2024 Louisiana Plantations & Quilts

DAY 1

ARRIVE NEW ORLEANS – TOUR BEGINS

Touch down in the heart of the Crescent City and find your haven in our relaxing hotel. Once settled, join your Tour Manager and fellow quilt-lovers at our evening kick-off Welcome Meeting. Get to know your travel companions over shared stories of your quilting passions and experiences.

DAY 2

ORIGINAL SEWING & QUILT EXPO

Enjoy a hearty Southern breakfast, then set your sights on attending the Original Sewing & Quilt Expo. Immerse yourself in a quilt-lover’s paradise — explore displays of intricate quilts, participate in workshops and classes, attend stage presentations, demonstrations, fashion shows, costume contests, and more! Spend your day delighting in the Expo, then regroup in the evening to share your discoveries and enjoy dinner on your own. As you retire for the night, reflect on the inspiration gleaned from the day’s creative flurry. B

Day 3

NEW ORLEANS

Begin your day with a Panoramic City Tour of New Orleans. Soak in the vibrant culture and rich history as you weave through the iconic French Quarter, Garden District, Treme, and the 9th Ward. Experience the vibe of the Big Easy in lively Jackson Square, where you’ll savor the aroma of fresh chicory coffee and buttery beignets wafting from Cafe Du Monde.  Afterward, indulge in a leisurely lunch and souvenir shopping in the bustling French Quarter. Later, visit Mes Amis Quilt Shop to browse exquisite quilting cottons before winding down for the evening, inspired by the city’s unique tapestry of art, music, and culture. B

DAY 4

NEW ORLEANS – BATON ROUGE

Depart for Baton Rouge and prepare yourself for a journey back in time with a guided tour of the opulent Houmas House Estate, a sugarcane plantation from the 1800s. Revel in the grandeur of the antebellum mansion and its collection of rare artwork and artifacts. You’ll have time to visit the gift shop or grab a quick bite to eat before departing for Baton Rouge. Once there, explore the rich history of the Bayou State with a guided tour of the historic Old State Capitol building. Upon checking into our downtown hotel, look forward to a chef-inspired group dinner featuring upscale Creole cuisine. As you rest tonight, let the day’s history-infused sights and stories fuel your dreams. B, D

DAY 5

BATON ROUGE – NEW ORLEANS

After breakfast, get ready to visit the enchanting Cottage Creations, a cozy quilt shop nestled in a hand-built wooden cottage. Later, enjoy a traditional red-beans-and-rice lunch, sip on chicory coffee paired with famous beignets, or peruse local souvenir boutiques at the fun-loving Cajun Village. Continue your Creole adventure with a guided tour of the Laura Plantation, lauded as the country’s best history tour. After your guided tour of the picturesque Oak Alley Plantation, there’s time to explore the gardens and gift shop before we depart for our French Quarter hotel back in New Orleans. B

DAY 6

NEW ORLEANS 

After enjoying a fresh breakfast, your day at leisure offers endless options. Perhaps sleeping in or strolling to the nearby French Market, a charming open-air market festooned with shopping, dining, and music — a true slice of New Orleans. Later, get a glimpse of the magic behind Mardi Gras’ extravagant parade floats on a guided tour of Mardi Gras World. After, unleash your creativity in a traditional mask-making workshop then celebrate your unforgettable journey in style at a festive customary Farewell Dinner. As the evening unfolds, relish in the shared camaraderie and passion for quilting that has bonded you all throughout this journey. B, D

DAY 7

NEW ORLEANS – TOUR ENDS

Savor a New Orleans sunrise and classic Southern breakfast before indulging in the endless quilting supplies and high-quality cottons at the locally loved All Stitched-Up quilt shop. Bid farewell to your travel companions while sharing memories and friendships forged in this magical city, as you transfer to the airport to begin your journey home. B