Oak Alley Plantation

You cannot go to the south of Louisiana without taking a look at the lovely homes of that bygone era, pre-civil war and post.

So we decided on a tour rather than renting a vehicle ourselves and let someone else do the driving.

We said good-bye to our home at the St. Pierre. . .

and we were off and running through the city as soon as the bus had picked up all the tourists.  With my trusty camera at hand I just started taking photos of whatever caught my eye.

That is leaning out the window of the bus.  Some lovely buildings downtown that have great detail.  And of course I try to snap the SuperDome every time we pass it just to see if I can get a better photo than the last time we roared by.

As we headed out of town (45 minute trip) to see the plantation of choice, I noticed that we crossed over a lot of swampy, watery countryside.  We could have taken a swamp tour but I don't think any of the tours take you on a airboat that roars through the swamp.  They go slowly, they say to not frighten the wildlife.

What a lovely view greeted us as we came up to Oak Alley.

This photo was taken from the inside looking out to the Mississippi.  I was disappointed to see that from the house you could not actually see the river...the levee is so high that you do not see the water. During flood season I suppose that is a good thing!

We approached the house from the side which still gives a handsome facade.

On my way into the house tour I met up with this sweet little creature.  Isn't he clever?

If anyone is a fan of antiques and old houses it is me and I also realize the validity in the notion of restoring things to how they were but here is another grand old home that needs a bit of a touch.  The furniture is gorgeous and the home has great bones but I would love to warm it up.  It is a home that I could live in but Sherwin would truly rolls his eyes just thinking of the electrical and plumbing updates that need to happen here.

There were many fine touches that dated back to original even though this house has had numerous owners.

This fan hangs over the dining room table and the rope you see at the top of the photo is pulled by a slave boy to cause this 'contraption' to fan the table without putting out the candles below.  They would place a bowl of ice in the centre of the table to help the fan cool the room.

The verandahs are 13 feet across also helping to give a cooling effect to the rooms inside.  What a grand spot to sit and watch the world ease on by.

We couldn't leave the plantation without trying a Mint Julep. . .this one is very much a virgin.  But it looks impressive!

The landscaping was very charming and well manicured.

Here is a close-up of the levee across the road from the oak alley.  The gates were locked and I wasn't up to jumping the fence to get a close look at the Mississippi rolling on by.

This bell is designed to get your attention even if you are out on the 'back 40' in the sugar cane.  Cotton didn't grow here in the damp conditions.

This large pot was originally used for boiling down the cane.  There are a number of them on the property used as water gardens.  Great application.

We did not see much for outbuildings except for this water tower and then the blacksmith shop.

Notice the sugar pot here with purple pansies at its feet.

The time went by quickly and with one last look at the house we were on our way and gone.

Hope you are all having a great week.  Now off to Tucson and some golf and shopping in warm dry heat, hopefully.

Be well.