Natchitoches: Brick-Paved Front Street and Cane River Park
Front Street is perhaps the oldest commercial area in the Louisiana Purchase. Cane River which runs alongside the street was actually the course of the Red River until the 1900's and commerce was conducted river side. Front Street's brick pavement and two-story buildings with balconies trimmed in wrought-iron provide visitors with a genuine step into the past. It is a very pleasant drive with the river on one side and the historic district buildings on the other.
Tourist Commission Office
At the east end of Front Street, across from the Ford dealership, you'll find a welcome center and tourist commission office. The office has lots of information about Natchitoches and the surrounding area, a helpful staff, continual showing of Steel Magnolias and public restrooms.
The historic district of Natchitoches includes 33 blocks and the staff is invaluable in providing directions and information.
Cane River Park
Cane River Park is a pleasant strip of land running between the river and Front Street. Near the Tourist Commission office, you'll see Roque House, ca.1797. Roque House is a preserved slave quarters constructed in the Creole style of bousillage - mud, deer hair and Spanish moss.
Behind the House there are picnic tables. The rest of the park is devoted to open areas, parking and a stage area. This area is used for community events, such as the famous Festival of Lights in the winter and less famous events such as the Fourth of July fireworks.
During warm months, you can rent a paddle boat and it is traditional that you bring some bread to feed the ducks.
When my daughter was small, we would conclude each trip to Natchitoches with a picnic in Cane River Park. It was a time for me to relax before driving home and she could run around for awhile.
Browsing and Shopping, A Front Street Sampler
Kaffie-Frederick, Inc., General Mercantile,
Established in 1863, Kaffie-Frederick is an open air general merchandise and hardware store. Experience a 19th century general store here. The building has a brick foundation with 34-inch thick walls. The skylight used before electric lights is still in use, as are the ca. 1910 cash registers.
Kaffie-Frederick is the kind of place where people sit on the outdoor furniture that's for sale and you can find traditional Radio Flyer red wagons, as well as, cast iron cookware like Grandma used. The historic setting makes everything ordinary, like everyday tableware, seem special.
The building is two-story, but because of the heat, the upstairs is only used October through January.
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