A Houmas House Romance

Sponsored by Houmas House Plantation and Gardens

It seems to be a truism that locals put off sightseeing in their own regions. New Yorkers will tell you they've never gone to the Statue of Liberty, Seattleites delay seeing the Space Needle, and a shocking number of Louisianans have never been to Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, which is a short drive away in Darrow, Louisiana. This is a shame, because this jewel of the lower Mississippi's plantation country is a real treat. After passing through several pairs of hands, the property was bought by current owner Kevin Kelly in 2003; since then, Kelly has worked to make the property a world-class getaway, evoking the atmosphere and opulence of historical Louisiana, while adding plenty of modern comforts.

Houmas House showcases all of Louisiana’s most endearing features: fabulous food, warm hospitality, and a sense of deep history. The property offers three restaurants, a full bar stocked with the finest spirits, and accommodations ranging from the cozy to the sumptuous (and the cozily sumptuous, and the sumptuously cozy), all adjacent to the river that was old when Louisiana was young, and that has shaped the destinies of the state and its residents more than any other force. With new menus at its three restaurants, individually decorated and personalized cottages, and tours at night for an atmospheric experience, Houmas House is a great choice for getting away without going far away. And while anyone will enjoy an outing to Houmas House, it's an especially romantic destination. The innumerable, year-round flowers in the gardens, the elegant surroundings, and the magnificent cuisine and drinks, all conspire to make Houmas House a place you'll want to take your valentine at any time of the year.