Weekday Activities in St. Francisville

Many people think that you have to only travel on the weekend. That is simply not true. Traveling to destinations during the week can offer you some unique deals, smaller crowds, and a more relaxing atmosphere.

Looking for a charming weekday escape in St. Francisville? Here’s curated ideas that blends history, nature, culture, and local eats; perfect for a mini getaway anytime during the week:

Monday – Step back in time.

Like many destinations that have high visitor traffic on the weekend, Mondays are a day to reset and get prepared for the rest of the week. While some restaurants and shops are closed on Monday, there are still some great things to do here in St. Francisville. Like visiting one (or more) of the museums and historic sites in the Parish.

• Rosedown State Historic Site – Wander through the grandly preserved Federal-Greek Revival mansion (built 1835) and explore 28 acres of formal gardens. A guided tour brings to life 19th-century property.
• Audubon State Historic Site  – Discover where John James Audubon painted 32 birds in 1821 and tour the Federal-style Oakley House.
• West Feliciana Historical Society & Museum – Housed in an old hardware store, it traces the parish’s history that dates back for thousands of years.
• Angola Prison Museum— Located just outside of the gates of Angola State Penitentiary, this museum takes you through the history of the largest state penitentiary in Louisiana. It also highlights the history of the surrounding Tunica Hills.
• The Myrtles  – Tour this antebellum mansion (built in 1796) known as “America’s most haunted,” with ghost stories and historic intrigue.

 Tuesday – Nature & Outdoor Adventure

Take in the beauty of one of Louisiana’s unique parishes topographically, West Feliciana Parish. You can start your day hiking rolling hills and deep ravines in the Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area, then spend the afternoon seeing an iconic Louisiana swamp in the Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge.

• Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area – Hike or mountain bike through dramatic bluffs and ravines, rare for Louisiana, with lush scenery and waterfalls.
• Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge – See the largest bald cypress east of the Sierra Nevada’s in this 9,600‑acre refuge. Ideal for birding and swamp exploration (check river levels before going).
• Afton Villa Gardens – Just minutes away, this 20‑acre garden area sits on the ruins of a Gothic mansion. Spot blooming azaleas, daffodils, and the romantic “ruins garden.” (Afton Villa is only open from March 1^st – June 30^th and from October 1^st – November 30^th).
• Mary Ann Brown Nature Preserve – A peaceful spot with pine–hardwood forest and easy walking trails
• Art Classes– The Art House is a recent addition to Downtown and offers Art Classes on Tuesdays beginning at 9 am.

Wednesday – Bingo!

As the week goes on, more businesses open their doors for customers. This is a great time to hit up the shops to see what deals you can snag. It’s also time to have some evening fun! Wednesdays are Bingo night!

• Hwy 61 Shopping- Highway 61 is the main thoroughfare through St. Francisville, it is also a commercial hub for several locally owned businesses. You can find the perfect for your significant other at Patrick’s Fine Jewelry or Mia Sophia Florist. Pick up quilting supplies for a new hobby at Cross Quilters, just off of Hwy 61.
• Downtown Shopping- Downtown St. Francisville is the epicenter for local clothing boutiques, fine gifts, and furniture stores. Park and walk around downtown to see what you can find!
•  The Oyster Bar– Located on Bayou Sara, The Oyster Bar is a dive bar with great sunset views. On Wednesdays they host Bingo starting at 6:30 pm. (currently closed for repairs).
•  The Chill Mill– Another local dive bar, The Chill Mill also host Bingo every Wednesday evening.
• Big River Running Club– Run a 5k loop through downtown and historic St. Francisville that starts at 6:30 pm and ends at Big River Pizza. Replenish the calories burned with pizza and beer at the end.

Thursday – Farm to Table.

St. Francisville is a place where one person’s trash can become another person’s treasure. There are multiple places to find unique antiques and gently used furniture. There is also a weekly farmers’ market for you to peruse fresh produce.

• St. Francisville’s Farmer’s Market- Located at the 4-H Barn on Wilcox Street, vendors gather every Thursday from 9 am to 1 pm to sell their fresh produce, homemade jams, and more.
• Antique Ally- There is a stretch along Commerce Street and Jackson Road that is home to 4 antique or consignment shops. They include West Feliciana Antique Mall, Findings, Back in Time Antiques, and Bubba’s Thrift Store.
• Trivia!- End the night by trying your hand at trivia! On the first and third Thursday of each month, Trivia 360 takes place at Big River Pizza Co. (Once the Oyster Bar reopens, the first Thursday Trivia night will move back there).
• Live Music- Typically starting on Thursdays, places like El Mejor and The Francis Southern Table begin hosting live music. This continues through Saturday nights.

Friday – Relax, Unwind, and Rejuvenate.

It’s time to have some self-care time. St. Francisville is the perfect place to take things slow and show your body some love.

• The Spa at The Inn– One of the newest additions to St. Francisville, The Spa at The Inn is located on the second story of the St. Francisville Inn and offers a wide variety of services, from massages to facials. Feel like a new person once you leave there.
• Stop and Smell the Roses– Parker Park in the center of Downtown St. Francisville is a great place to fit outside and get some fresh air. You can also walk around the historical neighborhood along Royal Street to admire the historic homes and manicured gardens.

Other Weekday Highlights

• West Feliciana Parish Library – Check for weekday story times, craft workshops, and community events.
• West Feliciana Railroad Caboose – Snap photos with Louisiana’s first interstate railroad relic on Ferdinand Street.
• Feliciana Backroads Trail- A great way to see some of these rural attractions is to take a drive along the Feliciana Backroads Trail.

A Foodie’s Paradise

St. Francisville may be small, but it is home to some talented chefs that create delicious meals that will keep you coming back for more.

• Breakfast – Start your day with a cup of Joe and pastry. Birdman Coffee is in the heart of downtown, with house-made pastries, breakfast entrees, and freshly brewed coffee. Etla Coffee is located at The Myrtles and serves Louisiana coffee with a variety of fresh food options to choose from. Basel’s Market will squeeze fresh orange juice for you while you wait for a savory freshly baked cinnamon roll.
• Southern Louisiana Cuisine- Want a taste of traditional Louisiana food? Visit places like Audubon Café, The Francis Southern Table, or the famous Magnolia Café to get delicious southern meals.
• Grab-and-Go Lunches– Make it a picnic and grab some quick but delicious food to go. Check out The Francis Smokehouse, Feliciana Seafood Market, Jett’s Gas Station, or The Field House before settling in a park or hitting the trails!
• International Flavors– Although not traditional Louisiana food, St. Francisville has some wonderful restaurants that bring some internation flavors to the area. For Tex-Mex, check out Que Pasa or El Mejor. Café Petra is a Greek and Lebanese restaurant in Downtown. East Dragon offers Chinese and East Asian dishes to satisfy your tastebuds.
• Pizza Pizza!- Who doesn’t love a good pizza pie? Sonny’s Pizza is a local favorite, famous for their Italian Burrito. Big River Pizza is a new staple downtown that prepares their pizza in a Neapolitan pizza oven. Don’t forget to stop by Away Down South on your way out to grab yourself a sweet treat!
• Date Night- Feeling like getting dressed up and having an elevated experience? Check out The Saint Restaurant for a menu that is refined and will delight taste buds you didn’t even know you had. Restaurant 1796 showcases a fresh, farm-to-table menu that will have your mouth watering. They also feature special weeknight menu items.

Travel Tips & Info

• Getting there: Just about 35 min North of Baton Rouge via the Great River Road, along Highway 61.
• Best Weekday Advantage: Skip the crowds and enjoy relaxed tours and local service at shops and cafés.
• Seasonal Notes: Spring brings vibrant blooms at Afton Villa and Rosedown; fall offers comfortable outdoor weather. Summer offers bright sunny days and seasonal deals at shops.

Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a couple on a quiet retreat, or a family exploring mid-week, St. Francisville and West Feliciana Parish offer a perfect mix of history, nature, and local charm. Ready to wander oak-lined streets, or dine by candlelight in a haunted plantation? Embrace the slower pace and make each weekday feel like a mini-vacation!