Carnivores head hungrily in their droves to sample the popular Natchitoches meat pie at the Louisiana city the dish is named after. Natchitoches is itself named after the Natchitoches Indian tribe, and having been established in 1714 and incorporated in 1819, it is one of the state’s oldest permanent settlements.
The pie that the city is so famous for is listed as one of the official state foods of Louisiana and is a tasty creation fashioned from ground beef and pork, onions, peppers, garlic and oil. It can be sampled at restaurants in the historic district of the city or bought frozen from grocers.
Natchitoches has also been immortalized by Hollywood and US television with a number of movies and shows having been filmed in the city, including The Man in the Moon, Steel Magnolias _and _Scarlett. The city doesn’t rely on these associations to draw visitors however, with attractions such as the Cane River National Heritage Area responsible for attracting large numbers of tourists throughout the year.
Highlights
Cane River National Heritage Area: this historic area covers a whopping 116,000 acres and is home to fascinating visitor sites including the Cane River Heritage Scenic Byway, Kate Chopin House, Fort St Jean Baptiste State Historic Site and several plantations.
Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival: held annually in September, this popular event draws large crowds who come to enjoy meat pie cooking and eating contests, the Meat Pie Parade and the Meat Pie Triathlon.
Bayou Pierre Alligator Park: this five-acre park introduces visitors to the fearsome beasts known as American alligators. The creatures can be viewed in their hundreds from the safety of covered walkways and platforms.
Adai Indian Nation Cultural Center: visitors are given an insight into the lives of the Adai Caddo Indians through teepees, historic dwellings and artifacts relating to the Native American tribe.
Old Courthouse State Museum: experience living history in this traditional courthouse building, which dates back to 1896 and was once home to the local judiciary until the building of the new courthouse in 1940.