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

By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For the AJC

BUDGET

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.