See the oldest town in Louisiana, Natchitoches, visit the largest pyramid in the U.S. in Memphis, and stand in two states in Texarkana on a road trip south to New Orleans from St. Louis.
On our way to a cruise, we spent some time in the South to check out different tourist destinations. We extended our vacation time with a stop in Memphis on the way and a night in the Shreveport area with a stop in Louisiana’s oldest town Natchitoches.
MEMPHIS
We stopped in the Memphis area for the night. We went to the huge pyramid which holds a large Bass Pro Shop.
It has an observation deck on top, the line was too long or we would have done that. It also has an aquarium and even alligators.
Bass Pro Shop: 1 Bass Pro Dr, Memphis, TN 38105
Our hotel was the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Southhaven which allowed us to be on the far side of Memphis since we still had the drive the next day. The hotel has an indoor pool and breakfast.
Hotel Address: 7237 Southcrest Pkwy, Southaven, MS 38671
DINNER: Red Hook Cajun Seafood & Bar (Southhaven)
Our son wanted seafood, so we walked to the nearby seafood restaurant for dinner.
Restaurant Address: 7065 Airways Blvd Suite 101, Southaven, MS 38671
NEW ORLEANS: Hampton Inn & Suites
We stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans Convention Center. This hotel stay included cruise port parking, breakfast, and a shuttle to the Norwegian Terminal. You also have the option of walking to the terminal.
Hampton Inn & Suites: 1201 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130
The day before the cruise we walked around the nearby French Quarter after checking into our hotel.
Next to the hotel is the Mississippi River Heritage Park which has a memorial to those who perished during Hurricane Katrina.
Park: John Churchill Chase St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Then we took the Riverfront Trolley to Café Du Monde.
Café Du Monde
We had the beignets at this iconic and delicious place.
Café Du Monde Address: 800 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Walk Around the French Quarter
We watched a street performance in the French Quarter.
Lastly, we took a walk along the levee with city views.
The next day we were off the cruise.
HEADING HOME
On the way home we went west of New Orleans to stop in historic Natchitoches.
It is an original French colony in Louisiana and the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. Established in 1714, Natchitoches retains its European flavor through its architecture, heritage, and lifestyle.
The fort that we visited and the town are located on what is now the Cane River Lake. The Red River changed course, so Natchitoches is no longer a riverport. Although this helped to save the many historic structures here.
Natchitoches is also the setting of the movie Steel Magnolias which had an all-star cast including Dolly Parton and Julia Roberts.
Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site
Our first stop in the town was Frt. St. Jean Baptiste.
In 1716, Sieur Charles Claude Dutisn was sent to Natchitoches with a small company of colonial troops to build and garrison an outpost that would prevent the Spanish forces in the province of Texas from advancing across the border of French Louisiane. This strategic outpost was named for a French patron saint, Fort St. Jean Baptiste des Natchitoches.
The fort continued to serve as a military outpost and commercial trade center until 1762 when France’s defeat by England in the French and Indian War forced her to cede the Louisiana colony to Spain.
The fort is a full-scale replica.
Visitor Center
We first entered the visitor center where we paid the entrance fee.
Inside you can see a representation of the original fort.
Historic rifles from this era are on display.
You can see a map of the EL Camino Real de Los Tejas, the main trail system used in the 1700s.
You can see how people used to weave cloth.
You take a short walk to the right behind the visitor center and then cross a bridge to head to the fort.
At the Fort
The fort is surrounded by tall logs that keep it safe from intruders.
Near the fort entrance is the guard quarters.
Then we checked out the kitchen area with a list of what the soldiers ate.
Next, we went to the chapel.
You can see an officer’s quarters.
A recreated barracks.
Stocks can be viewed.
The notches in the fort walls allow space to have a gun ready to shoot an invader.
After checking out the fort I toured the town.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday- Sunday, Closed Monday-Tuesday
Also closed Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s Day.
Fee: $4 per person, Free for those 62 and older and children under 3
Address: 155 Jefferson St, Natchitoches, LA 71457
Town Tour
Steel Magnolia House: 320 Jefferson St, Natchitoches, LA 71457 (Closed to the public although it is available for stays as a bed and breakfast.
Prudhomme-Rouquer House: a grand residence built in the early 1800s in the French-Creole style. Available for tours—call 318-352-6723 for more information.
Address: 446 Jefferson St. Natchitoches, LA, 71467.
Minor Basilica of Immaculate Conception Church: Historic Catholic built in the early 1900s.
Address: 145 Church St., Natchitoches, LA, 71457
I also walked about along the park along Front Street checking out the historic buildings with wrought iron balconies. It was New Year’s Day so many shops and restaurants were closed. If we come back, I would like to spend more time in the downtown.
SHREVEPORT
That night we stayed in Shreveport at the Comfort Inn by Louisiana Downs. The downtown area has a lot of casinos but they were booked up for New Year’s.
NEXT DAY: TEXARKANA
On the way home we stopped in the middle of Texarkana where you can stand in two states at once and take photos.
Address: 500 N State Line Ave, Texarkana, TX 75504
Ace of Clubs House
Sadly, the Italianate Victorian Ace of Clubs House, built in 1885 and shaped like a playing-card club is being refurbished or I would have toured it. It is near the photo spot in downtown.
Address: 420 Pine St, Texarkana, TX 75501
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