Titillating Adventure Awaits in Louisiana

11 Melrose Plantation

Melrose Plantation isn't just any old farm. The estate is one of the largest ever built by — and for — free blacks. The plantation became possible when Louis Metoyer, a freed slave, received over 900 acres along the Cane River from his French father. Among the impressive structures is the African House, a mysterious building with unique Congolese architecture. It's also home to the African House Murals, a collection of nine paintings by famed folk artist Clementine Hunter.