In this second post of my two-part travel series I wanted to shine a light on 5 more of the 10 best reasons to visit the city of Natchitoches, Louisiana. In case you missed the first post in the series click here to see it.
In today’s post I’m focusing more on 5 fun things you can do in Natchitoches in the fall and winter time. So let’s dive into them, shall we?
*** This post includes affiliate links. If you choose to use one of my links I do receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
You Can Stop by Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile – Louisiana’s Oldest General Store
Kaffie-Frederick’s is the oldest business in the city and it’s full of unique and one-of-a-kind finds for your home, kitchen, garden, and gifting needs. Established in 1863, this store was opened by Jewish Prussian immigrant brothers Adolph and Harris Kaffie so it has a long history as being Louisiana’s oldest general store. But what makes this store really special is that the owners strive to keep up the original appearance of the store so you kind of feel like you’re going back in time when you step through the doors.
You Can Enjoy the Lights of the Christmas Festival
One of my absolute favorite times to go to Natchitoches is at Christmas time. Natchitoches is known for their Annual Lights and Christmas festival. Every year, shortly after Thanksgiving, thousands of string lights and light displays are lit up along the riverbank. The city holds a fireworks show every Saturday in December and you can find booths selling food and drinks. I recommend getting a funnel cake and some hot chocolate – they’re delicious. The Lights festival is perfect for families, couples, or anyone who wants to feel festive.
You Can Take a Picture in Front of the Steel Magnolias House
If you’ve been looking for a heartwarming movie about love, family, and faith in hard times then you’ve got to watch (or rewatch) Steel Magnolias. Set in Natchitoches in 1989, it stars Julia Roberts, Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacClaine, Daryl Hannah, and Olympia Dukakis as six Southern women strengthening their friendships in good times and bad times. Because the movie was filmed all over the city you can find numerous movie locations, but the most recognizable is the Steel Magnolias House, which is actually a bed and breakfast that you can stay at, located at 320 Jefferson St, Natchitoches, LA 71457.
You Can Sit & Relax at Rue Beauport Riverfront
The city of Natchitoches and the Cane River Waterway Commission has put a lot of work into renovating the riverbank area and the pinnacle of that work is the Rue Beauport Riverfront. This covered pavilion is perfect for sitting and enjoying a quiet moment by the water or for listening to live bands that play here during festivals throughout the year. The pavilion offers handicap accessible access to the river as well as comfortable tables and chairs free for the public to enjoy.
You Can Take a Tour of Melrose Plantation
While there are plenty of other amazing things to do in Natchitoches, I wanted to take a moment to shine a spotlight on a place you can see outside of the city limits. Melrose Plantation is a National Historic Landmark located about 29 minutes South of Natchitoches at 3533 LA-119, Melrose, LA 71452. The house has been around since 1796 so it has a very long history with the residents of the area. Also, folk artist Clementine Hunter lived here for several years and many of her paintings were inspired by her surroundings. An annual Arts & Crafts Festival is held on the grounds every April and you can even rent the grounds for private events like weddings or photoshoots. While guided tours are offered ($15 for adults; $5 for students), you can also explore the grounds at your own pace. Their hours are Thursday – Sunday, 10 AM – 4 PM.
Natchitoches and the surrounding areas have so much to offer any traveler at any time of the year. If you ever find yourself in the central Louisiana area definitely check it out.
More Travel Posts You May Like:
The 10 Best Reasons to Visit Natchitoches, Louisiana: Louisiana’s Oldest Settlement – Part 1 | We Found Fall at the Anderson Farm Pumpkin Patch | 10 Tips for Visiting the Magnolia Market at the Silos
Verse of the Day: But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'” – Matthew 4:4
