African House, recently designated as a
Crafts Festival, Girls Getaway – Steel Magno-
night bites, sweet treats, and the world-
“National Treasure� by the National Trust for
lias style, Return to the ‘50s Car Show, Fall
famous meat pies all followed by local brews
Historic Preservation. For information on
Tour of Homes, and the famed Christmas Fes-
and cocktails. It is easy to be satisďŹ ed. Savor
admission fees for the sites on the Cane
tival of Lights. This Louisiana premier holi-
the local cuisine culture while listening to
River
visit
day celebration begins the Saturday before
live entertainment such as jazz, R and B, and
Natchitoches.com or phone (800) 259-1714.
National
Heritage
Trail,
Thanksgiving and is 45 nights of Christmas
zydeco. Take your pick from dining within
Explore the interactive Louisiana Sports
lights illuminating the Historic District and
the Historic District, to overlooking Cane
Hall of Fame in its celebration of Louisiana
Cane River Lake. Festivities include the famed
River Lake, eating like a local off the beaten
athletes, coaches and sports stars accom-
Festival of Lights parade and ďŹ reworks, live
path or enjoying an evening watching the
plishments. Then journey through the North-
entertainment, arts and crafts; tours, galas
sun set over Sibley Lake. For some
west Louisiana History Museum as it brings
and spectacular ďŹ rework shows every Sat-
suggestions for group-friendly restaurants
3,000 years of interactive history forward to
urday. This festival is great fun for groups of
in
the cultural traditions that survived and thrive
all ages who travel in buses from all over the
natchitoches.com/restaurants-0.
in the region today. The multi-million dollar
country to attend. Learn more about the his-
For the foodie lovers in your group, tour
complex has won esteemed awards for its
tory of this major holiday festival and see a
Natchitoches and the tasty treats that Natchi-
exterior and interior architecture. Group rates
schedule of planned events and activities at
toches and Louisiana have to offer. From the
are offered to groups of 20 or more. Visit
natchitocheschristmas.com.
Cajun potato to creamy and savory shrimp
ct.state.la.us/museum/properties/ LSMbr.Apex for more information.
and
around
Natchitoches
visit
Natchitoches is home to mouth-watering
and grits, Natchitoches is sure to delight your
Southern cuisine with restaurants catering
taste buds. Natchitoches is home to the
Celebrate rich history, culture and tradi-
to every culinary taste. From handcrafted
famous meat pie and can be enjoyed in its
tions with many events like Mardi Gras, the
burgers and tapas, fresh Gulf seafood,
purity at Lasyone's Meat Pie Kitchen. Perch
Jazz and R and B Festival, Melrose Arts and
delightful sandwiches, specialty pastas, late-
up at a restaurant and dine on menu items
Explore Natchitoches with this Two-Day Itinerary
of exploring, dine on Front Street and enjoy cuisines varying from Southern cuisine, Italian, Creole and American.
Day One – Begin your journey in the National Historic Landmark
Day Two – Travel around Cane River National Heritage Trail, a
District, a 33-block area featuring architectural styled buildings,
Louisiana Scenic Byway and discover Natchitoches' rich culture.
historic homes, shops and more. Downtown Front Street is paved
Cane River Creole National Historical Park, Oakland Plantation
with bricks that date back more than 100 years and is ďŹ lled with
Unit, a National Historic Landmark and a Bicentennial Farm, is the
charming shops and restaurants overlooking the riverbank and
most complete Creole Plantation in the South and consists of the
Cane River Lake. Step back into the 19th century General Store
main house, plantation store and 20 plus outbuildings. Melrose
and experience the charm and eclecticism of Louisiana's oldest
Plantation, a National Historic Landmark, tells the stories of being
general store, KafďŹ e-Frederick's General Mercantile. Go Holly-
an artist retreat, the life of Marie Therese Coincoin and famous
wood and visit the St. Denis Walk of Honor and take a tour of the
primitive artist, Clementine Hunter. Venture further south and tour
Historic District, including the Steel Magnolia house. Lunch time
Magnolia Plantation Unit, also part of the Cane River Creole His-
offers authentic Louisiana cuisine; discover the taste of down-
torical Park, a Bicentennial Farm and a National Historic Land-
home goodness with a Natchitoches Meat Pie. Walk off lunch with
mark. Magnolia includes 18 outbuildings, including the only
a visit to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana
wooden cotton press still in its original location along with rare
History Museum. The complex celebrates the achievements of
masonry slave cabins. The home is still privately owned by the
Louisiana athletes and sports ďŹ gures. The history museum explores
family. Finally, explore St. Augustine Catholic Church and Ceme-
the evolution of unique cultural traditions from early Native Amer-
tery. Founded in 1803 by Augustine Metoyer, it is the ďŹ rst Roman
ican civilizations to the present. View Clementine Hunter's mural
Catholic Church established by and for the people of color in the
and other artifacts in a special exhibit being shown until early April
United States. It was also the ďŹ lm site for Shelby's wedding in Steel
2016. Discover Fort St. Jean Baptiste, Historic Site, a full-scale
Magnolias. Check with the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors
replica of the 18th century Fort built on the banks of Cane River
Bureau and see what celebrations are taking place during your
Lake, formerly part of Red River. A costumed interpreter will guide
visit for additional fun and excitement.
you through the site and history of Natchitoches. After a full day Bus Tours Magazine / September, 2015 • 21