By Debi Lander
mail@floridanewsline.com
Do you know that female friendships can actually increase your longevity? Research claims females receive physical, emotional, and mental benefits from spending time with like-minded women. That makes prioritizing friendships very worthwhile.
Girlfriend getaways (taking a trip with your female acquaintances) become one of the best ways to support and enjoy others and yourself. I suspect the same holds true for males, so it seems logical to encourage guy getaways and male bonding.
I recently attended a Sweet Magnolias-themed girlfriend getaway in Natchitoches, Louisiana. The small town in north-central Louisiana became the setting for the hugely popular movie (“Steel Magnolias”) released 35 years ago. The 1988 film maintains staying power because the story is real, written by Robert (Bobby) Harling, about his sister, Susan, and his family living in Natchitoches.
The female blockbuster cast featuring Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Dolly Parton, Olympia Dukakis, Daryl Hannah, and a very young Julia Roberts attracted attention and gained star power. While the authentic setting enhances the film’s impact, the emotional links and encouragement the characters give one another makes the poignant story timeless.
To my surprise, I learned the movie was entirely filmed on location and on a sound stage in the area. Many local residents played parts.
I stayed in the gracious Sweet Magnolia House, a bed and breakfast inn that became the main character’s home and wedding reception site in the film. The grounds stood as the backdrop for the outdoor party, decorated with pink accents in Shelby’s favorite colors: blush and bashful.
The house next door acted as Ouiser’s house (Shirley MacLaine’s character), and the American Cemetery, a few blocks away, worked as the site for Shelby’s funeral. Today a pocket park rests between those locations, dedicated to Susan Harling Robinson, and features a flowing fountain and the Natchitoches walk of fame plaques to the stars.
Follow the Steel Magnolias Trail (pick up a copy at the Visitor’s Center), and you’ll recognize the beautiful hillside on either side of the Cane River as the location of the Christmas Festival and Easter Egg Hunt. Those two annual celebrations continue to be held there today.
Natchitoches makes a delightful getaway because almost everything is within walking distance except St. Augustine Church, where the film’s wedding ceremony took place. It’s an easy drive. I was fascinated to learn that Bobby Harling, the author, acted in the role of the priest. And I got to meet 91-year-old Lori Tate, who portrayed the groom’s mother.
Historic Front Street offers an array of fun, interesting shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Don’t miss Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile Store, which features “good old days” items like hardware, housewares, cookware and kitchen supplies, classic toys, and gifts. The original freight elevator still works, and the 1910 cash register rings up sales.
While in Louisiana’s oldest city, drop into Fort St. Jean Baptiste, established in 1714. The state historic site tells the stories of the early Natchitoches settlement. A replica of the original fort, a museum and interpretation from period-dressed docents, brings the history to life.
Nearby Melrose Plantation is home to nine historic buildings and a collection of work by world-famous African American folk artist Clementine Hunter, who lived and worked there.
No trip to Louisiana is complete without indulging in tasty cuisine. Meat pies are the local specialties, and Lasyone’s Meat Pie Kitchen is the place to go. I recommend the crayfish pie, even for breakfast! The recipes have been handed down through generations with deep Southern roots.
I encourage you to visit Natchitoches, but even if you don’t get there, plan a girlfriend getaway soon.
More information: Natchitoches.com
Visit www.bylandersea.com to read more of local travel writer Debi Lander’s stories and travel tips.
Photo courtesy Debi Lander
Steel Magnolia House Bed and Breakfast.
