Maison Olivier
The focal point of the Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site is the Maison Olivier, a circa 1815 plantation house sitting on the banks of the Bayou Teche that has been designated a National Historic Landmark. The property also has a reproduction of an early 19th century Acadian Farmstead, a blacksmith shop and a visitor center with a small museum – all representing a mix of French, Creole, Caribbean and Cajun influences. Living history days and special events are offered periodically throughout the year.
1200 N. Main St., St. Martinville, 337-394-3754, 888-677-2900, www.crt.state.la.us, @LAStateParks
Southern Food & Beverage Museum
Now this is a tasty history museum! The Southern Food & Beverage Museum is a nonprofit history organization that celebrates the South's unique culinary heritage. Its collections include the Gallery of the South: States of Taste, the Museum of the American Cocktail and La Galerie de l'Absinthe, dedicated to the notorious anise-flavored alcoholic beverage. And of course, a restaurant serving a variety of Southern fare. CNN included The Southern Food & Beverage Museum in its list of the "World's Top Food Museums." 1609 Oretha C. Haley Blvd., New Orleans, 504-267-7490, natfab.org, @SouthernFood
Oakley Plantation
Oakley Plantation, built circa 1806 and on the National Register of Historic Places, sits on property within a 100-acre forest filled with stately, fragrant magnolias and tall leafy poplars, not far from Baton Rouge. The late, great illustrator of birds for whom the historic site is named began drawing many of his iconic bird images here. Oakley is elegant but unpretentious. There is a detached kitchen, with a wash room beside the house and two slave cabins behind it. A restored formal garden adds its measure of grace.
11788 Highway 965, St. Francisville, 225-635-3739, 888-677-2838, www.crt.state.la.us, @LAStateParks
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