St. Francisville is a small town in west Feliciana parish located off of the Mississippi river about 30 miles from Baton Rouge. This enchanting historic town, with its old-fashioned charm, is one that is loved by both tourists and local residents. The main street area of the town has quaint restaurants and shops that delight the visitor and breath-taking historical homes and plantations.
Haunted Home
One of America's most haunted and beautiful homes is the Myrtle's plantation. Built in 1796 this plantation offers lush gardens, a restaurant, wedding facilities, and 11 bed and breakfast rooms. This antebellum mansion with its fine antiques is a popular destination for those visiting the St. Francisville area. With its beautiful landscaping, the gardens are a relaxing area for a stroll. Its front veranda invites you to come, sit, and enjoy the beauty.
Plantation home
The Butler Greenwood plantation is an example of early Louisiana history and is still owned by descendants of the same family that originally built the home. Filled with relics and antiques passed down through many generations, this home personifies the life of settlers that came to Louisiana from the east coast after the Revolutionary war. The plantation includes eight bed and breakfast cottages available for reserving and is rich with birds and local wildlife like white-tailed deer, fox, bobcats and chipmunks.
Hiking
The Tunica hills surrounding St. Francisville provide a picturesque backdrop where you can hike. In the winter months, the barren over grow from trees allow for views of the forest not seen during the summer months. Winter through late spring is an optimal time to visit the hills. There is also biking, hunting, horseback riding and scenic areas for photographing nature. The hills range from St. Francisville to the state of Mississippi and offer some of the most difficult hiking trails in the south due to rare, rugged land formations.
Historical Re-enactments
Most popular with many tourists to the annual Audubon Pilgrimage spring house tour is the rural homestead. Here, farmstead skills are re-enacted by talented local residents from St. Francisville and Baton Rouge. They demonstrate how life was on the average farmstead during the Civil War era, which includes making wool, quilting, plowing, grinding corn, and making cypress shingles by hand. Children and visitors of all ages enjoy the re-enactments.
Shops and Restaurants in the Historic District
Taking a stroll down Main Street is another way to enjoy St. Francisville. The shops in this quaint downtown include several art galleries, gifts, coffee, books, custom furniture, antique button creations, pottery, and consignment clothing. If you are looking for a place to eat, area restaurants include a casual dining café, Chinese cuisine, home-style cooking, Louisiana local fare, fine dining, and Mexican food.
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