Madewood Plantation House Napoleonville

Join our house party in this circa 1846 National Historic Landmark mansion that was part of a sugar cane plantation, 75 miles from New Orleans' French Quarter, 45 miles from Baton Rogue. Meet fellow travelers at a wine-and-cheese reception in the library at 6 p.m., and dine in relaxed candlelit elegance with our set-menu dinner that includes Louisiana specialties such as chicken and andouille gumbo, Cajun shrimp pie or crawfish etouffee, smothered green beans with potatoes and ham, cornbread and bread pudding or pecan pie for dessert. Afterwards, swap stories in the spacious parlor, where brandy and coffee are served to complete the meal.

Then it's time to go to sleep in a bed with a full or half canopy. There are five bedrooms in the main house, one downstairs an four upstairs. In the more informal Charlet House, an early-19th-century riverboat captain's house connected to the mansion by an oak-tree shaded patio, there are three rooms, including two family suites and a romantic room with a fireplace and a private screened porch. All rooms are air conditioned and have compact disc players with a selection of soft music (as well as a few livelier tunes in the Charlet House). Internet connection is available.

A full plantation breakfast prepares visitors for exploring the area or - for those staying several days at Madewood - a day of reading under the oaks for playing a leisurely game of croquet on the lawn.

In January-February and July-August, Madewood offers special rates and weekend getaways, as well as food, art and lifestyle seminars and events. The Christmas Heritage Banquet, held the second Saturday in December, features seasonal music and food in the elaborately decorated mansion.