Alexandria Louisiana - The Cities We Are Proud To Serve | Advanced Environmental Compliance

 Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey

We at Advanced Environmental Compliance are proud to be a family-owned business in Central Louisiana. One of the cities we're honored to serve is the nearby city of Alexandria - a vibrant community filled with wonderful businesses, museums, parks, shopping, and great places to explore. The friendly, welcoming people of Alexandria have a strong faith, cherish their families, and take pride in their central Louisiana roots. Doing business here is a true privilege for us, and we find great fulfillment in helping our friends and neighbors with their safety and environmental needs - the core purpose that drove the founding of Advanced Environmental Compliance in this area back in 2003.

Alexandria, the vibrant heart of Central Louisiana (CenLA), is a thriving commercial, retail, educational, and healthcare hub. As the parish seat of Rapides Parish, the city offers a diverse array of arts, cultural events, and venues, including the Alexandria Museum of Art, the Louisiana History Museum, and the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center.

Residents and visitors alike can enjoy the area's lakes, outdoor recreation, golf courses, acclaimed zoo, and historic sites. The Alexandria International Airport (AEX), located just northwest of the city, provides air transportation in and out of the region.

Alexandria's annual events, such as the Louisiana Dragon Boat Races, Holiday Trail of Lights, and the Alex River Fete, draw crowds, as do the popular Mardi Gras festivities and parades sponsored by the Alexandria Mardi Gras Association. In December, the city hosts the festive WinterFETE, featuring the Alexandria Christmas Parade, ice skating, Santa's Village, fireworks, food vendors, a gumbo cook-off, and live music.

As a popular convention destination, Alexandria boasts an active lodging industry to accommodate many out-of-town visitors. The Alexandria Randolph Riverfront Center, located downtown on the Red River, offers the amenities of a big-city convention center combined with the convenience of a central Louisiana location.

Places To See:

England Air Force Base Heritage Park

If you've ever traveled through the Alexandria International Airport, you've likely seen the collection of historic fighter planes just off the road. These aircraft represent the types flown by Air Force units stationed at England Air Force Base during its 50-year history. From 1942 to 1992, the base served as a training site for B-17 bomber crews during World War II, and later housed both training and tactical intercept squadrons tasked with protecting the Gulf Coast.

The park is situated in the former location of the base's main gates, across from a large radar station that is now a golf course. It's a well-maintained and serene space, with the fighter planes dramatically displayed as if mid-flight, ready to take on any adversary. This lovely tribute offers visitors a chance to reflect on the heroic legacy of the brave airmen who fought for our nation.

Downtown Alexandria 

Downtown Alexandria is a hub for great local eateries, from the old-school diner vibes of the Sentry Grill to the high-end cuisine of the Diamond Grill. Across the street, you'll find the trendy Tamp Grind coffee shop, where people sit outside enjoying their beverages. Just across the way, you can admire a series of murals painted by local artists. This area has plenty of spots for locals to frequent, and it also draws visitors from outside the area. Be sure to visit the historic Hotel Bentley and the wonderful Alexandria Museum of Art while you're here.

Alexandria Museum of Art

The Alexandria Museum of Art is a wonderful and intimate venue that showcases the diverse talents of both regional artists and renowned figures like Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol. Visitors can explore a wide array of captivating artworks, from the creations of local up-and-coming talents to the iconic masterpieces of celebrated international artists.

Fort Buhlow Recreation Area (In Nearby Pineville)

The Fort Buhlow Recreation Area in Pineville, Louisiana is truly one of the hidden gems in the central part of the state. Spanning 100 acres between Lake Buhlow and the Red River, this expansive park offers a wealth of recreational activities for the whole family.

Boasting a championship-caliber disc golf course, over 2-3 miles of hiking trails, two playgrounds, numerous picnic areas, and a boat launch on the river, Fort Buhlow has something for everyone. Whether you're looking to play some Frisbee golf, go fishing, or simply enjoy a peaceful afternoon outdoors, this wonderful park is the perfect place to escape and unwind.

With its beautiful natural setting and wealth of amenities, Fort Buhlow Recreation Area is a true treasure that's well worth discovering. It's the ideal destination for a fun-filled day trip or a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Southern Forest Heritage Museum (In Nearby Long Leaf)

The Southern Forest Heritage Museum is a complex of historic buildings in the beautiful piney woods of Long Leaf, Louisiana, just 3 miles south of Forest Hill and the city of Alexandria. This National Register of Historic Places site was once an old sawmill, and it now houses one of the nation's most complete historic sawmill complexes, with an extensive collection of steam-powered logging and milling equipment.

In addition to its impressive industrial heritage, the area is known for its significant contributions to World War II, with training, transportation, and manufacturing facilities. Visitors can explore an extensive museum collection of wartime memorabilia from this era.

The museum also features the Red River and Gulf Railroad line, which was born from a former lumber tramway. Guests can even take rides on refurbished historic railway equipment. And the grounds offer beautiful event spaces, perfect for weddings and other special occasions.

On weekends, a dedicated group of volunteers works to restore the locomotives and tracks of the old Red River and Gulf Railroad, with the hope of one day seeing those trains running again.

Check out these stunning images showcasing the incredible sights you can experience in Alexandria, Louisiana.