Regions • Crossroads > NATCHITOCHES-WINNSBORO AREA “The old Creole plantation environment is a big draw up in that area,” Landry says. Among the top draws for those with an eye for history and opulent architecture include Melrose Plantation in Melrose and Oakland Plantation in Bermuda. Oakland is part of Cane River Creole National Historical Park , which o ers self-guided cell phone tours and guided tours. Visitors to Natchitoches can find activities that suit their style. The Natchitoches Alligator Park is a hit with children (you can even hold a baby gator!), and Landry suggests families check out the Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights in November and December. The fest features 300,000 lights and a boat parade on the Cane River. Grown-ups will love walking through the National Landmark Historic District , which includes many luxurious homes seen in the film Steel Magnolias . IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME… • Tour the Louisiana Political Museum in Winneld • Drive the Longleaf Trail Scenic Byway PHOTOS: (THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) ©Natchitoches Alligator Park ; Melrose Plantation; Historic Front Street in Natchitoches; Hiking near the Longleaf Trail Scenic Byway; Christmas Flotilla ©Natchitoches Christmas Festival ; (OPPOSITE PAGE, FROM TOP) Beach volleyball at Cypress Bend; Running into Toledo Bend Reservoir; The pier at Wildwood Resort; (SIDEBAR) ©Beauregard Watermelon Festival ; River Oaks Square Arts Center 118 #OnlyLouisiana
Louisiana Travel Guide 2017: Page 118
