Kent Plantation House

Description

I’ve gotta tell you about this incredible piece of Louisiana history that totally captured my imagination during my recent visit. The Kent Plantation House stands as one of the oldest standing structures in central Louisiana, and boy, does it have stories to tell! Built back in 1796, this French colonial beauty has weathered more than two centuries of Louisiana’s rich history. Ya know what’s really cool? It’s actually pre-statehood – this place was here before Louisiana even joined the Union!

The main house is pretty much architectural eye candy, with its raised construction that’s so typical of French colonial style. And those gorgeous galleries? They wrap around the building like a warm Louisiana hug. But what really got me excited was seeing how the whole plantation operated. The property includes a bunch of original outbuildings that show you exactly how life worked back then – we’re talking about the milk house, kitchen, slave quarters, and even a blacksmith shop.

Key Features

• Original French colonial architecture with raised construction and wraparound galleries
• Authentic period furnishings from the late 18th and early 19th centuries
• Historic working kitchen with original cooking equipment
• Six preserved outbuildings including slave quarters and blacksmith shop
• Beautiful gardens featuring native plants and heritage varieties
• Traditional medicinal herb garden
• Working sugar cane mill demonstration area
• Original wine cellar (one of the few remaining in Louisiana)
• Educational exhibits about plantation life and local history
• Historic artifacts and documents from the early settlement period

Best Time to Visit

From my experience, spring and fall are absolutely perfect for exploring Kent Plantation House. The weather’s just right – not too hot and humid like those brutal Louisiana summers. October through April is really the sweet spot, especially if you’re planning to spend time checking out the outdoor exhibits and gardens.

I’d recommend avoiding July and August unless you really love that intense Southern heat. But if summer’s your only option, try to schedule your visit for early morning – the house tends to be cooler then, and the light filtering through those old windows makes for some amazing photos.

During December, they do this incredible Christmas decoration thing that’s totally worth seeing. The whole place gets decked out in period-appropriate holiday trim, and it’s absolutely magical. Just keep in mind that holiday seasons can get pretty crowded, so you might wanna book your tour in advance.

How to Get There

Getting to Kent Plantation House is pretty straightforward, especially if you’re coming from Alexandria’s downtown area. It’s just a few minutes drive from the heart of the city, and you’ll find it right off one of the main roads. If you’re flying in, Alexandria International Airport is your closest bet – it’s about a 15-minute drive from there.

I always tell folks to use their GPS, but here’s a pro tip: look for the big historical marker sign – it’s way easier to spot than trying to peek at house numbers. There’s plenty of parking available once you arrive, including accessible spots near the visitor center.

Tips for Visiting

Listen, I learned a few things during my visits that’ll make your experience even better. First off, definitely book a guided tour – the stories these guides tell bring the whole place to life! They know all sorts of fascinating details that you’d totally miss on your own.

Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing quite a bit of walking, and some of the ground is uneven. I made the mistake of wearing fancy shoes my first time, and boy, did I regret it! Also, bring a water bottle, especially during warmer months. While they do have water available, it’s always good to have your own.

Photography is allowed outside and in certain areas inside, but no flash photography in the main house – it can damage the historic artifacts. If you’re into photography like me, morning light gives you the best shots of the exterior.

Plan for about 2-3 hours if you want to really take everything in. The guided tour itself is about an hour, but you’ll want extra time to explore the grounds and outbuildings. Oh, and don’t skip the gift shop – they’ve got some unique local items that make great souvenirs.

For history buffs (guilty as charged!), I’d recommend reading up a bit about French colonial Louisiana before your visit – it’ll make everything so much more meaningful. And if you’re bringing kiddos along, they’ve got these cool activity sheets that keep the little ones engaged during the tour.

One last thing – the entrance isn’t wheelchair accessible (those historic steps!), but the staff is super accommodating and will work with you to ensure everyone can enjoy as much of the experience as possible. Just give ’em a heads up before your visit so they can make proper arrangements.

Location

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