logistical operations. After the war, the area faced economic challenges but gradually revived, becoming a focal point for Reconstruction efforts and post-war commerce, shaping the cultural identity of the community.

In 1904, the Louisiana Purchase Exposition took place in St. Louis, showcasing various states, including Louisiana. The event highlighted Shreveport's potential, leading to increased investment in infrastructure, particularly in the Downtown Riverfront, which began to develop as a recreational and cultural space.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Shreveport initiated revitalization projects aimed at enhancing the Downtown Riverfront. This included the development of parks, public art installations, and cultural venues, which have transformed the area into a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike, reflecting the city's historical journey and cultural richness.

Downtown Riverfront is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Shreveport. The Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV) is the nearest airport, located approximately 10 miles away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rideshare service directly to Downtown Riverfront. If you're coming from other neighborhoods, public transportation options include the SporTran bus service, which has routes connecting to the downtown area. Additionally, major highways such as I-20 and I-49 provide convenient access for those driving.

Downtown Riverfront is a walkable area, making it easy to explore on foot. For public transport, SporTran buses operate throughout the downtown area. Bicycles can be rented from local bike-share programs, and there are bike lanes available along some streets. Taxis and rideshare services are also readily available for longer distances or trips outside the downtown area.

Downtown Riverfront is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone late at night, particularly in poorly lit areas. While most of the downtown area is secure, be cautious in neighborhoods just outside the main tourist zones, especially areas known for higher crime rates, such as parts of the Allendale and Cedar Grove neighborhoods. Always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded spaces.

In case of emergencies, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The local hospitals, including Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, are equipped to handle emergencies. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For non-emergency health issues, there are pharmacies located throughout Downtown Riverfront for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather, and consider the local culture when dressing. Don't wear overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting local churches. Religion: Do respect local customs; if visiting religious sites, dress modestly. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to those in need. Don't consume food or drinks on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile or nod. Don't assume familiarity; wait for an invitation to engage in conversation. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and drinks. Don't waste food or drink excessively, as it's considered impolite.

To experience Downtown Riverfront like a local, explore the Shreveport Farmers’ Market for fresh produce and local goods, open on Saturdays. Engage with local artists during First Friday events, where galleries and shops showcase local work. For a unique perspective, take a riverboat cruise on the Red River. Don’t miss out on the local music scene; check out live performances at venues like The Strand Theatre or local bars. Lastly, ask locals for their favorite spots to eat or explore; they often have hidden gems that are not in tourist guides.