Southeastern Travel 9:56 a.m. Thursday, July 16, 2009

One city, 3 price points: A weekend in New Orleans

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For the AJC

BUDGET

Houmas House Plantation dates from the 1770s. Visitors can stroll the gardens, tour the mansion or eat in Latil's Landing Restaurant.
Houmas House Plantation dates from the 1770s. Visitors can stroll the gardens, tour the mansion or eat in Latil's Landing Restaurant.
Oak Alley, the most famous of Louisiana's plantations, features 28 8-foot Doric columns, one for each of the trees that give the house its name.
Oak Alley, the most famous of Louisiana's plantations, features 28 8-foot Doric columns, one for each of the trees that give the house its name.
Catalpa Plantation is still owned and lived in by descendants of its original family. Its oak alleys, gardens and cottage home can be toured.
Catalpa Plantation is still owned and lived in by descendants of its original family. Its oak alleys, gardens and cottage home can be toured.

Getting there

Many plantations are within a hour’s drive of New Orleans or Baton Rouge. Frequent sales price New Orleans from $64 one-way; valid AirTran or Delta. Delta’s occasional sale rates to Baton Rouge from $208.

Stay

Poche Plantation Bed & Breakfast, along the banks of the Mississippi, offers Henry’s Cottage, a one-bedroom cottage with a fireplace, wet bar, fridge, and semi-private back porch from $119 per night; pocheplantation.com. Thursdays is Fiddler Night at Hymel’s, a famous 70-year-old seafood restaurant three miles down the road (225-562-7031).

Eat

A regional favorite is homey Magnolia Cafe in Saint Francisville’s historic district. Comfort food served in a cabin setting or on an airy porch; $4.95 for a half muffaletta. Live music Friday nights; 5687 E. Commerce. Across the street is Eight Sisters for a soul food experience (5712 E. Commerce).

Experience

Visit Baton Rouge’s state Capitol building, the largest in the nation at 34-floors. The 150-year-old gothic edifice sits on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi. Get to the 27th floor Observation Deck for spectacular views; crt.state.la.us. Little known Catalpa Plantation isn’t grand, but unique in that it is still owned and lived in by descendants of the original family. Go for the oak alleys, gardens, and a tour of the cottage home filled with five generations of treasures (by appointment, $6); 9508 Hwy. 61, 5 miles north of Saint Francisville, 225-635-3372.

MODERATE

Getting there

One-week advance purchase rates to New Orleans from $224 one-way; AirTran or Delta.

Stay

Oak Alley Plantation is the most famous of the state’s plantations with its giant oak tree canopy entry. A highlight of the Antebellum house are 28, 8-foot round Doric columns -- one for each of the oaks. Adult admission to grounds, gardens $15. The Doctor’s Cottage features a living room with fireplace, a full kitchen and private bath from $165 single or double; oakalleyplantation.com.

Eat

Oysters Laneaux at Roberto’s are served in a mushroom cap with a butter, garlic, brandy reduction. This River Road restaurant, a short drive south of Baton Rouge, is housed in a 1850s building that was once a general store. Today it’s a relaxed spot with great food and a setting for a Louisiana sunset. Closed Sunday, Monday. Entrees $15-$28; robertosrestaurant.net.

Experience

Watch for swamp creatures and gators to peek out from shrubs and moss draped trees while on a two-hour boat tour of the Manchac Swamp, a private wildlife refuge. Learn about the Louisiana Wetlands, its inhabitants and the history of Cajun town, Frenier. Adults $24; cajunprideswamptours.com.

SPLURGE

Getting there

One-way walk-up Biz Class rates to New Orleans from $373 with AirTran or Delta; from $423 each way to Baton Rouge with Delta.

Stay

A Civil War survivor and the largest plantation home in the South, Nottoway, has recently been restored to her glory days. Self-guided tours of the gardens and museum, $15 adults. Stay in the three-room Bridal Suite with parlor, breakfast area, private outdoor pool, from $305 per night, with welcome beverage, guided mansion tour, full breakfast; nottoway.com.

Eat

Stunning Houmas House Plantation, circa 1770s, is home to award-winning Latil’s Landing Restaurant with an Old Louisiana-style menu. Entrees to $38; seven-course tasting menu is $80; add $45 for global wine pairings. Go early to stroll through the gardens (guided tours of mansion, gardens $20 adult; $10 only gardens); houmashouse.com.

Experience

Take an after-dark guided tour to the antebellum Myrtles Plantation, considered one of America’s most haunted homes; myrtlesplantation.com. The 60-minute tour delves into the strange happenings recorded over two centuries. Tours include transportation from New Orleans hotels (Fridays, Saturdays, 3pm-10:30pm).$110 per person; plantationadventure.com.



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