Is Natchitoches or Monroe more touristy? (New Orleans, Baton Rouge: how much, homes, living)

[Tom Lennox 70]

I'm from South Louisiana but have never been to either one of these cities. We are doing trip planning for next year and heading up to Hot Springs, Arkansas from Livingston Parish. On the way up we'll be spending a night in Natchez, Mississippi and sightseeing there and also going through Monroe. On Google maps, the drive via Natchitoches is about the same driving time (maybe 10 minutes less) but an extra 60 miles since its more Interstate driving.

I'm debating whether to take the Natchitoches way back or go though Monroe again for more sightseeing. I know Natchitoches is the oldest town in Louisiana and has a lot of historic architecture but does it still have a lot of tourist value compared to New Orleans? I know its often compared to New Orleans but without the craziness. I also love Natchitoches meat pies and crawfish pies but have only gotten them in the Baton Rouge area. Are the plantations and historic homes in Natchitoches comparable to Natchez and St. Francisville?

Does Monroe or West Monroe have a lot of sightseeing value? I do really want to see the Duck Dynasty and Duck Commander stuff. Anyone know how much time that takes and if there's a lot more to see in the Monroe area other than that? I do know a lot of people from New Orleans and even some from Baton Rouge like to snub their noses at Monroe and other smaller Louisiana cities out of elitism (these same people look down on Livingston Parish and even Ascension as well) but in all honestly does that area offer good historic sights, cool local restaurants or natural wonders? I personally do like the more rural, country style and the reasons New Orleans people dislike Monroe might make me like it more. I did use to live in West Virginia and enjoyed my time there before coming home to Louisiana.

Between Natchitoches and Monroe which is more worth an extra night?

[Innotech]

Natchitoches absolutely! The town is small but the riverfront shopping and dining area is massively charming!

[Freshgraduate09]

Echoing what the other poster suggests! Natchitoches definitely. It is one of the oldest European settlement in Lousiana afterall. There is a free walking tour offered by the visitor center at downtown, three plantations within 30 minutes drive to check out. Natchitoches is well known for the "Steel Magnolia" movie shots. It might be worth to check these places out.
You can easily spend a day or two there. I am not sure there is much to see in Monroe.

[Westbound and Down]

Absolutely Natchitoches, quaint and charming, good food...great place to visit. Seek out the famous meat pies...

[Tom Lennox 70]

Thanks for the responses! We are going to spend an extra night in Natchitoches, and going to Lasoyne's for meat pies. Any other good restaurants in the area?

As for Monroe there doesn't seem to be much information about Duck Dynasty attractions.

[supfromthesite]

Might be the first time I've seen Monroe and touristy in the same sentence.

[RMESMH]

Originally Posted by Tom Lennox 70

Thanks for the responses! We are going to spend an extra night in Natchitoches, and going to Lasoyne's for meat pies. Any other good restaurants in the area?

As for Monroe there doesn't seem to be much information about Duck Dynasty attractions.

Good choice.

(I agree with the other posters above re Natchitoches over Monroe).

Hot Springs = as well.

[Lizap]

Originally Posted by Tom Lennox 70

Thanks for the responses! We are going to spend an extra night in Natchitoches, and going to Lasoyne's for meat pies. Any other good restaurants in the area?

As for Monroe there doesn't seem to be much information about Duck Dynasty attractions.

Good choice. Have been to Monroe multiple times. Not impressed at all…

[sluggermatt15]

Natchitoches for sure!