Monthly Archives: June 2019

The Myrtles Blog

With so much happening at The Myrtles, you've got to check out our blogs of the latest events and findings.

The Myrtles Plantation - Something for Everyone

Posted by Myrtles Plantation on June 04, 2019

New Life for Old Haunts

A moss-draped icon clothed in Southern legacies of history, tragedy, and the paranormal, the Myrtles Plantation has been drawing visitors to her stained glass, evil-thwarting front door for generations. And while gnarled live oaks and the giant front porch rockers of the pre-Civil War era mansion are certainly a draw for some of our 60,000 annual visitors, the main drawcard has, for years, been our haunted history—its status as one of the “Most Haunted Homes in America”. In short, people come here to meet our resident ghosts. 

In recent years though, General Manager Morgan Moss—who grew up on the property—has overseen a slow shift in focus for the Myrtles. “The spirits are integral to this place,” says Morgan. “And we don’t want to abandon them (as if we could!) or to abandon that history. But there is so much more that this property holds, and so much more that we can offer through it.” 

In 2019—after a season of rejuvenation following a 2017 fire that destroyed the on-property restaurant, the Carriage House —renovations, charming new accommodations, a new high-concept restaurant, and more new offerings have extended our deep-steeped appeal to overnight guests, day-trippers, discerning locals, and destination diners, too. And while the ghosts are still as alive (ish) and haunting as ever, we are no longer a destination for paranormal thrill-seekers alone. 

 

For Foodies

Perhaps the single most impactful element of the Myrtles’ evolving focus is our new in-house dining establishment Restaurant 1796. The Southern-inspired, woodfire-infused cuisine is singular in approach and design, and elevated by a commitment to using the freshest local ingredients available. The cozy, A. Hays Town-style building is built around an iconic, 10-foot-wide wood-fired hearth, across which every dish passes. We pride ourselves on being innovative and yet comfortably approachable with a menu of creative craft cocktails offered across a swooping bar that spans the length of the dining room. Check the seasonal menus at myrtlesplantation.com/restaurant-1796.

For History Buffs
Daily and private tours orchestrated by skilled storytellers and historians invite our visitors to explore the significance and the secrets of the circa-1796 mansion, and the families that lived (and died) here. Wandering the halls and the grounds of this historic home offers layer upon layer of South Louisiana’s complex social, agricultural, architectural, and racial history. 

 

For Vacationers

Whether your escape be a quest for adventure or for respite—a night or two with us promises high end comfort in one of the property’s eighteen recently updated accommodations. Guests can enjoy historic charm and modern luxury in the bedroom of the home’s original founder, in the Caretaker’s Quarters, which were once featured on the popular reality TV series Ghost Hunters, or in one of several new Garden Rooms upstairs from Restaurant 1796. All overnight guests are treated to a gourmet breakfast as well as a complimentary Mystery Tour.  

 

For Party Planners 

Adjacent to Restaurant 1796, we have recently opened a handsome new event space – the Bayou Room – which is available for custom private events ranging from bridal and baby showers to corporate meetings, rehearsal dinners and birthday parties. 

 

Coming Soon

In the coming months, expect more opportunities for guests and local engagement coming to the Myrtles. Some things to look forward to include a specialized Sunday brunch menu, an on-site kitchen garden, and a series of in-house events such as paired wine dinners, guest chef appearances, workshops, live music and more. 

Yes, while the Myrtles’ reputation as one of America’s most haunted homes remains firmly intact, our magnificent property is evolving into a destination for a whole series of other memorable experiences, too. “For me,” says Moss “this property is a place for exploration, a place to stay, a place to learn, to be entertained, to eat, to relax, and to enjoy. And that’s what we want the Myrtles to be for you, too.” 

Interested in visiting with us? Click HERE to book a room at our bed and breakfast. Click HERE to book a table at Restaurant 1796. Click HERE to book a haunting tour of the property and click HERE to enquire about us hosting your next event.