In Louisiana’s northwest corner, visitors can fish for sand bass on the trophy-fishing waters of Toledo Bend Lake and the Sabine River, visit the area’s bed and breakfasts, sample locally produced wines, try the bakeries, and dine at a variety of cafés and restaurants. DeSoto Parish is perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Cook-Hill House Bed & Breakfast, built around 1850, features four exquisite guest rooms and three porches for relaxing outdoors. Located in the heart of historic Grand Cane, Cook-Hill offers guests a unique option for overnight stays.
Step back in time and enjoy the historic jewel that is Swearingen Place. Built around 1840 in historic Keatchi, this bed and breakfast is surrounded by beautiful homes, churches, and rolling pastures. Keachi is considered one of Louisiana’s richest treasuries of Greek Revival structures.
Head to nearby Logansport and Grand Cane communities for a myriad of good eats including Big Zach’s Place, Crawfish Shack, Rosemary’s, Sunrise Cookies, and 4C Coffee House.
The Rock Chapel in Mansfield was constructed in 1891 by Carmelite monks and used as a retreat and venue for weddings, Easter services, and other celebrations. Made of stone and mud plaster, with hand-painted frescos and murals decorating the inside, there’s no chapel in the world quite like this one.
Mansfield Female College, Mansfield State Historic Site.
Kickapoo Twist Winery and Vineyards makes custom, small-batch wines from grapes including Cabernet, Blanc Dubois, Lenoir, and red and white muscadines. They also carry homemade jellies from locally grown fruits and grapes.
Village Cuisine Catering and Cafe offers homemade food with exquisite flavor and fresh ingredients, some of which are grown on-site. Stop by and try their sandwiches, salads, and burgers. Catering and group accommodations are available. Call 318.858.3200 for dates and reservations or e-mail.
Housed in a weathered former schoolhouse, Shank Cat’s Bar-B-Que is just a stone’s throw from I-49 in Frierson, Louisiana. The sign outside says, “No Teeth Required,” and that is a testament to just how fork-tender the meats are at this hole-in-the-wall joint. Owner Edwin “Bobo” Scott inherited the building from his grandmother Carrie “Shank Cat” Scott and began selling chopped beef sandwiches, rib plates, smoked chicken, and more. On Thursdays, Shank Cat’s offers made-to-order rib-eyes and baked potatoes. Shank Cat’s is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The area is home to various gift shops and clothing boutiques. Guests can also explore historic sites, take scenic drives, and find some of the best gas station bites in the state.
Discover Desoto’s website features a Daycation Itinerary to make planning easier. Just 30 miles south of Shreveport, start planning your trip to Desoto Parish today!
