Natchitoches was founded in 1714 and is 2 years older than New Orleans. It's main street called Front Street is a historic brick street that is next to the Cane River Lake. The river bank has a pavilion for performances with seating incorporated into the side of the hill. It has been landscaped with a waterfall and is a wonderful area to walk and enjoy the view of the river. Front street has architecture that is reminiscent of the French Quarter in New Orleans. Natchitoches is the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase and is home to the oldest general mercantile store in Louisiana. Kaffie Frederick was established in 1863 and is still run by by the same family.
