Natchitoches, Louisiana, was the setting for one of the most popular Southern lifestyle films to ever hit the silver screen, and today you can tour the town. Stop at Truvy’s Beauty Shop, and visit the St. Augustine Catholic Church where the wedding of Shelby Eatenton and Jackson Latcherie took place. Then you can stay at The Steel Magnolia House – a bed and breakfast!
Three decades after the release of the “Steel Magnolias” movie, fans are welcomed to relive the magic of this Southern classic in a trip down memory lane. Chinquipin, otherwise known as Natchitoches in real life, is the Louisiana town in which the characters M’Lynn Eatenton (played by Sally Field,) Truvy Jones (Dolly Parton), Louisa “Ouiser” Boudreaux (performed by Shirley MacLaine), and Clairee Belcher (Olympia Dukakis) lived out their days and dramas. With a supporting cast featuring Julia Roberts, Tom Skerritt, Daryl Hannah, and Dylon McDermott, it tugged at our heartstrings, set off a few sparks, and found a place in our hearts as we related to the ups and downs of their fictional community. The basis for the film was set in real-life experiences of playwright Robert Harling. The beloved ’80s movie which was derived from his work was cinematic charm at its finest. A stay in the fictional Eatenton family home would definitely seal the deal for a true “Steel Magnolia” fan.
Video: YouTube/Movieclips
Yes, there are fantastic (epic, even) bed and breakfasts to be found in Texas. Yes, you can always cozy up on your couch with a bowl of popcorn and a box of tissues if you’re unable to make the trip to Natchitoches, Louisiana. But the feeling of being in the presence of film-making history with a stay at this stately home will be second-to-none for the film’s fans. In 2003, the home was converted into The Steel Magnolia House bed and breakfast. Although it has since changed hands, its interior and exterior remain the same. Guests can choose one of six suites in this Jefferson Street home, all of which are named for characters in the film. As an example, The Shelby Room (named for Julia Roberts’ character) is done in her preference of pink, with a private bath featuring the tub that made an appearance in the movie’s opening scenes. Guests can also anticipate movie memorabilia throughout, including costume sketches and some behind-the-scenes pictures.
To cap off your visit, take the aforementioned Steel Magnolias Tour with operator Barbara Bailey, who has incorporated film location stops together with her own brand of warmth and humor to give fans an unforgettable experience. It’s filled with history and romantic southern charm beyond your expectations. The clip above, shared by the Movieclips YouTube channel, will take you back all over again, just like this once-in-a-lifetime experience in Louisiana.
