escape for a date
Houmas House at night
The Inn at Houmas House
Darrow , Louisiana
By Linda Holloway – Photography by Larryhollowayphotography . com
8january / february 2025
Iremember the moment I fell in love with my husband . At twenty-one , his black hair was peppered with gray , his laugh was contagious , and his kindness was genuine . Today , I can say he still has the same virtues . Valentines Day , or your anniversary , is the perfect time to reflect on the attributes of your spouse . Remember , your family started with the two of you . Pause the merry-go-round life with kids and escape for a date .
Mitch Albom said it best . “ Life is a series of pulls back and forth … a tension of opposites , like a pull on a rubber band . Most of us live somewhere in the middle . A wrestling match- --which side wins ? Love wins . Love always wins .” For an annual marriage and romance check-up , visit The Inn at Houmas House , where love flourishes and one visit is never enough .
The Inn at Houmas House is ideally set on the magnificent grounds of Houmas House Historic Estate and Gardens located between New Orleans and Baton Rouge . The Inn at Houmas House consists of cottages nestled along an alley of ancient oak trees and designed in the creole-style , depicting historic structures of the area . Each room is complete with a single king or queen size bed , or double queen beds with marble bathrooms . Junior suites and Deluxe Suites are also available .
While all the cottages are amazing , our cottage , # D2 , had a piece of history welcoming us that is usually found roped-off in a house museum . It was our dream bed , designed and crafted by the 19th century New Orleans cabinet maker , Prudent Mallard . The 4 poster tester bed soars to the ceiling in dark mahogany . It ’ s magical how you can be swept away to another century by a piece of furniture . Dive into the posh linens and comfortable bedding . While the cottages are a throwback to yesteryear , the bath is modern with a soaking tub and separate tiled showers . Among lush foliage , the private porch is perfect for reminiscing about the springtime of your relationship or planning the future .
Romantic Dining – The Carriage House and Latil ’ s Landing
At dusk , street lanterns stirred memories of old New Orleans on our walk to the Estates ’ Carriage House restaurant . If you are in a hurry , call the front desk for a cart ride along the paths . Take a mental note of intimate spots , surrounded by majestic statues , that you can explore later . Chef Jeremy Langlois is simply the best for preparing delectable dishes . His recent accolades include the prestigious “ Jamie Shannon Outstanding Chef Award .” The new menu boasts items such as Crab and Mango Cake and Tuna Tartare . Start with the famous Chicken and Andouille Gumbo and Onion Ring Platter with smoked paprika dipping sauce . The famed Turtle Bar is in the original 1830 ’ s Garconniere . After dinner , take a stroll around the welllit mansion and grounds . Pure romance !
Latil ’ s Landing is in the original 1773 structure of Houmas House ; it is open Thursday – Saturday . This is fine dining at its