Shop, Eat & Stay

Geo-caching isn’t the only way to treasure hunt in Vernon Parish. You could take home your own piece of the past while exploring the many antiques stores and thrift shops Leesville has to offer. With so many options, it might be overwhelming to decide where to begin, but the “Antiques Itinerary” available for download on the Myths and Legends Byways website has taken the guesswork out, even for seasoned pickers. Listings on the Antiques Itinerary describe what you can expect to find at each stop, as well as the approximate time it takes to browse through the wares. You’ll find a range of carefully curated antique shops, booth-style flea markets, and even the local Goodwill stores on the list.

Picking finds can be hungry work, but you won’t have to travel far to find something to hit the spot for every taste and budget. Sit down and rest awhile at Toups Kajun Kitchen for a sampling of familiar favorites like poboys and fried catfish, or opt for classic diner fare from their all-day breakfast menu. Adventurous palates can explore the Puerto Rican flavors of Brenda’s Kitchen, where the scratch-made empañadas and three varieties of flan are among the enticing menu items enlivening the culinary variety of downtown Leesville.

Don’t fret if a local directs you to a gas station for some of the best food in town. They aren’t playing a trick;  they are just letting you in on the secret. Standout gas station grub in Vernon Parish includes plate lunches at Anacoco Mercantile and fish dinners at Leesville’s Fox Stop. Save room for dessert, as the Anacoco Mercantile also serves hand-dipped ice cream!

Stay a weekend or even longer by selecting from a wide range of lodging choices. For the no-frills venturer wanting to get up-close with nature, tent camping opportunities abound! Or, pull your mobile home into one of the area’s many RV parks. Hotels and motels include well-known chains in addition to local inns with a vintage vibe, such as the Redwood Motor Inn.

If you are looking for a homier stay, you won’t find a better place to land than Allen Acres Bed and Breakfast. Located near Fort Polk and on the very edge of the Kisatchie National Forest, Allen Acres welcomes guests with 26 wooded acres to admire and explore. Of course, the hosts are an added benefit. The Allens have intentionally cultivated plants to encourage hummingbirds, butterflies, and moths. Proprietor Dr. Charles Allen even offers classes to aid in identifying the plants you will encounter.  You won’t find a fresher breakfast than the eggs served in the mornings at Allen Acres– and don’t forget to thank the chickens when you see them on your way out for the day!

To learn more, visit vernonparish.org/stay.