Since New Orleans is situated below sea level, we bury our dead above ground in tombs that often resemble small houses. Our tour will begin with a visit to an above ground cemetery on Esplanade Avenue to see these unique burial sites.
Following the Cemetery tour, we will step into the antebellum South with a visit to Oak Alley Plantation, built in 1837. We will go "up" the Mississippi River to this National Historic Landmark which is famous for its quarter mile alley of live oak trees over 250 years old stretching toward the Mississippi River and forming a framework for this magnificent plantation.
Wide galleries supported by massive columns speak of the grandeur of the 1840's when this was the home of the wealthy sugar planter, Jacques Roman. A tour of the home will remind us of the opulence of the furnishings of the era and the lifestyle of the early planters. We will enjoy a "Southern Style Lunch" on the plantation grounds.
Our next stop will be a visit to Laura, a 200 year old Classic Creole Plantation. Laura has 12 historic buildings including 2 manor houses, slave quarters and Creole cottages. It was here in the 1870's that the West Afircan folktale of Compair Lapin, better known as Br'er Rabbit, was first recorded in America. Laura attracts dreamers, lovers of history and seekers of truth. It authentically shows how Creole families lived in the early 1800s in Louisiana. Guides share everything from the inner workings of the plantation to family secrets.
Forty-five dollars cost includes lunch and refreshments. Select ONE of the following lunches for each guest:
1) Plantation barbeque: Includes potato salad, barbequed chichen breast and Cajun smoked sausage, rice dressing , garlic bread, homemade buttermilk pie, iced tea, coffee and tea.
2) Creole Shrimp Salad: Homemade shrimp salad in a Creole tomato shell garnished with lettuce, boiled eggs, carrots and cucumbers and served with crackers, hot rolls and butter, bread pudding and whiskey sauce, iced tea, coffee,and water.