The tour, presented by the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches, showcases national historic homes and plantations; some of these sites are not normally open to the public.
The Candlelight Tour is Friday, October 12 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. featuring Green Gables, Steel Magnolia House and Prudhomme-Rouquier House. Guests may visit the homes in any sequence, but make the Lemee House your last stop for wine, cheese and music. The Town Tour is Saturday, October 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features the Metoyer-Brown House, Roselawn, Sweet Cane Inn and Ducournau Townhouse.
The Cane River Country Tour is Saturday October 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, October 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This tour includes Melrose Plantation, Oakland Plantation and Cherokee Plantation.
While in the Cane River National Heritage Area, visitors are invited to join the celebration at the St. Augustine Annual Catholic Church Fair held across from Melrose Plantation. Known for their unique Creole culture and cuisine, the festivities feature great food, games, music and a jaunt through historic Cane River. The St. Augustine Catholic Church was also the site of the wedding scene in Steel Magnolias.
Photographs and descriptions of the homes can be found at www.aphnatchitoches.net.
Tickets are $25.00 per person for an individual tour, $40.00 per person for a two-tour package and $50.00 per person for a three-tour package. Advance ticket discounts are available; advance sales end on October 11 at 4:30 p.m. For children ages 6-12, tickets are an additional $5.00 per tour. Children under 6 are free. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets may also be purchased online at www.aphnatchitoches.net or at the Natchitoches Welcome Center located at 780 Front Street. The Welcome Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be reached at (800) 259-1714. Visit www.natchitoches.net for more information on accommodations or upcoming events.