Oak Alley Plantation  

Oak Alley Plantation Pixabay Public Domain

Oak Alley Plantation Pixabay Public Domain

Oak Alley Plantation

This New Orleans stop is a truly essential one, the iconic and amazingly photogenic site of Oak Alley Plantation. Technically located in the town of Vacherie, this stunningly Southern historic plantation home sits on 25 historic acres, each one filled with stories of history and romance, tragedy and triumph. There are so much history and culture to be explored on these grounds, not to mention the home's outstanding architecture and gorgeous 300-year-old live oak trees lining the main pathway. Enjoy the views from the quaint, casual, onsite cafe that serves specials in traditional Southern-style, with entrees like po' boys and both virgin and fully loaded special cocktails, such as the site special mint julep. What a great way to fuel up and cool off!

Your group will have the chance to either choose a self-guided stroll around the property with their own interactive maps, living the legacies themselves or opting for a guided tour. A tour will take you to the big house, Confederate commanding officer tent, Slavery at Oak Alley reconstructed slave quarters, and a blacksmith shop with the sites original forge still. Watch a video on the history and importance of sugarcane, view the newly planted pecan trees, or walk the quarter-mile to the Mississippi River outlook.

This site is used for weddings, cocktail and dinner parties, charity events, community events, and even photography sessions, as well as guest lodging in the onsite cottages overnight. It’s really easy to see why Oak Alley has earned its spot on Travel Channel's "Top 50 U.S. Landmarks to See," as well as the "Top 30 Historic Sites in the U.S."! Again be sure to stop at the Plantation Cafe for any Cajun or Creole masterpieces and hit the fun Gift Shop for your very own southern-style keepsake on your way out. After a Big House tour, your factual and friendly guide will pour the group those famed virgin Mint Juleps! (Don’t forget your camera here, you’re definitely going to want it!)