Avoyelles holiday tour of homes set

The Avoyelles Commission of Tourism is continuing the tradition of offering the delightful  “Noel dans les Avoyelles,” Progressive Tour of Homes on the first Saturday of December, which will include a tour of homes and a progressive, seasonal meal.

On December 7,  the tour will feature three of the finer 19th  century homes of Avoyelles, and Pointe Coupee parishes. These homes include two fine plantations in the Hamburg area- Mayfield, home of Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr.; and Callico, home to multi-generations of ancestors of Robert and Aloysia Ducote.  The third home, White Hall Plantation in Lettsworth in Pointe Coupee, is owned by Mark Becker and Gary Sutton.

The first home to be visited is Mayfield, built circa 1885 by T. A. Lemoine in Moreauville, and now located in Hamburg and owned by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr.  The home has been restored by Mayeux, who will welcome those on the tour. Visitors will enjoy the beauty of the home and furnishings, and will also enjoy the first course of a progressive meal.

Callico was built in 1841 and is the second scheduled stop on the tour. Callico plantation at one time consisted of not only many acres of farm land but commissaries for residents, a post office, a cotton gin, a school for children, and a steamboat landing at Hamburg.  At Callico, the Ducotes along with members of their growing family, will serve the entrée for the progressive meal.

White Hall Plantation will be the final stop of the tour and is located on Hwy. 418 minutes across the Atchafalaya River in Pointe Coupee Parish. Becker and Sutton have not only beautifully restored and furnished the home with 19th century period furnishings, but have also established outstanding gardens in keeping with the history of the home.

The beauty of the home and gardens reflect the care given to unify home and garden décor. The progressive meal will conclude at White Hall with a festive dessert selected by the hosts. The home was built before the Civil War and was once the home of B. B. Simms, the founder of Simmesport.

All of these distinguished houses have long and wonderful histories, but are homes for families who love the history of their homes. All the hosts look forward to sharing their homes with guests.  Don't miss the opportunities to be part of this progressive tour.

Tour tickets are $25 a person and transportation to and from the three locations will be available for an additional $15 per person. Only 34 seats are available for transportation with Good Time Tours, so if you are interested, call today for information. Tickets and seats will go quickly.  The three pick up locations will be designated stops in Fifth Ward, Marksville and Mansura.

Space for this tour of homes is limited. Call (800)833-4195, (318)253-0585 or (318) 964-2025 for ticket orders