Steel Magnolias Tour of Homes

This fall tradition has being going so long, it's historic in its own right. Hosted by the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches, this year's tour of homes celebrates the 30th anniversary of the beloved Central Louisiana-based film Steel Magnolias, featuring iconic spots true fans will surely recognize. 

Town Tour: Saturday visitors will wander through the Steel Magnolia Tour of Homes Town Tour, with stops at the world-famous House and Garden at 320 Jefferson, which served as the movie's center stage; Ouiser's 1840s home; the Maison Louisiane at 332 Jefferson; and of course, the Ragan House and Styles Beauty Shop, a working Natchitoches beauty shop that has done real CenLa nails and hair for generations, and features the original Truvy's sign from the movie. 9 am–4 pm. 

Cane River Country Tour: During this two-day tour, guests will visit Cherokee Plantation, a site frequented by Steel Magnolia stars and their friends during breaks from filming; Oakland Plantation, which is one of the most intact Creole cotton plantations in the United States; Melrose Plantation, a site owned by the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches, of which Steele Magnolia's playwright and screenwriter Robert Harling's mother (and the inspiration for the character M'Lyn) was an instrumental figure. The tour will end at one of the film's most iconic spots—Saint Augustine's Catholic Church, where Shelby and Sammy were married. 9 am–4 pm both days. 

Shelby's Wedding Reception: On Saturday evening, the APHN is recreating Shelby's wedding reception at the Steele Magnolia House where it occurred, featuring the very same band that performed in the movie's reception thirty years ago. Guests will enjoy a classic Natchitoches wedding feast served by Shelby's maids of honor, with a menu that includes sparkling wine, lemonade, mini meat pies, jambalaya, catfish strips, and tasty hors d'oeuvres from APHN's cook book. Oh, and an Armadillo Cake of course! 6 pm–8 pm. 

$27.60 for a Single Tour Package ($22.60 for kids); $42.60 for a Double Tour Package ($37.60 for kids); $52.60 for Shelby's Wedding Reception ($35 for kids). Tickets from melroseplantation.org, through the Natchitoches Visitor Center at (800) 259-1714, or at 780 Front Street.