October is the month The Myrtles was made for. The St. Francisville property calls itself one of America's most haunted homes, and it sits just up U.S. Highway 61 from Baton Rouge for anyone who wants a spooky night close to home.

A house with a long story

The Myrtles dates to 1796, when Gen. David Bradford, who had fled the Whiskey Rebellion, built a home he called Laurel Grove. It later passed to Clark Woodruff and then to Ruffin Stirling, who renamed it after the crape myrtles on the grounds. Once a cotton and indigo plantation, the property survived the Civil War, and its story of loss, including the 1871 death of William Winter on the front porch, feeds its reputation today. The Myrtles says it aims to acknowledge the complexities of that past while welcoming everyone.

Tours after dark

Evening Mystery Tours run seven nights a week, with extra times on weekends, and focus on the home's folklore and ghost stories inside the six downstairs rooms of the main house. Private evening tours are offered Sunday through Thursday at 8 p.m. By day, there are guided and self-guided tours, plus the new Farm & Garden Tour, an hour outdoors covering the grounds, farming efforts and animals. Book ahead, especially this time of year.

Staying the night

There are 21 guest rooms spread over 18 acres, from historically appointed rooms and suites in the main house to garden rooms and cottages for groups. Every overnight stay includes a complimentary daytime tour of the house, and booking two or more consecutive nights saves 10%.

Eat on property

Restaurant 1796 cooks around a 10-foot wood-fired hearth, using produce, eggs and honey from the property's farm. Weekend brunch runs Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with bottomless mimosas and $8 Bloody Marys. Elta Coffee in the gift shop handles coffee and light lunches.

The Myrtles is at 7747 U.S. Highway 61; call 225-635-6277.

Photo courtesy of The Myrtles.