January Happenings

 

It is definitely a new Louisiana . . . a new year, a new govenor, a new perspective on the possibilities, and several new things right here in West Feliciana.

New Owners
Please join me in welcoming the new owners of the Best Western here in town.  Mr. Melton Harrell with American Motel Management is overseeing Tammy Gossett, the Mississippi/Louisiana Area Manager for American Motel, and the improvements at the hotel.  Stop by and say hello when you get a chance.

New Restaurants
You may have already tasted the soul food at Eight Sisters but if you haven't, you're in for a treat.  Open from 11 - 7 Monday through Thursday, 11 - 8 on Friday and Saturday, and from noon until 6 on Sundays, this family owned eatery offers "a soulful experience."  They are located in the former Benoit location on Commerce Street at the light.
Upper Crust Bistro is another family venture and just opened this week in the old yoga studio on Ferdinand Street.  Right now they are open from 11 until 2 every day except Wednesdays.  Future plans include dinner seatings but don't wait to try them out for lunch.

New at The Bluffs
The Bluffs Country Club will go private as of February 1.  Creekside Grille and 18, the two restaurants there, will no longer be open to the public.  Fat Mama's has also closed.  The Lodge at The Bluffs is still taking reservations for overnight visitors who will have use of the restaurants and the golf course during their stay.

Live Music
The Magnolia Cafe presents live music each Friday night beginning at 8:00.  Here's the schedule for the rest of this month:  January 18 - John Lisi and January 25 - Delta Drifters.

Louisiana Secedes
Audubon State Historic Site, Oakley Plantation, presents a Civil War encampment program, and invites the guest to view what life might have been like for those who fought in the War Between the States.  It's scheduled for this Saturday, January 19 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.  For more information, please call 635-3739.

Lost Arts Saturdays At Rosedown Plantation
Also this Saturday from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site continues its demonstrations of the "lost arts" of the 19th century.  This month will feature the lost art of candlemaking.  For more information call 635-3110.

Avondale Antiques

Every third weekend of the month Avondale Antiques on Commerce Street is open for business.  Check them out this weekend . . . you just may find what you've been looking for.

 

Wine Dinner at Varnedoe's

On Thursday, January 24 beginning at 6:00 pm, take a "Tour Through Louisiana" at a wine dinner hosted by Varnedoe's Carriage House Restaurant at The Myrtles Plantation.  Each of the six courses of this meal will be paired with a wine selected by Brian Gibbons of Avenue Wines.  Reservations are required so call 635-2635.

 

Caring For Antiques

Saturday, January 26 from 10:00 am until Noon, Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site will host a workshop on the care and cleaning of antiques.  During the workshop, a noted authority on antiques will discuss and demonstrate the various techniques used to care for a variety of antiques. Following the demonstration, interested visitors can participate in a "hands-on" antique cleaning session.  For more information call 635-3110.

Mark Your Calendars!

We'll have more information in the following weeks but please mark your calendars for these very special events coming up in West Feliciana Parish:

Camellias in the Country, February 8 and 9, produced by the Feliciana Nature Society

A Taste of the Felicianas, 5th Annual GALA, February 22, at Hemingbough, presented by the Women's Service League and the restaurants of the Felicianas

37th Annual Audubon Pilgrimage, March 14 - 16,  and the

3rd Annual Saturday Soiree, March 15 on Royal Street, West Feliciana Historical Society

Audubon Bird Fest, April 4 - 6, Feliciana Nature Society

 

For a complete calendar, visit our website at www.stfrancisville.us.

 

That's all I have for this week.  Remember to send in your special events or good news you have to share.  And if you know of someone who'd like to be on my e-mail list, forward their address.  Have a great week!

Kitty Martin, LCTP

Executive Director

West Feliciana Parish Tourist Commission

St. Francisville, LA

800-789-4221 or 225-635-4224

www.stfrancisville.us