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Experience true "Southern hospitality" at one of Louisiana's 11 most hospitable towns
The South is well-known for its charm and good manners, hence the term "Southern hospitality."
When visiting the South, guests are sure to be welcomed with open arms.
Whether visitors stay in a big city or small town, guests will be able to easily find hospitable service.
Like other states in the South, Louisiana fosters a sense of community and is full of "Southern charm." In order to help tourists and residents alike find these Louisiana communities with the utmost hospitality, WorldAtlas contrived a list of the 11 most hospitable towns in Louisiana.
Minden, Louisiana was founded in the 1830s by a group of Utopian settlers from Germany. The town's well-preserved history can be explored in depth at the Germantown Colony Museum and the Dorcheat Historical Museum. Visitors can find welcoming accommodations at The Villas at Spanish Court or at Huffman House Bed and Breakfast.
Leesville, once known to be a lawless land where outlaws clashed, now is a popular destination for its natural beauty. Plenty of outdoor adventures are to be had at South Toledo Bend State Park and Sabine National Forest. Leesville is home to the largest military base in the state, Fort Polk, and the surrounding area is a hub for shopping and dining.
Breaux Bridge, also known as the "Crawfish Capital of the World," is a charming small town in South Louisiana. Breaux Bridge hosts an annual Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival in may, where visitors enjoy crawfish, Cajun music, crafts and a carnival. In this town, there is a landmark bridge with a crawfish painted on the top that leads to downtown.
Historically, Abita Springs was home to a Choctaw Native American community who named the region's springs "fountain" because of their medicinal properties. In the 1800s, Abita Springs began attracting visitors as a health and recreational destination. Now, the town appeals to those seeking fresh water, natural beauty, culture and the 'quiet life.'
Bastrop was once a settlement that began, in 1796, as a modest and struggling frontier community. Now, Bastrop is a thriving community, with plenty of events and festivals occurring around the courthouse square. Nearby attractions like the Georgia Pacific Wildlife Management Area and the Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge are perfect for visitors who enjoy outdoor activities.
Natchitoches is the oldest town in Louisiana, and is considered the oldest permanent settlement within the borders of the Louisiana Purchase. Natchitoches' National Historic Landmark District features French Creole townhouses, the 19th-century Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile and the Minor Basilica. There is also the Cane River Creole National Historical Park, which includes the 18th-century Oakland Plantation.
Farmerville is a rural community that's best known for Lake D'Arbonne State Park, where visitors find great opportunities for fishing, kayaking and relaxing within nature. Throughout the year, various fishing tournaments are held at Lake D'Arbonne, where anglers of all levels have the chance to compete. Additionally, during the summer, Farmerville hosts its Louisiana Watermelon Festival, where attendees can sample Louisiana crops and produce.
Opelousas, also known as the "Zydeco Music Capital of the World," is the third oldest town in Louisiana. Zydeco's Louisiana Creole roots and influence can be explored at Opelousas' Zydeco Music Exhibit at Le Vieux Village Heritage Park, or visitors can see Zydeco music live on Friday nights during the Music & Market series. Historic architectures can also be found throughout Opelousas, with structures from the antebellum and Victorian periods.
St. Francisville is a picturesque destination in Louisiana, with its numerous historic sites and well-preserved architecture. Antebellum structures in the Greek Revival and Southern Gothic styles can be found throughout St. Francisville. Visitors can also indulge in shopping and dining opportunities within historic downtown.
St. Martinville has a rich history, as the area was founded in the 1760s by Acadian exiles who were forced out Nova Scotia, Canada by the British Empire. Additionally, after the French Revolution, the town became a safe haven for Royalist immigrants who escapes the guillotines in France, which is how St. Martinville got the nickname "Le Petit Paris," or "Little Paris." St. Martinville's expansive history can be explored at the Longfellow-Evangeline State Commemorative Area.
Grand Isle is a town in Louisiana located on a narrow barrier island on the Gulf Coast that's known for its beaches, especially those within the Grand Isle State Park. This park is full of trails, campsites, a fishing pier, the Grand Isle Birding Trail and the Butterfly Dome. Additionally, the Wake Side Cable Park attracts water sports enthusiasts with its jumps and obstacles.
Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: What are the most hospitable places to visit in Louisiana?
