The Shadetree Inn - St. Francisville, LA

Shadetree Inn

Following a visit to the Angola Prison Rodeo, we spent a delightful evening at the Shadetree Inn in charming St. Francisville.  We've stayed in numerous bed and breakfasts over the years, and this was one of the most enjoyable and relaxing.  It is located in a corner of the Historic District on several acres overlooking a steep hill which leads down to a levee which provides a walk through a beautiful cypress swamp.

There are only three lodgings, and we stayed in the Gardener's Cottage, a tastefully decorated three room cottage.  A bottle of wine and snacks were waiting in our room along with some homemade cookies that were too good.  We brought with us some cheese and crackers and enjoyed a delightful evening on the front porch, watching large numbers of cardinals and other birds enjoying the many bird feeders and bird bath in the yard.

the Gardener's Cottage

KW, the inn keeper, grounds keeper, gardener, and woodworker was a grand host. He gave us a tour of this grand environment including his VW bus which has traveled over 450,000 miles.

garden and bird feeder

We look forward to returning to this special hideaway.

The Angola Prison Rodeo

On a lovely Fall day, we enjoyed a visit to the Angola Prison Rodeo near St. Francisville, LA followed by a delightful stay at a most charming bed and breakfast.

The Angola Prison Rodeo is a world class rodeo that allows inmates to participate in an exciting rodeo that got its start in 1965.  One of the very unique events is convict poker where 4 inmates sit around a poker table as a bull is released.  The winner is the last man remaining seated.  Cameras are not allowed in the prison grounds, so here is a borrowed photo.

Click image to view video of Rodeo

Before the rodeo, we visited the fair conducted by inmates where they sell crafts which they have made in the prison workshops.  This was a very moving experience, talking with and mingling with  inmate trustees as they displayed their creations.  In one area requiring higher security, inmates within a large area surrounded by chain link fence discussed their workmanship which was on the other side of the fence where we were.  The area for the fair was quite large and we walked and walked and walked.  I enjoyed a lunch of very tender and spicy fried frog legs.  This event was larger than many festivals in Louisiana, and occurs every Sunday in October and once in April.