New Orleans - part II

Okay, so in part I we had just finished the ghost tour of the French Quarter.

Saturday. We grabbed an early bite at The Court of Two Sisters. Apparently, anyone who touches the front gate will have good luck.

The brunch was a bit on the pricey side, but the food was excellent. I was very excited about their eggs benedict station, creamed spinach & cornbread stuffing.

This is their fabulous courtyard. I'm a little peeved that we didn't get to sit here because apparently its by reservation only. Where's the spontaneity in that? Hey, I see empty seats!

After brunch we were on our way to Oak Alley Plantation. I booked a bus tour with Gray Line. I debated on whether we should visit The Laura Plantation as well, given that it's history is significantly more interesting, but I'm glad we stuck with this one. We were able to watch a whole documentary about the Laura Plantation on the bus ride over (about an hour) so it was like 2 for 1.

You might recognize this house. Many films have been shot here, including one of my favorites - Interview with the Vampire. And perhaps you're wondering where it got its name...

from this dramatic line of oaks leading up to the main house. It was breathtaking! These oaks are over 150 years old...

Some had even branched out and touched the ground.

Plantation homes were constructed in a fashion to allow maximum airflow. A big box, surrounded with floor to ceiling doors. There are no bathrooms in this building & the kitchen is located in a separate shack across a courtyard. This was customary, in case of a fire. Another interesting fact about some of these homes is that there aren't interior entry doors for each room. You have to walk outside to the porch or gallery and enter the next room from there.

That night we dined at the Old Coffeepot Restaurant on St. Peter. Their red beans & rice were excellent, especially under this amazing chandelier.

After dinner, we went next door to Pat O'Briens. This was by far the coolest courtyard. It reminded me of the teacup ride at Disneyland because there were colored lights nestled in ferns & string lights.

We scored a prime table right next to the fire fountain. I could have sat & drank in this courtyard all evening. Especially after having one of these...

The New Orleans style Hurricane: white rum, dark rum, Bacardi 151, orange juice, pineapple juice & grenadine. Danger Will Robinson danger!

Although we did drink quite a few of these too - Abita amber. It's a local brew and it was something magnificent I'll say.

Are you bored yet? Part III (the last part, promise) coming up soon.