A ROMANTIC GETAWAY TO BOONE HALL

A whimsical escape to the elegant Boone Hall...

After one drive down the Avenue of Oaks, it's no wonder why Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds said their vows on the whimsical dock overlooking the littoral, calm water under the golden sun. As you drive down the infamous driveway lined with abundant oak trees casting shadows over the serene horses, you become entranced with breathtaking views surrounding the plantation. Look to the left and you're taken back to the gut wrenching sadness evoked by slave cabins. On the right stands several Arabian horses with neatly groomed tails, awaiting their dinner whilst snacking on the vibrant green grass that grows below their hooves. Straight ahead lies a grand mansion where slave owners once reined over the grounds.

The Avenue of Oaks provides a profound view as you drive straight ahead to the mansion. As the gentle afternoon sunlight shimmers over the gravel driveway, you can understand why The Notebook was filmed at such a picturesque location. In fact, if you opt to take a guided tour around the plantation or the Georgian-designed mansion, you will learn a) the mansion was Allie's parent's summer home and b) Ryan Gosling unintentionally crashed into the gate in front of the mansion, although that bit was left in the movie. It's no wonder why this elegant location provides a sense of tranquility and blissful emotions. Although, apart from the fondness formed by the currently present landscape, the slave cabins to the left provide a sense of humility and sadness from the overworked slave who once diligently worked on the plantation.

Nine slave cabins are lined along the left side to allow visitors to rewind over a century in time and explore the harsh lives of former slaves. Beginning with unimaginable living conditions, progressing with slave rebellions, and wrapping up with the much deserved emancipation provided by Abraham Lincoln, each cabin presents an aura of hopelessness, progression, and the will to become a part of something greater. Thanks to commended efforts of abolitionists, including Nat Turner, Denmark Vessey, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and countless other propelling abolitionists, freedom was given to slaves in 1865. Strangely enough, you feel a sense of pain yet proudness for the slaves brave acts throughout the harsh time. A positive takeaway from the plantation may be the still thriving agriculture at Boone Hall.

As one of the oldest operating farms, assortments of fruit are grown on the plantation and sold during the lush spring months. From vibrant strawberries and blueberries, to sweet grapes and peaches, Boone Hall uses methodical farming to produce ethically sourced plants. Along with produce, the ground of the mansion is surrounded by abundant vegetation on each side. From golden jasmine popping up from dark green stems, to psychedelic rose bushes in arrays of ruby and dusky pink line cobbled walkways. One stroll through the garden with your loved one and you're completely swept away by the fetching planation grounds.

As the day winds down, exiting through the Avenue of Oaks at golden hour is just as sensational as it is upon arriving. Boone Hall leaves you with euphoric, found emotions that put you in the calmest, most pleased state of mind imaginable. From the well-maintained grounds, to the keen history embedded at the planation, every corner should be explored with an electrified mind. I feel like even though I've been exposed to each aspect of Boone Hall, I could visit countless times and still be mesmerized by its radiant nature and history.