New Orleans: Destrehan Plantation, Houmas House & Lunch

Highlights

• Learn about the opulent splendor of the Antebellum South
• Marvel at the contrast of architecture styles from the 1840s
• Discover the interior of 2 different plantation mansions
• Experience Louisiana cuisine with a gourmet lunch
• See rural Louisiana with its sugar cane fields

Description

After being picked up from your hotel in New Orleans in a 13-seater high-roof van, your enthusiastic historian driver-guide will narrate your scenic drive upriver to two historic plantations on the shores of the Mississippi River. On the journey, drive by the shores of Lake Pontchartrain and miles of cane fields extending from the Mississippi River to the back swamps. Learn about Louisiana's geography, geology, and incredible history en route. 

The first stop is Destrehan Plantation the oldest documented plantation in the Mississippi River valley, constructed in 1787. Learn about the history of the site, see where Charles Deslondes led the 1811 Slave Revolt, and discover its dramatic outcome.

Then you are driven further upriver on the old Mississippi River road, passing the ruins of the Tezcuco Plantation and hearing about its history. Soon afterward you will arrive at the "The Sugar Palace", more commonly known as Houmas House. Here, you will enjoy a gourmet Creole lunch in a grand dining hall. There are even refreshing Mint Juleps available for purchase if you wish to really experience the Southern Plantation life.

After lunch, you will enjoy a guided visit to the Greek Revival mansion on this very opulent plantation. Your guides, in period dress, will lead you through rooms filled with period antiques and Louisiana artwork. Afterward, you will have time to stroll around the stunning gardens in the shadows of ancient oaks, before visiting the very gift shop.

Sample Lunch Menu (subject to seasonal changes)

Luncheon includes home-baked bread and butter, an iced tea or soft drink, a dessert, and coffee. 

Choice of Entrees:

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad (gluten-free without croutons): Served with tender romaine lettuce, croutons, and parmesan cheese
Crown Jewel Hamburger: Grilled 7oz burger topped with cheese, bacon, mayo, ketchup, lettuce, tomato, and onion served with French fries
Shrimp Po Boy: Shrimp, crispy fried and served on New Orleans French bread with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and Creole mayonnaise
Breast of Chicken (gluten-free without grits): Skin-on breast of chicken, served with stone-ground grits, roasted veggies and rum-spiked Houmas House beehive honey glaze
Vegetarian Pasta: Veggies and baby heirloom tomatoes with fettuccine pasta and parmesan cheese

Choice of Dessert:

White Chocolate Bread Pudding
Turtle Creole Cream Cheese Cheesecake