Natchitoches, Louisiana’s 58th annual Tour of Homes on October 12, 13, 14, 2012 promises to be the most exciting showcase of private historic homes and plantations in years.  The event is hosted by the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches and includes a Candlelight Tour (Oct 12), Town Tour (Oct 13), and Cane River Country Tour (Oct 13, 14), all providing visitors with a chance to be guided through the most elegant historic ho,es in Louisiana’s Oldest Settlement. Download a Tour of Homes brochure from www.melroseplantation.org.

On Friday, October 12, visitors will be able to tour 3 outstanding private home. The Candlelight Tour (7-9:30pm) will include Green Gables Home (1880), Prudhomme-Roquier House (1782), and the famous Steel Magnolia House (where the family resided in the movie). Wine and cheese will be served at Lemee House on Jefferson Street where visitors will enjoy the gorgeous gardens and live music.  The Service League of Natchitoches will also be hosting its Fourth Annual Tasting Fair at the Prudhomme-Roquier House featuring recipes in their Steel Magnolias in the Kitchen cookbook.

Saturday visitors will be treated to one of the most remarkable groups of historic homes ever offered for public exhibit.  The 1850s Late Greek Revival home of Thomas Claude Metoyer will be open for the first time and the Ducournau Townhouse on Front Street features a unique brick carriage way. Roselawn (1903) is a 25 room Queen Anne Victorian that is painted in the nine original colors. Tours run from 9am-4:30pm.

Both Saturday and Sunday visitors will be able to take the Cane River Country tour to visit the beautiful Cane River plantations of Melrose, Cherokee, and Oakland.  Special programs will be held at each. While on Cane River, visit the St. Augustine Catholic Church fair.

Tickets can be purchased from www.aphnatchitoches.net , through the Natchitoches Visitor Center (1-800-259-1714), or all weekend long at the office located at 780 Front Street.