R & R IN ST. FRANCISVILLE

We spent Friday and Saturday in St. Francisville at the St. Francisville Inn B&B build in the early 1800's. The town is the second-oldest incorporated town in Louisiana and began as a burial ground. When raging floodwaters of the Mississippi often made burial impossible the Spanish Capuchin monks across the river in Pointe Coupee Parish would cross the river to dry highland bluffs to bury their dead. The settlement that straggled up around their graveyard took its name from their order's gentle patron, St. Francis. The small town now "awakens a sense of grand history and also the simpler small town life."
We visited charming plantations build in the late 1700's and window shopped in lovely shops filled with southern niceties. We strolled along the brick sidewalks viewing historic homes occupied now as private residences, marveled at the Spanish moss and took lots of pictures, probably too many. There are some wonderful places to eat. One we especially enjoyed is called "Eight Sisters". It was recommended to us by a woman at the B&B if we wanted some soul food! Probably our favorite place. We especially enjoyed visiting with one of the sisters and hearing her story. We encouraged her to write it down so at least other family could enjoy it. We had smothered chicken with rice. Tender and moist and just like one could imagine being served in their family. We were told all of the recipes are ones the eight sisters and five brothers were raised on. We went back Friday night for dessert of sweet potato pie and bread pudding. Then we wandered by the Magnolia Grill to listen to the live oldies music. The place was packed. It was difficult to drive out of St. Francisville. Rusty really enjoyed the visit and we were both very glad we hadn't missed it. It was relaxing and a wonderful way to celebrate the end of our ride!
Mother's Day was spent in Port Allen, and we went to church at Baton Rouge 2nd Ward. Enjoyed the day very much and made more new friends. One woman Georgia was sitting by asked if she could take us to the airport on Tuesday morning. What a perfect offer! We needed to return the rental car Monday afternoon and were planning on taking the taxi to the airport.
Sue Justis is the name of the kind sister. She feels like a friend we've know for a long time and certainly hope we can keep in touch with her. Since she retired as secretary of the LDS Institute at LSU she has filled her days and life with service. She is from Portland and says that "us Oregonians need to stick together!" We invited her to come visit us and hope they do!