The Best Small Town In The Southern United States For A 3-Day Weekend
The southern United States has a way of slowing life down. Warm sunshine, sweet tea, friendly faces, and comforting food make this part of the country feel like no other. And although there is an endless list of places to explore in this region, St. Francisville, Louisiana, manages to stand out, particularly for those seeking a weekend getaway. This town, home to roughly 1,500 residents, is located in central Louisiana near the Mississippi River, boasting all kinds of highlights like hometown cafes, art galleries, gardens, and wildlife refuges. So without further ado, go ahead and mark a weekend on your calendar, because you are about to discover what makes St. Francisville so memorable.
Ferdinand And Commerce Street
Upon arriving in town, you’ll find that a lot of St. Francisville’s local businesses are concentrated on two streets: Ferdinand and Commerce Street. If you get here in the morning, consider swinging by one of the area’s coffee shops, such as Birdman Coffeehouse, which lies on Commerce and serves an excellent array of coffee, specialty drinks, baked goods, artisan toasts, and breakfast items.
Once you get your morning caffeine fix, get ready to explore some of the nearby galleries and boutiques. NK Boutique St. Francisville is a wonderful place to find a new outfit or accessory, while Art House exhibits some beautiful art, with new artists featured each month. The gallery also hosts periodic classes and workshops, so check out their calendar before your visit! Magnolia Cafe is a great place to grab lunch later on in the day, a beloved local cafe on Commerce that serves handmade pizzas, fried and grilled jumbo shrimp, fried catfish, poboys, grilled cheese, salads, and much more.
Gardens And Wildlife Refuges
St. Francisville is home to some breathtaking gardens and wildlife refuges that should be on your radar. The first is the Afton Villa Gardens, once part of the historic Afton Villa, a mid-19th-century estate that burned down in 1963. Today, only the gardens remain, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. Travelers will be able to admire 20 acres of formal gardens during their visit, including the iconic ruins gardens, a daffodil valley, a parterre garden, and a historic family cemetery. You can visit these gardens in both the spring and fall, with the spring season taking place from March through June and the fall season from October through November.
Traveling west of St. Francisville, you’ll reach the Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge preserves the forested wetland habitats that are crucial for migratory birds and endangered plant and animal species. During your visit, you will be able to appreciate ponds and sloughs, cypress-tupelo swamps, and bottomland hardwood forests. There are two hiking trails that you can use to explore the refuge. Non-motorized boating is also permitted.
Historic Landmarks
Established in the early 1800s, St. Francisville has all kinds of historic landmarks to see. If you’re interested in railroad history, you’ll definitely want to check out the West Feliciana Railroad Caboose. This caboose once belonged to the West Feliciana Railroad, which became the country’s first interstate rail line in 1831. It originally stretched about 26 miles from Bayou Sara, Louisiana, to Woodville, Mississippi. The line suffered major damage during the Civil War, and although much of it was rebuilt, it was eventually sold to other companies later on. By 1978, service along the route came to a full stop. Today, you can see this bright orange, historic caboose on the western end of Ferdinand Street.
The Old Benevolent Society building is another interesting historical stop to include on your visit. Built in 1883, it served as the oldest burial insurance lodge and played an important role in supporting freed slaves after the Civil War. As time passed, it became a significant part of the area’s African American community, covering burial costs, providing food for the needy, caring for the sick, and fostering connections amongst those in the community. They are even credited with establishing an early system of medical insurance! The society building is currently being restored in an effort to preserve its heritage. You can see the building for yourself in the middle of Ferdinand Street.
Local Inns
If you are looking for a unique lodging experience during your weekend away, look no further than one of the town’s historic inns. The St. Francisville Inn is one of the most notable and is an excellent option if you want to stay close to the action. Located on Commerce Street, you’ll be within arm’s reach of the town’s cafes and boutiques. The inn itself is set in a home that was constructed in the 1880s and today has been intricately renovated to feature details like Italian marble showers, chandeliers, and even a room with a private deck that make it a truly luxurious experience.
If you want to feel immersed in nature, consider booking your stay at Shadetree Bed and Breakfast. This inn sits on a four-acre hilltop, offering views of the surrounding rolling hills and lush greenery. Rooms here range from a tree-top level loft and a cozy sun porch room to the luxurious Governor's Suite. This bed and breakfast sits near the railroad caboose and is just a short walk away from numerous restaurants and shops.
If you have been contemplating a weekend trip, St. Francisville is just the destination you have been looking for. It’s small enough that you can comfortably explore it in a few days, but big enough that you won’t get bored. It also has a wide range of attractions, including art galleries, historic landmarks, and wildlife refuges, that will ensure that every traveler in your group can find something to interest them. But wander a bit on your own, and you will likely find a few spots that become personal favorites!
