Offer Fun, Friendship, Food, & Fitness
In April, we featured networking organizations and in May we highlighted service groups. In our third and final installment presenting groups that can be joined, we feature local social clubs. The definition of “club” is an association or organization dedicated to a particular interest or activity. And it’s true – like-minded people with common interests tend to find each other and gather socially. Clubs can be casual, such as a book club that meets in members’ homes; or formal, with annual dues, bylaws, and a dedicated property. Here, we focus on the latter. For people who want a place to meet others with similar interests – be they golf, tennis, sailing, or simply socializing through a variety of activities, there are clubs available to meet those needs.
The Pioneer Club was founded in 1948 by Mordelo Vincent and L. Lee Welch to serve as a rendezvous point for Lake Charles businessmen. In 1978, the club relocated to its current location atop the Chase Tower. With wall-to-wall windows, members enjoy spectacular, sweeping views of the lake and downtown Lake Charles. They recently completed a major renovation that updated the bar and lounge area.
Member benefits include:
No room rental fees, no table and chair rentals for events, no deposits on events, and members can charge to their account and settle up at a later date.
Club-hosted wine and cocktail pairings. Chef pairs food to high end wine and cocktails for a unique dining experience.
Family bingo nights once a month.
Holiday Brunches such as: Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Brunch with Santa, Brunch with the Easter Bunny, and Fourth of July fireworks viewing party.
Catering and party planning needs beyond a typical restaurant. They host themed parties and provide one-of-a-kind items that go along with the theme of the party.
Because they encourage reservations, they can provide an exclusive dining experience with little to no wait time for a table.
They have an incredible chef in the kitchen and great mixologists behind the bar creating constantly changing and evolving seasonal menus.
Within reason, special requests are almost always accommodated.
While they are nearing their threshold, they are currently accepting new members. Go to thepioneerclubla.com to print a membership application and mail to One Lakeside Plaza 9th floor 70601.
The Lake Charles Racquet Club (LCRC) is a member-owned private Club since 1973 and has a rich tradition built on families, fun, and hospitality. They offer the ideal environment for tennis, exercise, swimming, dining, socialization, and relaxation. Although firmly established as one of the area’s exclusive private clubs, their culture is warm, friendly, casual, and laidback.
The Club boasts an Olympic size swimming pool with six cabanas; a state-of-the-art fitness center, locker room facilities with showers, and a healthy, full-service grill and bar.
The LCRC tennis program offers a wide range of opportunities for all interested players, regardless of age or ability. The Club is equipped with eight newly-resurfaced US Open blue lighted hard surface courts and four clay courts. The program includes junior and adult instructional, social, and competitive play in a variety of settings, from private and group lessons to camps, round robins, and workouts, as well as social and inter-club events.
For more information, go to lcracquetclub.com.
Newcomers Club of the Lake Area’s name has changed a few times since they were established in 1964, the Newcomers mission has always remained the same – to foster new friendships. They are a non-profit social organization whose purpose is to welcome newcomers to Southwest Louisiana by providing activities of interest to the members, fostering friendships, and encouraging community involvement.
The Newcomers Club meets monthly at the Pioneer Club for food, fellowship, informational speakers and a marvelous view of the lake from atop the Chase Bank Building in downtown Lake Charles. If interested, contact the club to find out when they are resuming meetings. They have been on hold due to COVID-19.
To RSVP to a meeting, or for more information, write to
see their website newcomersla.org,
or call 337-496-7490.
Lake Charles Yacht Club, founded in 1964, is dedicated to preserving the city’s sailing tradition. For over half a century, the community has enjoyed seeing the billowing white sails of the Club member’s boats as they glide across Lake Charles.
The Yacht Club is open to new members. Anyone with an interest in sailing is welcome. Newcomers can crew for captains and learn the art and technique of sailing. Once they get the hang of it, there are club boats that members can take out on the water. Chances are, if the sailing bug bites, they’ll be looking to buy their own boat in no time. The Club gathers for sailboat races on Wednesday evenings during daylight saving time, weather permitting. Several regattas take place throughout the year on weekends, and the Club hosts a social event approximately once a month.
For more information, see their website, lakecharlesyachtclub.com or call Ship to Shore at 337- 474-0730.
Lake Charles Country Club (LCCC) is located on the shores of pristine Prien Lake and boasts one of the finest conditioned championship golf courses in the South. Founded in 1919, LCCC is a first-class, traditional southern country club that offers a full range of amenities including an 18-hole championship golf course, driving range, 6000 sq./ft. putting green, lighted tennis courts, pool house and pavilion, marina, fine and casual dining, full-service catering and banquet rooms for weddings and other special events.
For more information, go to lakecharlescountryclub.com.
Gray Plantation is an extraordinary private club located in the Graywood community in southwest Lake Charles. Members enjoy a nationally-ranked golf course, 10 lighted tennis courts, two swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center and casual dining at The Edge Grill.
Membership is open to anyone. For membership information, contact Amanda Fontenot: 337-562-1206 ext 3, amanda@grayplantation.com, or visit grayplantation.com.
