For the quintessential Southern Louisiana plantation
experience visit the Rosedown Plantation located at 12501 La.
Hwy. 10 in the West Feliciana Parish. Rosedown was established in the
1830's by a wealthy couple. At the height of their prosperity this
plantation contained over 3400 acres and several hundred slaves. The
grounds are gorgeous - in the summer full blooming pink crepe myrtle
trees are draped with long hanging Spanish moss. In the spring the
gardens are alive with azalea and camellia blooms. Tours are guided and
start in the gardens. The large house which dates from 1835 anchors a
long oak tree lined walkway. Sculptures near the house represent each
one of the earth's continents.
The real treat of a visit to the plantation is the home tour. View
antique furnishings and explore the historical functionality of the
house. The dining room is interesting. A large wooden fan called a Punka
hangs from the ceiling and during hot days slaves would stand at one end
of the table with ropes pulling this fan back and forth, effectively
creating a cooling breeze. Look for the "tea brick" - these were in fact
used for tea. Shavings of the brick were removed - no ordinary family
would be able to afford these as as they were extremely expensive. If
you displayed two bricks for your guests (one full and one partially
used) this meant you were very well off.
Explore a number of bedrooms. Find out how showers were taken in those
days! One highlight is a gift the original owners received from Martha
Washington, wife of George Washington. This beautiful needlepoint is on
display and features a boating scene.
www.nps.gov/nr/travel/louisiana/ros.htm
The Oakley Plantation House is located 4.5 miles southeast of St.
Francisville on State Hwy. 965., off US Hwy. 61. The main plantation
building began construction in 1799. This plantation is famous because
well-known naturalist John James Audubon spent merely 4 months here but
painted 32 of his bird pictures. He was originally invited to the
plantation to tutor the owner's daughter. During your tour you will see
his room, bed and other belongings. In addition the guide will discuss
how day to day life was conducted in a plantation house and several
interesting construction methods to ensure some cooling during the hot
and muggy summers. Several excellently preserved slave quarters are
located outside of the main house. Visit:
www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/louisiana/OKL.HTM
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McGee's Landing is located in the heart of Cajun country near the
small town of Henderson at 1337 Henderson Levee Road and is a must visit
for anyone traveling in the southern part of Louisiana. Floating "Cajun
Cabins", a full restaurant serving a variety of authentic "swamp meals"
including crayfish and alligator, live music at times, and their
infamous swamp tours makes any visit here a memorable experience.
The
cabins are rustic like the surroundings - there are no phones or
televisions in the rooms. Not a bad thing! You will travel deep into the
heart of one of America's greatest river swamps, the Atchafalaya basin,
via private high powered fan air boats. Larger much slower river boats
also take visitors into the swamps.
Acres and acres of Cypress trees all covered with Spanish moss, a
variety of birdlife, alligator viewing and knowledgeable, very friendly
& often humorous guides create this unique experience. |
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Head phones are provided to drown out the noisy fan boats,
but the guides will often stop to explain the history and wildlife of
the swamps. On part of the fan boat tour, you will cross under the great
I-10 freeway - according to our guide, this section of the freeway is
the 2nd longest over water road in the USA. A highlight of this freeway
encounter is racing through the road's supporting pillars! Perhaps you
will even see "George" the 14 foot gator who makes his home near the
Freeway. George likes to eat...a lot - the guide will have some chicken
or other meat on hand and as soon as this gator gets a whiff of the boat
he will be swimming out to see you.
Keep arms in the boat or you might
end up like the poor fellow as shown in the accompanying photo. |
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The bayou can be a birders paradise and special birding trips can be
arranged. If you are in the fan boat, you will finish your tour by
racing across the water straight onto the land! More info? Visit:
www.mcgeeslanding.com
Dinner
Mulates Cajun Restaurant & Dance Hall is located about a mile from Interstate 10 in
Breaux Bridge at 325 W Mills Ave. The cypress beams that support the
building were milled from a nearby swamp in Henderson. As they advertise
come here for the music, food and love of good times. This is certainly
the place to be on a Friday night! The restaurant is privately owned and
is not affiliated with the "other" Mulates in New Orleans. When you walk
in the door look for all the photos of celebs and musicians who have
visited or performed on site - its quite numerous. Locals and tourists congregate here, but
definitely more locals - to hear live local music, for dancing and for
large meals. Here, the music is entirely part of the dining experience.
Some establishments only attract certain ages, not this restaurant. How
refreshing it is to see all ages dancing from grandparents with their
grandchildren to younger couples. Thousands and thousands of business
cards line the ceilings. Definitely visit on a Friday or Saturday night for the most
action. Ask for their printed bread pudding recipe. Phone: 800 422-2586
Lodging
The Old Castillo Bed and Breakfast is located in St. Martinville next to
a bayou. As the name indicates, this is "old" - it dates from 1827. A
stay here is a throw back to the 1800's. Large rooms contain period
furniture and 14 foot ceilings. A Cajun breakfast is offered daily.
Visit:
www.oldcastillo.com |
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Dave's Pick