Visiting Plantation Country

Central Louisiana is steeped in history with towns like Natchitoches and Alexandria. The Cane River Lake along Natchitoches Front Street takes visitors back to a more genteel time. Alexandria, with the Red River, bayous and the Kisatchie National Forest nearby is a sports and outdoor paradise. Plantation homes like the Kent House or the Louisiana History Museum give visitors a glimpse at Alexandria and Central Louisiana’s history. The Toledo Bend Reservoir, along Louisiana’s western border, draws boaters and bass fishermen to enjoy its outstanding recreation. East along Highway 28 travelers pass Catahoula Lake towards Ferriday, Vidalia and the mighty Mississippi.

For a great Labor Day weekend of fun and entertainment the Cane River Zydeco Festival and Poker Run is ideal. Enjoy the Zydeco bands in downtown Natchitoches, take a motorcycle ride through Natchitoches Parish to visit the stops on the Poker Run, and even enter the dance contest or motorcycle games. All proceeds benefit local charities, so come on out and join in the fun.

The Best Western Natchitoches Inn is ideal for travelers to the area. Located conveniently off of Highway 6, the Colonial Trails Scenic Byway, and Interstate 49 it is perfect whether you a just passing through or spending the weekend for the Cane River Zydeco Festival and Poker Run. With affordable rates and comfortable rooms, make sure to stay long enough to enjoy historic downtown Natchitoches or tour the local Plantation Homes.

Music fans mark September 11th for the Rapides Symphony Orchestra performance at the Alexandria Riverfront Amphitheater. The 2010 Pops on the River Concert is a spectacular annual event. You can enjoy fine food and drink along with the sounds of the symphony playing outdoors on the riverbank.

Jena, north of Alexandria, hosts Fall Fest mid-October. With live music, a tractor pull and games for all ages, this is a great fall family event. Enjoy a weekend of fun, with one day of trades and swapping. Fall Fest is held at the Jena Fairgrounds. The Best Western of Alexandria Inn and Suites makes a great place to stay in the Alexandria area. Convenient to Alexandria Zoo, the Kent House and events at Rapides Coliseum, book an extra day or two to enjoy the area.

Celebrate Halloween this year appropriately at the Haunted History Tour at American Cemetery in Natchitoches. Being the oldest settlement in Louisiana also means Natchitoches has the oldest cemetery in the state. Come out for a haunting evening featuring local actors portraying the most dramatic historical characters of Natchitoches. Meet Isabella, the ghost of a French aristocrat turned nun, and three generations of the L’Herrison Family, one of the regions first families. Halloween fans, this is the place to be for a real scare.

Alexandria celebrates Twelve Days of Christmas in December. For twelve consecutive nights Alexandria comes alive with events and activities for the holidays. Special chorale performances, caroling, a Christmas parade, re enactments of the Christmas story, bands and dancing to get everyone into the spirit of the holidays. The Twelve Nights of Christmas 2010 run December 3rd through the 20th.