As for the hurricane season, Aug-Oct is usually the active time. But we have not had one hit the area in several years. That's not to say this year will not be the year. if one does hit, there will be plenty of information and your best bet would to be to get out of downtown New Orleans. It's good you are aware but I would not be too worried about it. Most hurricanes are Cat 1's with some rain and wind (in the 74-80 MPH range). Those winds don't do much damage. Keep in mind when Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, it was a Cat 5 and it was huge. Storms like that probably come once in a lifetime.
If you want to see plantation homes, Oak Alley is probably the most famous. They have daily tours. Here's the web site link.
http://www.oakalleyplantation.com/
There are some cemetery tours that are kind of neat in the French Quarter, especially the ones that take you to Marie Laveau's tomb. There are several stands in the French Quarter that have cemetery tour info and where you can book. I personally have not been on a cemetery tour but I normally just walk around and check them out on my own.
New Orleans also offers a river boat cruise down the Mississippi. it's been several years since I took the cruise but it is nice.
Here's another link to a web site that offers tours in the New Orleans area.
http://www.bigeasytours.us/?event=offer.type&productType=PLANTATION&mpt=349&name=Plantation%20Tours%20from%20New%20Orleans
if you want to do a Swamp Tour, I suggest Zams Swamp Tours. It is located about 45 min South of New Orleans. They have an onsite restaurant that serves great seafood and if they have fried frog legs, go for them.
They do not have a web site, but have included their ph# and a link.
985-633-7881 (address: 136 Kraemer Bayou Rd, Thibodaux, LA 70301)
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...am_s_Bayou_Swamp_Tours-Kraemer_Louisiana.html
Here's a link for info on Baton Rouge.
http://www.visitbatonrouge.com/tours/
If you will be in town during an LSU football game, I would highly recommend trying to get tickets. that's if you are a football fan. There are several plantation type homes enroute from New Orleans to Baton Rouge. To be honest, I'm not a big fan of Baton Rouge but it is a nice place to visit.
Let me know if you need anything else.