I love Summer!  So many exciting things happen on the grounds of my Sugar Palace this season.  The grounds are bursting with color, there are thousands of birds and squirrels to watch, and happy tourists everywhere. But that's not my favorite part.

 

You see, since the early 1800's, the owners of Houmas House have always had a townhouse in the city of New Orleans where they live during the Fall and Winter months. But every summer the whole family, my ancestors included, would retreat to the "summer house" or plantation for the summer. Here they would grow fresh fruits and vegetables, plant sugarcane, and enjoy the cooler, less crowded surroundings of the country.  And today, not much has changed. There are fruit trees full of satsumas and limes, lush vegetable gardens with an abundance of tomatoes, peppers, herbs and spices. The alley of oaks channels the constant breeze from the nearby Mississippi River and also gives us shade all day.  Summer days are spent lounging under the three-hundred year old oak trees and frolicking with my companions. It's a princess' dream! 

 

You know, we're not the only ones who enjoy the break from city life. Thousands of tourists from all over the world come to Houmas House to be a part of plantation life- even if just for a day. They love to hear stories of the wealth and grandeur of "The Sugar Palace" or live a day in the life of a plantation mistress.  So, complete your visit to New Orleans with a retreat fit for a princess.  We'll treat you like royalty.

The Turtle Bar

  

When tourist opt to visit the historic Houmas House mansion they arrive with the expectation of seeing the wrap around porches, the commanding columns and the 500 year old moss-draped Live Oak trees across the front lawn.  The guided tour begins  next to the Burnside Oak, named after one of the most charismatic owners of the estate.  Also at this site is a small hexagonal building known as a Garconniere.  It's perfectly nestled under the low-lying branch of the Burnside Oak and more commonly known as The Turtle Bar.  Upon further inspection, this very unassuming structure is one of the favorite spots for both locals and tourists alike.  With only 8 barstools in the original structure, this "hole in the wall" tavern is home to over 225 whiskies from 11 different countries.  And is also accompanied by the second largest wine cellar in the state of Louisiana.

Although Houmas House has become a premier destination to visit in Louisiana, the Turtle Bar is far from a tourist trap.  It's here, locals gather after work or on weekends before settling in for dinner in one of two restaurants.  It's a favorite spot to impress  out of town guests, first dates, or small groups of friends.  And you never know what celebrity will walk through the doors for break from the paparazzi.

And only in the Turtle Bar will you find expertly crafted cocktails made with fresh ingredients from the Houmas House gardens.  Throughout the year the bartenders can be found rushing to the gardens to grab fresh mint, figs, satsumas or kumquats from the nearby gardens and trees to create a refreshing cocktail made to order.

The Turtle Bar is usually manned by Derek and John who have over 20 years experience between them.  Their favorite part of every day is meeting visitors from every corner of the world and introducing them to the Louisiana culture, cuisine and cocktails. 

The mission at Houmas House Plantation is to always give guests a reason to visit again. With so much to experience on one property, it's necessary to come multiple times to fully appreciate everything Houmas House offers.  Hopefully the Turtle Bar will inspire you to add a second stop at "The Sugar Palace" to your bucket list for 2016.