Oakley Plantation at Audubon State Historic Site

Description:

• Oakley Plantation, 3 miles east of U.S. 61, features the old house where John James Audubon came to study and paint the wildlife of this part of Louisiana. Built in 1799, it is a three-story frame house with the raised basement typical of that era. A curved stairway joins the two galleries, and the whole house has a simplicity that bespeaks its age. When Audubon was here, he tutored a daughter of the family and painted some 32 of his Birds of America series. When you visit the house today, you will see some original prints from Audubon's portfolio and many fine antiques. A walk through the gardens and nature trails will explain why this location had such appeal for Audubon. Oakley is part of the 100-acre Audubon State Commemorative Area, a wildlife sanctuary that would have gladdened the naturalist's heart. There's a gift shop in the kitchen building, but you can still see the huge old fireplace where the family's meals were cooked.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010