|
#8 Natchitoches, Population: 18,241 (city);
|
Types of Water: Three area lakes, including 36-mile-long Cane River Lake. No. of Rowers in Area: 60 Let’s get this out of the way first: Nack-uh-tish. If you’re going to live there, you’d better learn how to pronounce it. And if you enjoy good rowing and friendly small towns, you’re going to want to move to Natchitoches. 
Front Street; Jeff Dawson |
|
This northern Louisiana town has the feel of a community that time passed by, and in a way it is. Nearly three hundred years ago, the settlement’s advantageous position on the Red River made it the economic hub of the new Louisiana Territory. Eager to improve navigation, town fathers began to remove a 160-mile long logjam that blocked upstream commerce. 
Front Street along the Cane River; Mark Bills |
The project took 40 years to complete, after which the unleashed river promptly carved a new channel that bypassed Natchitoches. The town’s loss was a gain for rowers. The old riverbed became Cane River Lake, a 36-mile watercourse averaging only 250 feet in width. It’s an ideal rowing venue: pretty, protected from winds and devoid of current. The high banks are lined with pastures, and the occasional houses are framed by ancient oaks and magnolias. |
click for full size photo Cane River Lake is home to the Northwestern State University crew club, which hosts the annual Marathon Championships—a nationally famous 26-mile, 385-yard rowing race—as well as the nascent Natchitoches Community Rowing Club learn-to-row program. There’s not yet a dedicated boathouse or boat |
storage for masters rowers, though some area scullers house their shells in the NSU boathouse. Natchitoches’ hospitality also extends to approximately 10 college rowing teams who come to Natchitoches for spring break each year. Natchitoches retains the Old-World influence of its early European settles through its architecture, heritage and lifestyle. The city’s 33-block National Historic Landmark District, part of Cane River National Heritage Area, includes many homes, churches and |
|
structures from the mid-19th century. At the heart of the district lies Front Street, a weathered-brick avenue lined with stately oak trees, shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants. |
Northwestern State University’s ongoing program of cultural and artistic activities includes a symphony, dinner theater, plays and musical recitals. You won’t find a lot of restaurants in this little burgh, but you will find some good ones specializing in Creole-style cuisine (Lasyone’s |
|
Rowing Lessons
Real Estate and Relocation Services |
Massage, Accupuncture, Physical Therapy
Other Services |
Click here to advertise your local business to a highly targeted, niche sports market.
Meat Pies on 2nd Steet) and roadhouse-style steaks and chops (Papa’s on Front Street). If those are too meaty for you, just stroll on. Natchitoches is a great 
click for full size photo walking town, with parks and walking trails throughout, and a street plan that was laid down long before the advent of the automobile. |
|