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Set B
Oak Alley Plantation was buildt in 1837 by Jacque T Roman for his bride. The avenue of oaks predates the house over 100 years. They were planted by an unknown Frenchman for a small house.
The 28 Live Oaks correspond nicely with the 28 columns of the house. If you will notice, there isn't any Spanish Moss on the trees. They last owner of the house didn't like the moss (it creeped her out!), so ferns where planted on the branches to keep the moss from growing.
The upstairs veranda gives an intimate view of great tree branches. You close your eyes, you can listen to the sound of the wind and the birdsong. It is very easy to imagine the rustle of crinolines across the porch.
This is the veiw from upstairs, through the oaks toward the Mississippi. The house and the oaks are a jewel of Louisiana.
Here is another view of the oaks from the downstairs veranda. On this shady porch, you may purchase lemonade or a mint julip in a paper cup or a souvenier mug. Go for the mug!
You could meet up with a ghost or two at Oak Alley. During a sunset time walk around the formal gardens, a friend and I heard the clanck of a gate. Moments later we felt the chilly presence of a resident ghost. When we checked the gate the next morning, we found it to be chained and locked. The gate hadn't been opened for years, but still we both had heard it open and close . There are two other ghosts that supposedly live there. One is the ghost of the daughter of one of the owners. She will sometimes appear in a photograph that you take inside the house or on the ground. So if you see a pretty blonde woman in a crinoline, it may not a guide! The second spirit is that of a slick gambler who took a tumble from the upstairs gallery and landed very badly. So if a dude in a frock coat offers to play a game of poker with you...
If you want to treat yourself to something very special, arrange to stay over night on the property. This is one of the Creole style guest cottages. They have all the amenities and are decorated in a simple, charming manner. When you check in, you will be given a flashlight so you may wander the grounds after dark. Be sure to get there early to see the sunset. The night my friends and I stayed here, the night sky was cloudless. I have never seen so many stars in the sky! The Oak Grove is beautiful by day, but at night the atmosphere is spiritual.
In the morning, as you stroll the grounds for one last time as you walk to the restaurant for breakfast, you bid the beautiful old house good bye. If you're anything like me, you know you will return someday.
Oak Alley is open November through February 9am till 5pm, and March through October 9 until 5:30. Person events from dinner parties for 25 or more, weddings, parties, etc may be held on the grounds with meals by the catering staff. You can also have breakfast or lunch at their restaurant without staying over night. Various events such as Crafts Shows to Dinner Theater are held through out the year. For information, call 1-800-44-ALLEY