Located in Central Louisiana, Crossroads is a region filled with history, culture, and outdoor adventure. Situated in the geographic heart of the state, Alexandria is the region’s biggest city and an under-the-radar destination. In Alexandria, you’ll find excellent shops, restaurants, bakeries, museums, vintage trolleys, and historic forts and plantations. It is also home to the Alexandria Zoological Park, a must-do activity for families or animal lovers. Crossroads is also a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Kisatchie National Forest is the only national forest in Louisiana, encompassing 600,000 breathtaking acres perfect for hiking, hunting, fishing, kayak, canoeing, swimming, horseback riding, and more. It is also a popular spot for wildlife viewing. You might catch glimpses of bear, possum, and deer. You can also explore Louisiana’s section of El Camino Real, home to the Toledo Bend Reservoir and some of the country's’ best fishing, hunting, and birding. We also recommend the Cotile Lake and Kincaid Lake Recreation Areas, and the Wild Azalea National Recreation Trail. More interested in history? Head to the Frogmore Plantation, an 1800-acre working cotton plantation, or Loyd Hall Plantation, rumored to be haunted by a ghost. While you are here, you will find many wonderful Louisiana Bed & Breakfast Association properties offering beautiful accommodations and the finest of Southern hospitality. Keep reading to learn more.
The Jefferson House Bed & Breakfast is located along the lovely Cane River in the Natchitoches historic district. This elegant B&B is filled with antiques and other traditional furnishings and boasts elegant, spacious rooms with plenty of privacy. They serve a lavish plantation style breakfast every morning that keeps guests coming back for more. But the crowning jewel of the Jefferson House Bed & Breakfast is the charming brick porch overlooking the Cane River. This spot is perfect for enjoying a glass of wine or sweet tea, reading a good book, or getting to know your fellow guests.
Located 16 miles south of Alexandria, Loyd Hall Plantation Bed & Breakfast is a 650 acre working plantation surrounded by stately oaks and beautiful pastureland. Civil War history buffs will find much to love about this property as will ghost hunters, who might have a run in with the spirit rumored to haunt the property. Its charming grounds also make it a popular spot for weddings and events. At Loyd Hall Plantation, you will stay in one of five well-appointed cottages complete with private kitchens and baths.
Loyd Hall Plantation Bed and Breakfast
The Sweet Cane Inn is an elegant and welcoming property boasting 12 foot ceilings, a grand staircase, 11 fireplaces, and an exquisite wall of stained glass. This stately Victorian home was built in the 1800s for a respected Louisiana Congressman. It is located minutes away from the bustling restaurants and shops and lovely architecture of historic Front Street. They serve a complimentary breakfast every morning with tasty menu items like cheesecake pancakes, prosciutto and mozzarella frittata, and pecan apple tart. Many guests like to hang out in the parlor to play pool and enjoy a glass of afternoon wine.
If you love exploring nature and learning about wildlife, look no further than Allen Acres Bed and Breakfast, situated on 26 wooden acres in rural Vernon Parish. It is a perfect option for exploring the Kisatchie National Forest, Ouiska Chitto Creek, and Fort Polk. But you can also enjoy nature without leaving the grounds. The property’s lush gardens are specifically designed to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. There are trails on the property where you can admire native trees and wildflowers. You’ll also find chickens, a Coturnix Japanese quail, and a flock of guineas. It is listed as a state natural area. Owner Dr. Charles Allen is a respected authority on the native plants of Louisiana and is available for tours of region’s diverse ecosystems. If you are interested in learning more, considering signing up for one of Dr. Allen’s plant identification classes offered throughout the year.
The Creole Cottage is a renovated 200 year old home located on the banks of the lovely Cane River Lake. Many guests like to spend the afternoon lounging in the sun and feeding the lake’s adorable turtles and ducks. This bright and beautifully decorated property is located just two blocks from downtown Natchitoches, where you’ll find many quaint shops, restaurants, and cafes. A delicious continental breakfast is served every morning, but the Creole Cottage is also happy to provide a breakfast voucher to two beloved local restaurants, The Breakfast Nook or Lasyone’s Famous Meat Pie Restaurant. Fun Fact: the Creole Cottage is located directly across the street from the house where parts of the movie Steel Magnolias were filmed. Fans of Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, and Shirley MacLaine won’t be able to resist.
Planning a trip to the beautiful Crossroads region of Louisiana? Book a stay at one of the Louisiana Bed & Breakfast Association’s many charming and welcoming properties.