New Orleans is a huge draw for Mississippi river cruisers, and with good reason. The Big Easy is a cross section of Cajun, Creole and Southern traditions, food and jazz. But not far from New Orleans is another part of the region's past, both beautiful and tragic. The plantations of Louisiana are the first stop beyond New Orleans on a Lower Mississippi river cruise and shouldn't be overlooked.
Just west of New Orleans along the Mississippi is the Oak Alley Plantation, notable for its impressive row of large oak trees that line the long entrance path to the old mansion. Oak Alley dates back to the early 19th century, when Jacques Roman built the mansion on what would become a sugar plantation.
Not far from Oak Alley is the Nottoway Plantation, one of the largest remaining antebellum mansions in the South. Nottoway is an example of the level of affluence and excess some plantation owners indulged in. One of the most popular rooms is the White Ballroom, painted entirely in white from the floors to the ceilings and featuring delicate gold detail. From the intricate moldings to its ornate antiques, Nottoway appears almost European inside.
Another option is the Laura Plantation, which was run by Louisiana Creoles and features the recently restored and very colorful main house as well as fruit and vegetable gardens and 170-year-old slave cabins.
At the Evergreen Plantation, another property along the Great River Road, which is dotted with former plantation houses, a descendent of one of the home's former owners guides the tours, providing unique insight. Visitors will also be treated to a charming live singing ensemble as well as a local treat.
The thread that runs through all of these visits is one that acknowledges the role these impressive homes played in the country's past, whether with actual or preserved slave quarters that visitors can tour or through artifacts such as price sheets listing the worth of each slave owned on the property. To witness these places is to see a part of U.S. history that many people have only learned about in school and experience the complex emotions that part of our history brings about.
Included in American Queen cruises along the Lower Mississippi River are visits to the Oak Alley and Nottoway plantations. The Laura Plantation excursion and Plantations of the Great River Road, an excursion that includes a visit to the Evergreen Plantation and a drive past other notable properties, are both priced at $59 per person. Both optional excursions are about four hours in length and include motorcoach travel.