A weekend in ... Natchitoches, La.

Stay

The family-owned Jefferson House is located in the historic district on the scenic Cane River. Each of the four guest rooms features an antique-style king bed, hardwood floors and a full bathroom. Accommodations, including a plantation-style breakfast, are priced from $120 per night. A two-night minimum weekend stay required in December with rates from $125-$150. Pet-friendly; 229 Jefferson St., 1-866-254-7279, jeffersonhousebandb.com.

Eat

Merci Beaucoup is famous for its étouffée and seafood, but patrons come mostly for the meat and crawfish pies (five two-bite pies about $6). Open 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; until 8 p.m. Saturdays and until 2 p.m. Sundays (a most popular after-church restaurant). Most entrees under $10; 127 Church St., 318-352-6634.

Experience

Founded in 1714, charming Natchitoches is the oldest permanent settlement in Louisiana, blending colonial French and Spanish cultures. The 33-block historic district includes more than 50 centuries-old buildings. The town was the backdrop for films such as "Steel Magnolias," "The Horse Soldiers" and "The Man in the Moon." Stroll this area of boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, homes, restaurants and churches. End a self-guided walking tour at Fort St. Jean Baptiste, a replica of an original fort settlement established in 1716 with 18th-century artifacts; $4; free for seniors 62 and over and for children age 12 and under; 155 Rue Jefferson, 1-888-677-7853, www.crt.state.la.us.

Moderate

Getting there

Airfare rates on Saturday and Sunday to Alexandria start at $378 on trips finished on or before Nov. 14; nonstop regional Delta jets.

Stay

A French gourmet candlelit breakfast is served each morning at the Steel Magnolia House. Step back in time at this elegant Italian-designed home built in the 1830s. It's famous both for its involvement during the Civil War as a hospital and for the on-site filming of the 1989 award-winning film "Steel Magnolias." The themed Shelby, Jackson and M'Lynn rooms are $175 per night; $200 for the Clairee Suite and $225 for Truby's Carriage House. A two-night weekend stay required; 320 Jefferson St., 1-888-346-4095, www.steelmagnoliahouse.com.

Eat

Find home-cooked Southern comfort foods such as pot roast, brisket, pork chops, chicken and dumplings and more at Almost Home. Visit Sunday-Thursday for a lunch buffet; Friday for lunch and dinner buffet. A choice of meat and three sides and bread is $9; $4 for extra choice of meat; closed Saturday; 5841 La. 1 Bypass, 318-352-2431.

Experience

The 116,000-acre Cane River National Heritage Area follows 35 miles of the Cane River with a rural, agricultural landscape. The area is known for its historical park (with 63 structures), seven national historic landmarks, three state historic sites, plantations, homes and churches. Although several structures are privately owned, many are open to the public. The region is also home to military sites, including colonial French and Spanish forts and an early American fort. Visit www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/caneriver/maps.htm for detailed visitor information for each site; 318-356-5555.

Splurge

Getting there

No advance purchase walk-up, economy-class rates start at $670 to Alexandria; nonstop regional Delta jets.

Stay

The luxurious award-winning Judge Porter House Bed and Breakfast in the historic district features special in-room amenities such as assorted teas, hot chocolates, coffee, spiced apple cider, soft drinks, bedside chocolates, spring water, monogrammed towels and Wi-Fi. For the utmost in privacy, no two rooms share a common wall. The home features two parlors, museum quality antiques and serves guests a multi-course candlelit breakfast in the formal dining room. Guest rooms $145, $155; $165 for a two-story guest suite with over 600 square feet, fireplace, full kitchen and more; 321 Second St., 1-800-441-8343, www.judgeporterhouse.com.

Eat

Family-owned and operated Mariner's Restaurant overlooks Sibley Lake. Locals have been celebrating their special occasions here since 1983. Appetizers $7-$17; entrees $15-$32; 5948 La. 1 Bypass, 318-357-1220, www.marinersrestaurant.com.

Experience

Each year, the city's Christmas Festival attracts nearly a half million visitors. Beginning Nov. 20 through Dec. 18, snow and carolers will be found on Front Street during the annual "45 Nights of Christmas Lights"; www.christmasfestival.com. Enjoy a guided tour of historic homes and buildings on the "Holiday Tour of Homes," held Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, from Dec. 8-18; various day and evening hours; $15 per person; 1-800-259-1714, www.historicfoundation.org.