Shopping is very nice along Front Street in Natchitoches. Several blocks make up quaint, little boutiques; specialty shops; and antiques stores. While this isn't a big hit for children, it is a family-friendly, clean, and safe environment. Walking along the beautiful Front Street, you can view the "river." Cane River is actually a lake, but was once part of Red River before it changed its course. In spring and summer, the street is done up with beautiful potted plants and flowers in hanging baskets. At Christmastime, you can view all of the gorgeous lights that make Natchitoches so well-known. One interesting feature about Front Street is the street itself; it's paved with bricks. Both the opening and ending scenes of "Steel Magnolias" was filmed here, along with some other shots from the movie. At the current time, below are the types of shops on Front Street. I can't remember all of there names, but I do know some of them.
My personal favorite is the bookshop on Front Street, the Book Merchant. This is a small shop where you can find a good selection of bestsellers and various items, such as journals and postcards. Also, they have a great selection of area-inspired works, such as Cane River cookbooks and Cane Rive Heritage history books. The gentleman who owns this shop is very friendly and has a very good sense of humor. To celebrate the 200-year-anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase, he had a painting of himself and one of his in store cats with Napoleon. Yes, he does have cats, but they are very friendly!
There are several gift boutiques selling moderate to rather expensive gifts of the area, such as prints of the artist Clementine Hunter, who was an area native.
There is a very cute store on Front Street where they sell hip and cute monogrammed bags and purses. Also, there is an antique hardware store selling hardware and a selection of gifts and toys.
Another favorite of mine is the toy shop. Most toy shops today are more like Toys R Us and feature top-of-the-line technological toys and games, but this little shop sells more traditional stuff, such as puppets and wooden toys. It's very cute and worth a peek.
On Front Street are two restaurants, and it is just a block away from Lasyone's Restaurant. But you are just a few minutes (depending on traffic) from Burger King, Pizza Hut, and the like.
I will try to update this entry soon with the correct names of the stores and addresses if I can find them. Thanks for being patient.