Minden. The Friendliest City in the South.
Minden is a gem of a town in North Louisiana. It’s red-brick paved main street is lined with shops, businesses and restaurants. Minden is a southern town steeped in history and charm.
I “found” Minden by way of Sara McDaniel and Simply Southern Cottage on social media. I followed Sara’s journey as she documented the undertaking of restoring The Villas at Spanish Court. When they were open to guest I knew a trip to Minden was in order!
Side note: I followed Sara because I was intrigued by her projects but became a fan because of her story...read her story and be prepared to be inspired.
My intent on the first trip to Minden was purely seeing Sara’s hard work come to fruition. But I fell in love. Minden offers a slice of small town life and a sense of community I think many of us are longing for. I can’t lie I have looked at real estate there and one day if I can...
Minden has something for everyone. Lake Bistineau State Park is nearby, there are a number of festivals {I highly recommend Grilling on Main}, museums, shopping and so much more. I could go on and on about Minden {just ask anyone who knows me} but see for yourself all that Minden and Webster Parish have to offer.
But I’ll be honest, my time in Minden looks like this...a leisurely morning of coffee at Brick Street Coffee or The Broken Bean followed by antiquing at Heavenly Treasures and Possibilities Antiques and Collectibles. Drinking coffee and shopping requires an afternoon nap. After resting, a walk into town for dinner is next on the agenda. The {short} walk is considered my exercise and you can’t change my mind. Dinner is a toss up between Roma’s Italian Bistro and Under Dawg’s Sports Grill. To make this decision easy I usually stay two nights and eat at both!
After dinner and more exercise it’s back to the villas for what is probably my favorite part of any stay at The Villas at Spanish Court; sitting on the patio in the comfy adirondack chairs under the stars, with the twinkling string lights overhead and sounds of nature all around. Y’all it’s the most peaceful feeling that is better felt that described in words. I’ve sat here alone, with my mom, with a friend. On my last visit I got acquainted with my neighbor who shared that she was in town for a memorial for her mom and was visiting the home of her grandparents for the first time since childhood. We only chatted for about 15 minutes but y’all I made a friend and told her to be sure and let me know how that visit went.
I was drawn to The Villas at Spanish Court by Simply Southern Cottage, as I mentioned, and putting into words what a phenomenal job Sara McDaniel has done with this property is difficult. You really must experience any of Sara’s properties for yourself to understand BUT here is what I can tell you...from the moment you walk in the door you feel a sense of relaxation and peace. The soft lighting, the magical decor, the smell of lavender in the air, the soothing sound of music...all the things. I have never been so excited to walk into a room as I am when I enter one of the villas.
The attention to detail is perfection. The bathrooms retain some of the original tiles {oh my heart} and the Niven Morgan products will even make your children want to take a bath they smell so good! The kitchen has all the comforts and necessities of home and the cutest retro refrigerators. The bedding and pillows are comparable to any 5 star fancy hotel and great for napping {I’ve done the research for you} And some of the villas have swings inside!
Y’all I could go on and on but visit Minden Stays and plan a trip to the “friendliest city in the South” and experience Minden for yourself. You can thank me later and if I happen to be there let’s meet under the twinkly lights and share a story.
One last note on this gem of a southern town. Last year we {Boo and I} attended Grilling on Main in June. Friday night we arrived and walked to Under Dawgs Sports Grill for refreshing libations and a good meal. In the time we spent there we met new friends, gained a granddaughter {not really}, got a sample of BBQ and left with a jar of pickled squash. Now if this doesn’t say “friendliest city in the South” I don’t know what does!
Lagniappe {French for something extra} If you are looking for a fun girls trip get away you should make plans to attend Witches Ride of Minden. It’s a whimsical bike ride on Main Street that one of my new friends, Sarah Overall, told me about and I plan to be there this year on October 24, 2024. I need to start practicing my bike riding or find some training wheels!
With Humor & Hot Flashes,
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