Located in northwestern Louisiana, just off of I-49, Natchitoches is a small town with a long history. The oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase, the city is known for its history, shopping, and festivals.
History
Natchitoches was settled by the French in 1714 as a fort to protect a convenient Red River crossing. The long history of the region has a predominant presence in the town today. Visitors can stroll through Fort St. Jean Baptiste to learn about the lives of the earliest French settlers, or take a guided tour on a horse-drawn carriage, to learn about the layers of history throughout the town. Both modern and traditional tools, toys, and cookware are available for purchase in the Kaffie-Frederick Hardware Store (758 Front Street), which has been in continuous operation since its opening in 1863.
The Antebellum history of the region can be explored with visits to the several nearby plantations open to the public. Most notable is the Melrose Plantation, which was a cotton and pecan plantation that dates back to 1795. In the late 19th century, the plantation was converted into an art colony, and a tour through Melrose includes a look at many paintings by the most famous artist to have lived there, Clementine Hunter.
Festivals
The river-walk along the Cane and the red bricks of Front Street play home to many festivals, year-round. Most notable is the annual Christmas festival, the Festival of Lights, which runs from the November 22nd to January 6th, and includes an elaborate display of Christmas lights, and free fireworks shows every Saturday night.
Some of the other festivals include the Natchitoches Meat Pie festival every fall (in 2008, it will be held October 17th and 18th), the Jazz/R&B festival every spring, and the Folklife Festival every summer.
Lodging
There are literally dozens of Bed and Breakfasts in Natchitoches, each with their own particular charm. Several B&Bs are housed in buildings of historical significance. Particularly notable is the Levy-East House, built in the 1830's, and restored to elegance in the 1990s; and the Taylor-Cook House, built by Italian architects in the 1840s, used as a hospital during the Civil War, and used as the set for much of the movie, Steel Magnolias.
Planning Your Trip
Natchitoches's web site provides a central location for information on lodging, attractions, restaurants, and event and festival schedules. Particularly useful are the calendar, and the "book online" feature on its accomodations page.
Ft. St. Jean Baptiste is open daily, from 9am to 5pm, and located at 155 rue Jefferson ,Natchitoches, LA 71457; (318) 357-3101, (888) 677-7853.
For guided tours through Natchitoches, contact Cane River Natchitoches Transit Company: (318) 356-8687.
Melrose plantation is open for tours Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm, and closed on major holidays. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for students aged 13 to 17, $3 for students aged 6 to 12, and free for children under 6. The plantation is located at 3533 Highway 119, Natchitoches, LA 71457; call them at 318-379-0055 or 800-259-1714.
The Levy-East House is located at 358 Jefferson Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457; 800-840-0662.
Taylor-Cook House and Steel Magnolias B&B is on 320 Jefferson Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457; 318-238-2585 or 888-346-4095.
Further information on the Annual Festival of Lights schedule of events can be found at the Christmas festival's website.
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