Kent Plantation House, built in 1800 by Pierre Baillio II, is one of Louisiana’s oldest standing structures. This French Creole style home, built raised on brick pillars to protect it from flood waters, has been fully restored with period correct furnishings and pieces. All outbuildings, though not original to the plantation, are as old as the 213-year-old house. These buildings compliment the house and, together, give a living history example of a typical working French Creole plantation of the 1800’s.
With healthy living an emerging focus in Louisiana, Kent Plantation House is joining the revolution! Saturday, September 21st is the date for the Second Annual Le Tour de Bayou, a scenic cycling tour throughout the bayou region of Central Louisiana. There will be six levels of participation:
- 10 mile ride
- 27 mile ride
- 63 mile ride
- 84 mile ride
- 2 mile family fun ride/walk
- 5K run/walk
The routes have been changed this year, with the two longest rides going into Grant Parish across the Richard Thompson Bridge at Boyce. Participants of these two routes will experience varied landscapes and topography, and see historic houses and churches, wildlife and traditional farms and livestock of the region. Other routes will meander around the cypress-lined bayou region of Central Louisiana, going through an authentic Belgian farming community with fields of cotton, soybeans, corn, and grain sorghum. The ten mile ride will incorporate the new City of Alexandria bike lanes on Bolton Avenue. All rides will begin and end at Kent House.
During the event, the House and grounds will be open for free tours by Kent House docents. There will also be ongoing period demonstrations such as blacksmithing, open-hearth cooking, candle and soap making, butter churning, quilting, herb demonstrations, children’s activities and something for everyone.
An After-Ride Party will feature traditional Louisiana music provided by Grammy award winner Chubby Carrier. There will be plenty of food and drink; the perfect place to relax after a long ride. Additionally, on the Friday night prior to the ride, there will be a pre-ride registration wine and cheese party on the beautiful grounds of Kent Plantation House with musical entertainment.
For additional information, please call the Kent Plantation House Office at (318) 487-5998 or register online at www.bikereg.org. Come see us on the bayou!
