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| Plantations Near New Orleans |
| While no plantations exist in the city of New Orleans, there are several just to the west of New Orleans, all within a short drive (most between 30 minutes and an hour and a half from downtown). Along the winding, curving River Road, and along both sides of the Mississippi River, you will find numerous magnificent antebellum plantation homes amongst flowing fields of sugar cane, that have been beautifully restored and are open to the public for showing. I've listed below a few of the more popular plantations for your viewing. |
| Destrehan Plantation http://www.destrehanplantation.org/ Abouut 25-30 minutes outside of downtown New Orleans, Destrehan was built in 1787 and is the oldest documented plantation house in the lower Mississippi valley. The house was built in French Colonial style and remodeled to Greek Revival, with a West Indies style hip roof. Guided tours by costumed guides daily. 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. $10 adults; $3 ages 3-12 |
| Houmas House http://www.houmashouse.com/ About an hour drive west of New Orleans, you will find the magnificent Greek Revival mansion surrounded by 200+ year old live oak trees, towering magnolias and formal gardens known as Houmas House. Not only is this plantation on the National Register of Historic Places, but it was completely restored in 1940 and furnished with 1840s-period antiques and featured in Bette Davis' film, Hush Sweet Charlotte. Houmas House was recently sold to a new owner and is currently undergoing yet more rennovations, and will re-open to the public this Fall. |
| Laura Plantation: http://www.lauraplantation.com/ Surrounded by sugarcane fields and 11 historic buildings, you will find the bright colors that make up Laura Plantation. Besides the beautiful Creole home, Laura Plantation is also known as the place where west African folktalkes of Br'er Rabbit were recorded. Open to the public 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. $10 adult, $5 for children 6-17. |
| Nottaway Plantation: http://www.nottoway.com/ Overlooking the Mississippi River is Nottoway, the largest plantation home in The South. The home, featuring both Greek Revival and Italiante architecutre, was completed in 1859 and has many elements that were quite rare in mid-19th century, such as hot and cold running water and indoor plumbing. Today, Nottoway is open daily to the public for tours, and also has a bed & breakfast hotel and has a restaurant on the property. Guided tours of the house are given daily from 9-5. The restaurant is open daily from 11-9. |
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| Oak Alley: http://www.oakalleyplantation.com/ 28 Live Oak trees, some 300 years old, line up for almost a 1/4 of a mile in front of this beautiful Greek Revival plantation just outside of New Orleans. The view from the front balcony is absolutely breathtaking. The plantation can been seen in many movies, including Interview With The Vampire. Besides being open to the public for tours, Oak Alley also offers a bed & breakfast hotel, restaurant, and gift shop. Guided tours daily, usually from noon to 4:00 p.m. $10.00 Adults, $5.00 students 13-18, $3.00 for children 6-12. |
| Other plantations nearby include: Madewood Plantation The Myrtles Plantation Ormond Plantation San Francisco Plantation |