Vacherie, Louisiana is home to many beautiful and historical sights, but the mansion that quietly rests within the realm of Oak Alley is a stunning beauty that commands visitors to take in her splendor, along with her dark history of visitors from the other side. Possibly the most distinguishing architectural feature at the mansion is the 28 pale pink colossal free-standing Doric columns. Equally mesmerizing is the impressive double row of giant live oak trees that runs approximately 800 feet in length, from which the grounds of the Oak Alley Plantation was originally formed in 1837, and later named after.
The sight of the mansion has not been overlooked by Hollywood film makers as Oak Alley Plantation is eerily welcoming in a strange sort of way, despite the rumors of the structure being frequented by the supernatural. In fact the mansion has been in numerous movies including “Interview with a Vampire”. A canopy of tall oaks shield visitors from sunlight as it frames the main house, making it ideal for a vampire to thrive.
Other movies shot at the Oak Alley Plantation include Primary Colors, A Universal Picture Production starring John Travolta, Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte, starring Bette Davis, The Long Hot Summer, produced for NBC in 1985, featuring Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. The mansions beautiful scenery and charming characteristics have caught the eye of national and international fashion magazines, so much so, that hundreds of layouts, and print advertising campaigns have been shot at various locations within the mansion and on the grounds surrounding it.
The Oak Alley Plantation is known for her captivating beauty, but the mansion is also known for mysterious disturbances that many tour guides, visitors and staff members have shared over the years. Guests experience the supernatural first hand when they enter the perimeter of the mansions historical background. Lights turn off and on, and some guests claim that they have actually been touched by unseen hands tugging at their clothing.
The most frequent report comes from visitors touring Oak Alley, and state that the smell of lavender is heavily laden throughout the room of Celina Telesphore, the original first lady of the mansion. Her image has been seen by many guests that describe her as having chestnut hair and period clothing. She appears to be staring out of the windows of the French doors toward the alley as if waiting for someone or something to arrive.
Phantom carriages are no stranger to Oak Alley as they are frequently heard riding up the gravel road. The undeniable clip-clop of hooves resounding in the stillness of the night accompanies the sound of the carriage. A child’s cry has been heard echoing through the halls of the mansion as well, but upon investigating the mournful sounds, no child can be found.
The clocks at Oak Alley appear to have a mind of their own as no matter how many times they are set to the proper time, they are found stuck at 7:30. This is believed to be the time of the last owner’s death. Andrew and Josephine Stewart purchased the mansion in 1925, completely restoring Oak Alley to its original grand state. Mrs. Stewart was in awe of the mansion and lovingly spent her life completing every little detail. In fact, the pale pink columns and the blue green louvered shutters, along with the gallery railing were all the color choices of Mrs. Stewart.
Mrs. Stewart’s shadowy figure has been observed gazing down towards the grounds from the lavender bedroom on more than one occasion by the staff and visitors. Pictures of the previous owner have left no doubt as to whom the female ghostly image may be. She has also been seen sitting on the bed in the lavender room, as well as in the kitchen. A man dressed in gray wearing heavy boots has also been spotted within the area of the kitchen. It is presumed that the ghostly image is that of Andrew Stewart.
Josephine Stewart loved Oak Alley Plantation so much so that shortly before her death on October 3, 1972, she created a non-profit foundation, which would be known as the Oak Alley Foundation, to guarantee that the brilliant architectural masterpiece, along with its 25 acres of ground would always remain open for all to explore and share. Many believe that she remains on the property after death in an effort to keep a watchful eye on her beloved home.
Despite Oak Alley’s reputation as a digs for the supernatural, travelers love staying at the Bed & Breakfast which features century old cottages set in plush surroundings that are nestled on the levee where they can watch the Mississippi River whirl by. Guests are not only treated with first rate southern hospitality, they can enjoy a full country breakfast served with the famous Mint Julep that the restaurant has become so well known for.
Hours of Operation
Open for operation seven days a week, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Tours of the mansion are every hour beginning at 10AM, with the last one at 4PM daily.
Oak Alley Plantation is closed on New Year’s Day, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Mardi Gras day.
Festivities at the Mansion
The mansion is host to several festivals each year, including a Mothers Day brunch, held on May 13th, 2007, a Fall Arts & Crafts Festival held in October, and an Annual Christmas Bonfire that has been going strong for 31 years. For more information on Oak Alley plantation, go to [email protected]
Oak Alley Plantation Restaurant & Inn, 3645 Highway 18, Vacherie, Louisiana USA 70090
Phone: (225) 265-2151 or 1-800-44ALLEY
Cost for the Tours
Adults
$10.00 Students
(13 to 18 yrs.) $5.00 Children (6 to 12 yrs.) $3.00
