Natchitoches, Louisiana :: A Hidden Gem for a Weekend Getaway
When I tell people that I went to college in Natchitoches, 90% of the time the response is, “Where?” This small town of 17,000 people in North Louisiana is a hidden gem most people don’t know about unless they go there on purpose. Just a four hour drive from NOLA, Natchitoches is the perfect weekend getaway with or without the kids.
Places to stay:
First, while Natchitoches does have many nice hotels for the family, if you’re like me and sometimes want to avoid the chaos of large hotels when on a relaxation mission and want to be close to the action of the city, you will enjoy the charm of the many bed and breakfast places Natchitoches is home to. The majority of these charming places are on or just a few blocks away from Cane River Lake in Natchitoches’ downtown area. Staying in this area gives you access to many delicious restaurants and activities in the heart of the city without having to worry too much about how to get somewhere.
Places to eat:
Natchitoches is home to many delicious restaurants for the family. When I was there for college, you could count the number of chain restaurants on one hand. Now, there are many chain restaurants and fast food options in the main city area of Natchitoches, but the local fare in the heart of the city is what you want. There are standard attractions like Mama’s Oyster House and Papa’s Bar and Grill and Lasyone’s if you want a Natchitoches-famous meat pie. There’s Mariner’s Lakefront Restaurant for a fancier evening out with beautiful scenery. If you’re looking for something a bit quieter and simple, there’s Merci Beaucoup in the charming downtown area, kid friendly places like Magee’s Patio Cafe for your standard burgers, sandwiches, and amazing milkshakes, several Mexican food places near the university and further downtown, the best cheap Chinese food you’ll ever have at Chef Wok, and the best baked potato at Trail Boss Steak House. Whether you’re looking for a nice night out to celebrate a special occasion or something simple to eat while your kids run around, you’ll find whatever you’re looking for in Natchitoches.
Things to do:
Natchitoches is also home to many great things to do. The city is most famous for it’s Christmas Festival in December, but there are other special events and great attractions available all year long. My favorite time of the year to visit Natchitoches is for the yearly Christmas festival. The entire city is decked out in Christmas lights, Northwestern State University puts on a special gala, and you get to witness a great firework display. This is easily the most crowded (and expensive) time to visit the city, so if that isn’t enticing for you but you still want the Christmas vibe, the city does fireworks every weekend in December, so the weekend before or after the festival would give you the same experience without the crowds.
Fourth of July is also a great time to visit if you want the charm of the city along with a great firework display. Regardless of the time of year you visit, there are great local attractions and activities to enjoy. Natchitoches is home to the famous Steel Magnolias house and other locations from the movie (there’s a whole tour of the film sites you can take). There is also a weekly farmers market and the Natchitoches Parish Fair in September. You can ride the Cane River Queen Riverboat or rent peddle boats or kayaks on the downtown river front. There are several historical sites like Fort St. Jean Baptiste or local Creole plantations. If your little ones are into alligators, the Natchitoches Alligator Park is nearby.
If you love all the uniqueness of the French Quarter here at home but want to get away from the crowds at home, Natchitoches is the perfect place to spend a weekend away. The downtown area has the charm and feel of our French Quarter streets and there are so many things to do and see here that you’d need to come back several times just to see it all. If you’re looking for a cozy weekend-getaway that still feels a little like home, Natchitoches is worth the four hour drive!
