The Best Small Town In Louisiana For A 3-Day Weekend

Natchitoches (pronounced Nack-a-tish) is over 300 years old, making it the oldest settlement in Louisiana. The town boasts European-influenced architecture, rich cultural heritage, and a National Historic Landmark District full of shops, restaurants, and hotels. The city also hosts several festivals and events throughout the year. Whatever the time or occasion, Natchitoches is the perfect destination to enjoy a 3-day weekend.

European-Style Accommodation

Sweet Cane Inn Bed and Breakfast is a small inn house in a Victorian home that was built in the late 1800s. A wall of stained glass windows follows guests up the curved staircase to one of the seven extremely spacious suites that are available. Guests have the option to relax on either the front porch or back patio and choose a book or DVD from the library, which can be viewed in the rooms that are all equipped with flat-screen televisions and a DVD player. A daily full breakfast is available, featuring local specialties as well as staple breakfast options, including sausages, eggs, bagels, spreads, cereals, yogurts, and juices.

Château Saint Denis Hotel is the largest boutique hotel in Natchitoches with 87 rooms on the premises. Outside, a French Quarter-style brick-lined courtyard features an antique water fountain. The interior is adorned with chandeliers hanging from spacious, high ceilings, seating areas warmed by fireplaces, and a full-service lounge offering cold beverages. The most significant appeal of the rooms is the handcrafted mattresses that ensure maximum comfort. Additionally, the rooms feature fully appointed bathrooms, French Creole artwork on the walls, in-room refrigerators, and televisions.

Local Attractions

Mayeaux’s Steak and Seafood blends the ambiance of a casual dining experience with the flair of a fine dining experience, along with attentive care from the staff. Best known for their steaks and seafood, they also serve vegetarian options, all of which are influenced by the Cane River’s history and local ingredients. Some highlights on their menu, for which they are best known, are the blackened catfish and ribeye steak.

The Natchitoches Art Guild and Gallery was founded in 1980 as a non-profit organization to showcase works from local artists. Today, it is funded by state and local grants and hosts many workshops, demonstrations, and activities year-round. Visitors to the gallery may purchase prints, art pieces, and gifts.

Take a piece of Natchitoches home with you by stopping for a visit at Georgia’s Gift Shop. The store is said to offer Natchitoches’ and Louisiana’s largest selection of gifts, souvenirs, t-shirts, postcards, spoons, mugs, magnets, and cookbooks.

Historic Fort

Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site is a replica of the original French fort, established in 1716, which offers insight into early colonial life. Natchitoches was founded by French Canadian Louis Antoine Juchereau de St. Denis, who was traveling from Alabama to Mexico. He had two huts constructed, which became the first permanent European settlement in the region, otherwise known as the Louisiana Purchase. In 1716, it became a military outpost, which it operated as until 1762 in the wake of France’s defeat by England in the French and Indian War.

The replica of the fort is located on Cane River Lake, between Keyser Street and University Parkway. It is open year-round, but is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Visitors can explore the replica of the fort, enjoy a picnic, and utilize the restrooms.

Alligators and Bayous

Gator County LA Alligator Park in Natchitoches is the largest alligator park in Louisiana, spanning seven acres, and is home to over 250 American Alligators. It is located on the outskirts of Natchitoches and offers more than just alligators. There is a petting zoo, bird sanctuary, reptile house, tortoise exhibit, and baby gator wading pool that allows for hands-on experiences. Visitors can wander through walkways and platforms to observe alligators in their natural environment. Several educational talks and feeding demonstrations featuring alligators are held daily throughout the week at various times.

Louisiana’s only National Forest, Kisatchie National Forest, which spans more than 604,000 acres, is accessible from Natchitoches. The forest is divided into five ranger districts, with the Kisatchie Ranger District located in Natchitoches Parish. This district covers 102,000 acres, offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including 12 miles of trails that lead to scenic outlooks, 20 miles of canoeing and kayaking, 50 miles of multiple-use trails, and 17 miles of the National Scenic Byway. It is open year-round and although the activities may change with the season, outdoor lovers will have no shortage of activities here.

The Best 3-Day Weekend in Louisiana

If you are looking for a 3-day weekend in Louisiana that's rich in French Creole heritage, lined with brick streets and European architecture, and features authentic Southern cuisine, but you don't want to experience the large crowds of a larger city like New Orleans, then Natchitoches is the place for you. With the city being over 300 years old, spending time in Natchitoches feels like stepping back in time, while still enjoying the modern amenities of luxurious hotels, dining establishments, and local attractions.