Michael SatterfieldEmbarking on a weekend road trip from Bryan, Texas, to Louisiana’s River Parishes offers a blend of rich history and exhilarating motorsport experiences. Behind the wheel of the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia Limited, we set out on our road trip early Saturday morning, eager to explore historic plantations and renowned race tracks.
Day 1: Saturday Departure from Bryan, Texas
Our journey commenced before dawn, the Toyota Crown’s hybrid engine humming smoothly as we cruised southeast. The vehicle’s impressive fuel efficiency became evident early on, averaging 38 MPG—a notable advantage for long-distance travel. However, I found that the seats, while stylish, lacked the desired comfort for extended periods on the road.
Arrival at NOLA Motorsports Park
By late morning, we reached NOLA Motorsports Park in Avondale, Louisiana, just in time to witness the Corinthian Vintage Auto Racing (CVAR) Grand Prix du Mardi Gras. The event, held from February 14-16, 2025, showcased a stunning array of vintage race cars, offering a nostalgic glimpse into motorsport history. The park’s facilities were top-notch, and the atmosphere was electric with enthusiasts and families alike enjoying the cars ripping around the track.
Visit to Oak Alley Plantation
In the afternoon, we drove to the Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie. This iconic estate, renowned for its breathtaking canopy of 28 live oak trees, provided a serene contrast to the morning’s high-octane excitement. Walking through the historic grounds and touring the antebellum mansion offered a profound connection to the region’s past. It was also the home of Brand Pitt’s character in Interview with a Vampire.
Exploring Houmas House and The Turtle Bar
Our next stop was the Houmas House Plantation and Gardens in Darrow. The lush gardens and beautifully preserved mansion were captivating. A highlight was unwinding at The Turtle Bar, nestled within a garconniere on the property. With its intimate ambiance and extensive whiskey selection, it was the perfect spot to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures. Houmas house is one of the most popular homes to visit in Louisiana’s River Parishes and features on-site lodging and a lot of unique experiences.
Overnight at Nottoway Plantation
As evening approached, we arrived at the Nottoway Plantation in White Castle for our overnight stay. Known as the largest remaining antebellum mansions in Louisiana’s River Parishes, Nottoway seamlessly blends historic charm with modern amenities. Its proximity to No Problem Raceway makes it an excellent lodging choice for motorsport enthusiasts attending events that are looking for something other than staying in an RV.
Day 2: Sunday Morning at No Problem Raceway
After a restful night, we headed to No Problem Raceway in Belle Rose. The facility’s well-maintained track and professional staff provided an excellent environment for testing and discussions about future racing events. We took the Toyota Crown for a 20 mph lap around No Problem to see the track layout, however, I wouldn’t recommend signing up for your local High Performance Driving Event with the crown.
Following our time at the raceway, we began our journey back to Texas. To break up the drive, we explored some local attractions and dined at notable establishments in the River Parishes.
The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia Limited
The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia Limited proves to be a solid choice for road trips, offering a perfect blend of performance, comfort, and efficiency. Its hybrid powertrain delivers a combined 240 horsepower, ensuring responsive acceleration for highway merging and overtaking. Notably, the vehicle achieves an impressive average fuel economy of 38 miles per gallon, minimizing fuel stops during extended journeys.
Inside, Crown Signia Limited boasts a refined cabin with high-quality materials, providing a near-luxury experience. The spacious interior accommodates passengers comfortably, and the generous cargo space is ideal for luggage and travel essentials. However, the seats, while stylish, were not as comfortable as I would have expected from Toyota. It has plenty of space, a great sound system, and Toyota’s great adaptive cruise control with lane keeping. I will say that the driver’s attention monitor is a little aggressive; look out the window to take in your surroundings or look for the perfect road trip song for more than just a second, and the onboard nanny will scold you. Many times, the warning would be triggered because of the camera position, which means you can’t enjoy one hand on top of the steering wheel while driving.
Additional Recommendations In Louisiana’s River Parishes
Dining
- B&C Seafood Riverside Market & Cajun Restaurant: Located near Oak Alley Plantation, this spot offers authentic Cajun cuisine in a casual setting.
- The Carriage House Restaurant: Situated within the Houmas House estate, it provides a fine dining experience with a menu highlighting local flavors.
Attractions
- Whitney Plantation: Offers a unique perspective by focusing on the lives of the enslaved, providing an educational and moving experience.
- Laura Plantation: A Creole plantation that offers guided tours rich in history and storytelling.
This two-day journey through Louisiana’s River Parishes, complemented by the reliable performance of the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia Limited, offered a perfect blend of cultural enrichment and motorsport excitement. The region’s historic sites and modern racing facilities make it a compelling destination for travelers seeking diverse experiences.
