Courtesy of Miles Partnership/West Feliciana Parish Tourist Commission Courtesy of Birdman Coffeehouse and Eatery Shranda Stevens and Linda Stevens at the Easter 2025 meal at Assisi Heights in St Carolyn Kliesch and Peggy Pittman visit at the Easter 2025 meal at Assisi Heights in St Rosemary Williams and Carolyn Bell at the Easter 2025 meal at Assisi Heights in St Assisi Heights residents recently gathered to celebrate Easter at a luncheon in St Email notifications are only sent once a day News Tips:newstips@theadvocate.com Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: By: 8:00 am on September 8 115-unit apartment building as well as 34 three-story townhouses clustered around an interior courtyard and parking lot The 104,596-square-foot multi-family building will offer units spanning between 498 to 1,004 square feet an amenity area situated at the fifth floor and 52 parking spaces in a basement garage The block is bound by North 19th Street to the west Vineyard Street at the triangle’s northern tip The apartment building will extend along the entire Wylie Street frontage while the townhouses will line the three remaining blocks The lot is one of the the largest development-ready site in Francisville a compact yet rapidly developing neighborhood situated roughly between Fairmount Avenue to the south The site at hand takes up a triangular block formed at the junction of the neighborhood’s unique slanted grid and the city’s standard north-south street network Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates Like YIMBY on Facebook Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews None of the renderings show the street-facing fronts of the townhomes Other than a single excavator loading a pile of rubble into a dumpster there is no evidence of ongoing construction I am sure this will have no trees like all projects Philly has a forest of “rendering trees” Construction has been stalled for some time In June 2024 12 buildings along 19th st (with foundations already poured) were sold to different developer Looks like they’ll start working on them soon I remember how this development was strongly apposed by neighbors and I was puzzled by the opposition as they were building right next to a city park It looks like it will not be built according to the original designs A shame that they feel the need to dedicate 1/3rd of the space to parking when the site borders two bus stops and is a short walk from a two SEPTA station Greetings: When will these units be completed and are there any 2 bedroom units Hello will these beautiful houses be income based to fix family needs ADVERTISEMENT Follow on Instagram © COPYRIGHT New York YIMBY LLC FRANCISVILLE — Easter is a special time here in the Felicianas And just like the new blooms on the Azaleas the Easter Sunrise Service is being held at Hemingbough in St Francisville as the center’s flowers — and faith — enter full bloom the amphitheater has become a sanctuary for believers of many faiths who gather at sunrise and I don't know a time in my 70 years of life when the world has not needed the message of Easter The Hemingbough Easter service starts at 7 a.m. on Sunday. Click here for more information Brown said his family has really gotten into active management of its deer herd over the past 10 years restricting the annual harvest only to big bucks except allowing younger or female hunters to take an occasional small buck This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access. Holladay downs trophy buck behind his home ©2025 Louisiana Sportsman, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Employee Information FRANCISVILLE — Few things are more terrifying than when bad dreams turn into real-life nightmares Few people know that feeling better than Bo Butler who thought he was in the middle of a bad dream when his home caught on fire March 29th “I woke up at like four in the morning I started coming to like realizing what was happening,” Butler told UWK Butler lives in the home with his wife and three children he was the only one there when the fire broke out and his three children were staying at their grandmother’s house desperately trying to pull them from the burning house I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face I can only see a flashing light in the corner of the ceiling but that was the fire flashing through the smoke,” Butler said Butler eventually remembered he was alone and escaped the house to grab a hose I literally watched that fire start rolling hard the plastic siding of her home had already begun melting By the time fire and emergency services arrived Butler said the house was fully engulfed in flames He believes the fire started in the ceiling and may have been caused by faulty electrical wiring allowing his family to stay in a hotel for the night Butler stayed at his mother’s house—only to face yet another disaster and there were three feet of water in my mom’s house,” Butler said Friends of the Butler family will be hosting a boiled meat benefit on April 5 at noon at the Jungle Inn in St All proceeds will go toward helping the family rebuild their home and lives A GoFundMe has been set up to help support them and organizers are asking for donations of clothing and shoes Butler said the outpouring of support has been overwhelming I want to sit down and write something heartfelt because it’s been breathtaking I didn’t expect all these people to do as much as they’re doing,” Butler said His daughters are four and seven years old Butler said his daughter was asking if he was able to save any of her toys or clothing from the fire but he told her that the only thing he was able to escape the fire with were his shoes you know the house and toys and all of that stuff are material.’ I was trying to explain to her about that and we took the family picture.’ She was thinking of the memories—the real stuff—and that’s what got me and broke me down because she’s seven and has an adult mind frame on these things,” Butler said Butler said he sees it as a miracle that he was the only one home when the fire started Download the Unfiltered with Kiran app from the Apple App Store and Google Play to stay updated on the latest news across the Capital area.  and website in this browser for the next time I comment Drop us a line and we’ll be happy to follow up Let's ConnectFollow along on your favorite social media platform and get the latest updates directly in your feed Download our app or join our newsletter for instant access to breaking news and in-depth stories from anywhere The opening day of the Super Retriever Series kicked off with the first round of the Retriever Trials in St. Francisville on the morning of April 10, 2025. More than 100 dogs are set to compete in the SRS events over the weekend including more rounds of the Retriever Trials and the Super Dock. All events are free to the public. For more information visit: www.superretrieverseries.com.  Harley holds a decoy duck for handler Luke Cour at the home base during the retriever trials series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Harley waits patiently as handler Luke Cour simulates shooting at ducks during the retriever trials series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Judge bounds through the grass with a decoy duck during his run with handler Scott Greer at the retriever trials series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Cruz races back through the field after picking up the decoy duck from the blind to handler Luke Cour during the retriever trails series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Harley races back to handler Luke Cour with a decoy duck during the retriever trails series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Handler Lyle Steinman takes a decoy duck from Jet at the retriever trials series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Handler Lyle Steinman uses a whistle and hand signals to give directions to Bogey in the retriever trials series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Handler Leo Joseph III and dog Coal get ready for the first decoy duck to be tossed at the retriever trials series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Handler Ron Anderson gives hands signals for directions as dog Rip searches for a decoy duck at the retriever trails series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Tanner locks onto a decoy duck being thrown as handler Chuck McCall takes the shot during the retriever trials series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Handler Luke Cour uses a whistle and hand signal to guide Harley on target during the retriever trails series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Legend returns a decoy duck to handler Bobby Wills at the retriever trials series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Handler Luke Cour lines up Harley on target before releasing him to find the first decoy duck during the retriever trails series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Legend returns with a decoy duck for handler Bobby Wills at the retriever trails series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Legend waits patiently next to handler Bobby Wills as the decoy ducks are thrown at the retriever trails series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Handler Lyle Steinman uses a duck call during the start of Bogey’s run in the retriever trails series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Piper returns to handler Scott Greer with a decoy duck during the retriever trials series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Coal brings a decoy duck to handler Leo Joseph III at the retriever trails series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Piper returns to handler Scott Greer with a decoy duck during the retriever trails series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Handler Carter Turner takes a decoy duck from Joe at the retriever trials series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Chief brings a decoy duck back to handler Justin Hergert during their run through the course at the retriever trails series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Handler Lyle Steinman takes the decoy duck from AJ during the retriever trails series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Handler Luke Cour holds a decoy duck retrieved by Cruz during the retriever trails series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday AJ races through the grass with a decoy duck to bring back to handler Lyle Steinman during the retriever trials series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Jet returns with a decoy duck for handler Lyle Steinman at the retriever trails series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Handler Luke Cour takes the final duck from Cruz to finish their attempt at the retriever trials series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Handler Scott Greer takes a decoy duck found by Judge at the retriever trials series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Handler Scott Greer fires the rife to simulate a duck hunt as Judge waits patiently to go find and retrieve the decoy at the retriever trails series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Chief sprints through the high grass after fining a decoy duck during his run with handler Justin Hergert at the retriever trials series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Handler Leo Joseph III holds a decoy duck retrieved by dog Coal at the retriever trails series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Cruz races back to handler Luke Cour with a decoy duck during the retriever trails series 1 of the Super Retrievers Series on Thursday Francisville voters elected Andrew "Andy" D'Aquilla (no party) as mayor over incumbent Robert "Bobee" Leake (R) Francisville elected four candidates as aldermen: Abby Temple Cochran (no party) For a list of all election results click here.  A Louisiana State Police vehicle is pictured in this Advocate file photo Francisville restaurant died Sunday when part of a tree fell and hit his car as he traveled in West Feliciana Parish Sunday when a piece of a falling tree hit the car causing Hernandez's vehicle to run off the road to the left and we are devastated by this tragic news," the post said "Please keep Chef Jaime’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this time." president of the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society "Jaime was highly respected by our chef community He respected local ingredients and worked closely with his culinary teams." Email Ellyn Couvillion at ecouvillion@theadvocate.com Francisville Inn made OpenTable's list of Top 100 Restaurants in the nation with the help of chef Michael Dardenne Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInSAINT FRANCISVILLE (WAFB) - A 50-year-old man is dead after a tree fell on his vehicle in West Feliciana Parish over the weekend According to Louisiana State Police Troop A troopers responded to the single-vehicle crash on LA 965 east of US 61 in West Feliciana Parish shortly after 3:30 p.m In a heartfelt post shared on social media, the St. Francisville Inn announced that Hernandez was a beloved chef and a cherished member of their team “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of our beloved Chef Jaime Hernandez Jaime was a cherished member of the St.Francisville Inn family Please keep Chef Jaime’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this time The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2014 Jeep Wrangler a falling tree struck a portion of the Jeep causing Hernandez to run off the roadway to the left State Police said Hernandez was not wearing a seat belt Impairment is unknown at this time; however a standard toxicology sample will be taken and submitted for analysis Click here to report a typo Click here to subscribe to our WAFB 9 News daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox Following her recent presentation to the Rotary Club of St Oxbow Rum Distillery President Olivia Stewart is joined by Rotary Club members Judge Betsy Jones Francisville Rotary Club heard from Olivia Stewart who shared with the club the finer points involved in the manufacturing of Louisiana Rum After several years working as a fine art dealer in New York Stewart said she felt a calling in 2021 to return home to assume the reins of the family rum distillery which had experienced an economic downturn due to the COVID pandemic Stewart was raised in the shadows of Alma Plantation’s 160-year-old sugar mill in Pointe Coupee now boasts a portfolio consisting of all single estate rums which means that her family owns the cane fields This unique set up provides the distillery access to fresh-pressed raw cane juice Oxbow Distillery’s umbrella of products includes two lines of Estate Rums and the False River line of flavored rums (spiced and Caribbean-style dark rum) All varieties are available in the unaged and aged forms the latter being cured in new charred white oak barrels Currently distributed in a handful of southern states Oxbow Rums are available locally and there are plans to expand their reach in the coming years Oxbow Distillery recently took home two Double Gold awards at The Tasting Alliance’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition which is the largest and longest-running blind evaluation competition in the industry To learn more about Oxbow Distillery, visit www.oxbowrumdistillery.com Francisville Board of Aldermen voted April 22 to meet once a month instead of twice a month rather than the second and fourth Tuesdays but the board will meet twice in both May and June No one spoke for or against the change during a public hearing on the proposed ordinance although Abby Temple Cochran said she hopes special meetings will be called if meeting only once a month would cause a delay for a constituent who needed the board to decide some issue said a special meeting could be called with 24-hour notice to the public if needed He also said the board could rescind the ordinance if more than one meeting was needed in a month D’Aquilla said in March that agendas for recent meetings then had only a few items that needed to be considered “I think we could get our business done in one meeting per month,” D’Aquilla said at the earlier meeting #inregister the space prioritizes high design and attention to detail Make-your-own martinis and a host of craft cocktails fill the recently revamped menu. As for the eye-catching interiors, Lizzie took on the design job herself, drawing inspiration from her favorite spot in New Orleans, Bar Marilou animal print carpeting and fun artwork set a festive scene for this year’s holiday style shoot with model Holly Dorsett Keep scrolling to see more of the looks and spaces within the speakeasy “Bethany” skort romper in leopard jacquard “Bianka” sling backs in silver “Haven” high-rise bootcut jeans “Blare” platform heels in gold Francisville has informed WAKO that the Cannonball Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Wednesday The structure will be shut down from 5 a.m This will allow construction crews to pour concrete as part of the new bridge project Those who use the bridge are urged to use alternative routes during the period Click Here for your 5 day Forecast It all started with a morning walk around the property As David Parker of Stems Boutique Florist crisscrossed the St Francisville lawn of Brittany and Carter Leak he stopped to consider the wide waxy leaves of magnolias and the elongated needles of cedar trees wispy wands from nandinas and berry-laden branches from hollies were nearly all he would need to set the holiday scene inside the Leaks’ home “It was very important to the Leaks that we bring the outdoors in,” David explains “Their home has abundant natural light and long views of wooded areas all around So my inspiration was to bring those outdoor elements inside in a natural way.” The unpretentious decorating scheme was also intended to reflect the easygoing and hospitable way the Leak family lives in this home sounds of laughter echo through these moss-draped trees as dozens of teenagers pack into the Leaks’ multipurpose room and play games on the back porch Carter and Brittany built this home in 2018 with the idea of hosting large gatherings in mind. In particular, they wanted to make sure there would be plenty of room to accommodate the club meetings of the West Feliciana branch of Young Life an international Christian ministry organization geared toward reaching adolescents The Leaks first became involved with Young Life while living in Charlotte had met at LSU and then lived in Baton Rouge for a decade before moving to Charlotte where Carter’s father had plans to develop a one-street neighborhood in a rural area behind the former Catalpa Plantation It was the perfect place for Brittany and Carter to build their new home they knew they needed plenty of square footage but their vision for the house didn’t just involve their own kids They wanted to be able to welcome as many area high school students as were interested in attending Young Life get-togethers “We knew the way we like to live life,” Brittany says “Young Life is mainly for kids who wouldn’t go to church doors but they would come to someone’s house for ‘club,’ which is basically just a fun night The house was designed with that in mind.” Architect Mark Matthews brought to life the Leaks’ vision for an updated traditional home that also fit aesthetically into its St The classic symmetry of the main two-story structure was offset by distinctive wings on each side that provide both function and architectural interest “We wanted something that was a little bit Louisiana but also a little modern and a little fun,” Brittany says the Leaks turned to their friend Don Charlet for advice on many aspects of the construction process And even the application of a mortar finish to the brick façade by Hart Goodman of Brick Solid Masonry became connected to the Leaks’ vision for their home’s purpose “He told me that as he was laying each brick on our house he prayed that people would know more about the Lord when they were here,” Brittany says Virtually every aspect of the interior architectural design had an eye toward hospitality The main living areas—from dining and living rooms to the kitchen and keeping area—are open and connected to one another Seating and dining areas abound throughout this large space the Leaks installed two—one mainly for meal prep and another that crowds could gather around Designer Kathleen Fox of Perch Interiors in Charlotte worked with the Leaks to ensure that each finished room would be able to withstand heavy use while retaining a sense of casual Southern style They chose a palette of deep blues and greens for furnishings with a few pops of pink scattered throughout For his seasonal additions to the décor in 2023 David Parker embraced a similar range of green and blue hues in keeping with the landscape beyond the large windows “We built the design off of all that we had foraged,” he says like family ornaments and things they’ve collected over the years The main Christmas tree became a focal point against a brick wall backdrop in the living area David placed acrylic doves from Fig & Dove all around the tree interspersed with blue and white porcelain ornaments and velvet ribbons “The dove is the sign of eternal life and hope “The theme for this whole installation was hope.” With so many of the home’s indoor and outdoor areas in constant use Brittany asked David to continue the festive touches in each space The Young Life room served as the setting for a second Christmas tree with homemade ornaments David set the family’s cypress outdoor table with oversized red and green ornaments and more magnolias This shift in color palette continued on the bar of the outdoor kitchen where he placed a grouping of small Christmas trees and poinsettias as well as a few scattered deer antlers as a nod to Santa’s sleigh-pulling team and the area’s hunting heritage “We wanted to have a little more fun out here and bring in some color and we thought traditional red would be a good play on the natural greens,” he says we wanted to give them a view that would entice them to follow the flow of the home’s floorplan out to this area.” The Leaks make the most of their indoor and outdoor spaces all year long inviting their children’s friends over for al fresco homecoming dinners and welcoming local families for other casual get-togethers Christmastime just turns up the dial on all this activity with events including an annual mother/daughter holiday party and last year’s holiday dinner for the board of the Bank of St for which Carter serves as president and CEO The entertaining is set to continue this year with the Leaks preparing to host their church’s annual Christmas Eve party and a Christmas party for young married couples But perhaps the biggest event on the agenda this year is this house’s inclusion on the Holiday Tour of Homes benefitting the West Feliciana Friends of the Library Francisville’s Christmas in the Country weekend florist David Parker will be the creative mind behind the Leak home’s decorations for the entire holiday season and though he’ll have some surprises in store his vision will remain firmly rooted in the local landscape “Nature gives us everything we need to build the design,” David says The ecology here allows us to grow a lot of plants from all over Louisiana so it’s easy to walk outside and clip what’s in bloom and it’s one of my favorite parts of being here.” FRANCISVILLE - A pedestrian was struck and killed while walking along a highway early Thursday morning.  Francisville Police Department said officers were called to a crash on Highway 61 and Highway 10 It was found he was walking along Highway 61 when he was struck by an oncoming vehicle.  Police said impairment was not suspected on the part of the driver in the crash Matthews' impairment was unknown and pending the results of a toxicology screening.  executive chef and general manager of Big River Pizza Co with butterscotch pudding with whipped cream and candied hazelnuts a recipe that has been in Chef Daniel Dreher's family for generations won Best Chicken dish during the Grand Tasting event with its buffalo chicken wing recipe over homemade ranch won Best Chicken dish during the Grand Tasting event with a buffalo chicken wing recipe over homemade ranch have been recognized for outstanding culinary excellence at the Louisiana Food & Wine Festival Restaurant 1796 took home the “Best BBQ” and “Best Dessert” awards Restaurant 1796 impressed festivalgoers with its BBQ dish using traditional techniques and unique ingredients Known for its commitment to farm-to-table dining the restaurant’s smoked pork loin al pastor over a cilantro rice salad was celebrated for its balanced smoky and savory notes being voted by the festivalgoers for “Best BBQ” during the Friday event Restaurant 1796 also won Best Dessert with the butterscotch pudding with whipped cream and candied hazelnuts “We are thrilled and honored to receive these awards,” said Daniel Drehr “My team and I work hard to deliver on every dish we feature at our restaurant and we are proud to be able to share them with others across the state was celebrated for its outstanding Best Chicken dish during the Grand Tasting event Known for its wood-fired pizza and innovative approach to comfort food impressed the judges with their own buffalo chicken wing recipe over homemade ranch “Winning Best Chicken is a testament to our passion for curating a menu that has something for everyone,” said Nick Kent “We’re proud to be recognized among so many talented chefs and restaurants.” Louisiana is a southern state with an often romanticized past hinting at scandalous stories and deep some of Louisiana’s best-kept secrets center around the intrigue and uniqueness of the state's overlooked towns From the oak-shaded streets and haunted halls of St Francisville to the eclectic art and charm of Abita Springs Here’s a closer look at 2025’s most underrated towns in Louisiana and why they deserve attention this year A great starting point for those visiting the Kisatchie National Forest Winnfield attracts in-the-know nature lovers and outdoor adventurers The park is known for its robust recreational activities Many sportsmen venture to this pristine setting and are attracted to the plentiful hunting and fishing not to mention miles of off-vehicle riding The town itself is nothing to sneeze at as one of the oldest communities in Louisiana Its history makes it perfect for entertaining events and festivals throughout the year where locals and visitors indulge in mouthwatering cuisine and toe-tapping live music The Louisiana Forest Festival is also a hit bringing people together in April with food trucks including the Louisiana Political Museum & Hall of Fame Just 40 miles north of New Orleans Madisonville sits on the banks of the sparkling Tchefuncte River The town weaves a rich tapestry steeped in maritime history as well as legendary local Native American and Civil War stories The area's history is carefully preserved at the Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum and Madisonville Historic Museum From tales of the town’s founding to the Wooden Boat Festival the most prominent testament to the town’s 225 years is best experienced strolling the residential streets to admire the lovingly restored historic homes shaded by a canopy of ancient oaks You can also explore the many shops and restaurants overlooking the river Sitting atop the bluffs of the mighty Mississippi River Francisville is known for its Victorian homes and antebellum plantations Its ties to antebellum history could be part of the reason the town is underrated by the average tourist so people might find the city's highly diverse attractions more appealing Francisville is an especially important spot for those who love history the town is recognizable by paranormal fans thanks to The Myrtles Plantation's prominence on many of the world’s “Most Haunted” lists This stately property has a sweeping front lawn with towering trees draped with Spanish moss leading up to the home's expansive front porch which provides a cool place to sit on hot summer days A less frightening prospect is the lovely Rosedown Plantation a state historic site once owned by the wealthy Turnbull family Stroll the garden paths and tour the main home where many of the original interior details transport you back in time don't miss the serenity of the Afton Villa Garden with its ancient oaks and 20 acres of meticulously maintained features Ferriday may not be the first town that comes to mind for travelers but those who make the trip are rewarded with a rich musical legacy and deep Southern history Despite facing economic challenges and infrastructure issues the town stands out for the remarkable talent it has produced Ferriday is the birthplace of music legends like Jerry Lee Lewis giving it a reputation that far exceeds its modest size One of the best ways to appreciate the town’s cultural significance is a visit to the Delta Music Museum Exhibits here pay tribute to the famous musicians who called Ferriday home Frogmore Plantation offers another layer of history This 1,800-acre working cotton plantation dates back to the early 1800s and includes many original buildings and compelling tours that contrast the lives of the enslaved people with those of the plantation’s owners Home to world-class fishing, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking sunsets, Grand Isle is the only inhabited barrier island in Louisiana. Nestled along the shoreline of Louisiana, it also boasts pristine views of the Gulf of Mexico this stunning location is also prone to national disasters and relies on a toll bridge to access the remote location These things combined make Grand Isle a less popular destination The small-town feel of this tiny oasis delivers authentic down-home hospitality and including the boiled crab and massive shrimp at Camardelle's Seafood this is the perfect spot for anglers with free access at the Grand Isle Fishing Pier it also attracts avid bird watchers to the island to spot the thousands of migrating birds that arrive each year Grand Isle State Park is the best place to take it all in There’s truly no other place like it in Louisiana Abbeville is connected to the Freshwater Bayou Deepwater channel by the Gulf of Mexico making it an ideal location as a southern trade center The town’s history as a bustling trading hotspot known for its seafood and natural gas is reflected in the charming yet slightly imposing carefully preserved facades of the downtown district Its location off the beaten path might be a little too out of the way for visitors who can enjoy similar attractions in more well-known The downtown centre revolves around the peaceful Magdalen Square and an ever-changing rotation of local art exhibits at Abbeville Cultural and Historical Alliance are great for exploring End your day with a fresh catfish dinner at Dupuy's Seafood & Steak How this town could be overlooked is hard to understand with its distinct red-bricked Main Street exuding old-world charm too far north from New Orleans to rate a visit from tourists who prioritize convenience this is a town where you can enjoy the full Louisiana experience from the Italian fare served up at local eateries like Roma Italian Bistro to paddling through the Bayou Dorcheat and strolling the downtown area to finding treasures antiquing at Possibilities Antiques & Collectibles Visitors rave about their stay at the Villas at Spanish Court where cozy refurbished Spanish-style villas offer a warm welcome for weary travelers looking for a unique overnight experience This small Louisiana town once attracted visitors seeking the restorative powers of the local springs the decline of health-seeking tourist trends practically wiped out Abita Springs as a tourist destination Still known as a place to unwind and just an hour’s drive across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway from New Orleans it’s a great day trip for those who love edgier experiences While the average visitor enjoys access to the Tammany Trace hiking and biking trail on the former lands of the Illinois Railroad corridor those "in-the-know" visit the area to experience something "different." Abita Springs has a somewhat quirky feel with interesting attractions including the Abita Mystery House/Museum with its oddball collections Finish your day with a cold brew at The Abita Brewing Company Leesville is located in Louisiana’s famed "No Man’s Land," located well off the proverbial beaten path. Following the Louisiana Purchase, the area's lack of formal boundaries between Spanish and French territories created a Neutral Strip Once a haven for the lawless and desperate today that feeling of isolation keeps crowds of tourists seeking convenient locations and amenities at bay Those who frequent the area are far less threatening than their historic counterparts they come to take in the rugged beauty and historic towns like Leesville Leesville’s historic downtown is sure to impress including the stunningly restored Vernon Parish Courthouse a vibrant example of Beaux-Arts architecture You’ll also be charmed by the art exhibits Leesville's Gallery One Ellleven sponsors local projects and events featuring a walking path graced with a growing collection of outdoor sculptures and head to Ponchatoula to discover your next great vintage find Known as “America’s Antique City,” Ponchatoula is home to over a dozen antique and collectible boutiques This is a destination to discover the old and wonderful from collectibles at B2 Antiques to the mish-mash of treasures at C.J's Antiques Ponchatoula's focus on its annual Strawberry festival is sure to show Strawberry lovers flock to the town every spring to sample their famous sweet but don't give the town much thought beyond that You’ll also be charmed by the many oak trees draped with Spanish moss the inspiration for the town's Choctaw Indian's name While New Orleans tends to steal the spotlight in Louisiana these unexpected finds offer a variety of experiences Whether you're seeking a quiet sanctuary on the Gulf love browsing shops and galleries for art and antiques desire the peace and quiet of nature trails or are a foodie whose only goal in life is to sample local cuisine these underrated Louisiana towns are sure to delight photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com Link IconCopy linkFacebook LogoShare on FacebookXShare on XEmailShare via EmailLink copied to clipboardA new apartment building in Francisville combines density and historic preservation The proposal for an art deco building on Fairmount Avenue comes from Odin Properties which owns thousands of apartments across the city The shell of a historically protected art deco building on Fairmount Avenue will be preserved as part of a 32-unit apartment building according to new plans submitted to the city’s Historical Commission The six-story proposal comes from Philadelphia-based Odin Properties which owns 2,000 apartment units across the city The project would include a commercial space of over 2,100 square feet with a mix of one-bedroom and two-bedroom units this kind of smaller project is likely to dominate the city’s residential building industry “This is not what we would consider to be an oversupplied submarket … the occupancy in the Fairmount area is very strong,” said Philip Balderston “The second thing is the scale: In a relatively healthy market it’s always a good time to do a 32-unit infill project.” The structure at 1501 Fairmount was built 95 years ago as a striking addition to the concentration of auto-oriented businesses around North Broad Street and a different developer was approved to demolish much of the interior for a four-story apartment building in 2016 Everything but the exterior walls was removed during the initial renovation but then the project was abandoned in 2023 and the building’s shell is currently supported only by wooden beams Odin’s project is two-stories taller with more units than the previous apartment proposal It will need permission for the greater height from the city’s Zoning Board of Adjustment “Given the change in financial conditions over the last two years the density here is important in order to make the project feasible,” said Balderston “The economics have changed given the supply and the interest rate picture so what’s the scale that will make it work The Spring Garden Civic Association is the lead Registered Community Organization for the project and does not yet have an official stance on Odin’s plans The architect is Shawn McAnally of Designblendz Odin has rehabbed and repurposed historic structures before but never the shell of a building like this The company has the support of the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia “[We are] pleased to see this historic property getting back on track for redevelopment after a long period of inactivity,” said Paul Steinke About 225’s food critic: Benjamin Leger previously served as managing editor for 225 and was the editor of its Taste section from 2012 to 2021 writing and steering the direction of its food coverage in print and online He is passionate about all things food and food journalism and has written about the greater Baton Rouge area’s cuisine and culture for nearly two decades Francisville Inn finished its major renovation in 2019 Executive Chef Jaime Hernandez is now at the helm and has developed an upscale menu inspired by his Creole heritage locally sourced ingredients and seasonal dishes Situated in several rooms on the first floor of this historic home the restaurant’s footprint includes the adjoining The Saint Bar which bills itself as the area’s only craft cocktail bar WHAT’S A MUST: The burrata appetizer with heirloom tomatoes and shaved truffles is a decadent introduction the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake is slim on the breading helping the luscious crabmeat shine in a beurre blanc sauce the Pork Chop and the Coriander Crusted Scallops are standouts for their quality meats and supporting ingredients like corn and crawfish risotto and squash and eggplant ratatouille including the light and sweet White Chocolate Bread Pudding Francisville weekend has become more and more enticing in recent years the usual antique shops and a few standby restaurant options elevated food and seemingly endless calendar of events markets and festivals make it a chic getaway destination One of the hottest spots for a meal is The Saint Restaurant in The St. Francisville Inn This historic 1890s home set on a gorgeous and shady property in the middle of town has long been a local hangout and boutique hotel New owners Brandon Branch and Jim Johnston debuted an extensive and stylish redo of the property in 2019 that included the introduction of The Saint Restaurant and Bar which these days is buzzing most nights with well-dressed patrons and regulars who know the staff by name and made reservations several days ahead of time That afforded us a prime table in the emerald green former porch-turned-Sun-Room overlooking a lovely courtyard With glasses of wine and cocktails in hand we launched into Executive Chef Jaime Hernandez’s small but thoughtful menu First up was a burrata appetizer with heirloom tomatoes I’m used to other restaurants using truffle oil but this is one of few dishes I’ve found in the Capital Region with shaved truffles It offered a deep and pungent flavor to mix with the creamy burrata The huge chunks of heirloom tomatoes were bright green and peachy in color My only complaint was that the “toast” for this appetizer was four airy baguette slices that essentially amounted to a couple of thin crackers our server assured us she could bring more toast and the slices were necessary to scoop up every bite of this delicious appetizer Our server also told us about the soup of the day A simple and unadorned bowl of the red-brown soup featured finely chopped turtle meat (much appreciated over bigger chunks) and a lovely sherry flavor Plump scallops were nestled atop a sweet corn and crawfish tail risotto that was oh-so-creamy and laced with chili oil and a buttery sauce and seared slightly on top with a liberal layering of crushed coriander and I had to shake some salt on top to impart a little more flavor to the buttery scallops which sat on a mound of yellow squash and eggplant ratatouille as well as canestri pasta (a cross between large elbow pasta and ridged penne) thick cut cooked perfectly with a well-seasoned crust The al dente pasta and flavorful vegetables added lovely and filling bites in between the robust meat Our server had us swooning when she listed the dessert options and we ultimately landed on the White Chocolate Bread Pudding after much debate this was one of the best bread puddings I’ve had in a while It sat in a pool of white chocolate sauce and was topped with a jammy blueberry compote and whipped cream There was just enough for everyone to have a taste and feel satisfied rather than regretting the choice there were no regrets in our dinner at The Saint nor any regrets about making the drive out to St The vibe of the entire property welcomes you to linger—to stay a little longer and take it all in That feeling was aided by the impeccable waitstaff made the experience all the better with her friendly demeanor and attention to detail Her photo is prominently displayed in the entry hall as the restaurant’s employee of the year and it doesn’t seem like she’ll lose that title anytime soon to have another glass of wine and stroll the grounds or meander around the creaking wood floors into the property’s classy bar jealous of the visitors who could relax for the rest of the evening in the well-appointed spaces and then head up to their rooms for the night It made me want to plan out a long weekend in St stops at The Saint to make the experience extra special louisianahospitalitygroup.com/the-saint-restaurant This article was originally published in the August 2024 issue of 225 Magazine is home to The Saint restaurant and the St In 2023, The St. Francisville Inn made OpenTable's list of Top 100 Restaurants in the nation with the help of chef Michael Dardenne the restaurant and inn announced that Dardenne will return to The Saint Restaurant as executive chef The news comes after former chef Jaime Hernandez died earlier this month when a tree fell and hit his car as he traveled in West Feliciana Parish Hernandez was known for creating dishes that were inspired by his Creole roots When the restaurant and inn completed a renovation in 2019 Dardenne also owns a specialty seasoning business which offers spice blends like Citrus Mambo and Bayou Bite "His culinary expressions of fine dining meets comfort food create phenomenal dishes that every guest can delight in We look forward to working with Chef Mike for many years to come," the inn posted on Facebook Monday Francisville Inn is located at 5720 Commerce St. Francisville restaurant died Sunday when part of a tree fell and hit his car as he traveled in West Feliciana Par… Following her presentation to the Rotary Club of St Lauren Pourciau poses with members of the club Craig Dalferes and President Dyvar Anderson Lauren Pourciau spoke to the Rotary Club of St delivered a historical portrayal of Felicité de Galvez The French Creole widow was married to Louisiana’s Spanish colonial governor (1777-1783) at the time conquering the West Florida region of Louisiana from British rule To learn about the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, visit www.lsdar.org/alexander-stirling-chapter-nsdar To learn about the Rotary Club, visit www.stfrancisvillerotary.org FRANCISVILLE - The Tunica Hills Music Festival kicked off Saturday morning for its ninth year The community gathered at Parker Park to watch at least 30 artist perform original music Francisville on April 10-13 and featured more than 100 dogs competing in outdoor sports in the field and on the dock Guests brought lawn chairs and their dogs to take part in the Fun Jump event Local media personality and author Leo Honeycutt offers the scripture reading Sunday during the 38th annual Easter Sunrise Service A crowd gathered at sunrise makes the annual pilgrimage to the amphitheater at Hemingbough Sunday Chris Andrews delivers the Easter message sounded by program participants Sunday for the 38th annual Hemingbough Easter Sunrise Service Chris Andrews welcomes the crowd gathered Sunday for the 38th annual Easter Sunrise Service Hemingbough founder Arlin Dease offers greetings Sunday Andrew LaCour stands after being recognized by Arlin Dease as one of the new owners of Hemingbough Sunday Chris Andrews delivers the Easter message Sunday Francisville native and Southern University Director of Facilities Ken Dawson sings 'Thank You for Giving to the Lord' Sunday A couple framed by the cross and amphitheater attend the Hemingbough Sunrise Service Sunday Hemingbough has become an Easter morning tradition Chris Andrews hoped to bring a “tuneup” to the hearts of new and longtime attendees The minister’s message of love and resurrection — from Romans 8 — encouraged listeners to affirm that nothing can separate them from God's love The 38th annual Hemingbough Easter Sunrise Service was Sunday in front of a near-capacity audience in the Greek Revival amphitheater This Easter held a twist in the longstanding tradition as Arlin Dease who has served as host for nearly four decades has passed on ownership to Andrew LaCour and Mike Wampold The Easter sunrise service draws crowds of more than 700 people but it has been likened to having a group of friends over for a holiday gathering the retired pastor of the largest Methodist Church in Baton Rouge was joined on the program by local media personality and author Leo Honeycutt Francisville native and Southern University Director of Facilities Ken Dawson The Greek Revival amphitheater and gardens just south of St Francisville were established in the mid-1980s Dease had previously restored Mount Hope and Nottoway plantations when he set out to create a new space with an Old World appeal restaurants and bed and breakfasts emerged in St there existed only a mix of small-town essentials—Sonny’s Pizza Some of the area’s now famous historic homes sat abandoned in the woods After selling the refurbished Nottoway to Sir Paul Ramsay for $4.5 million in 1985 Dease felt called to give back using the windfall from the sale “God can humble us in many different ways,” he says taking a pause from scribbling in his notebook “Sometimes through upheavals and tragedies but he can also humble us through an abundance of his love ‘Provide a place that anyone and everyone can come as they need it to experience my unconditional love and forgiveness.’” the premiere issue of inRegister featured him and his one-of-a-kind 238-acre retreat as the cover story Hemingbough also served as the venue for the inRegister launch party Dease credits that coverage as the catalyst for the destination’s first boom in popularity as a wedding venue As guests flocked to Hemingbough for weddings residents and leaders carefully crafted a vision to revitalize and preserve the town’s quaint The COVID-19 pandemic amplified the desire for close-to-home staycations and second homes away from the hustle and bustle of bigger cities Many found the solace they sought 22 miles past where the freeway ends guided by rare rolling hills into “the town two miles long and two yards wide.” “Locals know the importance of having a community that is welcoming to visitors,” explains Devan Corbello executive director of the West Feliciana Tourism Commission “More local entrepreneurs saw the potential St Francisville had and began opening local shops and restaurants a couple of years before the pandemic more people have invested in our community.” People like the Charlet family, who developed North Commerce. Don and Susan Charlet started with a plan to relocate their design and home décor store, The Corbel, to St who Susan calls “the dreamer,” began envisioning a hub of locally owned shops anchored by The Corbel There would be space for all of that and a large-scale event venue at the former site of Rinaudo’s Hardware After careful collaboration with city leaders and the West Feliciana Historical Society “we took it to the studs,” Susan Charlet says The brewery’s name is a nod to the lost river town destroyed by fires whose houses were moved on carts to what is now St “We knew we wanted it to become an experience,” Susan Charlet says of North Commerce Francisville has evolved into one of Louisiana’s best-known secrets with buzzing festivals “Visitors come to us to escape a busy city and relax in a quintessential southern small town,” Corbello says “It is not a ‘sleepy’ small town like one would expect It is lively and filled with things to do throughout the year.” Even among the buzz of festivals and grand openings many homes and historic sites look nearly identical to how they did 300 years ago thanks to careful restoration And the place where time seems to stand still remains the same “Has Hemingbough changed in 37 years?” Dease repeats smoothing the white tablecloth on one of the many tables set up for that evening’s wedding not one person has ever paid a single penny to visit these grounds The sprawling acreage is as serene as that day of the inRegister cover story photo shoot in 1989 “Nestled in the rolling hills of the Felicianas Hemingbough stands like an opulent setting from days gone by,” the article reads Dease is working on the next development for Hemingbough a new type of preservation project for him He plans to build an “assisted as you need it” living facility and neighborhood so that the folks who remember the early days of Sonny’s Pizza Rinaudo’s Hardware and the Speedway Car Wash have a quiet place to age gracefully Update: The day after WBRZ Investigative Unit's report aired we learned a complaint will be filed with the State Ethics Board concerning whether parish officials profited from the land deal FRANCISVILLE - Controversy is brewing among West Feliciana Parish officials as accusations of corruption are hurled at Parish President Kenny Havard and Port Commission President Andrew Grezaffi.  Certain members of the West Feliciana Port Commission say Havard and the West Feliciana Parish Council want them gone so they can have more power over business dealings It all stems from what they say happened to get a $12 billion data center built in St Havard teased at a big financial opportunity coming to the area.  "We have sold some of the property going into the paper mill," he said to councilmembers "I'm told I can give these numbers out: greater than $100 million No smokestacks - none of that kind of stuff It's going to be a pretty green deal for us." the parish sold 107 acres of property that was deemed surplus near the old paper mill to M/V Industrial LLC The bill of sale says the industrial property sold for $500,000 in total State business filings say M/V Industrial is headed by Morgan Vosburg from Lafayette but also has connections to Cedar Management Company LLC which is registered to Andrew Grezaffi — the president of the West Feliciana Parish Port Commission.  M/V Industrial finalized the sale of multiple nearby properties and paid millions of dollars for them M/V turned around and sold those properties to Hut 8 — the tech company coming to build the data center.  The bill of sale between M/V and Hut 8 does not list a price It says that the sale "is made and accepted for adequate and sufficient consideration recitation of which is omitted at the request of the purchaser and seller." The remaining members of the port commission say rumors are circulating around the small town that the land the parish sold for less than $5,000 per acre was much more expensive when it was sold to Hut 8 the 107 acres could have been sold for upwards of $12 million and it will probably take a subpoena to flesh that out if that's the case then West Feliciana Parish has been defrauded of $11.5 million by the parish president and his allies That's not acceptable," David Jewell said.  The company said "the financials are confidential." Port commission members said allegations came out at the Sept 2024 West Feliciana Port Commission meeting They say that Grezaffi denied being in the LLC that flipped the property to Hut 8.  Havard told the WBRZ Investigative Unit that Grezaffi was in the LLC but he was not associated with the group when the land deal happened.  but he wasn't when they bought the property and all And he had already checked with ethics and everything," Havard said in a phone call.  We asked Grezaffi for a time to discuss allegations being brought forward by the commission he said "I am not aware of any allegations the port commission voted to dissolve itself but continued to exist since only state legislation can eliminate it The commission was created in 2005 to regulate business along the river and the land nearby the Port Commission met for the fourth time since September without a quorum Commission members who showed up to the meeting say they are in a holding pattern Jeremy LaCombe that would abolish the Port Commission to go through the legislative processes.  Commission Secretary Lauren Field says that move would leave all of the port commission's responsibilities and power to the West Feliciana Parish Council.  there's not checks and balances in our parish government It is just what the parish president and parish council does," Field said.  Havard says that doing away with the commission is for the best "I do support abolishing the port commission They have no funding and/or own no property office or insurance for its members etc… When I was in the legislature the port commission requested that we change their meeting requirements from once a month to once a year They have no projects etc… The port commission adopted a resolution August 2023 to dissolve themselves I do however support their decision," he said in a text message.  The WBRZ Investigative Unit has pending records requests with the parish president's office The regular legislative session begins on April 14.  Link IconCopy linkFacebook LogoShare on FacebookXShare on XEmailShare via EmailLink copied to clipboardHistoric Philly building managed by landlord Philip Pulley partially collapses littering street with debrisThe collapsed facade damaged cars in the city's Francisville section; no injuries were reported also used the building's address to illegally cast votes A building in Philadelphia’s Francisville neighborhood partially collapsed Sunday night damaging vehicles and littering streets with bricks and debris Part of the parapet wall on the Darrah School Realty apartment building which was formerly the Lydia Darrah School building and the city said it is currently safe for tenants to remain in the building the property owner will have an engineer on site to re-evaluate the structure and contractor on site to remove any further loose debris that may be in danger of falling,” said city spokesperson Ava Schwemler “L&I ordered the property owner to clean up debris from the street and supply a fence along the perimeter of the collapsed zone for public safety.” Coincidentally, the Darrah School Realty apartment building is where Pulley registered to vote — while already registered at both his Montgomery County estate and waterfront mansion in Florida — as part of a ploy to vote multiple times in the 2020 and 2022 elections » READ MORE: The law finally caught up with notorious Philadelphia landlord Phil Pulley ... but for voting fraud Both North 17th and Folsom Streets were closed following the collapse and the building was being inspected by members of the city’s Department of Licenses and Inspections to make sure it remained safe to occupy Pulley and his attorney did not immediately respond Monday to a request for comment purchased the property in 2013 for $2.1 million a corporate entity registered to SBG’s mailing address The building has been cited 13 times since 2019 although it appears to be in much better condition than other Pulley properties managed by SBG His companies have been cited for hundreds of building code violations around the city and garnered hundreds of tax or utility liens In September 2022, for instance, Pulley’s Lindley Tower apartments in North Philadelphia partially collapsed leaving a gaping hole in the structure and displacing over 100 residents The property remains in a half collapsed state today as city attorneys seek to tear it down and bill Pulley for the cost They secured a court order authorizing demolition last summer but Pulley’s attorney has since appealed this decision » READ MORE: Fannie Mae sues for $60 million in defaulted mortgages tied to notorious Philadelphia landlord Pulley pleaded guilty to four federal charges, including voter fraud and voting more than once in a federal election, and faces up to five years in prison for each. He is also facing a state-level charge for voting twice in the 2023 election Inquirer staff writer Dylan Purcell contributed to this article The Super Retriever Series and High Flying Super Dock dogs will be in St The Super Retriever Series is set to showcase retrievers and sporting dogs as well as the top High Flying Super Dock dogs in the country in April in St The Super Retriever Series will feature more than 100 dogs competing in outdoor sports in the field and on the dock for four days of competition starting with the Retriever Trials on April 10-13 at various locations within the vicinity and the SRS Super Dock competition April 11-13 Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and watch teams compete in dock and in the field Teams can qualify for the SRS Crown Championship to be held Oct “We are excited to be coming for the very first time to showcase the SRS Sporting dogs,” said Shannon Nardi The public is encouraged to come jump their own dog that Friday through Sunday in the Fun Jump hours Super Fly and Super V are parts of the competition and are like a track and field event which is a hybrid style of retriever trial that includes hunt tests “We are honored to host the SRS here in St West Feliciana Parish is the perfect backdrop for such a fun and unique event,” said Devan Corbello “We look forward to welcoming the competitors our four-legged friends to our beautiful parish.” “The Super Dock is a great family-fun event Where else would you be able to watch dogs fly through the air at distances up to 25 feet and heights up to seven feet Retriever Trials will showcase past SRS Crown Champions as well as the best all-around retrievers from all over the country Francisville will have a cash and prize packages for the competitors The Retriever Trial event will be livestreamed each day starting April 10 and through the finals April 13 on YouTube Super Retriever Series The schedule will be listed on the website as well as on the Super Retriever Series Facebook page The schedule of events for SRS Retrievers and Super Dock includes: Chris Landry celebrate Corbello being named Rising Star of the Year at the 2025 Louisiana Travel Association annual meeting The Louisiana Travel Association announced Devan Corbello as the recipient of the Rising Star of the Year at its annual meeting in February in Monroe the LTA celebrated excellence in the Louisiana tourism industry by presenting 20 Louey Awards to individuals and organizations These awards honor those who have made significant contributions to promoting and enhancing Louisiana's vibrant tourism landscape “I am thrilled and honored to receive the Rising Star of the Year Award from the Louisiana Travel Association,” said Corbello “This recognition is not taken lightly and inspires me to continue to strive for excellence especially when showcasing the rich and vibrant culture of West Feliciana Parish and all of Louisiana to the world.” Other awards recipients of the 2025 Louey from the area include Tourism Campaign of the Year (budget up to $29,999) Gold Visit The Northshore — All The Waves Podcast; Tourism Campaign of the Year (budget of $30,000 and above) Platinum Visit Baton Rouge: With A Capital; and Tourism Campaign of the Year (budget of $30,000 and above) Gold Ascension Parish Tourism Commission — Louisiana’s Sweet Spot the group also installed officers for its executive committee and board of directors Those from the area include 2025 LTA officers Chair Donna O’Daniels Visit The Northshore; and Treasurer Carla Tate Tangi Tourism; and 2025 returning directors Morgan Moss of The Myrtles Plantation & Blue House Hospitality Situated among the hills of Louisiana’s West Feliciana Parish Francisville is a charming Southern town brimming with history This low-key gem often escapes the attention of travelers seeking unique experiences Francisville's serene atmosphere and diverse attractions make it a compelling destination for those who wish to truly explore Louisiana Join us as we delve into the distinctive characteristics that make St Francisville is a peaceful and picturesque travel escape Francisville boasts an array of cultural attractions that highlight its historical and artistic significance The town’s connection to the past is evident in landmarks like the Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site which immerses visitors in a key aspect of Southern history with its stately home and beautifully restored 28-acre garden the Myrtles Plantation combines historical intrigue with ghostly lore offering day tours and spine-tingling evening ghost tours To get your bearings on the town’s history and cultural attractions visit the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum Along with its numerous historic and heritage sites Francisville keeps up a busy community calendar with an array of cultural events and annual festivals ended due to concerns that it misrepresented local history other events like the Yellow Leaf Festival a downtown celebration of local artists and musicians held in October continue to enrich the community and showcase the region’s unique traditions and creative spirit For an unusual but fun and popular annual event head to the neighboring community of Angola in late April for the Angola Prison Rodeo—which is Francisville enhances its cultural appeal with art galleries and locally owned boutiques that reflect the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of its residents Enjoy antiquing at Back in Time Antiques and Findings LLC checking out the latest fashions at NK Boutique and browsing artistic creations at B Spoke 4U and Backwoods Gallery You are sure to find a lot of “good stuff” to buy even before you make it to the aptly-named Good Stuff Store Francisville excels with options like The Francis Southern Table & Bar which serves up classic Southern cuisine with a modern twist a long-standing local favorite that is known for its relaxed atmosphere and delicious sandwiches which provides a perfect combination of flavorful coffee Francisville’s natural surroundings are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts The Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area is a prime destination for hiking Its steep ravines and waterfalls create a strikingly unique landscape the Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge offers serene trails and the chance to see the largest bald cypress tree in the United States The refuge’s unspoiled beauty and abundant wildlife make it a favorite among nature lovers For an educational yet leisurely outdoor experience the Audubon State Historic Site provides tranquil walking trails and picnic areas where John James Audubon once resided while creating some of his renowned bird illustrations Francisville further add to the town’s outdoor appeal offering peaceful settings to enjoy views of the Mississippi River and surrounding landscapes You may be inspired to create some of your own illustrations Francisville is a Louisiana destination that deserves far more recognition for its unique combination of history From its intriguing past as part of the Republic of West Florida to its vibrant arts community and lush outdoor spaces Visitors can immerse themselves in the complicated history of local plantations or explore the pristine wilderness that surrounds the town Francisville invites travelers to slow down and discover the hidden joys of this remarkable Southern gem Sponsored by North Commerce St. Francisville Just 30 minutes from Baton Rouge, the town of St. Francisville offers a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. At the heart of this historic destination lies North Commerce eateries and experiences that invite visitors to linger and explore Step into the refined yet welcoming atmosphere of Barlow where the owners’ passion for women’s fashion shines with a mix of elevated and casual pieces The artfully designed store offers styles ranging from fun to formal to funky Next door, high-end menswear and outdoor apparel mingle in perfect harmony at Deyo Supply Company Owners Don and Susan Charlet have curated a collection that caters to every taste Peruse the racks while sipping on a bourbon from the in-store bar – a uniquely St Francisville touch that encourages shoppers to sit back Next door, The Corbel showcases the owners’ passion for French antiques and reclaimed Louisiana Cypress furnishings Don and Susan scour the countryside of France personally hand-selecting pieces to bring a touch of European elegance to St Whether you’re furnishing a new home or simply seeking a one-of-a-kind accent piece The Corbel promises to delight and inspire No visit to North Commerce is complete without exploring the lush green spaces that dot the property where you’ll find an array of unique outdoor furnishings and decor from bed swings to Italian and Spanish pottery soak in the peaceful ambiance – a far cry from the hustle and bustle of everyday life Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Big River Pizza Company, a pizza joint owned by the same team behind the acclaimed Restaurant 1796. Savor a slice of their signature wood-fired pies, then venture through a hidden armoire door to discover Proud Mary’s an intimate speakeasy serving up craft cocktails in a moody setting FRANCISVILLE — West Feliciana Parish will soon be home to a $12 billion artificial intelligence data center that will bring in thousands of new jobs Parish President Kenny Havard told WBRZ on Monday News of Hut 8's development in West Feliciana comes just days after Gov. Jeff Landry announced a Meta AI data center "This gives West Feliciana a real opportunity to get ahead of the game and do some really smart planned growth that's going to continue to allow West Feliciana to be boutique and do very well at it," he said a company that operates 20 Bitcoin mining facilities and data centers across North America hopes to see the first phase of the project complete by the end of 2025 Phase one will include the construction of two 450,000 square foot buildings He added that the first phase of the project will employ 1,500 to 2,000 construction workers and will bring several hundred more jobs to West Feliciana Parish "They'll be several hundred other permanent jobs pipefitters anything you could think of," he said Parish officials will vote on the rezoning of the project Jan accused of shooting and killing a man in Livingston Parish 12 when Livingston Parish Sheriff’s deputies responded to Linda Lee Dr LPSO learned that 44-year-old Michael Rogillio of St That’s when LPSO asked for help from the West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office & the St LPSO has not released what Rogillio’s alleged involvement is in the murder He was found and taken into custody without any problems He was booked as a fugitive for Livingston Parish into the West Feliciana Parish jail He will be transported to the Livingston Parish Detention Center where he is facing a charge of second-degree murder Download the  Unfiltered with Kiran app from the  Apple App Store and  Google Play for any new developments Help support UWK and their mission to continue providing you “The News You Deserve. Unfiltered.” Sign up to become a monthly patron via Patreon speaks with Frank Lindsly after Mayor Andy D’Aquilla Leming is a Baton Rouge Fire Department captain and an Iraq War veteran The board also commended Lindsly for serving as interim fire chief after Tommy Robinson retired last year Francisville Board of Aldermen at their Feb named Baton Rouge firefighter Mike Leming as the town’s fire chief Leming replaces interim Fire Chief Frank Lindsly who was ineligible to take the position because he lives more than five miles from the town He also serves as the town’s assistant maintenance director The board members thanked Lindsly for taking over the small department after the retirement of long-time Fire Chief Tommy Robinson Leming has been a Baton Rouge firefighter since 2001 and currently serves as a captain with the Baton Rouge department at its Station 2 on Choctaw Street He has been a member of West Feliciana Fire Protection District 1 since 1990 and served as its fire chief from August 2009 to March 2010 He has been recognized for saving two lives in fires and 12 lives in medical emergencies He served as an engineering equipment warrant officer with the Army National Guard during a deployment in the Iraq War Leming said he recently entered a deferred retirement program with the Baton Rouge department and will be acting as St Francisville’s chief on a part-time basis until his retirement is finalized The Property Insurance Association of Louisiana recently downgraded the town’s fire insurance rating which results in an increase of between 6.2% and 16.2% in the cost for residential fire insurance premiums Leming said he had not seen the PIAL report but would study it and make recommendations to the mayor and board for improving the rating after Jared read a book to the fifth grade class on Feb Jared Lane volunteers at the Bains Lower Fall Fest and Steven Blaylock-Franklin at the Louisiana Youth Seminar at LSU on July 14-19 and Joey Peno showcase the Spirit Stick during a Student Council pep rally on Sept bakes cookies with Intensive Care Students at West Feliciana High Editor's note: The story has been updated to add information and photos about Jared Lane Louisiana Public Broadcasting is honoring six high school students from around the state as Louisiana Young Heroes These outstanding students have been role models within their communities and join over 230 past honorees who have received this award since 1996 He serves as vice president of the Student Council and received the Visionary award for helping revitalize the club He serves as the president of the Beta Club and is a member of the cross country team National Beta Club and Youth & Government He serves as a state officer for the Louisiana YMCA Model UN Conference Lane maintains a part-time job as a Certified Champion Team Member at Smoothie King The release said Lane overcame homelessness caused by the 2016 Louisiana floods and a devastating house fire Lane serves as the executive vice president for his company he fundraises for the HealthyLife Philanthropy Fund Annual Scholarship which works to give $500 to a graduating senior in the Greater Baton Rouge Area attending a 4-year university in the United States As a student advocate for Education Trust Louisiana Lane is the youngest junior board member of the St where he developed the Local Attractive Neighborhood Entrances Plan which will put neighborhood welcome signs in communities around West Feliciana Parish He won the State Literary Rally for World Geography and earned a Certificate of Entrepreneurship through the Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge Lane was selected as a Student Visionary Fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and is working to raise awareness and money for the cause Lane works with at-risk youth through the M.O.B Academy to help them identify a viable plan for their future through career development The story of each 2025 Louisiana Young Hero is being featured in a weekly segment Fridays at 7 p.m on LPB's "Louisiana: The State We’re In" beginning Friday Each story will be posted on the Louisiana Young Heroes Facebook Page and will be online at lpb.org/heroes These students will be celebrated on Louisiana Young Heroes Day on April 28 "LPB received nominations from all corners of our state and we were once again amazed by the achievements of all the nominees It's our privilege to introduce this year's six students being honored as Louisiana Young Heroes in stories premiering each week on 'Louisiana: The State We're In,'" said LPB President and CEO Clarence "C.C" Copeland The other 2025 Louisiana Young Heroes are Jessica Anderson junior at Southside High School; Gabrielle “Gabby” Essex senior at Natchitoches Central High School; Mateo Guerrero senior at Bossier High School; William Matthews senior at Belaire Magnet High School; and Ja’Nika Stanley LPB defines a young hero as an exceptional young person who has excelled in academics given significantly of themselves through public service or inspired others through their deeds and strength of character to become better students One year-old Ellie Leblanc walks with a lollipop while dressed as Chip Potts from 'Beauty and the Beast' while at Trunk-or-Treat at the West Feliciana Sports Park on Thursday Emmy Odom walks through a fire truck from the West Feliciana Fire Department at Trunk-or-Treat at the West Feliciana Sports Park on Thursday Nemo and the Hulk collect candy at Trunk-or-Treat at the West Feliciana Sports Park on Thursday Jaycee Carter holds up her Oscar trophy while getting a hug from Pam Malara Francisville during Trunk-or-Treat at the West Feliciana Sports Park on Thursday Kourtney Dunbar hands out popcorn at the table for St Francisville Rehabilitation Services during Trunk-or-Treat at the West Feliciana Sports Park on Thursday pose for a photo after running out of treats at another successful Trunk-or-Treat at the West Feliciana Sports Park on Thursday Brothers Leo and Luca Lane walk up to a booth for candy at Trunk-or-Treat at the West Feliciana Sports Park on Thursday Members of the West Feliciana Pickleball Club scare up some fun on the courts at Trunk-or-Treat at the West Feliciana Sports Park on Thursday Taylor Holcombe works the smoke on a cauldron at the booth for the Myrtles and Elta Coffee at Trunk-or-Treat at the West Feliciana Sports Park on Thursday A member of the West Feliciana 4H shows a trick-or-treater one of the pets in the 'too late petting zoo' during Trunk-or-Treat at the West Feliciana Sports Park on Thursday Butterfly Elida Aymond holds her bag for candy at Trunk or Treat at the West Feliciana Sports Park on Thursday Tw0 year-0ld Jude Robicheaux carries some treats to place in his halloween bucket while at Trunk or Treat at the West Feliciana Sports Park on Thursday Jensen Dixon and his dinosaur walk away from the table at the Francis display after getting candy during Trunk-or-Treat at the West Feliciana Sports Park on Thursday A dinosaur trick-or-treater walks through the green smoke at the West Feliciana Sheriff’s stand at Trunk-or-Treat at the West Feliciana Sports Park on Thursday Francisville run a red carpet for the children during Trunk-or-Treat at the West Feliciana Sports Park on Thursday A group of princesses collect candy during Trunk-or-Treat at the West Feliciana Sports Park on Thursday Classmates Elizebeth T and Elizebeth S stop for candy at the Gleaux Pharmacy table at Trunk or Treat at West Feliciana Sports Park on Thursday The West Feliciana Sports Park was filled with costumed children and adults Oct groups and organizations set up tents or decorated vehicle trunks for the event Ruth Theriot and Tim Husband dance during the ninth annual Tunica Hills Music Festival in St Robert Chaney performs with the group Red Stick Bluegrass during the ninth annual Tunica Hills Music Festival in St with the Friends of Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge tells Tom Manuel about the creche he made along with birdhouses and feeders during the ninth annual Tunica Hills Music Festival in St feeds her 1-and-a-half-year-old daughter Anne Austin Butterworth a hamburger during the ninth annual Tunica Hills Music Festival in St Rose Vaughn performs during the ninth annual Tunica Hills Music Festival in St Festival goers enjoy the music and beautiful weather during the ninth annual Tunica Hills Music Festival in St Buddy McClure and Bruce Schultz sit in on a jam session during the ninth annual Tunica Hills Music Festival in St Traveling Dive Bar band performs at the Old Library stage during the ninth annual Tunica Hills Music Festival in St Caylen Delaney performs during the ninth annual Tunica Hills Music Festival in St Matt Blaze and Max Blanchard sit in on a jam session during the ninth annual Tunica Hills Music Festival in St Francisville artist and musician Cheri Frey does a watercolor sketch painting of the band Traveling Dive Bar as they perform during the ninth annual Tunica Hills Music Festival in St Francisville Saturday for the Tunica Hills Music Festival Bands performed on more than four stages around town for the ninth annual festival Francisville Rotary Club President Dyvar Anderson-Wright following their presentation to the Rotary's weekly meeting in February Local business partners Mario Franklin and Stacy White recently spoke to the St the duo founded Nana’s Food Truck and Concessions in 2020 with the aim of becoming a provider of popular food items throughout the region the mobile catering business has gained a group of dedicated followers and customers throughout the region To learn more about their business, visit them on Facebook at Nana’s Custom Concessions To learn more about Rotary, visit www.stfrancisvillerotary.org