NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA… Experience the charm of Louisiana’s original French colony during the 55th Annual Fall Pilgrimage on October 9-11, 2009 in Natchitoches Parish.
The tour, presented by the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches, showcases national historic homes and plantations; some of these sites are not normally open to the public.
The Candlelight Tour is Friday, October 9 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. featuring the Jefferson Street Townhouse, Steel Magnolia House and Scott Corner House. Guests may visit the homes in any sequence, but make the Steel Magnolia House your last stop for wine, cheese and music. The Town Tour is Saturday, October 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features the Chaplin House, Cunningham Cottage, Secret Garden and Soldini House.
The Cane River Country Tour is Saturday and Sunday, October 10-11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This tour includes Melrose Plantation, Oakland Plantation, Cherokee Plantation and the Lambre’s Gin Plantation Home.
While in the Cane River National Heritage Area, visitors are invited to join the celebration at the St. Augustine Annual Catholic Church Fair held across from Melrose Plantation. Known for their unique Creole culture and cuisine, the festivities feature great food, games, music and a jaunt through historic Cane River. The St. Augustine Catholic Church was also the site of the wedding scene in Steel Magnolias.
Photographs and descriptions of the homes can be found on the official Tour of Homes brochure available at the Visitors Center, 781 Front Street.
Advance tickets are $15.00 per person for an individual tour, $28.00 per person for a two-tour package and $38.00 per person for a three-tour package. Advance ticket sales end on October 8 at 4:30 p.m. After October 8, tickets are $15.00 per person for an individual tour, $30.00 per person for a two-tour package and $40 per person for a three-tour package. For children ages 6-12, tickets are an additional $5.00 per tour. Ages 6 and under are free. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets may be purchased at the Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau located at 781 Front Street. The Visitors Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be reached at (800) 259-1714. Visit www.natchitoches.net for more information on accommodations or upcoming events.
