Wednesday, September 8, 2010

New Orleans to New Roads...

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I surely hope that you all enjoyed my last two posts about New Orleans and our fabulous girl's weekend we spent there. Thank you for all of the wonderful (& funny) comments! It's nice to know that there are a LOT of Cajuns (& wanna be Cajuns) out there :)))

It seemed like only yesterday that us girls were having fun on Bourbon Street. But...it wasn't just yesterday. It's been almost three weeks now and I'm finding it so hard to sit at the computer and find the time to post these days.

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I think I'm still recuperating from the fun. Or maybe it's the heat. Or maybe it's dealing with the dilemma of pulling my Fall decorations out of the attic or not. Or...the fact that I'm dying from heat exhaustion after washing 2000 miles of road bugs off my Suburban! Yuck! She's c.l.e.a.n. again and ready for the next road trip!  ;)

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And so our story goes, after spending a wonderful weekend in New Orleans, we (Pam, Sandy and I) headed on down to New Roads and St. Francisville, Louisiana.

New Roads is full of fascinating finds, including plantation homes, antique shopping and just enjoying time on the water.

Okay...we couldn't help ourselves, we did all three!  :)

Upon entering New Roads early one morning, we drove right in, to the open gates of Parlange Plantation.

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  Today, it is a working plantation of cattle and sugarcane and owned by the ORIGINAL descendants of the Parlange family.

Mrs. Lucy Parlange cordially greeted us as she walked down from the second floor gallery. We begged her for a tour and she graciously obliged with her Southern style.

This was the perfect start to the perfect day :)

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Since photos were not allowed from within the home (as this is her private residence), I'll show you some of the exterior beauty that greets those who come to visit and I'll give you a little history about this plantation that was so loved by the generations of the Parlange family.

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Built in the mid 1700's, Parlange is the prime example of French Colonial style. It once stood grandly alongside of the mighty Mississippi River for decades...that is until the river changed it's course. Now, thanks to the Army Corp of Engineers,  it boldly stands facing what is now called False River, which is not a river at all but of a present day lake.

(below is the view from standing on the upper gallery, looking towards False River)

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The exterior walls are made of Bousillage which is a mixture of mud, Spanish moss, and animal hair placed between large (tongue and groove) vertical logs, usually of cypress. Cypress has a sturdy resistance to rot and termites, the leading causes for destruction in humid Louisiana. The Bousillage was then painted in a heavy lead base paint that could withstand years of weather and elements. Today, paints do not include lead and therefore, the longevity of these beautiful plantations are now growing shorter each day. The columns and lower level are made of brick which were handmade one by one with clay and wooden molds, all made on the grounds of the plantation.

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Parlange originated as 10,000 acre plantation growing only indigo but with indigo being a very unprofitable crop, at least not enough to substantiate a plantation of this size, the cash crop was changed from indigo to sugarcane and cotton.

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In all of it's glory, the plantation was surrounded by a large formal garden which was mostly destroyed during the Civil War. As a headquarter for not only the Confederates but also of the Union, (not at the same time!) the head mistress catered to both in fear of losing her home and crops to the threat of the soldiers burning everything in site. Instead, she was rewarded reprieve of destruction for her hospitality and in turn, she was left with the home and only 2,000 acres which is now what it is today.

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  Mrs. Lucy loves her gardens and tends to them by hand with the help of two assistants. With century year old plants, she does not allow any insecticides, weed killer or any power tools of any kind. Like I said, everything is done by hand. And...at 80 something years old, it is a sight to see her pull each weed with her own fragile hands, with such love and devotion.

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After an interesting morning at Parlange Plantation, we stopped at Satterfield's Restaurant and had a wonderful lunch overlooking False River...

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This wonderful sandwich and FRENCH FRIES belonged to Pam (Miss Ohio)!!! She doesn't normally eat ff's and that much bacon. However, she sure was beginning to eat like a Louisianian after being here for only 3 days!)

~ i was so proud of her ~

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Now as for Sandy (Miss Pennsylvania), I just couldn't take the salad out of her...however, she was a little on the wild fried side too!

this does look delicious though! Fried shrimp! yummy!

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And as for me? Ta-da! I think being with these two girls and huffing and puffing with every step I took, I thought I'd eat a little healthier than what I'm used to...yep...that's fruit! Imagine me eating fruit! (tee hee)

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We laughed, talked about our fabulous morning with Mrs. Lucy and made plans for the rest of the day.

Satterfield's was wonderful!

After I finished eating though, I did feel a little stuffed...

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We went for a little antique shopping, but there is only so much one can bring home on a plane, right? ;)

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Then we jumped on the ferry to St. Francisville...low and behold...we were facing a vehicle with NO insurance! See that huge green sticker on the back glass?

Um...Excuse me.

Hello, 911? Like there is a vehicle on the ferry with NO insurance. And they let him on? If he can get away with it, then why am I insurance broke? dial tone. hmpf!

ONLY in Louisiana.

I could have rammed him off the edge.

Yes. I DO have road rage!

;)

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Okay Jodie...don't sweat the small stuff...we're almost off of the ferry.

St. Francisville, here we come!

Let's look at the pretties in this little shop called "Grandmother's Buttons".

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It was once an old bank built in 1915 and now it's the cutest little gift shop in St. Francisville!

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It used to look like this in it's "Hey Day"

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and it still houses the old teller line, the old tiled floor...

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and the original safe!

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Inside this old safe were some button masterpieces...

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I love this one...

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and this one too...

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*please excuse the photos above...the lighting in the old safe was horrible!

Plus...I have claustrophobia so if they are a little "shaky"...that's why! haha

This was indeed a cute gift store!

After the shopping, we headed for The Myrtles Plantation.

It's one of America's most haunted plantations and I posted about it previously here.

The girls wanted to see the inside but we were too late for the house tour. So we walked the grounds and they snapped photos hoping to later find a "ghost" in their photo. I haven't heard them scream about it yet...so I guess they didn't capture one :*(

Then, I took them to one of my most favorite cemeteries in the world. It was right there in St. Francisville on top of a hill, buried beneath huge oaks dripping with Spanish moss...

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I posted about it too before here.

As the shadows grew longer and the evening mist started to roll in, it was time to say good bye to the jewels of New Roads and St. Francisville, Louisiana.

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We were tired, overwhelmed with beauty and we knew we had to rest up because we were still on the road and had another heavy day of sightseeing ahead of us.

Next destination...the 5&10

(one of the few five and dime stores still open today!)

*If you haven't read my past posts about The Myrtles Plantation or Grace Episcopal Church and Cemetery, please click on the "here" links above and take a look so that you don't miss out on our travels through Louisiana.

For those of you who are just tuning in, a few of my favorite girls and I are together for 10 days, road tripping our way through Louisiana in pursuit of a girl's weekend of fun in Texas with lots of other favorite girls...there is still much road to cover :)

43 comments:

Mindy said...

Wow! You are one heck of a tour guide. Great photos and wonderful words. Y'all just couldn't help but have fun and eat good! haha ~Mindy

kana said...

Loving all the pretty sites....looks like you all had much fun!

Jeanne said...

I haven't checked your past blogs to see the cemetery you went to, but was it by the Grace Episcopal church? I'll go to that link next to see if I was right. It was one of the prettiest I've seen--St. Francisville is so beautiful...
Jeannie

Embellished Bayou said...

I just went back and read your previous posts and marveled at all your incredible photos. I lived in New Orleans for 3 years and didn't even know some of the tidbits you shared! And in fact, my dad's side of the family is all from New Roads, so I am quite familiar with your adventures there, too! I remember visiting with Miss Lucy as a little girl, I'm glad to know she is still up and going! Thanks so much for your wonderful posts!

Lisa said...

Jodie,
Thanks for all the wonderful tours! I feel as if I'm watchin' the Travel Network! I think you've got a career in the tourist trade if you want it. Those cruise directors ain't got nuthin' on you, Girl!
PS I'm looking forward to the 5&10 post!

Janet Ghio said...

I love your Louisiana tours!! I think the first time I ever read your blog was about that cemetary in St Francisville and I wanted to go there!!

Honey Lamb and I said...

I feel like I just went on the trip too!!! I love all the great pic's and want to eat all that yummy food! btw I drive the very same suburban that you do! :)

sew revived said...

I wanna come back!!! (pout, pout)
So glad the suburban survived, I was beginning to have my doubts...
LU&MU more.

Lisa Phillippi llelsik@aol.com said...

I am in awe...as much as I now want to come visit..I love seeing those plantations through your eyes...wow!

Laura said...

You are a gifted guide!
I have seen the Parlange Plantation in one of my books. Now I need to find it.
Enjoyed the tour-

Laura

Sandy Navarro said...

Girl, you had me at moss! See, I knew I was in the back of the Suburban the whole time; thanks for tak'in me along on such a wonderful ride!

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

I love having you as a tour guide, Jodie. You are doing such a fabulous job! I just wished I had been there with you in person! Oh, the Spanish moss - just yesterday I used a little bit of the moss you had sent me, for a collage :-).
You always make me hungry when you show pictures of the food you had. Looking at those yummy sandwiches makes it a little bit hard for me to be a good girl and stay with my usual fruit muesli this morning. Now I'd rather have Pam's sandwich with the bacon on it. If I skip the fries, may I call myself at least half a good girl ;-)???
The 5&10 store is so amazing and I'm looking forward to another virtual tour with you to that shop.
Big hugs to you,
Julia

Angela Richardson said...

Hi Jodie,
From my armchair in England I've been on yet another trip and I so enjoyed it. It is a real privilege to accompant you on your travels.
You should have taken that poor soul in your first pic to lunch with you, that a severe case of too much dieting!
I'd love it if you would pop over a see my first giveaway and say hello.
Smiles,
Angela.

Jane said...

What a fun trip. You girls sure covered some ground!
Jane

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Oh my gosh Jodie !!
What a wonderful wonderful trip !!
i am in awe at the beauty of
your pictures and the
awesome places that you visited ~
Wayyyy fun !!

xoxo
Lori

Linda said...

WOW. This is A LOT to take in!!! What a trip! And I mean that literally, because you're so funny. :D

Love all of the photos and stories.

" SHABBY JUNK" said...

Great photos of New orleans, really enjoyed them . I have been a couple of times, Great food!

Sandi said...

As always the photos are wonderful. The story great. Wish I could have been there, for I know you all had a great time.

Claudia said...

All I can say is WOW!, Jodie. When you entertain, you ENTERTAIN! You are the Hostess with the Mostest! I can tell you all had the best time and I feel like I am a part of it all. Thanks so much for educating us, for sharing the beautiful sights of Louisiana.

xo
Claudia

VS said...

I am just soooo jealous of you & your friends! To get to see so much amazing history & architecture & antique haunts & goooood foood, it's a dream!! One day girl, I want to go to New Orleans. I'm soooooo close when I'm in Texas, a part of me just wants to drive east to just get my 1st taste of it...I just don't know. Can't wait to meet you friend!!! Where are you staying? I', in the cheapest place I could find...Days Inn in Weimar. Since I don't know the area, it will be a big surprise to see where I'll be. But as I told Diane from rosa & josie's, I'm a camper so as long as I have electricity, a toilet & TV...I'm stylin! lol
See you soon Sweet Jodie, Texas or Bust!!!
Smiles,
Susie

Angela Weimer said...

Jodi, remind me to have you direct the tour if I ever make it out over there. It is like being there with you! thanks for the wonderful tour and pictures. Have a lovely evening. Angela

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Jodie this is so much fun, traveling with you! I am loving it all. Friends of ours vacationed in NO years ago and said we have to go ourselves ~ and we would love to. Be prepared to show us around some day!!

Unknown said...

OK, you gotta stop by and pick me up on your next trip. LOL How blessed you are to be able to visit so many wonderful places. I enjoy reading about your adventures so much.

Anonymous said...

Hold on Cowboy Joe...that statue with the horns and hooves looks scarier than the 'gator...

Do you have nightmares??? if you're not sleeping in haunted mansions you're tripping over tombstones!!! silly girl :D

glad you're back and the sububu is clean...glad you had a gOOd time...

got another pkg...timed myself...3.2 seconds...i'm gonna do a tutorial for you on how to open a pkg in 4 seconds or less...

HUGS to ya KIDDO...

~victoria~

Cindy said...

Looks like it was a grand time and yep, those fries look yummy!!!!!! Somewhere I have a (I think) New Roads cook book...that I must have gotten like 30 years ago...I need to drag that thing out and see if it stands the test of time (like myself)) ha! Looking forward to seeing the 5&dime...looks like a blast so far!

-c

Michellee said...

Wow!!! what a beautiful place... And the food looked so delicious... YUM!!!Thanks for sharing this wonderful adventure..
blessings, michellee

Hearts Turned said...

Oh, Jodie--you're just the most wonderful tour guide! Love your travel posts! This sounds like the most fabulous trip!

LOVE that plantation--would have loved to see inside--dang!

And a shop devoted to vintage buttons??? Be still my heart!

That cemetery is gorgeous...I remember your earlier post about it...

Thanks again, my friend!

Julie

Unknown said...

I feel like I was there with you! The plantation is amazing. What a great trip and thanks for sharing it will all of us.
Denis

Karen said...

WHAT! No Burger King? LOL!
I love that you are eating fruit!
You just had waaaayyyyyyy too much fun out there without me.
I'm with you - I just can't find the time to sit and BLOG right now!!! UGH!
Have a wonderful weekend! What until you see what I am up to! :)
HUGS! Karen

trash talk said...

Good morning glory,
Reading this or rather hearing you read it to me in my mind, I can feel the soft breeze through the gardens. Wish I could have been with y'all at that lunch...you know how much I love to eat...and talk!
Debbie

Susan deGeneres said...

Hi Jodie,

I've been away from blogland most of the summer...little did I know that when I returned I'd be swept away to the oh so romantic south. Thanks for taking us all with you on your trip.

In addition to catching up on your adventures, I stopped by to let you know that Julia's vintagewithlaces blog is in the Oct. Romantic Homes magazine and I think there is a picture of the black velvet purse she created for you. Too exciting!

Anyway, just wanted to make sure you knew in case you hadn't seen the magazine yet.

Hugs, Susan

victorian parlor II said...

Jodie,

I am loving this tour!!! I can't wait to see the next stop:)!

Blessings,

Kim

Suz said...

My goodness,
What a fantastic road trip, Jodie. I am sure that there are many of us that would love one just like this. The plantation looks so beautiful...it is hard to believe that a woman of that age is still working it.

Most of all, I love those button masterpieces. The Marie one is really charming. So many fun things and I'll bet, a lot of laughter!

Hugs,
Suz

Debby said...

Hello Sweetie, What a fun and beautiful tour you have taken us on! I don't know how you keep up with everything but I am glad you do. Love touring around with you!!!! Hope you have had a great summer and now that we are looking ahead to fall I am hoping I can get back in the swing of things.
Hugs,
Debby

Bohemian said...

OMG, those images from Parlange Plantation made me swoon... I can only imagine how fabulous the interior was and how gracious of Miss Lucy to invite you into her Home for a tour and allow you to photograph the grounds for this fab eye candy that you can now share with the rest of us... I can almost feel like I was there. *me lustfully wishing I was* I'm SO enjoying your History lesson along with the eye candy, I practically feel Canjun now! *wink* I've always wanted to visit Louisiana and its definitely making me think "Road Trip"...

Dawn... The Bohemian

kayellen said...

Wow thanks for the amazing tour!!
Safe Travels my dear :))

xo
Kay Ellen

Jan Thomason said...

Jodie!!
I wanna move to Louisianna. It's one of my favorite places to drive through on my road trips up north.
The plantation that you so beautifully photographed was simply divine. Oh, my, I can so see myself living there. LOL
and the 80 year old precious owner seemed like a delight!

i've missed you and am so glad i finally got to my blog roll!
have a restful Sunday and know that you are loved.

later, favorite jodie,

jan

Dreaming of Vintage said...

I just love all of your pictures! I wish I could go for Halloween!

Anonymous said...

boo hoo!!!!
I miss my old town! I'm moving back! sniff sniff you made me miss it!!! wish I could of gone with y'all! big hugs

laters!!

Charlene said...

AMAZING photos as always my dear!!! LOVE them all & it looks like you had a marvleous time! No muffelata's on this trip. YUM the food looked wonderful too. Oh the Big Easy! Nothing like the food there. HUGS! Charlene

Pam @ Frippery said...

I wanna come back!!! I had the most fabulous time with you and the girls. I miss you all so much. I can't believe it's really over...well... til the next time! I will just have to settle for reliving everything through your photos. Hugs, Pam

Natasha Burns said...

oh it sucks to be you, doesn't it!! LOL!!!! you're a great tour guide Jodie!!!
Wow, so if you don't have insurance, a sticker gets put on your car? i've never heard of that before. insurance is not compulsory here, but it should be! i wouldn't drive a car without it, but some people don't care. argh!

Lisa said...

Simply beautiful my friend. Another chapter for the book. You gotta compile all of this & submit it for publication, & I don't mean Stampington! Your gifted, you could sell anyone on Louisiana. For sure. Lisa