Historic getaways in the land of cotton Seasoned travel writers Gerald and Patricia Gutek believe the American South is for history enthusiasts what Ghiradelli's is for chocolate connoisseurs, and with their latest guidebook they invite travelers of all ages to sample what life was once like in this beguiling region. As they did in their popular guide Experiencing America's Past, the Guteks introduce readers to the pleasures of exploring historic America--this time turning their travel know-how to the preserved and restored plantations and museum villages that grace the Southern landscape. From the Great River Road Plantations between Baton Rouge and New Orleans to Montpelier Mansion in Virginia, these plantations and villages demonstrate how people lived, worked, prayed, and played decades and centuries ago. In their easy-to-use guide, the Guteks tell how to visit and enjoy sixty-eight such gems of the Old South. In addition to current phone numbers, times of operation, and admission fees, each entry includes a historical overview, directions for finding the site, and information on restaurants, shops, facilities, and special features. The Guteks also list nearby accomodations and suggest side trips of historical interest.