It has been 35 years since the film “Steel Magnolias” debuted and quickly became one of the most beloved films set in the south.
Based on a play by Robert Harling of Natchitoches, La., the movie was largely filmed in the small Louisiana city. The film starred Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley McLaine, Julia Roberts, Olympia Dukakis, Daryl Hannah, and Tom Skerritt.
Today, visitors can still see many of the filming locations, and there’s one where you can actually spend the night.
The home of the Eatenton family in the film is now a quaint bed-and-breakfast inn with rooms named for characters in the movie, such as Shelby, Clairee, Ouiser, Annelle.
A little history of the house:
According to the Steel Magnolia House website, the home was originally located on the river. “The first mention of this home was found in the Courthouse records in 1841 but it was built prior to this date,” the website says. “Built by two Italian architects, Trizini and Soldini, the owner Louis Dupleix had bricks imported from France to use in the construction of the building. He intended to use the structure as a store since it was in a prime location on the Cane River.”
The home was moved, brick-by-brick, to its current location in the early 1900s. For reservations, call 318-238-2585.
Here are a few other film sites you can see while you’re in Natchitoches (please note that some homes are privately owned and can only be viewed from the street:
- Shelby and Jackson’s house: Odaline Lambre-Gwinn House, 1972 Williams Ave., privately owned/
Shelby’s wedding day: St. Augustine Catholic Church, Louisiana state highway 493 at Melrose
Shelby’s funeral: American Cemetery, Second St. Natchitoches.com says: “The American Cemetery is considered by many historians to be the oldest cemetery in the Louisiana Purchase. The American Cemetery contains graves that date to colonial times.”
Ouiser’s house: Lemee House, 310 Rue Jefferson.
Truvy’s church: Trinity Episcopal Church, 533 Second St.
Site of Easter egg hunt: Riverfront behind Roque House, 800 block of Washington St.
Baby’s birth: Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, 501 Keyser Ave.
Clairee’s house: Tauzin Plantation Home, 1950 Williams Ave., privately owned.
Need a car while traveling around Natchitoches? Try Enterprise or Avis rental
