There’s much to celebrate in Ruston this fall, home to both Louisiana Tech and Grambling universities and affectionately known as “Louisiana’s College Town.” The northeastern Louisiana town resides in Lincoln Parish, which is commemorating its 15oth anniversary this year and Ruston’s downtown was awarded semifinalist status in the Great American Main Street Awards. Meanwhile, there’s football. If that wasn’t enough, Buc-ee’s, that Texas-based gas station-convenience store on steroids taking America by storm, opened its first location on Interstate 20, just outside Ruston. Here are a few more reasons to visit Ruston this fall.

Fall Festivals

Mark your calendars for Oct. 7th. There will be pumpkin carvings, fall decorations and a community-wide movie.

Ruston opens its doors wide to Bulldog alumni, friends and fans for Loyal Blue Weekends during Tech home games. For three days, visitors may enjoy live music, downtown festivities and pep rallies at Railroad Park. There’s even the “Tech Trolley” shuttling fans back and forth from Joe Aillet Stadium.

“Everyone’s decked out in all the Tech gear,” said Emily Stogner, former director of marketing and communications for Experience Ruston. “You can tell the students really appreciate it.”

When that autumnal chill arrives, it’s time for ARToberfest, the annual fundraiser for the North Central Louisiana Arts Council. The town comes alive with entertainment, food trucks, exhibits and spirited samples from area breweries.

“It’s basically an arts market with beer or a play on Oktoberfest but with art,” Stogner said.

On Oct. 7, it’s Pumpkins in the Park with pumpkin carvings, fall decorations and a community-wide movie, and on Oct. 27, locals come out for the Wine Walk among downtown shops — wine included, naturally. Then on Nov. 16, the Holiday Open House sets the stage for holiday festivities, with shops open late to preview holiday products. The community gathers ‘round to sing carols as they light the Christmas tree.

Regular events include the Ruston Farmer’s Market every Saturday and Big Creek Trade Days held the weekend before every second Monday. The Farmer’s Market sells fresh produce, meats and organic goods but also offers live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, children’s activities, breakfast meals and more. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Ruston through rural roads to reach the massive “barns” and grounds of Big Creek Trade Days. On any month visitors will find 100-plus indoor and outdoor vendors selling everything from antiques and vintage clothing to home décor. There’s even a “Man Cave” with TV for those who’d rather watch football than shop. Holidays are big events at Big Creek and an extra date happens on Black Friday, this year on Nov. 24.

Things to Do

A trail of ceramic bulldogs created by regional artists in honor of Louisiana Tech’s mascot.

Ruston’s quaint and historic downtown features boutiques, restaurants and entertainment venues but it’s also an art-lover’s heaven. In addition to numerous art galleries such as Ruston Artisans, Fringe and the Creative Exchange, the town is immersed in murals and The Bulldog Project, a trail of ceramic bulldogs created by regional artists in honor of Louisiana Tech’s mascot. This year, look for seven new canines around town.

The historic Dixie Center for the Arts began in 1928, then as the New Astor Theatre to showcase silent films. It quickly morphed into talkies as the Rialto, then as the Dixie when a group from New Orleans took over ownership. After suffering neglect, the theater was resurrected as the Dixie Center for the Arts and now offers theater performances, live music concerts and more.

In nearby Grambling, on the campus of Grambling University, visitors can learn about college football’s “winningest” coach at the Eddie G. Robinson Museum. Coach Rob, as he was known, was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, won 408 games during his 57 years coaching at GSU, graduated 80 percent of his players and moved more than 200 of his athletes into the NFL.

If you want to learn why Ruston is Louisiana’s peach capital, visit Mitcham Farms and Peach Orchard, the largest of the peach producers in the area.

If you want to learn why Ruston is Louisiana’s peach capital, visit Mitcham Farms and Peach Orchard, the largest of the peach producers in the area. Fall may not be the season for peaches — do return in June for the annual Peach Festival — but visitors can tour the farm and purchase a variety of peach products, arts and crafts and gourmet foods.

Of course, there’s also college football. Tech home games include Western Kentucky Oct. 5, New Mexico State Oct. 24 and Sam Houston Nov. 11 (homecoming). Grambling’s home games at the Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium include Alabama A&M Oct. 14 (homecoming) and Bethune-Cookman Oct. 28.

Get Outdoors

Lincoln Parish Park, where its 10-mile mountain bike trail is rated as one of the best in the country for both beginners and advanced riders.

Three state parks lie within a short drive from Ruston: Lake Claiborne, Jimmie Davis and Lake D’Arbonne state parks. Closer to town is Lincoln Parish Park, where its 10-mile mountain bike trail is rated as one of the best in the country for both beginners and advanced riders. Mountain Bike Action Magazine ranked the trail among the nation’s top venues and professional biker Ned Overend called Lincoln Parish Park “one of the most challenging trails.”

New to Ruston is the Rock Island Greenway, a shared-use walking, running and cycling path through the city. Known locally as the “RIG,” the greenway connects neighborhoods, schools and recreational areas and provides a great way for visitors to view the city, including checking out the unique mural gracing the I-20 underpass.

Dining

(Left) The park adjacent to the railroad tracks offers five food trucks, including Grown and Grazed by Chef Desi Bourgeois that serves up organic and locally sourced dishes. Occasionally, there’s live music on site as well. (Right) This popular downtown food truck will curb your cravings for ‘cue.

Word on the street — literally — designates the Heard Freighthouse Food Park as one of the best places to eat in town. The park adjacent to the railroad tracks offers five food trucks, including Grown and Grazed by Chef Desi Bourgeois that serves up organic and locally sourced dishes. Occasionally, there’s live music on site as well.

(Left) Chef Desi Bourgeoist serves up organic and locally sourced dishes. (Right) The first brewery to open in Ruston where visitors may enjoy craft beers created on-site and exquisite wood-fired pizzas.

Downtown Ruston offers a variety of dining options, from Ponchatoula’s South Louisiana fare to Sundown Tavern’s live music. One spot not to be missed is Utility Brewing, the first brewery to open in Ruston where visitors may enjoy craft beers created on-site and exquisite wood-fired pizzas. There’s even a Nutella pizza for dessert. If the weather’s nice, take the meal outside to enjoy the fall breezes on the back deck.

Where to Stay

The former Lewis Boutique department store in downtown Ruston, built in the 1920s, has been renovated into the Ruston Lofts, offering suites and a common area on the second floor.

Hotel chains such as Best Western Plus and Hampton Inn exist along I-20 but Ruston offers short-term rentals on both Airbnb and VRBO. The former Lewis Boutique department store in downtown Ruston, built in the 1920s, has been renovated into the Ruston Lofts, offering suites and a common area on the second floor.

Nearby Lincoln Parish Park has full-service RV campsites, some right on the lake, with hiking trails, lake fishing and paddling opportunities and the elaborate children’s playground that’s accessible for all abilities called Legacy Park.

White Oak event venue north of town offers several cozy cottages on-site that are perfect for retreats and family reunions.

For more information on Ruston, visit rustonlincoln.com.