Natchitoches, LA

We left the Horseshoe Casino in Bossier City last Wednesday and headed south on I-49 to Marksville for a 2 night stay at the Paragon Casino. About halfway, we turned off the interstate for a visit to Natchitoches. For those of you who are not familiar with this town, it is pronounced, oddly enough, Nak-i-tish.

Natchitoches is an old town. I find its history fascinating, especially the time when it served as a jumping off place for immigrants coming to Texas. In fact, El Camino Real starts on the banks of the Red River in the Natchitoches area and runs from there through East Texas on to San Antonio and beyond.

Home to Northwestern State University, a lovely campus on the southern edge of town, most of old Natchitoches lies along the Cane River. There are numerous shops, B&Bs, and restaurants in the historic district. We spent a little time walking the streets and admiring the beauty of the river.

Below are a few photos.

Some of the shops along Front Street. You can see just a bit of the Cane River on far left.

As with San Antonio, the river is a level below the business district.

Looking north along the Cane River

Looking south along the river

You can see from this photo the wonderful job the city has done developing the river front.

And of course, I have to include at least one photo of the original party girl.

One final photo of Front Street taken from the river.