Natchitoches ,La. Festival of Lights

[Gator]

Although this could have been a great ride, we actually drove up by vehicle with Mike and Rhonda Scott Friday morning to Natchitoches, La. to see the Christmas lights and fireworks display along the Cane River. Historic Natchitoches is the oldest town in the state. Mike and Amelia Bauman along with Eric and Amelia's mother met us there Friday night. Beautiful weather most of the weekend but coooold. Saturday we took in a few more of the sights in town as well as the Arts & Crafts show. Saturday night we took in some more of the lights along the river and a fantastic fireworks show. The festival of Lights goes for 45 nights every year from mid November to the end of December. There are lots of events and activities scheduled each week with the fireworks show each Saturday night. There are also lots of historic buildings and homes in the city which are open for tours. It is well worth the trip to enjoy the festival. Here are some photos:

https://picasaweb.google.com/R1200gator/20111211NatchitochesXMasLights2011?authuser=0&feat=directlink

Gator

[Norwood]

Thanks for the pictures and the one just for me....

Some 12 years ago, I made my first long distance ride to Natchitoches, the ride was called a RTE weekend and I didn't have a clue that it would be the start of many friendships. The group was mainly from Texas and Oklahoma, but few from Louisana and Arkansas....one from Mississippi and one from Alabama.....me. It was about a 1500 mile weekend and I was hooked on these adventures. The rider from Mississippi was Fletcher Clark, he was new to long distance riding as well... that weekend we where introduced by a mutual friend which begin a friendship and many many miles together....no I can't keep up with the "Flecther" but I have fun trying.

We returned to Natchitoches (Natch a dish) several times with same group and have many great ride stories about the area and Natchitoches.

Bob, the hardware store is run by Mississippi State grads and of course Fletcher is Alum of "state" and we stopped in several times.

There some great places to eat, see you found a good one...
Also the town is also known for the movie location of Steel Magnolias...

Did you take the cemetery tour?

I have always wanted to return during the Christmas light season.....thanks for the post....One of my favorite towns.

[Gator]

Don, thought you'd appreciate the "Radio Flyer" pic. The general store is really a neat place, sort of like the "Mast General Stores". Lots of good antiques and still a working hardware store. We did not get to tour the cemetery, Amelia's mom can't walk very far, but we did pass by it. The "Steel Magnolias" house is one of the ones that can be toured and I believe is also a B&B. Wanda & I had been to Natchitoches in '04 on a bike trip with friends but we mostly did rides in the area and did not really tour the town. We really on scratched the surface this time also. It is a very historic and interesting place to visit and the Christmas lights are fantastic. It is a place that we highly recommend to visit. We'll go back for sure.
P.S. The highest point in La. is not far away and is a nice ride to get to. Natchitoches meat pies are a must on the food list.

Gator

[bamabmw]

Thanks for the post and pics. I guess I have to put that on my "bucket list".

[Vance]

looks like a lot of fun Gator..thanks for the pictures. I was not aware of this festival and like Connie...I must add this to the "list" of things to do!

BTW...who was that guy in the Team Suzuki jacket?????

[Gator]

looks like a lot of fun Gator..thanks for the pictures. I was not aware of this festival and like Connie...I must add this to the "list" of things to do!

BTW...who was that guy in the Team Suzuki jacket?????

Don't know who that guy is but I hear that he's pretty lucky

Gator

[Vance]

good answer....very good answer indeed! lol.....