What to see along with Whitney Plantation?

Question

Hello,

We have 2 full days after we pick up a rental car at MSY and before we drive to Gulf Shores for a week on the beach. We would like to see Whitney Plantation and are unsure of what else to see and what other plantations would be worthwhile. We will be there the first part of May. We are interested in history and gardens. We have never been to the area before and are very open to suggestions.

We are two adults--one with some limited mobility--walking OK, but slow and can't go all day long, but as long as there is no rush and we can sit and rest now and then it'll be OK.

1. Do you have suggestions on what to add to the Whitney Plantation.

2. What area is a good base for 2-3 nights. We're also ok with 2 nights one place and the third a different place, just don't want 3 different places.

Thank you so much for your help!

Answer

It sounds like you have a wonderful trip ahead, and I’m glad to help with suggestions. Whitney Plantation is an important and moving historical site, and there's much to explore in the surrounding area. Since you have two full days and are interested in history and gardens, I’ll focus on a mix of plantation tours, historical sites, and beautiful gardens that should be accessible for a relaxing pace with opportunities to rest. Let’s dive into your questions!

1. What to add to your visit to Whitney Plantation:

Since you’ll be exploring Whitney Plantation, which is known for its powerful focus on the lives of enslaved people, I recommend pairing it with nearby sites that complement this experience and offer insight into the broader history of the region. Here are some suggestions:

Laura Plantation – Just a short drive from Whitney Plantation, Laura Plantation offers a different but equally important perspective on Louisiana’s plantation history. The tour focuses on the Creole culture and the lives of both enslaved people and the plantation’s white owners. It also has beautiful grounds with gardens that you might enjoy.
Destrehan Plantation – About 30 minutes from Whitney, Destrehan Plantation is another significant historical site that provides a detailed look at the Antebellum South. It’s the oldest documented plantation home in the lower Mississippi Valley and offers both house tours and beautiful gardens. It may also be a bit easier to navigate if you or your companion prefer shorter tours and more resting time.
St. Joseph Plantation – A lovely, lesser-known plantation that’s closer to Whitney. It has a beautiful house, grounds, and provides tours that highlight the stories of the enslaved people who worked there, as well as the family that owned it. It's smaller, which might be a bit easier for someone with limited mobility to explore.
Oak Alley Plantation – Though it’s a little farther, Oak Alley Plantation is worth considering if you have time. The plantation is famous for its stunning alley of oak trees that line the approach to the house. The gardens and grounds are beautiful, and there are often places to sit and rest while you enjoy the view. They also have a museum with more history on the lives of enslaved people.

2. Where to stay for 2-3 nights:

For your base, I recommend staying somewhere centrally located between Whitney Plantation and other plantations to minimize driving time. You could consider splitting your time between two places, but I’ll suggest a couple of options for an easy base with comfortable access to your planned activities:

LaPlace, LA – LaPlace is a small town that’s centrally located for visiting Whitney Plantation, Laura Plantation, and Destrehan Plantation. It’s a great base if you want a quiet, relaxing place to stay that’s within 20-30 minutes of several plantation tours. You can find both chain hotels and local options here, with easy access to I-10 for traveling around. LaPlace also has some restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine.
Gonzales, LA – Gonzales is another option, about a 30-minute drive from Whitney Plantation. It’s a bit larger than LaPlace and offers more restaurant and hotel options, including comfortable hotels with amenities that cater to families and those traveling with limited mobility. It’s also conveniently located for visiting plantation sites and has a nice mix of small-town charm with easy access to larger cities like Baton Rouge if you want to explore further.
New Orleans (Garden District or Uptown) – If you prefer to stay in New Orleans, I would suggest the Garden District or Uptown neighborhoods. These areas are just a short drive or bus ride from the French Quarter but are quieter and more relaxing. You can find charming hotels with easy access to public transportation (including streetcars) and are within reasonable driving distance of Whitney and the nearby plantations. Plus, staying in New Orleans gives you the chance to explore the city’s gardens, parks, and rich history after your plantation visits. Just keep in mind that New Orleans can be busy, especially in May.

3. Things to See and Do in the Area:

If you’re interested in history and gardens, you’ll want to take time to explore some of the following in addition to the plantations:

Longue Vue House and Gardens – Located in New Orleans, this beautifully restored home and garden offers a glimpse into the history of the city and its people. The gardens are lush, relaxing, and a perfect place to take a leisurely walk while enjoying the landscape.
Louisiana State Museum at the Old U.S. Mint – If you’re spending some time in New Orleans, the Old U.S. Mint offers a fascinating history of New Orleans, including exhibits on the history of slavery and the Creole culture.
The New Orleans Botanical Garden – Located in City Park, the Botanical Garden is a peaceful retreat with beautiful landscapes, ideal for a relaxing day of walking and resting. The park also has plenty of benches and shaded areas, which are great if you're looking for a more leisurely pace.
Jackson Square and the French Quarter – While not plantation-related, exploring Jackson Square and the French Quarter offers an important look at New Orleans’ history and architecture. You can enjoy the gardens in Jackson Square and take in the beautiful surroundings at a slower pace. Plus, there are plenty of benches for resting along the way.

Ultimately, whether you choose to base yourself in LaPlace, Gonzales, or New Orleans, you’ll find a great balance of historical sites, gardens, and easy access to plantation tours. For someone with limited mobility, just be mindful to pace yourself and rest between your plantation visits. Many of these places offer chairs or shaded spots, and your experience will be enriched by the history and beauty of the area.

Enjoy your trip, and feel free to reach out for more detailed suggestions as you plan your days in Louisiana!