Baton Rouge 2014: Moss and Mystery at The Myrtles Plantation

One last day to explore the back country of Louisiana. I got my GPS set and headed up to St. Francisville, about a 35 minute drive to the northwest of Baton Rouge. 

The Myrtles Plantation prides itself as one of America's most haunted mansions, but is now a Bed and Breakfast complete with Spanish moss dripping from the trees like icicles and mystery tours. Like a good tourist, I paid my $10 and wandered through the remnants of times past.

We were told of Chloe, the servant that roams the halls of the main house and likes to take earrings from the guests as they pass through the halls (mine made it out without incident.) Mirrors, keyholes and room corners were the prime portals for ghosts to enter the house. It was quite interesting to learn of the pains the owners took to insure they were protected - upside down key holes with covers to confuse the ghosts and guardian angels on the light fixtures to guard the corners of the room.

After the plantation, I headed in to the village of St. Francisville and stumbled upon a couple of churches built in the early to late 1800s. The clean lines and simplicity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church were calming and serene. The Grace Episcopal Church had a stern stone exterior but opened up to a spacious chapel with vibrant stained glass windows.

I was happy to have the chance to see a little more of Louisiana, learn of its history and get a feel of its culture first hand.

I could feel the heat and humidity building up in the afternoon. That evening a brilliant lighting and thunderstorm rolled through. We went out to Sammy's Grill for dinner. I had some shrimp Po-Boy sandwiches and fried pickles. Definitely felt like Louisiana.