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Welcome to the Natchitoches Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau web site. Whether you are visiting the area on leisure or business, or planning a meeting or event, this site will help you explore the many services and amenities that the Natchitoches area has to offer. We hope you enjoy your visit on the Internet and please contact us with further questions or for information by email or telephone.

Natchitoches the original French Colony in Louisiana retains its European flavor through its architecture, heritage and lifestyle. At the heart of this National Historic Landmark District lies Front Street, a brick thoroughfare where wrought iron balconies, restaurants and shops face the beautiful Cane River Lake. The City of Natchitoches was established in 1714 by Louis Juchereau de St. Denis, making it the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase territory. The French settlement had two purposes; to establish trade with the Spanish in Texas, and at the same time, to deter Spanish advances into Louisiana. Natchitoches soon became a flourishing river port and crossroads, giving rise to vast cotton kingdoms along the river. Planters built magnificent plantations down river and built fine homes in town for social events.

Natchitoches Related Videos

The City’s Historic Landmark District, which fronts Cane River Lake and encompasses a 33-block area, includes many historic homes, churches and commercial structures. A mixture of Queen Anne and Victorian architecture, along with Creole style cottages can be seen throughout the district.

• “Steel Magnolias” the movie is based on a true story. Filmed entirely in Natchitoches and released in 1989. This enduring movie for all ages is now a classic. Writer, Robert Harling, Jr., is a native and resident of Natchitoches.
• National Historic Landmark District, only one outside of the Vieux Carre in New Orleans
• Shopping, Antiques & Kaffie-Frederick Mercantile established 1863. Oldest continuously operated business in Natchitoches.
• Museums, Historic Homes, Restaurants
• Art Galleries & walking tours.
• 2005 Dozen Distinctive Destinations: The Dozen Distinctive Destinations list recognizes communities that offer enjoyable ” and often unique ” recreational and cultural experiences for visitors. Destinations are chosen by the National Historic Trust for Preservation because their historic sites, scenic and cultural attractions, and commitment to preservation will appeal to travelers seeking an “off-the-beaten-path” getaway.

We hope you enjoy your visit on the Internet and please contact us with further questions or for information by email or telephone.

Natchitoches, Louisiana….Advertising grants up to $1,500 are available for festivals held in Natchitoches Parish. Grant deadline is Friday February 12, 2010.

Guidelines for the grants are available by clicking the link below or by calling (318) 352-8072 or (800) 259-1714. Guidelines and applications are also available at the Information Center, located at 781 Front Street.

The Information Center is open Monday - Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be reached at (318) 352-8072 or (800) 259-1714.

Advertising Grant Guidelines

Prices good through 01/06/10 - 02/28/10 with the mention of this promotion

Wheelwright Inn Bed and Breakfast
http://www.wheelwrightinn.com
Sunday thru Thursday only. Save 20%
Call for additional info 318-356-9175
Regular Rate: $235.00
Discount Rate: $188.00
Savings: 20%

Chez des Amis
http://www.chezdesamis.com
$10 per night off during January and February with mention of this promotion.
Two-night minimum February 12/13.

Samuel Guy House
http://www.samuelguyhouse.com
Sunday through Thursday $95 per night.
Feb only. Excludes 2/14/10.

Cane River Cottage
http://www.canerivercottage.com
20% discount every night through Feb. 28.

Jefferson Street Townhouse
http://www.jeffersontownhouse.com
Sunday – Thursday $99 Special
Weekends - $125

Creole Cottage on Cane River
Sunday – Thursday $99 Special
Weekends - $125

Andrew Morris House
http://www.andrewmorrishouse.com
Click here for their “Last Minute Specials” page.

Queen Anne B & B
http://www.queenannebandb.com
Sunday – Thursday $99 Special
Click here for their “Last Mintue Specials” page.

Judge Porter House
http://www.judgeporterhouse.com
Click here for their “Last Minute Specials” page.

Violet Hill B & B
http://www.violethillbandb.com
Click here for their “Last Minute Specials” page.

Starlight Plantation
www.starlightplantation.com
Sunday - Thursday 30% Discount
Friday - Saturday 20% Discount
Discount good for February only

Thorny Hill Cabin
www.natchitoches.net/thornyhill
Sunday - Thursday 30% Discount
Friday - Saturday 20% Discount
Discount good for February only

Natchitoches, Louisiana…If you haven’t made a visit to Natchitoches this Christmas season, then you are not too late. The City’s “45 Nights of Christmas Lights,” or “Festival of Lights” as it has been known over the last few years, is not over. The majority of visitors to the city veer for the historic downtown area. Here you will find numerous local retail shops and restaurants. The beautiful and serene Cane River Lake runs through the area and is where you will find 100 plus Christmas set pieces lining the riverbank. The lights come on nightly at dusk. Don’t just limit yourself to the riverbank. The entire downtown area is lit with festive decor. The Festival of Lights will go on until January 6, 2010.

Upcoming events include Holiday Tour of Homes, Christmas Downriver and live entertainment and fireworks every Saturday night in December and New Year’s Eve. Children will enjoy photos with Santa on the south end of the downtown riverbank from 6 - 8:30 nightly. History lovers will enjoy a trip to Rebel State Historic Site and Louisiana’s Country Music Museum in Marthaville, La. The entire park will be decorated with 40,000 colored lights with various displays around the park.

Visit www.christmasfestival.com or call (800) 259-1714 for more information on Christmas in Natchitoches.

Natchitoches, Louisiana - Thunder on the River Christian Motorcycle Rally riders will roll into downtown Natchitoches Oct. 16-18. Paul Lever Ministries founder estimates the event will attract from 5,000-8,000 motorcyclists.

In addition to activities downtown, the motorcyclists will leave Natchitoches, tour plantations and visit the Alligator Park.

Thunder on the River activities begin at noon Friday, Oct. 16. Admission is free, and there will be children’s activities as well as food and bike vendors.

“Sounds like it will be a great weekend for Natchitoches,” Courtney Hornsby, City of Natchitoches director of programming and promotions, said in an e-mail.

Ben May will perform at 3 p.m. Friday, followed by Subject to Change at 6 p.m. Calvin Pops Tucker will speak at 7 p.m.

Vendors will stay open until 10 p.m.

A fun run will kick off Saturday’s activities at 8:30 a.m. Entrance fee is $5 and proceeds benefit the Women’s Resource Center and D.O.V.E.S., Inc.

The bike show begins at 10 a.m. and will feature entertainment by Ben May.

The Billy Forest Quartet will perform at 11:30 a.m., followed by Relentless Band at 1 p.m., Royal Aires Gospel Group at 4 p.m., Christian Worship Center Band at 6 p.m., speaker Tim Brown at 7 p.m. and a fireworks show over Cane River Lake at 9 p.m.

Subject to Change will begin Sunday’s events at 10 a.m. and Dr. Tony Holder will speak at 11:30 a.m.

Front Street will be closed from Touline Street to Lafayette Street, excluding Church Street, for motorcycle parking only Saturday. Parking will be on the north side of the street with vendors on the south side.

Police Chief Mickey Dove said all of his employees, including off-duty officers, will return to work for the event. He will also utilize the reserve officer force with 10 actives and eight taking academy training.

Natchitoches, Louisiana - The Adai Caddo Indian Pow Wow that was scheduled for Saturday, October 17 has been cancelled. Large amounts of rain in the past two weeks has caused flooding in the Adai Cultural Center’s grounds and parking area. To contact the Center call (877) 472-1007.