Visit a Louisiana Tree Farm this year

PUBLISHER'S NOTE: My apologies to anyone who is listed incorrectly. The original post was written in November 2008. If the information is incorrect, please email me an I will update it.

Oh Christmas Tree! Oh Christmas Tree!
Time to think about Christmas trees. Start a new family tradition by going to one of these LOUISIANA Christmas Tree Farms and picking out a tree. Make some memories, enjoy a day of fresh farm air.


Bossier Parish
Cool Breeze Farm
 15860 Hwy. 157, Benton, Louisiana 71006, 318-326-4980

Peterson Drive Christmas Tree Farm
 318-355-7937, 126 Peterson Drive, Benton. Open Friday afternoons; all day Saturdays; Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sell Virginia Pine and Leyland Cypress trees.


Caddo Parish
Adams Tree Farm
318-686-4770, 6391 Buncombe Road, .7 miles off Pines Road. Open 9 a.m. to dark, Monday through Saturday; 1 p.m. to dark Sunday. Virginia pine and Leland cypress trees which are grown on the farm; Noble fir and Grand fir shipped to the farm.

Christmas Wood Tree Farm
318-683-0592, 3223 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, Shreveport, 1/5 miles west of Mansfield Road between Walker and Dean Roads. Hours 10 a.m. until dark Saturdays; and weekdays by appointment. Leyland cypress trees.


Shaw Christmas Tree Farm
318-284-3584, Hwy. 71, 1 mile north of Ida.

Weaver's Christmas Tree Farm
2995 Jolly Napier Rd, Shreveport, LA 71119, 318-636-6101. Choose from Leyland cypress, Carolina sapphire, Blue Ice, Cut Fraser fir. Also have a gift shop and sell tree stands.

Concordia Parish
Marie's Trees
1010 Doty Road, Ferriday, LA 71334, 318-757-4911, 318-715-4910 Choose from leyland & ovensii, virginia pine, blue ice, blue nalor,frasier fir (sizes 5-6 ft up to 8-9 ft )from north carolina to arrive 2 days before Thanksgiving. Items available to purchase tree stands, trees netted, wreaths, ornaments, decorated cypress knees, pecans shelled. And enjoy a kiddie train ride for children cost: $3.00. North on LA 15, turn west on Kentucky Ave. (Hwy 903). Go 2 miles to farm on left.


Fletcher Christmas Tree Farm, 3725 Highway 921, Clayton, LA 71326, 318-389-5894. Directions: FM 921, 3 miles south on Hwy. 15, between Clayton & Sicily Island.

DeSoto Parish
Santa's Woods, 732 Stonewall Frierson Road, Frierson, Louisiana 71027, 318-797-4749. Open day after Thanksgiving and every Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until sold out. www.santaswoods.net

Lincoln Parish
Beavers Christmas Tree Farm
2237 Hwy. 563, Simsboro, LA 71275, 318-247-8238
Choose from Leyland cypress, Virginia pine, Carolina Sapphire, Red Cedar. Also sell tree stands. Farm located at 2237 LA Hwy. 563, get off of I-20 at the Industry Exit #78, this exit is between the Grambling and Simsboro exits, go north on Hwy. 563 approximately 5 miles and the farm will be located on the right.

Ouachita Parish
Pepper Christmas Tree Farm
2181 Hwy 557, West Monroe, LA 71292, 318-387-5172
Choose from Leyland cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Blue Ice. Also sell tree stands, snow flocking. From West Monroe; go S on Hwy 34, 7 mi.; past paper mill take left on Hwy 557, go 2.5 miles to farm on left

Precious Memories Christmas Tree Farm, LLC
455 Glen Acres Road, Calhoun, LA 71225, 318-396-5113
"Full Service Christmas Tree Farm" Opening the Saturday before Thanksgiving November 22, 2008 thru Sunday before Christmas. Daily Monday thru Friday 10:00 until dark, Saturday and Sunday 8:00 until dark. Trees available are Virginia Pine, Leyland Cypress, Notabilis, Blue Ice, Carolina Sapphire, Red Cedar and North Carolina Fraser Fir (fresh pre-cut Fraser Firs from North Carolina available Thanksgiving weekend.)
Other fun on the farm: sleigh rides for the kids and kid at heart, Candy Christmas mints, Christmas tree pin stands for sale (takes the hassle out of straightening your tree) and fresh wreaths made daily. From I-20 Exit 108 (Cheniere Drew), go north on LA 546/LA15 for 2 miles to the intersection at Drew School. Take a left onto LA15 and continue for 2 miles (Look for our big sign on the right). Turn right onto Glen Acres Road and stay straight for .5 mile. Tree farm is on the left (Look for our sign). http://www.preciousmemorieschristmastreefarm.com

Rapides Parish
A & N Christmas Forest, 318-563-4011 or 318-563-4785, Directions: from Alexandria, Hwy. 1 south 18 miles to Echo, turn right at Cheneyville Echo Road or Sandy Lane Road, ½ mile to stop sign, turn left, 2nd house on right

Miltons' Christmas Tree Farm
1605 Hwy. 457, Lecompte, LA 71346, 318-442-0565. Choose from Leyland cypress, Virginia pine, Red Cedar.

Peachy Pines, 100 Locker Road, Deville, Louisiana 71328, 318-449-1142

Richland Parish
Curry's Christmas Tree Farm
548 Robinson Drive, Rayville, LA 71269, 318-728-6203. Choose from Leyland cypress, Virginia pine, Carolina Sapphire, Red Cedar, Blue Ice. Also, sell tree stands, offer hay rides, snow flocking, maze, field tours. I-20 east from Monroe to exit 132 then follow signs.

Sabine Parish
L & L Christmas Trees
 318-645-6988, 157 S. Main Street.

Tensas Parish
Barfield Tree Farm
318-467-5532, Hwy. 4, 3.5 miles west of Hwy. 65.

Vernon Parish
Sanders Christmas Tree Farm 
294 Westbrooks Rd., Hornbeck, Louisiana 71439, 318-565-3152

Webster Parish
Hollis Tree Farm
318-371-0530, Directions: from Minden, 2 miles on U.S. Hwy. 79, left Miller Road, go 3 miles. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. Virginia Pine and Leyland Cypress.

Old Beck House Christmas Tree Farm & Gift Shop, 318-377-0310, 112 Beck Curve Road, U.S. Highway 80, Minden. Open 1 p.m. until dark each day. Douglas fir, Leyland cypress and Virginia pine; other items include: wreaths, gift baskets and stockings.

Allen Parish
Grant Christmas Tree Farm & Syrup Mill
318-634-3408, Farm Address: 716 Whitaker Rd., Grant, LA 70644. Leyland Cypress, Virginia Pine, Fraser Fir trees, fresh wreaths and garland.
Fall festival the three Saturdays following Thanksgiving from 8 a.m. ‘til 6 p.m. The festival includes watching an old time cane press, making syrup, homemade biscuits, syrup, sausage and milk gravy, or chip beef barbeque sandwich, listen to blue grass and gospel music or take the children to the petting zoo. There's also arts & crafts and a hayride. For more details
visit: http://www.grantchristmastreefarm.com

If you have a Christmas Tree Farm that you would like listed here, please email louisianatrekker (at)gmail(dot)com.

PHOTO CREDIT: Leyland Cypress from The National Christmas Tree Association

Sources: Southern Christmas Tree Association
Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry
www.garden.com
Louisiana Forestry Association

Other links about caring for real trees and finding tree farms from the LSU AgCenter and the National Christmas Tree Association.

Selecting a live Christmas tree from the LSU AgCenter

Real Tree Safety Tips, Not Scare Tactics

Selecting and Caring for a Real Tree

If you don't see the tree farm you are looking for then try this link to The National Christmas Tree Association or the Louisiana Forestry Association 

Step Back in Time at the Minden Cemetery Ghost Walk.

The 7th Annual Minden Cemetery Ghost Walk tours will begin at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, November 13, with the last tour starting at 3:00 p.m. and lasting a little over an hour.

The tour will feature ghosts and living history lessons from actors and actresses in period costume portraying Minden’s past leading citizens. Step back in time as you listened to the stories being told.  In a little over an hour, you can see Confederate soldiers along with early business leaders, teachers, doctors and politicians. This is a rare opportunity to learn about Minden’s past community leaders, citizens and history. The Ghost Walk teaches you how Minden’s women and men endured through great hardships and strived to overcome great obstacles to make Minden what it is today.

If you missed the tour last year, you don’t want to miss it this year. For more information on the Minden Cemetery located on Bayou Avenue and the annual tour, visit http://www.mindencemetery.blogspot.com/ or you can contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192. 

BROUGHT TO YOU IN PART BY THE WEBSTER PARISH CONVENTION AND VISITORS

By: Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau

Winnsboro-Franklin Parish Chamber of Commerce Christmas Events

Christmas Events

The annual Christmas Parade sponsored by the Winnsboro-Franklin Parish Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Friday, December 3, on the streets of downtown Winnsboro.

This year's event marks the eighth year the parade has been held after dark, and parade organizers note that the event has grown each year. As usual, the parade will be the culmination of a week-long series of yuletide events in Winnsboro.

Float builders are encouraged to contact the Chamber office to register their float for the parade, which will draw thousands of viewers from throughout Franklin Parish and beyond.

"Last year couldn't have been any better because of the snow that fell before and during the parade," said parade co-chair Paul Price, Jr. "We really don't expect that to happen again, but you never know."

Price noted that the annual event has become a great advertising opportunity for local and area businesses.

"If the past few years have been any indication, this is a great opportunity for local businesses to get their name before the public because, weather permitting, there will be a huge crowd watching the parade."

Bands, elected officials, and beauty queens, along with beautiful lighted floats will comprise this year's parade, which will follow the traditional parade route in downtown Winnsboro.

In addition, a limited number of local non-profit organizations will be selling food and beverages in selected spots along the parade route.

The parade will culminate with the annual fireworks display at Landis Park.

"This event continues to grow, and we hope groups from throughout the parish will enter floats in this year's parade," said parade co-chair Noble Ellington III. "Cash prizes will be awarded to for the best floats, and we hope the friendly float building competition among our local banks and businesses to maintain its intensity."

Commercial float entries will compete for the Santa trophy that they will get to display for a year, while non-profit groups will compete for cash prizes in different categories.

Antique cars are also encouraged to participate in this event, and trophies and cash prizes will be awarded to the top three vehicles. This category is open to any antique car owner within the parish and beyond.

"Car owners will need to register with the Chamber office by November 24," Price said. "Owners can contact the chamber office of visit the chamber website for entry forms."

Also on tap during the week following the Thanksgiving holidays is the annual tree lighting ceremony across the street from Winnsboro City Hall. That event will take place on Tuesday, November 30, at 6 p.m. at the gazebo, and will be coordinated by Wellspring.

Christmas trees sponsored by local businesses on the "Trail of Trees" along the Walking Trail in Winnsboro will also be turned on during the week, and on Thursday, December 2, the annual Children's Christmas Parade will be held on the streets of downtown Winnsboro starting at 6 p.m.

Children from throughout the parish are encouraged to "dress up" their bicycles, electric cars, and wagons and participate in this event.

Entry forms, rules, and other parade information are posted on the Chamber website at http://www.winnsborochamber.com/christmasforms.htm.

Information from Winnsboro Chamber of Commerce.

Christmas Parade in Coushatta

The Coushatta - Red River Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Christmas Parade on Thursday, December 2nd.

The Town of Coushatta will sponsor a Fireworks Extravaganza after the parade; the viewing area will be at the Boat Launch under the Red River Bridge.

The parade line-up is at 3:00 p.m. at the Fair Grounds and the parade will roll at 4:00p.m.(schools will let out at noon that day).  The parade route is from the Fair Grounds and will end on Front Street in front of the Methodist church.

Information supplied from Red River Chamber of Commerce.

Monroe Events for November

Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall

November 5-7, Free

Chennault Aviation and Military Museum of Louisiana, 701 Kansas Lane, Monroe

318-362-5540, www.chennaultmmla.org

Experience this unique expression of honor to the soldiers, sailors, and airmen who sacrificed for our country.

Taste of the Twin Cities

Showcasing local restaurants featuring samples of delicious food while retail exhibitors offer opportunities to shop from an array of specialties! And you won't want to miss the live entertainment by local musicians.

November 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Cost $15

West Monroe Convention Center, 901 Ridge Ave., West Monroe, Louisiana

www.tasteofthetwincities.org

Christmas on the River

November 27

Gallery Open House on Art Alley

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Downtown Monroe/West Monroe

Downtown Christmas Market

Noon to 5 p.m.

Downtown Monroe Riverwalk

100 N. Grand, Monroe

Christmas Express Train

4 p.m., 212 Walnut Street, Monroe

Lighting Ceremony

4:30 p.m., Antique Alley, Trenton Street, West Monroe

Little Miss Christmas on the River Pageant

6:30 p.m., Antique Alley, Trenton Street, West Monroe

November 28

Chamber Arts Brass Christmas Concert

4 p.m., Biedenharn Museum & Gardens, 2006 Riverside Drive, Monroe

For more events

Information from Monroe-West Monroe Convention & Visitors' Bureau

Cane River Green Market in Natchitoches

I Like Home The Best

by Angela Couch

It's rivers flow with a rhythm as they journey south. It's Magnolia blossoms, so striking in their beauty, give one a sense of strength wrapped in sleek satin. The sweet aroma of honeysuckle on the vine along it's country lanes soothe the soul. It's a place where people enjoy life in all of it's colorful hues and blends. A place where unique music, delectable food, or nature's bounty are reason enough to have a festival or throw a party. I'm talking about Louisiana. Even the name is a lovely melody.

Say it again, Louisiana.

We have such a wonderful country, filled with breathtaking vistas, endless fun, excitement and interesting people. After traveling in every state in America, except one, I have decided I like home the best. My goal, through a series of stories, is to give you a word picture of my area of Louisiana: its fun, its history, its attractions, its people.

I will be promoting events, highlighting history, supporting the arts, encouraging participation, and reporting on each event I attend or take a part in. Each month, my Facebook page, lists coming events and historical points of interest, highlighted by the crow as he flies 100 miles across north central Louisiana. Louisiana Trekker has graciously asked me to share with her readers some of the interesting places and people we see in this area.

Coming soon, two events we recently attended, the 55th Annual Louisiana Art and Folk Festival in Columbia, LA and Fall Fest & Antique Show sponsored by LaSalle Antique and Tractor Club based in Jena, LA.

Here are a couple of shots from those two events.

Louisiana, a lovely melody.

Photos and article copyright Angela Couch. All rights reserved. My not be copied or reproduced in any manner.

Can you smell it???? Cotton Candy, Corn Dogs, Sausage, Peppers and Onions...

Must be time for the Louisiana State Fair!!!

Alright, if you have read any of my past blog posts you know how much I love Louisiana. This time of year is one of my favorite times because I get to make memories with my family by visiting the State Fair of Louisiana. That's right, one of the highlights of the year is a trip to the state fair for a fun-filled day of eating, playing, riding, and having fun.

Trips to the fair bring back childhood memories of days gone by. Some things have not changed; the food, the smells, the carnies, and the rides.

This year's State Fair of Louisiana begins October 21 and runs through November 7. For a complete listing of all that the fair has to offer, visit their website State Fair of Louisiana. There are a series of concerts, rodeo, football classic, livestock shows, exhibits, rides and more. To view the special entertainment click here.

One event of interest is the World Championship Blacksmiths on October 22, 23, 24, 2010 at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum; visitors can watch a competition of blacksmiths creating a horseshoe.

An insider's tip: if you are able take off from school or work and get there between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and it is free to park and get into the fair; this will give you extra money to buy food or ride more rides!

Don't forget to visit the livestock barn and exhibit building while you are there. Many people have worked hard on different items to show at the fair from canned goods to arts and crafts.

Admissions
Ticket Prices
    * $8.00 Gate Admission
    * $28.00 Pay-One-Price *Includes Gate Admission and Ride Armband

FunPass - $75.00
    * Gate admission and armband for each of the 14 days the State Fair is open.
    * Once through the gate, redeem at Lowery Carnival office for FunPass ID.
    * Good for one person only. Non-transferrable.

Special Discount Tickets can be purchased at Brookshire's and Super One Foods.
Parking: $5.00
Hours of Operation : 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Opening Day Special - Dollar Day
Official Opening Day: Thursday, Oct. 21
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Free Parking & Admission
3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.: $1 Parking/Admission/Rides*
Even Many Food Items will be sold for $1!

Shhhhh Central Louisiana has a Secret

My mission when I travel is to find new and unique places to eat and visit. One of my favorite shows on television is Diner's, Drive Inns, and Dives. I just love seeing these real restaurants with real people who have a passion for what they do. I love smelling the food and taking in the local flavor. What really makes traveling fun and exciting is experiencing different cultures and people. One thing that I've noticed is that when you step off the beaten track and give local restaurants and businesses a chance you can find some GREAT people and places.

I'm going to let you in on a secret in Alexandria...you may already know about it...but in case you don't then you need to know about it...okay...I'm going to whisper it to you now...Atwood's Bakery on MacArthur Drive. There. Now you know. Whew, I feel better because I don't like keeping secrets.

When I find a great place I just want to share it with everyone. I'm sure if you are from Alexandria or Central Louisiana then you already knew about Atwood's Bakery. It has now made it to my list of must visit places on my trips to Alexandria. To be honest I love baked goods so I try to stay away from them and if I lived in Alexandria then I would have to take up extreme exercising because I would want to visit here often.

Our first few trips to Atwood's consisted of doughnuts or pastries and they were delicious! On our last trip we decided to take our little ones with us and actually go inside. The plan was to pick out some goodies and hit the road. When you walk into Atwood's you are immediately greeted with the smells you would expect from a bakery the overwhelming smell of buttercream frosting and assorted confections hit you like a ton of bricks. The variety is overwhelming (at least to those indecisive types as myself; I absolutely hate to go to cafeterias because there are too many choices and I start having a panic attack!). There are pastries, cookies, pies, cupcakes, Gelato, tea, coffee, cakes, candy and oh so much more.

Once everyone decided upon what they wanted to try, we decided to sit and eat our goodies. Below you will see what the little ones picked out...two monster cupcakes please. Only our son would not eat his; he liked it too much. He sat there at the table while everyone else ate their delicious treats and he would not eat it. It was not until we got home and took a picture of it would the boy eat it. Now, I don't know what planet he is from because I too had a cupcake (chocolate with buttercream frosting) and I had no problem gobbling mine right up.

Monster Cupcake from Atwood's Bakery in Alexandria
(The cupcake suffered some damage on the way home.)

I wanted to sample one of everything...that's how good everything looked and smelled. What I noticed while sitting there with my family and enjoying our break from the world was the friendliness of the staff and people who worked there. The atmosphere was relaxed and it felt like a place that you just wanted to stay and hang out for a while. Not many places these days give off that vibe. (I found myself singing the Cheers theme song in my head..."you wanna go where everybody knows your name...)

While we were waiting for our order we were drooling over the gelatos (which are fresh made right there at Atwood's Bakery). They offered us a sample; not just one flavor but I believe that if we had wanted to sample every flavor they would have let us. (oh and it was delicious!!!) They were friendly and nice. I felt special. Yes, in this day and age of fast food and rude workers; I actually felt like they had pride in their product and wanted to share it with me. What a great feeling!

Now, I have a quest. Now, I am going to have to try everything they have and find a favorite. That may take me years as their menu is quite extensive. The list is small right now....one cupcake, check; one eclair, check; one cannoli; check; one cream puff; check... It will be a while before my next trip to Alexandria but until then I'm dreaming about Atwood's Bakery and what to sample next.

I think in my zeal to share my secret I forgot to tell you that Atwood's Bakery also has a deli where they serve soups, sandwiches, salads, and breakfast. (Deli Menu) There is an extensive sandwich list including a build your own sandwich.

So, the next time you are in Alexandria, make it a point to drop by Atwood's Bakery. There's something for everyone. Prepare to be blown away! One other item of interest is that Atwood's Bakery was on TLC's Ultimate Cake Off. Wow! That's really cool. Louisiana has some really cool people!!

In my quest to promote Louisiana and our businesses, I must ask you that if you live in the Cenla area, please give this local business your money. We need to keep our dollars locally and spend them with the hard working and great entrepreneurs who make our state so great. For that next family gathering, Sunday dinner, special occasion, baby shower, birthday, wedding or other celebration, go to Atwood's Bakery and give them a try. I'm already trying to figure out how to move closer...so I can complete my quest!


Visit Atwood's Bakery at 1125 MacArthur Drive, Alexandria, Louisiana. Call 318-445-5134 or toll-free 800-374-8236

Rejoicing in the Roses at the Gardens of the American Rose Center

Rejoicing in the Roses, a celebration of contemporary praise music is set for Sunday, October 17, 2010, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Gardens of the American Rose Center. Three outstanding local praise groups will be performing live in the Gardens at the Windsounds Carillon Tower. Refreshments will be sold.

Performances are as follows:
• 2:00 p.m.: Gospel Quartet, Heaven’s Echoes
• 3:30 p.m.: St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Combined Adult and Children Choirs
• 5:00 p.m.: Silent Singers of Waller Baptist Church

Individual Admission:
• $5.50 per person
• Free: Ages 5-younger and ARS/ARC members

Group Admission:
• $3.50 per person for groups of 10 or more
• $35: Mini-bus
• $75: Bus

Gardens of the American Rose Center
Home of the American Rose Society, the Gardens of the American Rose Center was created in 1974 through the contributions of rose lovers around the world. The 118-acre park contains more than 65 individual gardens with each bed and planting specially designed to demonstrate ways roses can be grown in the average home garden. It is conveniently located just off of I-20, Exit 5, in Shreveport, LA.

By: Maria Scott, Director of Communications

318-938-5402
www.ars.org