Photography and Text by Terry “Travels with Terry” Zinn [email protected]
Houmas House Plantation and Gardens is just a short drive northwest of New Orleans, and a world away from modern stress with a touch of old plantation elegance. In fact the old plantations of the fabled golden era of the south could never have matched the elegance that owner, developer and host, Kevin Kelly has created.
By taking an historical plantation featured in several movies as the icon of the old south, he has updated it without losing the charm of the old South we all seek. Year after year he has added to its elegance with extensive gardens, world class gourmet offerings, and overnight accommodations envy of any five star property.
For nearly two and a half centuries, the Sugar Barons of Houmas House have entertained their guests with the finest of food and beverage. It is in this spirit that Chef Anderson Foster allows his guests the opportunity to personalize their dining experience. His tasting menu allows for his guests to select among several choices for the ultimate customization of their menu. Visit Latil’s Landing Restaurant on their Restaurant Page for details and menus.
Or you may want to linger all day and enjoy 38 lush acres of gardens, ponds and the majestic live oak alley. Relax with a refreshing handmade mint julep by a handsome escort, and enjoy the breeze off the Mississippi just up over the levee in front of the plantation and stroll through the shadows of ancient oaks conjuring up fantasies of older days.
You may want to schedule your visit to coincide with the Art Gumbo Community Market presented by the River Region Art Association every third Saturday of the month under the trees at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens in Darrow, LA on The River Road from 10am – 2pm. The market offers Louisiana arts and crafts from local artisans including, paintings, jewelry, photography, pottery, and other such special crafts. Latil’s Landing Restaurant Chef, Jeremy Langlois offers a complimentary tasting of one of his amazing dishes. After visiting the Market, their Café Burnside, open for lunches and breakfast for casual but delicious dining.
The American Photo Safari group has teamed up with Houmas House to offer a day of learning, relaxation and beauty, In addition to the plantation house which contains eighteen rooms filled with antiques the experience includes acres of gardens, ponds, paths and its majestic Live Oak alley. It received the Country Roads Favorite Plantation Award for 2011, where you will also learn about its deep-rooted history of the plantation lead by guides in period dress.
225 Baton Rouge Magazine readers have voted Houmas House Plantation and
Gardens Best Wedding Reception Venue for 2015. It’s also the 2015 Certificate of Excellence from Tripadvisor!
After visiting the plantation over the years as I have, I think you will agree with me that Houmas House is your favorite plantation experience. Never been? Visited in the past? Now is the time to renew and enjoy.
For more information, location and booking:
Mr. Terry Zinn – Travel Editor
Past President: International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association
http://realtraveladventures.com/author/zinn/
http://www.examiner.com/travel-in-oklahoma-city/terry-zinn
www.new.seniornewsandliving.com – www.martinitravels.com
