Sponsored by West Feliciana Tourist Commission
The weather is finally cooling down and it’s the perfect time to get outside and enjoy fall. Some of the most perfect day trips lie just outside the city. Visit the places that inspired over a third of the birds featured in John James Audubon’s series, “Birds of America”. Audubon’s work has been treasured for generations and is currently in the top 5 of the most valuable books in the World.
Audubon and his wife Lucy lived with their sons in West Feliciana Parish until 1830. Audubon’s stories are entwined within the fabric of the parish’s topography, characters, and history. The Audubon family loved it there, and many of their favorite places make the perfect fall getaway.
Explore Audubon’s inspiration and his legacy. Here are a few places to begin:
Outdoor Adventures
Audubon’s sons, Victor Gifford and John Woodhouse loved exploring West Feliciana and St. Francisville’s rolling hills, stately live oaks, bayous, waterfalls and more. Discover Audubon’s birds, enjoy varying levels of hiking, and delight in the flora and fauna. Plan your outdoor adventure at explorewestfeliciana.com/outdoor-activities.
• Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area
• Cat Island Wildlife Refuge
• Mary Ann Brown Nature Preserve
• Afton Villa Gardens
• West Feliciana Sports Park’s 6+ miles of biking/hiking trails
“The rich magnolias covered with fragrant blossoms, the holly, the beech, the tall yellow poplar, the hilly ground and even the red clay, all excited my admiration. Such an entire change in the fall of nature in so short a time seems almost supernatural, and surrounded once more by numberless warblers and thrushes, I enjoyed the scene.”
– John James Audubon, upon his arrival in 1821
History Restored
Ever since Audubon shared his paintings of the of birds in West Feliciana in 1821, artists, writers, and other visitors have found inspiration in this scenic, unspoiled place. Relax and take in St. Francisville’s moss-draped live oaks shading the restored downtown district, listed in its entirety on the National Register of Historic Places. Connect with West Feliciana’s history, art, photography, and more at explorewestfeliciana.com/historical-sites.
• Audubon State Historic Site
• The West Feliciana Historical Society Museum
• Numerous plantations and gardens
• Historic churches and cemeteries
The John James Audubon Bicentennial will be going on until 2030, and there is no better place to celebrate the bicentennial of John James Audubon’s life and endeavors.
Click here. to learn more and plan your day trips.
