Louisiana Town Shares Title – ‘South’s Most Laid-Back Town’

(KMDL-FM) Laid-back, that's usually a positive descriptor when discussing the personality of a human being. Most of us don't like being with those who are high-strung, anxious, and ready to bark like a chihuahua on Red Bull. We prefer the more docile demeanor of, let's say, an old hound dog since we have decided that dogs will be our metaphor of choice for this occasion.

READ MORE: According to Google, this is the "Most Louisiana" Town in Louisiana

While we appreciate laid-back in our friends and co-workers, how do we feel about that when it comes to our towns? There are certainly those who enjoy the hustle and bustle of a big city.

However, there is a certain charm that comes with a community where two old men can stop in their pick-up trucks in the middle of Main Street, block traffic for two minutes for a conversation, and not one horn will honk.

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What Are the Most Laid-Back Towns in the Southern United States?

That's the kind of town I grew up in, and it's the kind of town I prefer, and obviously, the editors of World Atlas have been thinking along those lines, too. The good folks at World Atlas have released an article entitled, The Southern United States's 9 Most Laid-Back Towns.

While the article never directly addressed what the definition of "laid-back" was, they did allude to it being places with a slower pace, deep roots, walkable streets, and history, lots of history. In looking at the World Atlas list, I would say they picked nine towns that do exemplify those attributes.

The town the editors picked from Louisiana to earn the distinction of Louisiana's Most Laid-Back Town is a community that has been honored by Southern Living and many other publications for its charm, friendly people, and its one hell of a Christmas Festival.

Of course, they chose Natchitoches. Why Wouldn't They?

Yeah, it's Natchitoches, again. No, I'm not writing that in an exasperated tone; I am simply saying that while Natchitoches is nice and I can see why it earned the distinction, it's not the only charming, laid-back town in Louisiana. Have y'all been to St Martinville? They practically sleepwalk to the Evangeline Oak every day.

READ MORE: Louisiana Town Earns Accolades on "Best Spot for Vacation" List

But I will agree that Natchitoches has all the qualities you'd be looking for in a laid-back experience. The city is walkable along the Cane River. The downtown area is quaint and charming and exudes history. They have meat pies too. And if you come in December, you will be treated to a magical transformation where the city truly becomes "Christmas," at least in festival form.

You can see all nine of the World Atlas' most laid-back towns in the South here. And if you're looking for a different kind of adventure in Louisiana, one that's hard to pronounce sometimes, you might try visiting these amazing communities.