Here you will find all the best coupon advice, tips and how to make the most of all your coupons!
Are you looking for ways to stretch your dollar? 
The Myrtles Plantation isn’t just another pretty antebellum home. It’s a place where history and mystery collide in the most fascinating way. Built in 1796, this National Register Historic Property has earned a reputation as one of America’s most haunted homes — and honestly? It’s easy to see why. Between the centuries-old architecture, the tragic legends, and the sheer atmospheric beauty of the place, The Myrtles offers something you won’t find at your average bed and breakfast. Whether you’re a skeptic, a true believer, or just someone who appreciates a good story, this plantation delivers.
Own or manage this property?I'd love to collaborate — reach out at
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | Day Tours from $10; Mystery Tours $12; Overnight stays from approx. $219/night |
| Best For | History buffs, ghost hunters, couples seeking a unique getaway, and anyone who loves antebellum architecture |
| Neighborhood | St. Francisville, Louisiana — about 30 minutes north of Baton Rouge |
| Walkability Score | Low — you’ll want a car to explore the area, though the plantation grounds are highly walkable |
The Full Write-Up
Let’s get one thing out of the way right up front: I haven’t stayed at The Myrtles Plantation. Yet. But after diving deep into its history, reading through visitor experiences, and piecing together the stories that have made this place famous, I can tell you — it’s absolutely on my bucket list. And honestly, it probably should be on yours too.
The Myrtles Plantation sits on a hill in St. Francisville, Louisiana, about a half-hour drive north of Baton Rouge. The main house was built in 1796 by General David Bradford, a man who earned the nickname “Whiskey Dave” for his role in the Whiskey Rebellion. Originally called “Laurel Grove,” the plantation spanned 600 acres and was worked by enslaved people. The name changed to The Myrtles later on, and the property has changed hands several times over the centuries.
Architecturally, the home is a stunning example of the Creole cottage style that defined many Louisiana plantation houses in the 19th century. The 125-foot-long veranda is the kind of thing you’d see in a movie — sweeping, graceful, wrapped in ornamental cast-iron railing with an elaborate grape-cluster design. Inside, you’ll find original hand-painted stained glass, etched and patterned after the French cross, which was supposedly meant to ward off evil. The house was expanded in the mid-1850s, nearly doubling its size, and today it features nine bays across the front.
But let’s be real — the architecture isn’t why most people come here.
So, is it haunted?
Short answer: The Myrtles Plantation is reputed to be haunted, and it has built an entire brand around that reputation. It’s been featured on Unsolved Mysteries, Ghost Hunters, and countless other paranormal shows. The plantation itself leans into it, offering evening “Mystery Tours” that focus on the ghost stories and folklore.
Long answer: It’s complicated. And honestly, that’s part of what makes it so interesting.
The most famous ghost story at The Myrtles is the legend of Chloe. According to the tale, Chloe was an enslaved woman owned by Clark and Sara Woodruff, who owned the plantation in the early 1800s. Some versions say Clark Woodruff forced Chloe into being his mistress. Others say she was caught eavesdropping — listening at keyholes to learn about Woodruff’s business dealings — and as punishment, one of her ears was cut off. She wore a green turban to hide the disfigurement.
The story goes that Chloe baked a cake for the Woodruff family, mixing in leaves from the oleander plant — which is highly poisonous. Her motives vary depending on who’s telling the tale. Some say she was trying to make the family sick so she could “cure” them and regain her position in the household. Others frame it as an act of revenge against Clark Woodruff for sexual assault. Either way, the plan backfired tragically. Sara Woodruff and two of her daughters ate the cake and died. Chloe was then hanged by the other enslaved people and thrown into the Mississippi River.
Here’s where it gets really interesting, though: historically, the Chloe story doesn’t hold up. There are no records of the Woodruffs owning a slave named Chloe. The women who supposedly died from poisoning actually succumbed to yellow fever — and they died in different years. One of the daughters, Mary Octavia, survived well into adulthood.
So is the story true? Probably not, at least not in the way it’s told. But that hasn’t stopped the legend from taking on a life of its own. And honestly, that’s kind of the point. The Chloe story — whether factual or not — speaks to something deeper. It’s a reflection of the brutal, painful history of slavery in the American South, and the way that history gets processed through folklore and ghost stories.
Chloe isn’t the only ghost said to roam the property. The plantation is supposedly home to at least 12 spirits. One of them is William Winter, a lawyer who was shot in 1871 and died on the 17th step of the staircase as he tried to climb it. Visitors and staff have reported footsteps, handprints appearing on mirrors, and the sound of children laughing in empty rooms. There’s also a mirror in the foyer that’s said to be “possessed” by the spirits of children who died on the property.
One thing worth noting: most accounts describe the ghosts at The Myrtles as fairly benign. This isn’t a place where people are running out screaming in the middle of the night. It’s more of a slow-burn atmospheric experience — the kind of place where you might catch something out of the corner of your eye and spend the rest of the night wondering if you actually saw it.
What to expect when you visit
The Myrtles offers a few different ways to experience the property.
During the day, there are Basic History Tours that run daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. These tours focus on the plantation’s history, architecture, and the lives of the people who lived and worked there. It’s a great way to get the factual background before diving into the spookier stuff.
In the evening, the Mystery Tours take over. These are offered Sunday through Thursday at 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday at 6, 7, and 8 p.m.. The tours last about an hour and take you through the downstairs six rooms of the main house, focusing on the history, mystery, and folklore. Visitors consistently rave about the tour guides, describing them as knowledgeable, animated, and wonderful storytellers.
If you really want to go all in, you can stay overnight. The Myrtles operates as an 11-room bed and breakfast, with additional accommodations in the Coco House, Willow Cottage, and garden rooms. Rooms feature pillowtop beds, down comforters, and premium bedding. A complimentary breakfast is served daily. Prices for overnight stays start around $219 per night.
The property also has a restaurant — Restaurant 1796 — which opened in 2018 and serves wood-fired, farm-to-table Southern cuisine. The restaurant centers around an open hearth, blending old-world charm with modern cooking. There’s also Elta’s Coffee Shop and a gift shop on site.
Tips from someone who’s done the research
If you’re planning a visit, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Reservations are strongly recommended for tours, especially the evening Mystery Tours. The plantation is about 30 minutes north of Baton Rouge, so you’ll definitely want a car. If you’re coming from New Orleans, budget about two hours for the drive.
If you’re interested in the paranormal side of things, the evening tour seems to be the way to go. It’s darker, spookier, and the guides really lean into the storytelling. But if you’re more into history and architecture, the daytime tour might be a better fit.
And if you’re sensitive to energy or emotions — as one visitor mentioned — you might feel something during the tour. Whether that’s the power of suggestion, the weight of history, or something else entirely is up to you to decide.
My TikTok Videos:
(These are clips from my last visit in the early 2000's)
(These are clips from my last visit in the early 2000's)
Nearby
St. Francisville and the surrounding area have plenty to offer beyond The Myrtles. If you’re planning a trip, consider checking out these nearby spots:
Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site — Just a 3-minute drive from The Myrtles, this beautifully preserved plantation offers another glimpse into Louisiana’s antebellum history.
Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge — About a 30-minute drive, this is a great spot for nature lovers who want to explore the great outdoors.
Summary / Takeaways
The Myrtles Plantation is one of those rare places where history, architecture, and folklore all come together in a way that feels genuinely special. Is it actually haunted? That depends on who you ask. The Chloe legend is almost certainly not historically accurate, but that doesn’t make the stories any less compelling — or the experience any less memorable.
Whether you come for the history, the ghost stories, the stunning architecture, or just a unique overnight stay, The Myrtles delivers. It’s a place that lingers with you long after you leave — and honestly, isn’t that the mark of a great travel experience?
So go ahead. Book the tour. Stay the night. See for yourself what all the fuss is about. And if you happen to catch a glimpse of a woman in a green turban in the corner of your eye? Well, you’ll have one heck of a story to tell.
Need a hotel? Check out some New Orleans hotel suggestions! Looking for things to do? Check out some activities in New Orleans and the surrounding areas!
|
