Find Your Christmas Spirit in Louisiana’s Legend Country, Vernon Parish
If this year has left you feeling more like the Grinch than Jolly Old Saint Nicholas, get your bearings amid small-town charm in Louisiana’s Legend Country, Vernon Parish. Situated along the western edge of Louisiana, this rural enclave, anchored by the parish (county) seat, of Leesville, boasts of main streets, arts, antiques, fishing, hiking & biking, heroes & legends and the legendary dining Louisiana has made world-famous!
look no further than antique spots like Ruby D’s, where 4,000 square feet of eclectic finds, collectibles and antiques greet you as warmly as the owners. Other gift spots like Nichol’s Department Store for sporting goods and fine household accessories, as well as other gift stores should provide you with plenty of options to bring back gifts or mementos from your trip.
Giving the gift of your time is always in style for the holidays! Take your history buff on an excursion through this portion of Louisiana’s No Man’s Land as well as Civil War sites, museums, and historic homes. Take a drive along the Myths & Legend’s Byway, a 181-mile long scenic byway full the myths, legends, and history of the area.
No Man’s Land is the name given to the neutral area between Texas and the United States that had no king or country, becoming a haven for outlaws and brave pioneers. Burr Ferry Civil War Breastworks were built to protect Texas from invasion, and the Old Mitchell Graveyard actually houses the graves of two revolutionary soldiers. The Fort Polk Military Museum showcases the exploits of more recent heroes, telling the stories of soldiers trained here for battle, amid uniforms, weapons, and equipment.
And, if you just want to get away this holiday season, we can put you on a path into Kisatchie National Forest for hiking, horseback riding, birding, biking, and the famous Wolf Rock Cave of Native American habitation. And, if you prefer a string of fish over a string of lights, we can get you out on the water on one of five notable bodies of water. We can even connect you with guides from Jeane Tackle or Tack-a-Paw Expeditions. Gifts for the anglers in your life can be found at Jeane Tackle or Tidbits & Tackle as well!
Our great outdoors also boasts of several trails to guide you on your way. In addition to the Myths & Legends Byway featuring the outlaws and bandits of this wild, wooded area, the Colonial Trails Byway contains the El Camino Real which connected the original colonies to Mexico, the Toledo Bend Forest Byway skirting along the Toledo Bend Reservoir, and Nolan Trace Byway named for the path of the famed horse smuggler. So, come blaze a trail through our forested paths on a cultural excursion.
And, you can’t explore on an empty stomach! We feature Louisiana favorites, like blackened catfish and fresh water cornbread at mom-and-pop spots throughout the area, as well as more refined dining at quaint spots like Hazel’s Tea Parlor where you can breakfast or lunch amid the finery of Chloe’s Parlor or the Sofia Room. And, we have developed an actual Road Food trail noting on-the-go favorites, like tamales, boudin, and meat pies! Get the list, and stop roadside for food that will make you want to turn around for seconds!
Find charm and get back some of your holiday spirit with a visit to Louisiana’s Legend Country, Vernon Parish. Book your stay now!
