March 27, 2011
We were told we absolutely had to stop in Natchitoches, as that was the filming spot for the movie "Steel Magnolias" - (first 4 pics) 
The river flows parallel to main street...the far grassy area possibly the place for the picnic in the movie. The downtown looks much like New Orleans with the 2nd floor balconies.
The restaurant in which we had lunch was adorned with ornate wrought iron pol
es and figures. Need we say the food was good???
es and figures. Need we say the food was good??? 
Our next visit was to the Cherokee Plantation...named for it's elegant Cherokee roses at the front gate. 
It is now a private residence and not open for touring.
The next stop was the Cane River Creole National Historical Park - the most complete Creole plantation in the South. The property holds the main house the plantation store and 27 additional buildings, which include a house just for the doctor. A very typical plantation from the 1785 to 1960. The decendants of the original family still spend time (reunions, etc.) a couple of times a year.
This was a typical Louisiana plantation...complete with slave quarters - at the ground level of the house. There were 27 additional outbuildings. The garden picture following the house shows how they used to "edge" gardens with upside down wine bottles - a technique used during the 18th-19th century.
This was a typical Louisiana plantation...complete with slave quarters - at the ground level of the house. There were 27 additional outbuildings. The garden picture following the house shows how they used to "edge" gardens with upside down wine bottles - a technique used during the 18th-19th century.
The property was massive.
The back side of the house shows the lower quarters for the slaves. The fire pot is shown by the guide. Cooking...heating...it was all there.
The back side of the house shows the lower quarters for the slaves. The fire pot is shown by the guide. Cooking...heating...it was all there.Our next stop was as the fortress Ft St John Baptiste. What fun to see a Fort with play actors depicting what happened in the 1800's
. The eating place in the fort.
. The eating place in the fort.Out door gathering place.
The "fortress." The soldiers faught and lived from this fort. Beds were "weird" for the enlisted men. Flat slanted shelf where their bedding lined up...kind of like melons in the supermarket...except the shelf was about 8' x 30'. The officers got the flat bunks, like you see depicted in movies.
A totally enjoyable day. We were glad to follow recommendations of our acquaintances.
