NATCHITOCHES
Natchitoches, (Nack-a-tish) the original French colony in Louisiana, is the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. Established in 1714, Natchitoches, retains its European flavor through its architecture, heritage and lifestyle.
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If you're looking for a quiet weekend with the family or a romantic weekend with a loved one, historic Natchitoches offers a dynamic atmosphere for everyone.
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Java Travel USA is located in this historic downtown. We will be delighted to help with all your needs for your memorable visit in Natchitoches.
Popular Things To Do
Steel Magnolias Tour
Plan a Romantic Weekend for two or a Fun Friends Trip in historic Natchitoches. Stay in the Steel Magnolias Bed and Breakfast, home of the Movie Family, Drum and M'Lynn Eatenton.
The movie "Steel Magnolias", based on the Stage Play by Robert Harling Jr., came to Natchitoches in 1988, but the real Steel Magnolias have been here for much longer. Bobby's family story was his inspiration. A story of love and friendship, a story of relationships, of loss and grief but most of all a story of how a family and a community lived through it all. As engaging as is the movie, the real life story behind the movie is even more fascinating. It has warmth, humor and the capacity to touch something very deep within us. The story of one family's experience provides a life lesson for us all.
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Hear the real life story. See the site of Truvy's (Dolly Parton) Beauty Shop. Drive down Harling Lane. See Shelby's (Julia Roberts) "home", the Steel Magnolias House and more. Visit St. Augustine Catholic Church at Melrose where the wedding took place.
Downtown Historic Tour
Plan a Romantic Getaway.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has announced that the Natchitoches Historic District is one of the Five Most Romantic Main Streets in the United States.Here is what they had to say about Front Street in Natchitoches. “
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What do Main Streets have that the malls don’t? Atmosphere… History… Romance. They’re the places to go for unique experiences. Candle-lit restaurants, unique wedding destinations, charming streets for strolls, intimate wine-tasting rooms, quaint B&Bs, special historic spots — these are just a few of the things that make Main Street districts a romantic destination. This year, we scoured the nation to find the Most Romantic.
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Kaffie-Frederick Mercantile open since 1863
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The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with original chandeliers and baptismal font
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Old Court House Museum and Genealogical Center
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Roque House ca. 1803 Creole structure carefully joined but contains no nails
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Prud'homme Building the oldest on Rue Front with 1850 Spiral Staircase
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Many other historic homes and sites can be seen according to your time and interests.
Melrose Plantation Tour
A Must See National Historic Landmark
Louis Metoyer, from a Spanish Land Grant in the late 1700's, began what is now known as Melrose. The oldest dwellings date to circa 1796. The Main House was built in 1833. The complex includes seven outbuildings, each dedicated to its own purpose. The Oak trees on the grounds are over 250 years old and are adorned with Resurrection Fern. Melrose has been a Yucca, Indigo and Cotton plantation. It was built by Free People of Color who were its first residents. It has been an Artists Colony. It was the work place of Clementine Hunter, a world renowned Folk Artist. Melrose Plantation is a "must see" National Historic Landmark.
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Go inside the main house to see the floor of bricks made by enslaved persons. Visit upstairs in the African House and view the original murals by the internationally known Folk Artist, Clementine Hunter. See the ca. 1778 Yucca House (at right), the first home of the Louis Metoyer family, "gens de couleur libre" of Isle Brevelle.
Local Food Tour
If you love food as much as we do.
This is our special tour for foodies.
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From the famous Natchitoches meat pie at Lasyone's Meatpie Kitchen to Cajun style juicy crawfish at T-Johnny's Seafood and Cajun Market.
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Combine this tour with other tours to get the best local experience in the historic Natchitoches.
Annual Events & Festivals
Dark Woods Haunted Attraction
September 25-26, 2020
October 2-3, 2020
Dark Woods Haunted Attraction is Natchitoches’ most UNIQUE visitor experience. Two terrifying haunts in one convenient location. Come immerse yourself in seven acres of Hollywood style special effects, live actor performances, and professionally themed sets and costumes. Enter the mind-bending world of Dark Carnival 3D. It brings a new brand of terror to the Big Top with 4,000 sq. ft. of black lit mayhem seen through ChromaDepth glasses. Winding over a third mile through the deepest recesses of Dark Woods you’ll find Dead Fall Trail, an outdoor journey into the twisted folk-tales and legends of horror of Louisiana.
Natchitoches Car Show
October 2-3, 2020
Friday, October 2
Registration: Noon-7pm (register your car)
Poker Run: Noon-5pm
Fish Fry/Live Music on Downtown Riverbank: 5:30pm
(Registration includes 2 FREE tickets to the Fish Fry – additional tickets $20)
Saturday, October 3
Registration: 7am-11am (register your car)
Car Show: 7am-4pm
Awards on Riverbank Stage: 4pm
Natchitoches Farmer's Market
October 10, 17, 24, 31, 2020
The Natchitoches Farmers Market (NFM) is open seasonally on Saturdays in downtown Natchitoches. The market features grown produce, meats, food products, plants, herbs, flowers, crafts, hand-made jewelry, live enterainment, kids activities, food demonstrations, and much more!
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8 a.m. - 12 noon
Christmas in The Park
November 20,21, 2020
November 27, 28, 2020
Why not discover Natchitoches’ newest Holiday attraction, Christmas in the Park this year? Bring the entire family and celebrate the true meaning of this magical season amid this walk-through explosion of light and sound. Transforming seven acres of park into a true woodland winter is over 300,000 LED lights, decorated sets, tasty holiday treats, nightly Christmas character meet and greets, the Mistletones singing trees, and much more!
94th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival
November 21st, 2020 - January 6th, 2021
Starting as a one-day festival, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival has evolved into a six-week long Christmas Season. The Christmas Season begins on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and concludes on January the 6th, the Epiphany. Over 300,000 lights and 100 plus set pieces are on display every night at dusk.
Source: natchtoches.com