Oak Alley Plantation
This beautifully preserved, 1839 plantation features Greek-revival style architecture, and a quarter mile of centuries-old oak trees.
There is so much to do in New Orleans, you want to make sure you get in as much of the flavor as possible when you are on a limited time-frame.
For Everyone...
- You'll definitely want to visit the plantations that the area is famous for. Oak Alley Plantation is located between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The 1839 plantation features Greek-revival style architecture. This National Historical Landmark is located on 25 acres of sprawling grounds where you can find civil war re-enactments. The grounds also feature a gift shop and Oak Alley Restaurant. Nottoway Plantation is one of the largest plantation homes in the South, boasting over 53,000 square feet of space. The mansion was built in 1859 and displays an unusual, irregular floor plan. The Plantation was one of the first to feature indoor plumbing and both hot and cold running water, which were not common in the time of it's completion.
- At Musee Conti Wax Museum, one hundred and fifty four life-size wax sculptures will give you a picture story of the history of New Orleans. Learn the stories of New Orleans' past as you view the detailed costumes and accurate settings on your tour of the museum.
For the outdoor enthusiast...
- The Swamp and Bayou Tour will take you on a motor-coach ride across the Mississippi River - and then get ready for an amazing boat trip into the famous swamps and bayou of Louisiana. You will experience the nature and history of Louisiana in a custom swamp boat. Your guides will take you for the ride of your life as they explain the mysteries of the area. Learn how the Cajuns created gumbo out of soup and other amazing local facts. Don't forget the alligators! The abundance of wildlife will satisfy even the most intense naturalist.
- Only 20 minutes from New Orleans, the Cypress Swamp Tour will take you into Bayou Segnette. You will be treated to the sights of hundreds of species of plants and will see real alligators in their natural habitat. The tour offers transportation from downtown New Orleans with a ticket purchase.
For the Jazz fan...
- Dance the night away on a Dinner and Jazz Cruise aboard the Steamboat Natchez. This tour includes a narrated motorcoach tour of New Orleans (which can be taken on a separate day.)
- Walk "Off the Beaton Path" and discover the streets where jazz great Louis Armstrong grew up. You'll even visit the buildings that he first played in professionally.
For the Voodoo enthusiast...
- Take a Cemetery and Gris Gris Walking Tour. St. Louis Cemetery #1 has been referenced in the books of famed author, Anne Rice. New Orleans is located below sea level and there is a high water level throughout the area. Due to this fact, bodies must be buried in aboveground crypts. There are many famous and infamous people buried in this cemetery including the famous Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau.
- On the French Quarter Walking Tour, you'll stop at the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum and see their herb gardens. And their displays include gris gris potions used by Voodoo practitioners.
During the Holidays...
- If you're visiting during the Christmas season, enjoy the Jingling through the Crescent Tour. The tour is via motor coach and you will see the beauty of New Orleans on Christmas Day. The tour will take you through the French Quarter, Jackson Square and Lake Pontchartrain. You'll be able to visit Fairmont Hotel's lobby and admire the outstanding decorations. Visit Audubon Park and the sprawling mansions of the Garden district.
- Follow the Christmas Eve traditions of the Creole people on a Bonfire Adventure. You'll see the "fires of joy" that help light Santa's way into the bayou. And you'll enjoy an early, country-style dinner.
- Tour the holiday decorations of New Orleans with a "North Pole Native" on a Celebration in the Oaks Tour. Sing carols, drink eggnog, and celebrate the season, southern-style.
