Onward! To Marksville!

If you're from Louisiana and have spent any time on I-49 or Highway 1, you've undoubtedly seen signs for Marksville, and not given two hoots about the place (unless you're familiar with it), but the little town provides a ton of fun for a weekend getaway for anyone in the state. Pretty near smack-dab in the middle of Louisiana, it is the Northern gateway to Cajun Country. It's easily reachable by 2.5 hours from most areas in the state, making it the perfect "weekend" destination.

The things to see and do:

The Digs: Paragon Casino and Resort

Now, I hear you saying to yourself, how great can a silly little casino in Avoyelles parish be? Well, this casino is great. Not only are the rooms exceptionally comfortable, the resort has a live Alligator exhibit, and boasts some great entertainment headliners. And how can I forget... the spa. The spa is so incredible. Comparable to anything I've had in New Orleans or elsewhere without the crowds or the hurry. Steam rooms, saunas, and lovely whirlpools abound. The hotel also has a deliciously comfortable indoor pool exclusive to guests at the hotel. Do yourself a huge favor and book yourself a massage and a room here. You won't regret it.

The Eats:

As the doorway to Cajun Country, there is a ton of great food to be had in this area. My personal favorite for dinner is Red River Grill in downtown Marksville. A white tablecloth, upscale eatery that is situated in a quaint historical downtown. Perfect for romantic date nights. The menu features tons of local fare: seafood, duck, and pork dishes abound.

Also great for dinner but also equally great for lunch is Brown Bag Gourmet. A tad off the beaten path, this is a regional favorite. The menu is eternally changing, so the food is fresh, dynamic, and delicious. Let Trent and his team take care of you. The wine list is really exceptional, too!

The Drinks:

If you're like me, I'm a fan of relaxing in my swanky room with a bit of booze to lighten the load at the end of the drive, or just to have for before dinner. BJ's Bottleshop down the road in Moreauville has a surprisingly great selection of wines and spirits. Believe it or not, this place gets allocations of the Van Winkle bourbons, so you know it's got it going on. Another great choice a bit closer is Kerry's liquor. A tad harder to find, it's about 1/2 mile down Highway 1 in an old gas station. There is currently no sign, but look for an old gray gas station with a bunch of cars out front! A great selection for your day-to-day needs!

If you've had a great, relaxing dinner and want to top it off with a delicious glass of wine or some live music, look no further than Bailey's. Bailey's once considered itself a "night club" but has rebranded as a classic, upscale wind-down bar with a phenomenal wine and spirits list. Gorgeous and homey, this place abides in the once-great Bailey Theater built in 1916, complete with upstairs viewing galleries and original fixtures. This is a huge favorite of mine.

The History:

Marksville boasts a huge amount of history. Established in the late 1700s and seen on maps as early as 1800, it has been a trading post for eons. As such, it has a rich and checkered history. The area has been home to the Tunica-Biloxi tribe, which now operates and owns the Paragon casino. The Marksville Indian Mounds and Pre-historic Site is a great example of this culture. A few times a year, they will host cultural events and ritual dances. 

Marksville is also the crossroads for some great Civil War history, and is a central point to those interested in researching the 12 Years a Slave/Solomon Northup Trail. 

A wee 20 minute drive from Marksville is Loyd Hall Plantation. Built circa 1820, this modest 2.5 storey working plantation is said to house ghosts. What it definitely hosts is great receptions and parties as well as romantic couples on vacation to their Bed and Breakfast.

The Take-Aways:

After a lovely weekend here, I'll pack up my ice chest with all the Cajun snacks and treats I can get my hands on.

Juneau's Cajun Meats has the best Boudin around, and that's sayin' something. Boudin, a classic cajun pork and rice sausage, is a local delicacy. Boudin balls stuffed with pimento cheese and fried are devilishly good. 

The Amish Country Store is another local favorite-- offering house-made candies, jams, sauces, cheeses, and other treats, this store is perfect for gifts for friends (or yourself!)

Not very far to the north is the one and only Inglewood Farm. A working farm on an old plantation on Highway 71, the farm offers an amazingly stocked farmer's market every Saturday, and often in Alexandria for a few days during the week. The produce and eggs are exceptional, as is the farm-raised pork. Other great vendors throughout the area make it a point to set up a booth at this market. You can find locally made butter, milk, cheese, pasture-raised beef, preserves, and other delights. 

Is it worth the drive?

In short, one hundred times "YES!" The drive itself is quaint and gorgeous, especially up or down winding Highway 1. The stay is comfy, the food is wonderful, the drink abounds, and the history is rich. Come on... you owe yourself a stay-cation like this one!