Story by Morgan Crawford Scott and Kaitlyn Shehee
ST. FRANCISVILLE
This small-town escape is a hidden gem in the Bayou State, and if it were up to Louisianans, they’d likely want to keep it that way. About 30 miles from Baton Rouge, St. Francisville has, among other things, an intimate but thriving arts scene reflecting the region, historical architecture with stories to tell, charming stores with shopkeepers who treat you like an old friend, and a bevy of restaurants that are an extension of the town’s overall feel, warm and welcoming.
To kick off your stay in St. Francisville, meander the weathered brick sidewalks of downtown and they’ll lead you to art galleries, cafés, and home, décor, and antiques stores aplenty. Carefully curated shops like Sage Hill, District Mercantile, Back in Time Antiques & Boutiques, and Cotton Exchange are favorites among locals and a great place to grab a memento for your trip. For those who treasure historic architecture, take a walking tour (or drive, if it’s hot) to marvel at the many well-preserved homes, gardens, and churches showcasing the Greek, Georgian, and Romanesque Revival styles in the historic district, particularly on Prosperity and Royal Streets.
EVENTS
The St. Francisville Home and Garden Stroll
May 9
FARTHER AFIELD
More than 10,000 serene acres of protected forested wetland habitats await at Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge. A short drive from St. Francisville, it’s ideal for bird-watching and is home to the largest bald cypress trees in the United States. fws.gov/refuge/cat-island
Sidewalks framed by moss-covered oaks might provide a nature fix for some, but off the beaten path, there are even more picturesque places to discover, like sweeping views of the Mississippi at the scenic overlook, only made better when you’ve got a picnic basket filled with goodies in tow. Just a short drive outside of town, tour the 100-acre grounds of Audubon State Historic Site, which includes Oakley Plantation, where John James Audubon painted many of his iconic birds.
Boutique hotel St. Francisville Inn, which recently received Michelin recognition, is a wonderful place to rest your head after a fulfilling day. The Saint Restaurant & Bar is conveniently located on-site and has quickly garnered a stellar reputation for its food and cocktails, both reflecting the changing of the seasons. If you fancy a pint and some pub-style food, Bayou Sara Brewing Co. is within walking distance of the inn. It was founded by Steve McKinney, who fostered a home-brewing hobby after being stationed in Japan in 1995. Also new to the scene is Big River Pizza Co., home to a solid slice. Even more interesting is its fiery-red speakeasy-style bar, Proud Mary’s, which can be found through the armoire at the back of the restaurant.
Restaurant 1796 at The Myrtles is also a fantastic dining option. The glow of a wood-fired hearth will greet you before you nosh on dishes like Cajun Charcuterie and Hearth-Blackened Redfish.
For more-casual dining, The Francis Southern Table and Bar, with its Marinated Crab Claws, Boudin Balls, and Feliciana Frog Legs, is a great start. Another oldie but goodie is Magnolia Café—the Frenchaletta sandwich is a must-eat for lunch. You can even stay on the property in one of its on-site 1930s motor court cabins.
A visit to this close-knit community is bound to create a timeless experience for years to come, perfect for those who want to wander and relax and aren’t looking for a big agenda.
PLACES TO STAY
ST. FRANCISVILLE INN
5720 Commerce St.
St. Francisville
ABBEVILLE
Just southwest of Lafayette, Abbeville feels like one of those places you stumble upon and immediately wonder why you haven’t been coming for years. This Vermilion Parish town moves at its own rhythm, with front porches that are still for storytelling, marsh air that carries a faint trace of salt, and strangers who don’t stay strangers for long. It’s small-town south Louisiana at its most sincere.
Magdalen Square and the stately Vermilion Parish Courthouse anchor the downtown scene, its red brick and clock tower standing proudly over brick sidewalks lined with early 20th-century storefronts. Pop into spots where you’re just as likely to leave with a story as you are a box of pastries or a keepsake wrapped in tissue paper.
Architecture lovers will appreciate the mix of Victorian cottages and Creole influences. A walk through the historic district reveals wraparound porches, intricate trim work, and gardens that bloom deep into the humid months of summer. The churches and civic buildings quietly nod to the town’s French Catholic roots and enduring sense of community.
Abbeville’s heartbeat, though, is tied to the water. Known as a gateway to the coast, it’s the jumping-off point for adventures toward Marsh Island and the Gulf. Nearby Palmetto Island State Park offers cypress-lined bayous perfect for kayaking, birdwatching, or simply soaking in that wild, untamed beauty that defines this corner of Louisiana.
When it’s time to eat, locals will steer you to Dupuy’s Seafood & Steak for Gulf shrimp and oysters done right, SHUCKS! for crawfish in season, or RiverFront Restaurant for classic Cajun dishes with a view of Bayou Vermilion. However you spend your time here, Abbeville has a way of making you feel less like a visitor and more like you’ve finally made it home.
EVENTS
Louisiana Cattle Festival
October 2–4
FARTHER AFIELD
Just down the road lies Palmetto Island State Park, where cypress trees rise from the water and kayaks drift through quiet bayous. Bird-watchers and anglers find their paradise here, immersed in the natural scenic views that define this corner of the state.
PLACES TO STAY
THE DUCOTEWILLIAMS HOUSE
MADISONVILLE
A stone’s throw away from New Orleans and located along the bends of the Tchefuncte River, Madisonville unfolds at a pace dictated by the water and is a breath of fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the bigger surrounding cities. Located on the Northshore near Lake Pontchartrain, this St. Tammany Parish town blends heritage with easy elegance that feels both refined and completely relaxed. Lively when the weather’s good and the boats are out, there’s a unique sense of calm here that can’t be found elsewhere.
The riverfront is the natural starting point of your journey into this incredible small town. Sailboats and other recreational vessels sway in the current, and the beloved Maritime Museum Louisiana keeps the town’s seafaring story alive. It’s worth taking your time here, as it gives context to everything you see along the docks.
A stroll through the historic district reveals raised cottages shaded by moss-draped oaks. The architecture is understated but graceful, with wide porches, soft coastal hues, and quiet streets that invite lingering walks. Of course, dining along the Tchefuncte is part of the experience. Tchefuncte’s Restaurant pairs refined Louisiana dishes with stunning river views. The Anchor offers a laid-back marina vibe that you won’t want to miss out on, and Morton’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar remains a longtime favorite for fresh seafood and classic po’ boys. No matter where you choose to dine, you’re sure to understand why the food scene is something to rave about.
Dinner in Madisonville often comes with a scenic sunset, rewarding those who appreciate the subtle beauty of small towns while reminding all who visit to stop and enjoy the little things in life. The experiences you’ll gain here will stick with you for a lifetime.
EVENTS
Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival
October 17–18
FARTHER AFIELD
Paddle the day away on the Bogue Falaya with Canoe & Trail Adventures in nearby Covington. Depending on rainfall levels, this scenic river makes for a relaxing and fun paddle for the whole family. canoeandtrail.com
PLACES TO STAY
BLUE HERON BED & BREAKFAST
RUSTON
Proudly home to Louisiana Tech and widely known as a college town, Ruston isn’t defined by its college campus. With so much more to offer, including its growing reputation as a vibrant hub for arts and culture in north-central Louisiana, it is well worth exploring rather than just stopping by along the way.
Especially inviting before the dog days of summer, Ruston’s Lincoln Parish Park is an ideal place to paddleboard or kayak on the lake or bike or walk on the trails before downtown starts to stir midmorning. Just be sure to sneak into Lula Perl Café for some scratch-made pastries and a latte before you go.
Let the 25-block downtown district with public art installations serve as home base as you explore this friendly community. Start with the farmers’ market and browse tables filled with tomatoes, strawberries, and first-of-the-season peaches, along with many other locally made goods. If you can’t make it to the market, pop into family-owned Mitcham Farms Peach Store right down the road.
The Peach Capital of Louisiana’s culinary landscape delivers in spades, championing Southern hospitality at every touchpoint. Heard Freighthouse Food Park is a must-stop, and with six permanent food trucks, there’s bound to be something for everybody. Bad Wolf BBQ is a local favorite and worth the hype. Choose from Texas-style brisket, homemade boudin, and other new-age barbecue options. Another fresh option is Grown and Grazed, with farm-to-table flavors at the heart of every dish, like its Bourbon Cane Syrup Sweet Potato Hash.
Ruston recently celebrated the opening of another food truck park, North Village Food Park, serving everything from authentic Mexican cuisine to barbecue staples. Channel your inner local and pop into Utility Brewing Co. for some brick-oven pizza and local beer with a side of live music. For something more upscale, head to Ponchatoulas for some Bayou State classics—Filé Gumbo, Stuffed Catfish, Crawfish Étouffée—done right.
Part of Ruston’s charm lies in its unfussy nature, offering a relaxed, authentic atmosphere for both residents and visitors. It gives credence to the idea that small towns have every reason to feel mighty.
EVENTS
Louisiana Peach Festival
June 6
ALEXANDRIA
Rounding out the list of small towns in the Bayou State and set along the broad banks of the Red River, Alexandria balances friendly warmth with the steady energy of central Louisiana’s hub. Nearly centered in the state, it’s a must-stop for those who find themselves with a hankering for relaxed comfort. And with that comfort comes a lively energy that keeps things interesting without compromising on the sanguinity of a small-town stay.
Downtown offers a glimpse into its early 20th-century heyday, with brick buildings and vintage signage lining the streets. River Oaks Square Arts Center anchors the creative scene, showcasing regional artists and hosting workshops that keep the arts alive and accessible. Art lovers need not look any further for a place that shares their enthusiasm for all manner of artistic endeavors.
Nearby riverfront paths provide an ideal sunset stroll, and families tend to gravitate toward the Alexandria Zoo for its shaded paths and themed habitats. And for those craving the outdoors, Kisatchie National Forest stretches across rolling hills and forests, offering quiet hiking trails and scenic drives that reveal an entirely different Louisiana landscape than some of its coastal counterparts.
Alexandria’s dining scene is a direct reflection of its crossroads location. Equal parts Cajun, Southern, and distinctly central Louisiana, the food here is absolutely delectable, and Tunk’s and The Diamond Grill are absolute musts. Alexandria is a town that’s not flashy, but genuine and quietly evolving. This authenticity is palpable to those who get to indulge in this slice of the state’s heart that truly beats strongest right in the middle.
PLACES TO STAY
THE HOTEL BENTLEY OF ALEXANDRIA
EVENTS
Holi Fest
May 16
facebook.com/ holifestcenla
WORTH THE DRIVE
Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana’s only national forest, is worth the drive to explore all that nature has to offer in this beloved region. fs.usda.gov/r08/kisatchie
Bourbon Cane Syrup Sweet Potato Hash with Spicy Pork Sausage and Egg
The Dizzie Lizzie
FARTHER AFIELD
Both under an hour outside of Ruston, Chemin-A-Haut and Lake D’Arbonne are two worthwhile state parks. Nature and history meet at the former, while the latter is one of Louisiana’s largest reservoirs. lastateparks.com
