Bon+Temps,+Louisiana

= =  **Bon Temps, Louisiana**  // The Southern Vampire Mysteries //, by Charlaine Harris []

**Location Description**
Bon Temps is a small Louisiana town in Renard Parish, just southeast of Shreveport. Bon Temps, like most of Louisiana, is semitropical and is hot and humid most of the year. Since the "Great Revelation" in 2002, Bon Temps has become a popular spot for vampires to make a home, and as such the local culture has adjusted to include more lively nightlife. The friendly town of Bon Temps has a population of less than 3,000 and is known for it's swamps, plantations, local history, and one of the oldest cemeteries in the state.

**Itinerary**
You'll start your trip through Bon Temps in the oldest part of the small town: the Bon Temps cemetery. The cemetery is the site for many of the town's established families' deceased, including the Comptons, Stackhouses, and Bellefleurs. The cemetery lies between the Compton and Stackhouse homes, so you'll also visit these two historic houses.

Your next stop will be the swamps that run throughout the town. These swamps are filled with murky water, trees and greenery of all sorts, and animals like alligators, snakes, birds of all sorts, and larger animals like bears. The swamps are also often an area for the two-natured animals to roam, like were-panthers and werewolves.

Next you'll see many plantation homes, including the well-known Bellefleur Mansion. Plantation homes are common throughout Louisiana and Bon Temps is no different. The Bellefleuer Mansion is owned by Caroline Bellefleur and has been owned by the notable family for many years. The wealthy Bellefleurs at one point owned most of Bon Temps and still have influence over much of the small town.

In town you'll see many small town staples, like the post office, the Renard Trust Bank, the local motel and senior center. You'll also note that many of the locals live in apartments and houses right in town. You'll have time to shop in the small local-owned shops and to visit the various small restaurants and eateries, like the local Cajun joint. Save your appetite, thought, for the last leg of the tour!

Lastly, we'll swing by Merlotte's Bar and Grill, the popular local hangout where people and supernaturals can go to enjoy lunch or dinner and an alcoholic, non-alcoholic, or synthetic blood beverage. Merlotte's is a popular place for people to go in the evenings, particularly on the weekends, to play the jukebox and enjoy the company of others in the town. It's also a popular place for people to hold events like wedding receptions.

//If you enjoy// the southern-hospitality and friendliness but are looking for something a little more populated, you should check out the Birmingham, Alabama tour.

If you want more supernatural suspense, visit Sleepy Hollow, New York State.