Eat Play Stay: Natchitoches

In this episode of “Eat Play Stay,” we’re traveling to Natchitoches. Located about four hours from New Orleans, Natchitoches, Louisiana, is the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase territory where you will find history, culture, and adventure. This beautiful city is most famous for its Christmas festival which runs from the weekend before Thanksgiving to after New Year’s.

EAT – NATCHITOCHES RESTAURANTS

Girline’s Kitchen on Wheels

Owner Reath Blake serves up home-cooked soul food from a food truck named after her mother. At Girline’s Kitchen on Wheels, you’ll enjoy smothered pork chops, fried shrimp, cornbread, black-eyed peas, and much more..

Cane River Commissary

Located ten minutes south of Natchitoches, Cane River Commissary is a restaurant and bar located in an old schoolhouse on Cane River. Owners Ricky and Sylvia LaCour serve up homemade Cane River Creole meat pies, bacon-wrapped pork medallions, and an array of po’boys.

Magee’s Patio Cafe

Magee’s Patio Café is rumored to have the best ice cream in Natchitoches. However, if you’re in the mood for more of a meal, Magee’s has a menu that includes breakfast, sandwiches, burgers, and more.

Mariner’s Restaurant

Located on Sibley Lake, Mariner’s Restaurant was given a second life when owners Ben and Keri Fidelak bought it in 2020. Chef Ben serves up a menu of tasty goodness that includes house-made pasta, steak, and his famous boudin wontons with cracklins and a Steen’s demi-glaze. Mariner’s also has an extensive wine list, whiskey, and other specialty drinks perfect for lakeside sips

PLAY – THINGS TO DO IN NATCHITOCHES

Steel Magnolias House

Much of the movie Steel Magnolias, which was set in a town based on Natchitoches, was filmed at what is now the Steel Magnolia House. This cozy bed and breakfast features rooms named after the movie’s characters.

Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historical Site

Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, or Fort des Natchitoches, is a replica of an early French fort based upon the original blueprints of 1716 by Sieur Charles Claude Dutisné and company. The original fort served as a trading post for furs between the locals and Native Americans.

Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame

Whether you’re a Saints fan or you prefer to cheer for a player raised in Louisiana, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame is a place that you shouldn’t miss. A regional history museum is also located here, so you can celebrate accomplishments by Louisiana athletes, coaches, and sports stars while learning about the region’s culture and history.

Gator Country Louisiana

Gator Country Louisiana is the largest alligator park in the state and houses 250 gators. Here you will get an education about gators and their habitat and will be able to interact with these creatures one-on-one.

Cane River Candy Co

Cane River Candy Co. serves up sweet nostalgia in this Natchitoches candy shop. Barrels of taffy, homemade chocolate, and roasted pecans are just a few of the delicious treats you’ll find here.

STAY – PLACES TO STAY IN NATCHITOCHES

Samuel Guy House

Built in 1850, Samuel Guy House is a Greek Revival home that features a stunning porch and offers seven unique guest rooms. Oliver’s Garden, named after a beloved local arts patron, features hundreds of hydrangeas, sweet olives and sago palms.

Want to learn more about things to do in Natchitoches? Watch the full episode of“Eat Play Stay ” on Very Local.

Catch up on all of the episodes of “Eat Play Stay” for free on the Very Local channel. Click here for details on how to get the channel.  

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