One of the finest groups of antebellum houses in the South borders River Road. A historical Louisiana thoroughfare, the road runs alongside the Mississippi for 160km, between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Of the 2 000 cotton and sugarcane plantations dating back to the early 19C, a few fine specimens survive, some still in operation, others turned into museums. River Road is worth the detour, even if many petrochemical refineries and factories have invaded the region.