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September 2014

Houmas House Plantation and Gardens

So Much More Than a House Tour

The plantations along the Great River Road are one of the most sought after attractions in Louisiana. Visitors from across the globe come to learn about the history, culture, customs and day to day life of the Antebellum era.

For over 10 years, Houmas House has been open for mansion tours. But we take it a step further. Our theatrical guides bring visitors back to the 1830's and provide an interactive experience while telling the story of "The Sugar Palace". The lavish parties, the stream of owners-each trying to build an even bigger mansion, the sugar business and the struggle to maintain the Sugar Baron status. But it doesn't stop there. The mansion itself is a treasure trove of rare antiques and original art, some pieces original to Houmas House from the mid 1800's. We pride ourselves on not only telling a story but immersing our guests in it so they leave feeling as they have just lived a day in the life of the Sugar Baron and his mistress.

After the tour, there are several reasons to linger- 38 acres of manicured gardens, 3 restaurants, and an Inn for a romantic getaway.

So, when you think of visiting Louisiana and begin planning your journey, just remember- time travel is possible...at Houmas House anyway.

Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice Inn Package

Need a sweet reason to spice things up this summer? We've created the perfect excuse to be whisked away to The Sugar Palace and have one last summer fling complete with romance, an overwhelming culinary experience and a trip to the past. For August and September we are offering a special package featuring our Inn at Houmas House coupled with our restaurants, The Carriage House and Latil's Landing. Book any room between August 1 - September 30 and receive an $80.00 gift certificate to the new Carriage House Restaurant at Houmas

House. Add a second night to your reservation and receive a $100.00 gift certificate to the award winning Latil's Landing at Houmas House.

Use the code SPICE in the comments sections when booking online or tell the reservations attendant when booking on the phone.

Booking is Easy Here

Secrets from the Carriage House Restaurant

Carriage House Salad

Serves 4

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon minced shallot or red onion

2 teaspoons Creole mustard

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

6 cups mixed greens

1/2 cup whole or chopped toasted walnuts

1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese

Salt and Pepper to taste

In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, shallot, mustard, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the oil to make a creamy dressing.

Put all but a large handful of the greens in a large bowl. Toss with most of the dressing. Add remaining spinach and continue tossing until well coated.

Serve immediately topped with goat cheese and walnuts.

A Day in the Life of a Queen

As seen by Queen Grace

Every day at Houmas House is such an adventure. I'm surrounded daily by entertaining people, events, and the ever changing nature. I begin a typical day at Houmas House by watching the sun rise. The fog covers the gardens making a soft haze. It's so mysterious. The sun burns away the grey fog and reveals the bold colors of the gardens. I particularly love watching all the lizards, bunnies, and frogs hopping from one patch of shade to the next.

Finally it's 9:00 am and everything is open. I make my rounds to visit my friends in the gift shop and am amazed at how many fun gifts we have every day. Everyone is excited about the day ahead and ready to hear the ding of the bell as we greet our first visitors. I love watching the tour guides as they get all gussied up in their hoop skirts and hats. I particularly love listening to our singing guide get warmed up for her full day of belting out "Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte".

Before I know it, the kitchen is buzzing while lunch is being prepared for the caf�. I'm not so interested in being in the kitchen, so I just wait outside until they tell me about the special of the day. It's always such a surprise. Lunch is always busy, so I usually take that time to nap, lounge under the shady oaks, or play dress up in my many outfits. The diamond necklace is one of my personal favorites.

By the early afternoon, the mansion and gardens are bustling with visitors touring, strolling, and relaxing in little nooks throughout the gardens. Sometimes I take this time to go for a swim or retreat to my rooftop lookout and watch all the activity.

Before I know it, it's time to dress for dinner. Now the kitchen is busy getting ready for dinner in one of our restaurants. I find my favorite hat and boa and make my way down to find out what surprises will be found on the tasting menu.

When we don't have weddings on the front lawn, I like to spend the dusk hours on the front porch watching the shadows stretch across the alley of oaks. Everything goes from green to pink to orange, and then nightfall is upon us. This never gets old.

I've shared some images captured on a typical day at Houmas House. Take a look and see for yourself that there is nothing "typical" about a day in the life at Houmas House.

Get a Glimpse of Queen Grace's Day

Love,

Queen Grace

Stay Connected with Houmas House

Want to know more about what is happening at Houmas House? Click below and follow us every day.

Follow us on Instagram for new pictures, lunch specials, and the latest in our gardens. Post your pictures of your visit to Houmas House, use #houmashouse

Now we are offering advance ticket sales for our Garden and Mansion tour and our Houmas House Experience Tour with Transportation from New Orleans. Click below for more information.

Open Daily

Sunday-Saturday: 9 am-7 pm

Cafe Burnside: 11 am-2 pm daily

Latil's Landing: Wed-Sat 6 pm-9 pm

Sunday Brunch: 11 am-3 pm

The Carriage House Restaurant:

Breakfast- 8 am-10 am

Afternoon Tea- 2 pm- 4:30 pm

Dinner- 5 pm- 9 pm

Directions to Houmas House Here

** Please note- we will be closed to the public on November 14-15, 2014 for a private event. Our inn, restaurants, and mansion will resume regular hours on November 16, 2014.