There's a
heaven right here on earth, a song about New Orleans claims; but it's in
the northern section of Louisiana where heaven might really be.
Right on the edge of Texas, tucked back into the
trees, on a pristine lake on which the sun glistens and boats glide by,
is that wonderful place, that heaven on earth, called Cypress Bend. At
least it's heaven as far as the local people of Many maintained on the
journey through the nearby town visitors go through on the way to the
resort.
Now travel stories might not be exciting; but this place is, for many
reasons. In a state where pollutants can be seen from the main
thoroughfares going into the capitol of Louisiana, Baton Rouge, or New
Orleans, the state's flagship city, a place that looks like God washed
every blade of grass each day, with no man's interference, is a treat
for the wayfaring stranger.
This photo by Del
Forsloff shows the wide expanses of lawn and the golf course that
stretches around the area.
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What would heaven be
without flowers, as this picture by Del Forsloff reveals.
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Cypress Bend was initially conceived, it is said, by former Governor
Edwin Edwards, as a fabulous resort for golf and for gambling, but that
was not to be. Gambling plays no part in the wonderful joys found on
the premises of this world-class resort.
Can heaven wait with
spring beauty in Louisiana and this patio that makes one feel like this
is heaven on earth?
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The hotel lobby is awash with cypress woods and paintings, chandeliers
of great beauty, and a friendly staff to add to the charm.
This world-class resort
interior is decorated in rich beauty, as the entire place has been
done.
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The main building, as there are several on these resort lands, contains
the hotel itself, with restaurant, bar, meeting rooms, business offices,
spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and an exercise facility to
complete the special offerings.
This is the back
entrance into the hotel at Cypress Bend.
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But with all that beauty, one is led to wonder, why don't people come?
The staff declares people do come in big bunches and arrive sometimes
in busloads for special events.
Evelyn Pinkston, guest
services manager, is one of those people who helps create heaven on
earth for the guests of Cypress Bend, a world-class resort in north
Louisiana.
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They come for educational meetings, weddings
and special occasions. The oil men arrive and rent large numbers of
rooms, but a continuous flow of guests all year is not the resort's
regular pattern. Instead folks come in spurts in colder months where
some hotel rooms remain empty for extended periods of time, and the
restaurant without a customer.
Evelyn Pinkston, guest services manager, works the weekends making sure
guests are comfortable and spent time with Digital Journal talking about
the resort and its offerings.
This large educational
center, shown here in a picture by Del Forsloff, is for meetings where
instruction takes place.
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"We do get people all year round, but it's slow in the winter months.
In the spring and summer we get groups of people who will stay here over
weekends or during the week for special events. People come here for
weddings and for special events also."
"Anything you have personally done here?" she was asked. "Oh, yes. I
had my own wedding here. It's a beautiful place. I love working here
also. It's a great atmosphere, and the people who do come really love
it.
More folks ought to know about it, and I don't say that just because I
work here."
"Do people live here all year round, since you have condos on the
premises?" Digital Journal was struck by the beauty of the grounds and
the fact that for seniors condos with a golf course and wonderful
amenities would be enticing.
How about retiring at
heaven on earth?
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"No, most people just come here for vacations or for weekends and that.
They have their condos in our rental program But they could, if they
wanted to. We are hoping to attract all sorts of people eventually."
"Does your hotel allow pets?" One wondered with the beauty of the place
what the answer might be for that.
"This place is pet-friendly, at least the condos are. We try to
accommodate people with all different situations and needs, and yet we
keep the place clean at all times. This is also a non-smoking
facility."
It was a beautiful April Sunday Digital Journal made the trip to Many,
Louisiana from the town of Natchitoches less than 30 miles away, where a
few miles down the road, and past a tree-pillared entrance, stands the
hotel, its condominium, golf clubhouse and wide expanse of grassy lawns,
winding trails, golf course lanes and landscape of varied hues from
semi-tropical offerings that stun the first-time visitor.
Along with a heaven on
earth, this resort has wide expanse of lawns and golf course.
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A few guests were seen in the lobby, at the front desk. A few carts
were on the greens. The restaurant at dinner was empty at 5:30 pm
except for a reporter and spouse.
All this, and heaven too, and like an invitation to a grand party
there's a little sadness as well for only a few folks show up.
In the world of media, there is the admonition that comes from Thomas
Jefferson that the true journalist bring to the public education and
information and holds power to account.
The information about this pristine place called Cypress Bend is too
important to leave for another time or sensational story, because the
artistry of nature and man combined to create such wonders this special
place affords should not be overlooked.
At Cypress Bend there
are many amenities, including an indoor and outdoor heated swimming
pool, making the experience a heaven on earth in north Louisiana.
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It is here and shared for you, dear reader, that in your time a wander
down the road will lead you to Cypress Bend and to what local people
call a heaven right here on earth.
Carol Forsloff