A nature oriented B & B located in rural Vernon Parish in west central Louisiana.
A cozy country home with five theme decorated bedrooms:
- Butterflies
- Birds
- Blooms (Wildflowers)
- Bark (Trees)
- Baygall/Bog
The site is 26 acre wooded paradise that is listed as a state Natural area. It is located adjacent to The Kisatchie National Forest, near the picturesque Ouiska Chitto Creek. The Allens have spent years developing gardens specifically designed to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. There is a moon garden highlighting night-blooming flowers that attract the curious hummingbird moth. Other gardens are developed to highlight numerous “yard art” curiosities and there are trails to walk with native trees labeled for identification. Several bluebird houses and bird feeders provide opportunities for bird watching. During the summer, many hummingbirds flock to the yard to enjoy the planted nectar sources and the feeders. This is a very rural are so the night sky is spectacular. A bon fire area with wood provided is available. From March to October, fire-flies can be spotted plus you can enjoy the night sounds of owls, crickets, tree frogs, cicadas, and an occasional howl of a coyote. Or simply sit in air-conditioned comfort and entertain yourself with a library of nature oriented books.
You can walk and meditate in a labyrinth laid out with grass or check out the succession wheel aka circle of life where you can view changes in vegetation. A circular chicken pen with 19 different breeds of chickens and a flock of guineas is also on the premises. You can view and hear the chickens and guineas and pick your own egg(s) for breakfast. Most roosters are named so you can choose from George Washington or Abraham Lincoln or Kung Fu or name your own rooster for your stay. The egg will be so fresh that “it was in a chicken’s butt last night”. Amenities include a large kitchen and common sitting area, two bathrooms and an available washer and dryer. Wireless internet is available in all rooms. Two rooms have their own exit door to the back of the house. You can sit on the large front porch and view birds and butterflies in the yard that is surrounded by a picket fence and enhanced by a bottle tree that keeps the spirits out of the house. A continental breakfast plus fresh eggs is available for all guests. Special meals with an Oriental or Cajun flair of both can be provided upon request for an additional fee.
Dr. Allen, an accomplished authority on the native plants of Louisiana can provide tours to some of the rarest ecosystems of the Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana prairies, spring-fed Bay Galls, or pitcher plant Bogs. This will be provided free to large groups or for an additional minimal cost. Charles can also guide you to many of the rare plants, including native orchids. He is the co-author of three books including “Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of Louisiana”, “Grasses of Louisiana”, and “Edible Plants of the Gulf South”. He organizes and leads three tours each year that originate from Allen Acres including Bogs, Birds, Baygalls, Butterflies, etc in early April or mid May, Lily Orchid in mid August, and Butterfly Blast in late September.
The Kisatchie National Forest with roads and trails for hiking or horse back or motorcycle riding is very close and includes Fullerton Lake, an old sawmill settlement. About three miles away, you can view the covered graves at the Talbert-Pierson Cemetery. In Eunice, about one hour and 15 minutes away, you can visit the ten acre restored Cajun Prairie. Several canoe rental operations are 30 minutes away on the Ouiska Chitto near Mittie, Louisiana. Toledo Bend Reservoir is about an hour to the northwest. The nearby Louisiana State Parks include; to the east, Chicot; to the west and northwest Hodges Gardens, South Toledo Bend, and North Toledo Bend; and to the southwest, Sam Houston . The Louisiana Arboretum is a State Preservation area located to the east just north of Ville Platte. To the northwest near Natchitoches are the State Historic Sites of Fort Jesup, Los Adaes, Rebel, Fort St. John Baptiste, and Mansfield. Several US Fish and Wildlife Refuges are located south of Interstate 10 toward the Gulf of Mexico. The Coushatta Casino is about an hour away in Kinder and the Paragon Casino is about two hours away in Marksville.
Allen Acres is just north and west of Louisiana’s culturally rich Acadiana and just east of the Big Thicket of Texas. The closest towns are Cravens which is about 2 miles to the north of Allen Acres, Pitkin which is about 8 miles to the east, and Sugartown about 10 miles to the southeast. During the summer months, “Sugartown” watermelons can be purchased. To the west, Fort Polk is about 20 miles away and Leesville about 30. To the east, Elizabeth is about 15 miles away and Oakdale about 30 miles. Deridder is about 25 miles to the southwest. You can walk to the scenic Ouiska Chitto Creek and other scenic streams are nearby including Drake’s, Bird’s, Ten Mile, and Six Mile Creeks. A little farther away to the east is the Calcasieu River and to the west the Sabine River.
Allen Acres is about one and half hour north of Interstate 10 and also about an hour and a half west of Interstate 49. It is roughly half-way between Houston and New Orleans and about one hour southwest of Alexandria, Louisiana, about one hour north of Lake Charles, Louisiana, and about two hours northwest of Lafayette, Louisiana.
Rooms are $80 each plus tax. Ask about multi-room reduced rates and long term rates Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover Card accepted.