New Roads has been throwing a party for a long time. The inn's website points out that the town staged Mardi Gras celebrations as early as 1881, earning it the nickname "Little Carnival Capital" of Louisiana. If you're heading up for a festive weekend, Morel's Courtyard Inn puts you right in the middle of downtown.

A small inn with a long local name

The Morel's name has been part of New Roads and Pointe Coupee since 1926. Today the family-run inn at 221 W. Main St. offers 12 rooms plus a roughly 1,200-square-foot apartment. Eight rooms have one queen bed and four have two single beds, each for up to two guests. The apartment has a bedroom with two queen beds, a full kitchen and a balcony overlooking False River.

Step outside your door and you're in the courtyard, lit by New Orleans-style gas lanterns around an antique fountain. Rooms come with a Keurig and Community Coffee, a small fridge and microwave, a flat-screen TV and Wi-Fi.

There's no front desk. Guests book online and get door codes and parking details by email a day or two before arrival. Check-in is 2 p.m., checkout is 11 a.m., and you must be 21 to reserve. The inn is smoke-free and isn't pet-friendly.

A firehouse built for parties

Next door, Circa Event Center fills a fire station built in 1903 that has been restored as a catered event hall. Expect 100-plus-year-old brick walls, 14- to 15-foot ceilings, a newer professional kitchen and the option of adding a tent outside with views down to False River. It's a handsome option for holiday parties, rehearsal dinners, receptions and reunions.

Dinner on the water

Morel's Restaurant at 210 Morrison Parkway is built over False River and caters events too. Call (225) 638-4057 to book a large party.

For a room, call the inn at 225-638-7177 or book through morelscourtyardinn.com. A little downtown charm, a lot of river, and a party venue steps away.

Photo courtesy of Morel's Courtyard Inn.