Catalpa Plantation

Description:

• Unless you are just a die-hard plantation buff, this relatively humble Victorian home is probably not worth going out of your way for. It's not all that historic or notable architecturally. On the other hand, it is still owned by the original family, which is practically unheard of among plantations these days. The oaks that line the drive up to the house grew from acorns planted by the present owner's great-great-great-grandfather, and tours do feature all sorts of curious stories about the family heirlooms that still lie within its walls. The slightly dented silver tea service, for example, lay buried in a pond during the Civil War; the lovely hand-painted china was done by none other than John James Audubon. This sense of family history and direct connection with the past is rare, so that alone may make your visit worthwhile.

• © Frommer's 2012