Downtown spa treatments, shopping & dining venues and waterfront views are all part of this Louisiana experience
NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA–MARCH 2024–There are some fun new reasons to spend a girls’ getaway in this state’s oldest city. Natchitoches, Louisiana, is known for its beautiful and historic downtown. While the brick streets and river views are the centerpiece of this destination and the perfect spot to spend a day, the views are only the beginning of an unforgettable girls’ trip. Natchitoches is located just off I-49, which connects to I-20 in Shreveport (to the north) and I-10 in Lafayette (to the south), making it an easy drive destination.
Where to stay
Once here, there are unique lodging options that add to the destination’s character. There are a host of bed and breakfasts, including antebellum homes like the Samuel Guy House Bed & Breakfast (309 Pine Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-354-1080) and a one-of-a-kind spot that movie lovers will recognize, the Steel Magnolia House bed and breakfast (320 Jefferson Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-238-2585). Here, guests can experience living in Shelby’s childhood home. True fans can take the self-guided tour of movie locations throughout town.
Hotels and inns offer variety, too. There are well-known national brands and unique inns like the boutique hotel Chateau St. Denis (751 2nd Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-951-4105) and the Church Street Inn (120 Church Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-238-8888) which offer unique downtown lodging. There are also options for those who like to get away on a girls’ RV trip. Grand Ecore RV Park (1071 Tauzin Island Road, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-238-7446) is a popular spot, with its gated, shaded location on the bluff of the Red River. There are 59 RV sites with many amenities, including a large bath house and activity center.
Pampering, shopping and downtown fun
There are a wide variety of things to see and do and plenty ways to enjoy Natchitoches. Many find a good way to start is to review some specialized itineraries, and see which fit their group’s interests. Most folks, though, can’t resist starting by exploring downtown.
Along historic Front Street and throughout this picturesque downtown, visitors find a unique collection of local businesses lead by shop owners, craftspeople and restaurateurs who love what they do and love their hometown. There, local pride and Southern hospitality combine for a warm welcome.
For a little pampering, there’s the Magnolia Spa Wellness & Boutique (520 Front Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-238-2843), a downtown day spa and boutique. The spa offers luxurious treatments and healing therapies as well as skin care products, clothing and accessories. Guests enjoy friendly, gracious service from some of Louisiana’s most skilled professionals who are dedicated to making sure their clients leave with a “renewed spirit and a revitalized soul.”
For a special event during a visit, a favorite among small groups is a cooking class at Cane River Kitchenware (732 Front Street Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-238-3600). This is a family-run gourmet kitchen and food store that carries everything from easy delicious mixes and dips to top quality kitchen appliances and supplies. They also offer cooking classes taught by top local chefs and having them cater a private party off-site is an option, too.
Art lovers are sure to find a gem or two at downtown shops like the Natchitoches Art Guild & Gallery (584 Front Street, Suite #102, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-352-1626), which displays works by area artists. The co-op gallery, run by the local art guild, also coordinates demonstrations and workshops. Other shops hold local art treasures, as well. Like Plantation Treasures (720 Front Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-354-1714), which has prints of famed local folk artist Clementine Hunter and original work by her grandson James, along with home décor, home fragrance, garden and other gift items.
For those looking for that special something for their home, this is the place. The craftsmanship at Olivier’s Creole Cypress Furniture (117 2nd Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-352-1427) is beauty to behold. This family has been hand-making custom Louisiana cypress furniture and accessories since 1965. Today, following her father George Olivier III’s techniques, his daughter Chalon, along with her son, Alix, hand-craft each furniture piece, starting from cutting and shaping the wood to the final touches of hand-sanding and staining.
Taking in the outdoors
Beau Jardin Garden & Water Feature and Roque House Park (781 Front Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-352-2746) are located on the downtown riverbank overlooking Cane River Lake. This is also the perfect launching spot for some time on the water. Kayak, hydro bike or paddleboard rentals are available on the downtown riverbank from Cane River Paddle & Pedal Sports (Downtown Riverbank Beauport Station, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-527-0066). For a more relaxing river excursion, a trip on the Cane River Queen (103 Beauport Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-663-7787) is a popular outing, with daily cruise schedules starting in March.
There are numerous other outdoor areas to enjoy around downtown including a series of small Pocket Parks. The Grady Erwin Nature Area (Highway 6 West, Natchitoches, Louisiana) is located on 84 acres and offers hiking and nature trails. There are three trails here, totaling 4.5 miles, for beginner and intermediate level. The trails are open for walking, running and include jumps and turns for bikers.
A visit to nearby Briarwood Nature Preserve (216 Caroline Dorman Road, Saline, Louisiana 71070; 318-576-3379), with its forest trails and iris bog, is a real treat for outdoor lovers. Considered the most complete botanical and wildlife sanctuary in Louisiana, this is the birthplace and home of Caroline Dormon, a world-renowned naturalist, author, artist and the first woman to be hired in the United States Forest Service.
Tours of Melrose Plantation (3533 Highway 119, Melrose, Louisiana 71452; 318-379-0055) and Cane River Creole National Historical Park (4386 Highway 494, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71456; 318-352-0383, ext. 316), comprised of Oakland Plantation and the outbuildings at Magnolia Plantation, are a fun way to enjoy outdoor time while learning about the region’s fascinating history.
Eats and drinks
StoryBrew Coffee Café (780 Front Street, Suite 104, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-214-2387) is a full-service coffee shop specializing in a wide variety of espresso-based drinks, pour overs, teas and pastries. From fresh-baked breakfast pastries to buns, scones and cookies to evening open mic nights, there is much to enjoy here. For lunch, Merci Beaucoup Restaurant (127 Church Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-352-6634) is known for its made-from-scratch creations, served with a large helping of hospitality. The menu includes Cajun favorites, Southern specialties and more.
A favorite local gathering place is Flying Heart Brewing & Pub (108 Mill Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-238-2337). In addition to their own signature beers, the brewery serves up signature cocktails and mouthwatering “bar food” favorites. Across the street, Riverside Reserve (104 Mill Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-471-3304) offers a more refined setting. The restored building is a popular event venue that doubles as a vintage cocktail bar, open to the public. Pop up kitchens with the creations of local chefs add tasty variety. And for those special events for girls’ gatherings or bridal events, this is the place.
Two favorites for dinners are:
Maglieux’s Riverfront Restaurant (805 Washington Street Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-354-7767), in the heart of downtown. This favorite serves a menu that blends the family’s Italian traditions and Louisiana’s Creole favorites.
Mariner’s (5948 Highway 1 Bypass, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-228-8056), which sits on beautiful Sibley Lake and features one of the most breathtaking sunsets in Louisiana. The menu features seafood specialties along with casual favorites in an outstanding setting.