By Kristen Higdon
L’Observateur

GARYVILLE — Louisiana’s historic San Francisco Plantation received the 2015 Travel Attraction of the Year Award from the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association.

The award is presented to an attraction, museum, historic site or tour organization that delivers memorable experiences, meets visitor expectations and understands the value of partnerships that continuously draw tourists to Louisiana.

The award is a part of the organization’s Louey Awards honoring those who have made an outstanding impact on the Louisiana tourism industry.

The high praise may partially be due to the substantial changes the plantation has undergone in the past year. Originally built between 1853 and 1856, the house’s interior and exterior were only restored one other time 40 years ago.

Due to the long-awaited facelift, the plantation remained closed for the summer of 2014. Marathon Petroleum Corporation, who owns the land, saw the need for extensive repairs and restorations to the site and went through the proper channels to begin the process.

According to plantation General Manager Kim Fontenot, the $1.5 million restoration has increased the number of visitors to the plantation.

“The plantation has always stood on its own due to its pristine historic quality,” she said. “Now, we have more of a remarkable quality that really draws people in.”

The entire house was surrounded in scaffolding for a little over three months while Marathon employees managed the repairs and restorations at the plantation.

“The renovations were completed by quality-driven experts from across the nation,” Fontenot said.

The plantations upper gallery was completely redone, and the opulent artwork throughout the interior was meticulously restored while managing to keep its original significance.

“Each plantation tells its own story, and our story is one of opulence,” Fontenot said. “When you walk in the plantation, you are stepping back in time; everything from the lighting to the columns are of the 1800s.”

This also includes the tour guides, who Fontenot proudly refers to as “the heart and soul of the plantation.”

The men and women dressed in antebellum attire give tours seven days a week, and they are happy to share their wisdom about this piece of history.

After all of the improvements made in 2014, as well as receiving the top award from the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association, Fontenot and the planation staff is looking forward to what else is to come in 2015.

In addition to the location’s 35 to 40 events each year, the plantation will also host its 12th Annual Frisco Fest Spring Garden and Craft Festival March 7 and 8.

The festival will include more than 100 artists and crafters, Cajun cuisine, Junior Art Expo and activities for children.

Special events to go along with the festival include the Tour De’ San Francisco Bike Race along River Road and the Cruisin’ Plantation Car Show. There is also a 5K and mile run accompanying the live music and festivities.

As for Fontenot and the staff at the plantation, each day is just like the other — one where they are transported back to share a piece of Louisiana history with visitors.

“I love making history come alive,” Fontenot said.

“In a sense, by caring for the home, I am doing my part in caring for the community.”