New Roads sits on False River northwest of Baton Rouge, and its holiday calendar gives you a few good reasons to make the drive. The parish tourism office, Visit False River, lists these four dates.

Thursday, Nov. 12: An Evening in Greece

CIRCA at Morel's, 210 Morrison Pkwy., is hosting a Greek wine tasting and dinner with Ambeli Wine & Imports. The listing promises five courses and five wines, plus welcome bubbles and a chance to try olive oils and balsamic vinegars from Greece. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and dinner starts at 7. Tickets are $175 per person plus tax and gratuity, and seating is limited.

Nov. 20-22: Market at the Mill

Market at the Mill runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at The Mill, 311 Mill St. It falls the weekend before Thanksgiving, so it's a good chance to start your holiday shopping.

Sunday, Dec. 13: Light Up the Holidays

The Arts Council of Pointe Coupee's annual fundraiser fills the Julien Poydras Center at 500 W. Main St. Dinner and an art market start at 6 p.m., followed at 7 by a performance from award-winning composer Greg DeIulio and friends. Ticket details are posted on the arts council's Facebook page.

Saturday, Dec. 19: Holiday Mixer Party

The Community Center of Pointe Coupee will host a holiday mixer at the William H. Scott Civic Center, 1200 Major Pkwy., from 6 to 11:30 p.m. DJ Robbo is on the turntables. Entry is a $20 donation, and you can bring your own drinks.

Plan the trip

Find more dates, plus dining and lodging listings, at visitfalseriver.com. Whichever date you choose, a slow drive along False River makes a fine start to the evening.

Photo courtesy of Visit False River.