Now, the south is generally known as being friendly. After all, it’s not called "northern hospitality!" There’s one incredible town in South Louisiana that’s worthy of a road trip from any corner of the state, and that’s Natchitoches, Louisiana. Whether you’re a history lover, wildlife enthusiast, shopper, or foodie, one of the friendliest towns in Louisiana truly has something for everyone.

There’s a lot to love about Natchitoches, Louisiana.

Louisiana’s oldest city was established in 1714 and incorporated as a town in 1819, making it the oldest permanent European settlement within the borders of the Louisiana Purchase. It was originally founded as a French outpost for trade with the Spanish along the Red River as early as 1699.

The Cane River Lake runs through the town, and it's the perfect spot for a stroll to begin your adventure.

You can also rent a kayak or a stand-up paddle board to explore the town from an entirely new perspective!

The 33-block Historic District is full of homes and businesses with fascinating histories.

Pictured above is the Prudhomme-Roquier House, which has a few different claims to fame, including being the only example of a two-story Bousillage house in the United States. Bousillage is a combination of clay and various fibers (like deer hair and Spanish moss).

Perhaps the most recognizable home is the Steel Magnolia House.

Yep, the same one from the movie!

Fun fact: this home was originally much closer to the road. In fact, the sidewalk passed underneath the front porch! In 1908, workers dismantled the entire house, brick by brick, and moved it back about 40 feet, giving it much more curb appeal.

History lovers will love getting to explore all of the historic sites here in Natchitoches.

The American Cemetery is one of the oldest remaining cemeteries in the country. It was used as a burial ground for the area’s early French settlers, but it was always an integrated cemetery; people of Native American, European, and African descent are all buried here. The oldest grave dates back to 1797, but it’s believed that the cemetery was used as early as 1737.

Front Street is the town's main drag, and that's where you'll find all sorts of local boutiques and restaurants, including the oldest general store in Louisiana.

Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile dates all the way back to 1863 and is a massive space filled with everything you could possibly imagine! It's a great spot to pick up a few souvenirs and maybe even some household items including hardware, cooking supplies, and more.

And of course, no visit to Natchitoches is complete without getting your hands on a meat pie.

This iconic Louisiana dish was invented at Lasyone's here in Natchitoches. These fried pockets of meat-filled goodness pair well with breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Check out this YouTube video by OfficialBestOfAmerica for a virtual tour of some of the most iconic spots in Natchitoches, Louisiana:

No matter what time of year you visit, Natchitoches is a perfect spot to spend a day exploring. For more adventures, you may want to grab your sneakers and hit the trails within the Kisatchie National Forest.

Have you ever been to Natchitoches, Louisiana? If so, do you think it's one of the friendliest towns in Louisiana? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Don't forget to nominate your favorite places to visit in South Louisiana for the chance to see them featured in an upcoming article.