St. Francisville and West Feliciana Parish may seem
quiet, but there’s more to do here than meets the eye.

Brandon’s Flowers & Gardens
All Day, Daily

INNEvery February, right before the weather warms, Brandon heads to the gardens around the inn, planting hundreds of flowering bulbs, annuals, vines, and just about anything he can get his hands on.  And, like clockwork, we reap the rewards in late March.   Visitors love walking the grounds, sipping coffee and cocktails, enjoying the budding flowers that surround us on all four sides and in the central courtyard.  Daily, he clips a flower or two in the gardens and takes them  into guest rooms, dining rooms, and parlors for all to enjoy.  See more

Rosedown Plantation
Mon-Sun 9:00am-5:00pm

INNIn the 1830s, Daniel and Martha Turnbull came to St. Francisville and built Rosedown Plantation. The plantation was originally one of the largest plantations in the area with 3500 acres of cotton, cattle, and slaves. Daniel and Martha had two children, William and Sarah. William passed away in a tragic drowning in the Mississippi River leaving it up to Sarah to take over the plantation when it came time. Sarah married James Pirrie Bowman of Oakley Plantation, and together had eight daughters. During the Civil War, the daughters had a tough time maintaining the plantation, but were successful allowing Rosedown Plantation to continue standing today.
INNToday, guests who visit Rosedown Plantation are able to tour the main house, 13 historic buildings, and Martha’s beautiful gardens.

Oakley Plantation
Tues-Sat 9:00am-5:00pm

INNOakley Plantation began construction in 1799 by Ruffin Gray. Before the completion, Gray passed leaving it up to his widow, Lucy Alston, to oversee its finish. When Alston remarried to James Pierre, they had their daughter, Eliza.
INNJohn James Audubon was hired to teach Eliza art. He arrived in June of 1821. Although his stay was only four months, In Audubon’s free time, he was able to draw as he pleased. He produced 32 bird paintings during his time at Oakley.
INNToday, guests who tour Oakley Plantation are able to tour the main house, slave quarters and other parts of the grounds Audubon once explored.

Greenwood Plantation
Mon-Sun 10:00am-4:00pm

INNIn 1830, Greenwood Plantation was built with tall beautiful columns on all sides of the home with a total of 28. William Ruffin Barrow was the original owner and built the home to reflect a Greek Revival Style.
INNIn 1960, the home was struck by lightning causing everything except for the 28 columns to burn. Greenwood was then rebuilt by Walton and Richard Barnes the way it once originally stood in 1830.
INNToday, when guests choose to visit Greenwood Plantation, they are able to tour the South’s finest classic colonial home, the Live Oak Tree Park, the Historic Kitchen, and the gorgeous chapel.

Cottage Plantation
Sat & Sun 10:00am-4:00pm

INNThe beautiful Cottage Plantation is just 11 minutes north of the Inn. It was acquired by Thomas Butler in 1810. During his life as the plantation owner, Butler was the first judge in the Felicianas. He was appointed by Governor William C.C. Claiborne. Being a judge and owning a plantation kept Thomas Butler pretty busy.
INNToday, when guests tour the grounds of Cottage Plantation, they are able to view the front of the main house, Butler’s law office which was later converted into a school house, milk house to store the plantation’s dairy products, and many other buildings that were important to Thomas Butler and his family during their lifetime in St. Francisville.

Myrtles Plantation
Mon-Sun 9:00am-4:30pm (Day Tours)
Fri & Sat 6:00pm, 7:00pm, 8:00pm (Evening Tours)

INNThe Myrtles Plantation is one of the most haunted homes in America. It was built in 1796 by David Bradford on 600 acres of land. Through the years, the home had many owners,

and many tragedies. The most famous tragedy is the murder of Chloe, a slave who was hung for poisoning members of the plantation owner’s family.  Through the years, a large number of visitors claim to have encountered ghosts on a number of occasions.

INNToday, when guests tour the Myrtles Plantation, they have the option of a day tour during the week or an evening tour on Fridays and Saturdays. The tour shows the first floor of the main home and focuses on the history and mysteries of the Myrtles Plantation.

Catalpa Plantation
Reservation Only

INNCatalpa Plantation, formerly a cotton plantation, is still today owned by the descendants of the original family. The main house is a late Victorian-style home but is not the original home. During the Civil War, the original home burned and Mr. Fort, the owner, died. In 1885, his son, William J. Fort took over the property and rebuilt the home that stands today.

Afton Villa Gardens

INNAfton Villa was once the home of the Barrow family, built in the 1840s. Susan Barrow, the second wife of David Barrow, built the colossal 40 room mansion that took eight years to complete. In 1874, David died, and Susan left Louisiana never returning. The property was sold in 1915 and again in 1945 to Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Percy who restored the home. In 1963, the mansion completely burned leaving only the gardens on the property.
INNToday, visitors are able to explore the 25 acres of gardens Susan Barrow created while she was there.

Downtown St. Francisville

West Feliciana Historical Society Museum

INNThe West Feliciana Historical Society Museum is the place to go to learn all about the history of West Feliciana Parish. The historical hardware store turned museum is located in the middle of the St. Francisville historic district and is a great start to the rest of your adventures while staying at The St. Francisville Inn.

Historic District

INNThe Historic District in St. Francisville has been well preserved by the residents of St. Francisville. Each historic building is gorgeous and adds so much character to the area. In the downtown area, historic buildings are marked with a small sign in the front yard with the year it was built, original owner, and its historical significance. 

Historic Churches

INNWith history comes religion and St. Francisville definitely has both. In Downtown St. Francisville, there are three historical churches that have been bringing the community together since they were founded. Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church sits at the top of the hill just before getting to the Mississippi River and was built in 1871.
AAGrace Episcopal Church was completed in 1860 and.
In 1863, it was damaged in the Civil War,
but was repaired in 1893. Several men who fought in the Civil War are buried there.

The United Methodist Church was originally built in Bayou Sara in 1844 before it was moved to where it is now in the 1940s.  It features beautiful, curved benches.

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Art Galleries

In the Downtown St. Francisville area, there are two art galleries. Backwoods art gallery and
Harrington Art Gallery are two local places for locals to buy, sell, and view beautiful pieces of created by locals themselves. BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB

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Sports & Outdoors

The MaryAnn Brown Nature Preserve
Hiking

INNThe MaryAnn Brown Nature Preserve is a walking trail located about 11 minutes away from the Inn. The Nature has two trails that, when combined, visitors have the opportunity to explore through two miles of beech magnolia forest and several small streams along the walking trail. The trail is open during daylight hours to the public.

Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area
Hiking

INNThe Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area is about 30 minutes north of the Inn in the deep Tunica Hills. In the hills, there are several trails to explore the nature and bird-watching. When combined, it gives the opportunity for hikers to hike 4.4 miles.
INNThe terrain in the Tunica Hills is characterized by rugged hills, bluffs, and ravines, and lies at the southern end of the loess bluff-lands that follows east bank of the Mississippi River. The unique environment allows for plants and animals to live like no other place in Louisiana.
INNThe Tunica Hills is most well known for the falls that are hidden in the forest. Most hikers reward themselves after the difficult tract with a swim in the gorgeous waterfall to cool off and relax.

West Feliciana Sports Park Trail
Hiking & Biking

INNThe West Feliciana Sports Park Trail, also known as “The Beast” is at the West Feliciana Sports Park, just five minutes away from the Inn. The trail is about a five-mile loop for bikers and hikers to conquer, just beyond the baseball fields. The trail allows its goers to experience the natural beauty of West Feliciana Parish through the trees, hills, and creek throughout the trail.

Shopping

The Conundrum Books & Puzzles
Tues-Sat 10:30am-5:30pm

The Conundrum Books & Puzzles is St. Francisville’s very own bookstore. The store offers its customers a wide selection of books and puzzles to choose from. Whether you need a children’s pop-up book, or a book to read by the pool, The Conundrum Books & Puzzles is the place to go just across the street from the Inn.  For more information visit The Conundrum

District Mercantile
Mon-Sat 10:00am-5:00pm
Sunday 1:00pm-5:00pm

INNDistrict Mercantile is a mercantile store with a large variety of booths owned by St. Francisville locals. Each booth offers customers completely different products than any of the other booths. From cooking, to antiques, to hand-made products, there is no way to exit without buying anything. It is across the street from the Inn.

Birds of a Feather
Mon-Sun 9:30am-5:30pm

Birds of a Feather has a large selection of home decor and antiques.  It is only three minutes away from the Inn.

Ma Milles Gifts
Mon-Sat 10:30am-5:30pm
Sunday 1:00pm-4:30pm

INNMa Milles Gifts is a women’s clothing boutique just down the street from the Inn. They have a wide selection of clothing to choose from for all ages and styles. Ma Milles also sells jewelry and candles.

Sage Hill Antiques & Gifts
Mon-Sun 9:30am-5:30pm

INNSage Hill Antiques & Gifts offers a wide variety of products to choose from. The boutique has a large selection of Southern Marsh products, jewelry, and home furniture. Sage Hill Antiques & Gifts has a little something for everyone and is just around the corner from the Inn.

St. Francisville Farmer’s Market
Every Thursday 9:00am-1:00pm

INNSt. Francisville’s Farmers market offers fresh products to its customers. Local farmers sell products from eggs, to vegetables, to baked goods. Everything sold is great quality and, most importantly, fresh! The market is four minutes away from the Inn.

Temple Design
Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm

INNEnjoyed St. Francisville and want a souvenir to remember? Temple Design has a wide variety of St. Francisville t-shirts, hats, towels, and cups. They are located just down the street from the Inn.

Restaurants

Birdman Coffee & Books
Breakfast & Coffee
Casual

INNBirdman Coffee & Books is truly a gem in St. Francisville. Whether you stop in for breakfast in the morning or need a “pick-me-up” coffee in the afternoon, it will be delicious. They also serve several flavors of gelato to satisfy any sweet-tooth. The casual atmosphere allows for a comfortable experience no matter what time of day. Birdman Coffee & Books is just around the corner from the Inn. They are open all day on Tuesday-Friday, 7:00am-5:00pm. Saturday, Birdman is open 8:00am-2:00pm, and on Sunday 8:00am-12:00pm.

Audubon Café
Breakfast & Lunch
Casual

INNAudubon Café is only four minutes away from the Inn. The menu is best described as comfort food and is truly delicious.  Whether you decide to go for breakfast or for lunch, you will not leave Audubon Café hungry. They are only closed on Wednesday and are open 7:00am-2:00pm the rest of the week.

Café Petra
Lunch & Dinner
Casual

INNCafé Petra is just next door from the Inn. The menu offers the best Lebanese, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern options you will ever taste. The atmosphere allows for an authentic experience whether you choose to dine in for lunch or for dinner. Café Petra’s hours vary each day. Monday-Thursday, lunch is served 10:30am-2:30pm with dinner at 4:30pm-9:30pm. On Friday and Saturday, they are open 10:30am-10:00pm, and Sunday 10:30am-8:30 pm.

El Mejor Bar & Grill
Lunch & Dinner
Casual

INNEl Mejor’s Mexican menu options are amazing, both food and drinks. Not only are the food and drinks delicious, but the staff goes out of their way to ensure you the best experience at El Mejor. This Mexican restaurant is about seven minutes away from the Inn and well worth it. They are open for lunch and dinner Monday-Wednesday 11:00am-9:00pm, and Thursday-Saturday 11:00am-10:00pm. On Sunday, they are open for lunch 11:00am-3:00pm. Drink Happy Hour is everyday 3:30pm-6:30pm.

The Francis Smokehouse & Specialty Meats
Lunch & Early Dinner
Casual

INNThe Francis Smokehouse & Specialty Meats is an extremely casual and comfortable option from entrance to exit. Whether you decide to enjoy your meal in the restaurant or take it to-go, you will not be disappointed. This stop will satisfy any of your BBQ cravings with any of their menu choices. The Francis Smokehouse & Specialty Meats is four minutes up the road and serves lunch and early dinner Monday-Saturday from 10:00am-6:00pm, and on Sundays they serve lunch 10:00am-3:00pm.

The Francis Southern Table & Bar
Lunch & Dinner
Casual

INNThe Francis Southern Table & Bar is only four minutes away from the Inn. It offers a similar BBQ menu as their smokehouse next door, but also has seafood and other meal choices to choose from as well. The large outside patio with an oak tree canopy is the perfect setting for a truly enjoyable experience. The bar offers a large selection of drinks to be served at your pleasure. The Francis Southern Table & Bar is open for lunch and dinner Sunday-Thursday, 11:00am-9:00pm, and 11:00am-10:00pm on Friday and Saturday.

Magnolia Café
Casual

INNThis family-friendly restaurant is located just around the corner from the Inn. The menu offers a large variety of options ensuring a delicious meal for everyone. The Magnolia Café serves lunch daily from 10:00am-4:00pm.  The “Mag” is very popular with locals.

Sonny’s Pizza
Lunch & Dinner
Casual

INNIf you have a craving for pizza during your stay at the Inn, Sonny’s Pizza is the place to go. It is a casual atmosphere with delicious pizza. Sonny’s Pizza also serves delicious burgers, pasta dishes, and burritos. Sonny’s Pizza is open Monday-Thursday for lunch and dinner 10:00am-9:00pm, and on Friday and Saturday, 10:00am-10:00pm. On Sunday, they are only open for dinner from 4:00pm-9:00pm.

South of the Border
Lunch & Dinner
Casual

INNSouth of the Border’s food is excellent. The restaurant is in the northside of West Feliciana Parish just under the Mississippi/Louisiana state line, so the drive is about 20 minutes, but well worth it. The menu offers an American-style cuisine. South of the Border is open for lunch Wednesday and Thursday 5:00pm-9:00pm, and lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday 11:00am-10:00pm. Lunch is served on Sunday 11:00am-3:00pm. They are closed on Monday and Tuesday. South of the Border takes reservations through OpenTable is you would like to ensure a table ahead of time.

Restaurant 1796
Lunch & Dinner
Fine Dining

INNRestaurant 1796 is located at The Myrtles Plantation, just 5 minutes down the road. Their food is cooked over a wood-fired hearth and cooked to perfection. This fine dining restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday-Saturday. Lunch is 11:00am-2:00pm and dinner is 5:00pm-9:00pm.  Try the hearth Ribs.  Tell them we sent you!