2021-02-18 16:48:29
Big smiles, country comforts and outdoor adventures await you in central Louisiana, the state’s heartland where numerous cultures merge. Central Louisiana is a land of legends. Learn about an outlaw named Leather Britches Smith at the Merryville Museum, the history of a fascinating Utopian community at the Museum of the New Llano Colony in New Llano and colorful politicians at the Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame in Winnfield. More stories are waiting to be discovered in the region’s main cities, Natchitoches and Alexandria. After spending time in Louisiana’s outdoors at places like Kisatchie National Forest and Toledo Bend Reservoir, one of the nation’s premier freshwater fishing destinations, you’re sure to go home with your own tales to tell. Toledo Bend-Lake Country Area Toledo Bend Reservoir is the largest manmade lake in the South and home to outstanding nature preserves including North and South Toledo Bend State Parks. Toledo Bend Lake is also a top fishing destination, and has been named the No. 1 bass fishing lake in the United States by Bassmaster Magazine. Accommodations range from the luxurious hotel suites at Cypress Bend Resort to the rustic lakeside cabins at Bridge Bay Resort; these and other places to stay are found in Many. Not the outdoorsy type? Pick up a few tamales in Zwolle at EB’s Tamale Co. and L&W Tamale House. DeRidder has the First USO & War Room Museum and Lois Loftin Doll Museum. Natchitoches Area Natchitoches is the first permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase territory. Wander throughout its National Historic Landmark District and dine at a restaurant such as Maglieaux’s Riverfront Restaurant, located downtown and overlooking the renovated riverfront park. Nearby is Cane River Brewing Co., where locally made beers are served up by the pint. Come hungry: The restaurant next door, Brewhouse Bistro, serves up tasty burgers and pizza. Natchitoches is famous for its bed-and-breakfasts, as well as its Creole history— learn all about the region’s backstories at Cane River Creole National Historical Park, home to Oakland Plantation and Melrose Plantation. Other important sites include the Adai Indian Nation Cultural Center in Robeline and, for nature enthusiasts, the Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve in Saline. Alexandria-Marksville Area Alexandria, central Louisiana’s largest city, offers a ton of fun for active families. For the kiddos there’s TREE House; arts enthusiasts have the Alexandria Museum of Art and River Oaks Square Arts Center; history lovers should seek out Kent Plantation House, known as the oldest standing structure in Louisiana. Farther afield are other regional riches. Some favorites include Hayes E Daze in Forest Hill, which offers horseback rides in Kisatchie National Forest, Marksville gaming destination Paragon Casino Resort, and two Audubon Golf Trail courses, OakWing Golf Club and Tamahka Trails Golf Club. In Ferriday, you can visit Frogmore Plantation & Gins and see a historic 1800s cotton plantation in addition to a working, modern cotton gin.
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