Day 2
The Laura Plantation
We woke up early on day 2 to head out of the city (about 55 miles away) to check out 2 very different plantation homes. The drive took about an hour and the first stop was The Laura Plantation. This is a Louisiana Creole style Plantation house and one of very few left. The property was originally named l’habitation Duparc after its first owner – Guillaume Duparc.
Guillaume Duparc, a French navel veteran from the American Revolution, acquired the land from Thomas Jefferson in 1804. He proceeded to build a sugar mill on the land. It was passed down through the women in his family and subsequently became known as the Laura Plantation because Laura Locoul was the 4th mistress (4th generation) to run the mill before selling it.
The house sits about 600 feet from the Mississippi river and this proximity was utilized to help keep the property cool in the hot summer months. The large trees in the front of the house funneled the cool air off the river towards the house. Then strategically placed doors would be opened and closed at certain times to move air through the house. Very Clever!
Oak Alley Plantation
After touring the property and learning a great deal about the history we headed to our second and final stop of the tour – Oak Alley Plantation. This is an Antebellun Mansion, also a sugar plantation, a few minutes down the road. It was a huge contrast to the Laura Plantation.
The large Oak trees are what you first notice about the property and it is still a mystery to this day who planted them.
Jacques and Celina Roman acquired the land in 1836 and built the mansion you see today. It was completed in 1839.
We took a tour of the house and then explored the grounds before heading back to the city. Walking through the large oak trees was incredible because they were so monstrous in size. We were also informed that this house was used in many movies including: Interview with a Vampire.
We made it back to the city by early after noon which gave us time to go explore Magazine Street before heading out to dinner.
Sadly the only picture I have (that I can find) from Magazine Street is a Halloween costume I considered getting Boss.
Dinner in the bed of a Truck
For dinner we went to a restaurant in the Garden District called Jacques Imo. After waiting a bit to be sat we were led outside to our table. Here the hostess showed us our table by the door before saying “or you can sit in the truck”? Of course we choose the truck not really knowing what that meant. Our question was answered 2 seconds later when we turned around to face the street and saw a truck parked with a table on the bed of the it! Sadly, I only have one picture of this because both our phones died and we left the camera in the hotel room. Luckily, 2 guys who were making conversation with us took a picture (with about 10 other people doing the same) and emailed it to us.
The food and atmosphere were great and we finished off the night at Maple Leaf bar to watch Rebirth Brass band – a very cool Jazz band.
The last day consists of the French Market, beignets and a famous Muffuletta – make sure you check it out on the next blog post!
Lots of Love,
Buffy x
