Sunday, February 17, 2008

Valentine's Tryst In Natchitoches: Day One: Friday Feb. 15th 2007

We are back from our Valentine's Weekend Tryst, safe and sound despite many dire warnings about our location on the Weather Channel.

The four hour drive over on Friday afternoon was great, a relaxing drive through little towns and medium sized towns and towns we had never heard of.
And then after dark we arrived in Natchitoches.
Natchitoches was simply lovely. The river reflected the old fashioned lights along the roadside as we drove into town. We quickly found our Bed and Breakfast, The Judge Porter House. Built in 1912, it has been beautifully restored and refurnished with all the modern conviences.

We parked and went to the front porch. An envelope inscribed with our name was pinned by the front door. Inside the envelope was a house and room key. We were welcomed to enter and make ourselves at home. Inside the front door was a red entry hall, and a stair case. We went up and found our room, which was called "The Princess".

The bed was crafted in the 1820's.


On our bed was this little pillow and a box of chocolates by way of welcome.



On the dresser were two rosy pink antique lamps and a bottle of wine.


Across the hall a door was open to the "New Orleans" room. It was lovely as well.
(I thought our pink canopy was prettier though...)

What a dreamy place Bernie had found for us to stay in.
The first night we had the entire house to ourselves.
After we got settled in, we went back downstairs to the parlor to decide where we wanted to go dine.

Bernie in the front downstairs parlor, deciding we should walk over to The Landing, a local restaurant on Front Street.
(Be sure your sound is turned up if you click on the restaurant link. Great music!)
I ordered off the appetizer menu: Fried Alligator, two small crabcakes, and the famous Natchitoches Mini Meat pies for me; Bernie had a crawfish po' boy sandwich.
Dinner was perfect.
After dinner we walked along the river front, windowshopped, and enjoyed the mild night air.
Once we got back to the B&B, we sat in the upstairs parlor and relaxed and read a bit. The room was small and cozy, yet the pink and soft green colors were very refreshing.
By ten we had gone to bed. We were treated to some lightening and thunder rumbling outside our windows. We weren't sure what the morning would hold in terms of weather, but we did know that breakfast was to be served at 8:30 am SHARP!
So we set the alarm clock and soon fell fast asleep in the romantic and comfortable old bed.
(To be continued....)

5 comments:

L&D said...

Sounds like a lovely romantic getaway. I'm jealous!

Jane Carlstrom said...

Good morning Jill! Missed you over the weekend, but knew there would be great adventures coming upon your return. So appreciate your sharing your journey. Day 1 was great, beautiful B&B, loved the music and the food. Thanks, Jane

Anonymous said...

Oh, how fun! I'm looking forward to the next installment!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like Bernie did a great job! He's getting some browning points for this one, I bet!

I love bed and breakfasts. I've only stayed at one, but it is a beautiful memory.

Lovella ♥ said...

It sounds utterly delightful. I'm so glad the weather was interesting enough to bring a memory of it when you think back on the B&B.