ON THE ROAD PART XVII: OAK ALLEY PLANTATION

Again, mixed feelings when appreciating the beauty of the architecture knowing the history. Thankfully history wasn't ignored but actually a big part of the visit.

This was the second plantation home we went to. The first one was slightly underwhelming only because of my high expectations, and this possibly made my visit to Oak Alley even better. As soon as you see the grounds from the street, you are greeted by a long driveway lined with imposing oak trees, complete with Spanish moss. At the end of the driveway, you can make out the cream coloured colonnade. The house was complete with a wrap around porch on both floors (dream!!!), luxurious rooms and a regal dining room, all restored to what they would have looked like before the Civil War. Finally my Scarlett moment.

Recent backstory on the property.... In 1866 the original owners put the home up for auction and sold it for $32,800, it however fell in disrepair by the 1920s and was sold again. The new owners thankfully restored it to its former glory and opened it to the public in the 1970s.