Staycation – Webster, Bienville, Claiborne and Lincoln Parishes

When I get away for a long weekend or staycation I want different, local and unique. Looking online for information about these North Louisiana parishes I found some really great possibilities. For our tour we will make our base camp at Lake Claiborne State Park. We can easily explore Webster, Bienville, Claiborne and Lincoln parish’s points of interest this state park. Plan on staying three nights and bring your walking shoes.

In order to get there in the early afternoon we need to leave between 8:00 and 10:00 am. In route we can watch Bonnie & Clyde or Year One on the flat screen. These are just two movies that were made in or feature historical events in the area. If you want we can play Trace Adkins cd’s or music from many other musicians with roots in these parishes.

Lake Claiborne near Homer in Claiborne Parish is a great example in North Louisiana of the old state motto “Sportsman’s Paradise.” The lake is known for it’s excellent water quality. There are boats and canoes for rent. The park also features swimming, hiking trails and a golf course. There is plenty of room in the luggage compartment of Riverside Limousine’s Mini Bus or Luxury Sprinter for everything your group needs and golf clubs too.

For supper we’ will go to Port Au Prince for it’s famous fried catfish. . This lakeside restaurant is family owned and operated. It has been featured in Southern Living Magazine.

The next morning we’ll be stepping back in time. Before we take off the next morning for Minden Main Street, the Germantown Colony and the abandoned movie set from “Year One” we’ll have breakfast at the cabins. You can bring along ice chests of groceries and picnic fixins’ or plan on eating in Minden.

Year One starring Jack Black was filmed on a set outside of Sibley. The set build to depict the ancient of Sodom still exists waiting for another opportunity.

Minden’s historic Main Street and Residential District feature homes and business’ that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Walking and driving we will visit these residences and, shops. Before leaving for Germantown eat lunch at your choice of local restaurants.

The Germantown Colony and Museum is only 7 miles northeast of Minden. Germantown established in 1835 was a Harmony Society Colony. The grounds are open to visitors. The museum is open by appointment.

On the way back to Lake Claiborne drive through Shongaloo – just because! At the park spend a few hours swimming, hiking, canoeing or maybe play a round of golf or take a nap.

 

 

Folks from the area, Shreveport and southern Arkansas travel to Moon’s Grocery & Deli near Homer for steak or ribs. Once upon a time a gas station, this unique grocery store/restaurant sounds like a great place to eat and have a lot of fun!

Day three starts with a trip to the community where Bonnie and Clyde met their end. From a monument to a museum with B&C artifacts – this major event in crime history put the parish on the map.

 At 535 feet the highest point in Louisiana is found in  Bienville Parish. It’s east of Ringgold, south of Arcadia, west  of Ruston and north of Jonesboro. We’ll park at the Mt. Zion  Presbyterian Church and hike 0.8 miles to the summit.

The third night we’ll venture into Ruston for supper and  night life. Depending on the groups tastes we can go to  Rabb’s or the Dawg House. On another visit we’ll enjoy the  sights in Lincoln Parish. We have to be back at the park by  9:00/10:00 (depending on the day of the week) before the  gates close.

On the last morning it’s time to pack up and head home.  Load up the memories and our professional chauffeur will  drive home while you continue to relax, rest and reminisce.

Remember, “we drive … you have fun!”