Precious Memories: City Park Camping and Houmas House and Garden

34-Day Cross Country RV Trip + 7-Day Caribbean Cruise 2022

Day 8: Welsh, Louisiana to Darrow, Louisiana

May 4, 2022

As I have mentioned before, we will not go into big cities on this trip to avoid difficulties finding parking spaces for the RV, and also to stay away from crowds. Even though we knew that we will past through Houston this morning, we will just watch where we were going in the web-like freeway system and get through this huge city in the south.

First thing first was to find a place to fill up our propane tank. The campground host told us about a store near I-10 called Tractor Supplies that would do the job. Sure enough, they were able to fill up our tank with great service!

We were going to get on I-10 and maybe visit another Buc-ee's in Katy, but there was a huge traffic jam between Tractor Supplies and Katy so we just had to forget about that idea and went on local highway instead. We got to go through parts of Katy which seemed to be very nice and spacious. We also found a Costco where we were able to get gas and lunch at the same time before getting back on the freeway.

Approaching Houston

Downtown Houston, got to watch where we were going!

Houston!

After crossing the state line into Louisiana, we crossed a 70-year old steep bridge which I do not have photos of. If interested you may check out our video to see how steep this old bridge is. Amazing!

We then arrived at the small town of Welsh in Louisiana where we will spend the night. I have found out that there is a public park in town that have full hook-ups for overnight camping here. The problem was that the procedure of spending the night not being very clear. Some said that we need to register at city hall first, others said register at the police station and still some said just park, no need to pre-registered. I have emailed the city hall and asked and they told me there is no need to register but did not say what the procedure would be. To make sure we were doing the right thing, we decided to stop at the city and go register in person. The staff inside seemed annoyed and like we were bothering them but at least we registered and paid our $15 right there before heading out to the park.

Welsh City Hall

Sportsman Park, Welsh, Louisiana

This is actually a nice park with lots of space. There are two separate camping areas. The bigger area is near the tennis court/baseball field with about 10-15 full hook-up sites. We also drove around to the other side of the baseball field and found maybe 6 sites by the river but only have electricity and water. We ended up in the main camping area where only one other motorhome was parked.

Some of these sites seemed to need some TLC but we were able to settle on a site that worked for us with no problem. Being far enough away from other campers made this a good overnight spot.

Spacious camping spot.

vacant sites with full hook-ups

Just the two motorhomes on that day.

Nice!

A simple but delicious dinner.

What a relaxing way to end our long travel day!

To watch our video of the trip, please click here.

Day 8: Welsh to Darrow, Louisiana

May 4, 2022

Early this morning, we noticed that there was a golf cart type of vehicle that came around the campground. We were wondering if that could be the person collecting camping fees from those who did not pay. As for us, we just had breakfast and unhooked, then on our way to our next destination.

I must say that Louisiana is an amazing state with some very different scenery, especially in the southern part of this state. One can see water everywhere, even on the freeways. Bayous and lakes are everywhere making the drive more enjoyable.

Atchafalaya Welcome Center

When we saw the sign of Atchafalaya Welcome Center coming up, we just had to stop. Sure glad that we did! This has to be the most beautiful welcome center we encountered on this trip.

Beautiful landscape in the back of the welcome center.

With colorful flowers, gazebos and sculptures.

A whole building of information, resources, and relics inside the center.

Nicely decorated.

Informative displays.

There are short movies showing periodically also.

Definitely a good visit!

After a stop at the Costco in Baton Rouge, we turned south heading to the direction of the little town of Darrow. We realized that we have spent too much time at the Visitor Center and now we need to hurry a little to make it to the Houmas House and Garden where we would spend the night.

Houmas House and Garden

To overnight for free in our RV at the different locations as Harvest Hosts members, we were to visit the location, whether it's a winery, brewery, museum, or attractions, and prepare to support them with small purchase to say thank you for their hospitality. For this visit, we planned on having a buffet lunch at their Dixie Cafe and also purchase the Self-guided Garden Tour.

This was actually our first time using a Harvest Hosts locations since we became a member for over a year. Mainly because we do not drink and feel kind of intimidated to visit these breweries and wineries. This location fits us perfectly because we wanted to see at least one plantation during our trip to the south anyway. A lunch of southern cuisine and a visit to the garden sounds wonderful!

Arrived at the huge parking lot.

After checking in at the gift shop, we were given information about the different options as to meals and tours that we may participate but I did not feel the pressure of sales the whole time we were there. Some members said the staff made reservations for them to the restaurants but that did not happen to us. They also told us where to park the RV for the night and took down our membership information. Everything was done courteously.

Hurry in to the Dixie Cafe before they close for lunch at 2:00.

Entering the Dixie Cafe which is right next to the museum.

Bar at the cafe.

A wonderful view of the garden as we were having the buffet lunch.

Nice and quiet.

$25 per person buffet lunch, including drinks and dessert.

Southern cuisine of fried cat fish, chili glazed chicken, beans, crawfish etouffee, etc.

View of the garden.

We enjoyed a wonderful lunch and afterwards browsing the museum from the outside since they were not opened at that hour.

Lobby where the cafe and museum located. I assume that's where guests would check-in for their stay at the Inn also.

Parked at the far end of the parking lot near the Inn.

After resting a little we went through the gift shop, purchased our tickets, and visit the garden.

Mansion

Oak Alley

Old oak trees

Fountain in the back of the mansion.

Oriental Garden

Video of our detailed self-guided tour of the garden here.

We spent close to two hours enjoying the beautiful sights of the garden without going inside the mansion. We still tried to avoid being too close to crowds, especially indoors, as we are still in the midst of a pandemic.