Adventure in New Orleans!

Louis Armstrong Park

Why Visit?

Embark on a vibrant journey through the soul of New Orleans with an adventure-packed visit to the historic Louis Armstrong Park. Nestled in the Tremé neighborhood, this 32-acre park is not only a lush retreat but also a monument to the city"s rich musical heritage.

Getting There: Louis Armstrong Park is easily accessible by public transportation or by foot from the French Quarter. If you"re staying downtown, a leisurely 20-minute walk through storied streets will get you there. Alternatively, take the Rampart-St. Claude streetcar to the "Armstrong Park" stop, which drops you right at the entrance.

Start Your Tour at the Iconic Entrance: Begin at the grand arched gate on N. Rampart Street. Snap a photo under the arch before diving into the heart of jazz history. As you wander, you"ll find yourself enveloped by the sounds of local musicians that often fill the air, echoing the park"s homage to New Orleans" musical legends.

Visit Congo Square: Make your way to Congo Square, a historical meeting place where enslaved Africans and free people of color gathered on Sundays to play music, dance, and sell goods. This spot is considered the birthplace of jazz, a perfect inspiration for adventure lovers to soak in the rhythmic roots of New Orleans.

Explore the Perseverance Hall: Don"t miss this historical gem. Once a Masonic lodge, now a venue that celebrates the evolution of jazz. Check out impromptu performances or scheduled concerts.

Relax by the Duck Pond: After your explorations, unwind beside the serene duck pond, a lesser-known spot within the park ideal for contemplation and a quick rest.

Practical Tips: The park is open from 8 AM to 6 PM daily. Entry is free, making it a perfect escapade for adventure seekers looking to experience the culture and history of New Orleans without breaking the bank.

Adventure awaits in every corner of Louis Armstrong Park, where history and harmony meet.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

LaLaurie Mansion

Why Visit?

Embark on a spine-chilling adventure in the heart of New Orleans with a visit to the infamous LaLaurie Mansion, a cornerstone of the city"s dark and haunted history. Known for its ghostly legends, this mansion offers a glimpse into a past filled with mystery and horror.

Starting Point: French Quarter

Begin your journey in the vibrant French Quarter. Easily accessible by foot, bike, or a quick cab ride from anywhere downtown, this is the perfect launching point. Wander through the bustling streets, soaking up the eclectic mix of music, art, and cuisine that make New Orleans unique.

Visit LaLaurie Mansion

Address: 1140 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70116

The mansion doesn"t offer interior tours due to private ownership, but its façade speaks volumes. Join a guided ghost tour to hear the chilling tales of Madame Delphine LaLaurie, the socialite turned torturer, whose cruel treatment of her slaves was unearthed after a devastating fire in 1834. Tours like the Ghosts of New Orleans Tour will guide you through these macabre stories while standing before the eerie mansion.

Extend Your Adventure

After absorbing the grim history of LaLaurie Mansion, continue your exploration to other haunted locales within the French Quarter:

- St. Louis Cemetery No. 1: Just a 20-minute walk from LaLaurie Mansion, visit the hauntingly beautiful resting place of New Orleans" most notable figures, including the reputed voodoo queen, Marie Laveau.

- Preservation Hall: Cap off your day with some soul-stirring New Orleans jazz at this historic venue, a mere 10-minute walk from LaLaurie Mansion.

Interesting Fact

Despite its notoriety, the mansion was once owned by actor Nicolas Cage, adding a modern twist to its storied past.

Final Tip

Wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared for cobblestone streets and an atmosphere thick with mystery and intrigue. This tour is not just a walk; it"s a journey through the darker side of New Orleans" rich history.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Jackson Square

Why Visit?

Embark on an adventure-packed tour of New Orleans" historic heart with a vibrant visit to Jackson Square, an iconic landmark steeped in history and surrounded by the pulsating life of the French Quarter.

Morning Arrival: Start your day early by taking a streetcar to the French Market stop. From there, it"s a short stroll to Jackson Square. As you enter through the historic wrought iron gates, the majestic St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in North America, towers before you. Grab a coffee and a beignet from nearby Café du Monde to fuel up for the day ahead.

Explore and Learn: Join one of the local walking tours that kick off around 10 AM. These tours dive deep into the square"s rich past, from its establishment as a trading camp to its role in the Louisiana Purchase. You"ll learn about the square"s namesake, Andrew Jackson, and his infamous duel history.

Art and Culture: After the tour, explore the surrounding artists, musicians, and street performers that bring Jackson Square to life. Adventure through the Pontalba Buildings’ lower floors to discover local boutiques and galleries. Don"t miss the 1850 House Museum, where you can step back in time to experience a mid-19th-century New Orleans home.

Lunch and Leisure: For lunch, grab a po"boy from a nearby eatery and enjoy a picnic facing the beautiful Mississippi River, offering a serene break from the bustling square.

Haunted Adventure: In the afternoon, gear up for a thrilling adventure with a haunted history tour. These tours leave from the square and weave through the mysterious and paranormal tales of the French Quarter, ending as the sun sets, casting eerie shadows through the ancient streets.

Evening Wrap-up: Conclude your day back in Jackson Square, perhaps catching a jazz show at the famous Preservation Hall, completing your adventure with the soulful sounds of New Orleans.

Jackson Square not only feeds the thrill-seeker’s soul with its vibrant energy and deep history but also serves as a gateway to the broader adventures within the French Quarter.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Oak Alley Plantation

Why Visit?

Adventure Lover’s Tour: Oak Alley Plantation

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Begin your adventure by making your way to the breathtaking Oak Alley Plantation, nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River. Located about an hour from New Orleans, you can drive or take a local tour bus from the city, which provides scenic views and intriguing commentary as you approach the historic site.

Upon arriving, step into the past as you walk through the famous quarter-mile canopy of 28 magnificent Oak trees, each over 300 years old, leading up to the classic antebellum home. This iconic pathway offers not just a photogenic vista but also a palpable sense of history.

Join the "History and Slavery at Oak Alley" tour, a gripping recount of the plantation’s past, focusing on the lives of the people who were enslaved here. It"s a profound way to understand the deep and complex history beneath the surface beauty of the estate.

Day 2: Active Pursuits and Cultural Immersion

After a morning coffee at the café, with views of the stunning oaks, gear up for a kayaking trip down the nearby Mississippi River. Organized tours are available, providing a unique vantage point of the plantation and surrounding landscapes from the water – perfect for those who love a blend of adrenaline and scenery.

Post-kayak, explore the Civil War exhibit and discover the strategic importance of the plantation during the tumultuous times of the 1860s. Then, wrap up your visit at the blacksmith shop, showcasing live demonstrations of this age-old craft, tying back to the plantation’s self-sustaining community.

Oak Alley isn’t just a step back in time; it’s an immersive journey into the natural beauty and history of Louisiana, offering both reflective and exhilarating experiences for the adventurous soul.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Garden District

Why Visit?

Embark on an invigorating adventure through New Orleans" enchanting Garden District, a neighborhood brimming with Southern charm and gothic allure. Begin your tour with a leisurely streetcar ride on the St. Charles Line from downtown, disembarking at the Garden District stop. Feel the history in the air as you stroll beneath the ancient oaks, their moss-draped branches setting a scene straight from a storybook.

First on the itinerary is the Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, established in 1833. Meander through the maze of 19th-century tombs and vaults, where whispers of the past tell tales of the city"s rich history. Guided tours are available, offering insights into the unique above-ground burial customs and the notable figures laid to rest here.

Just a short walk from the cemetery, explore the architectural splendor of the Garden District"s homes. Stand before the imposing Briggs-Staub House, a prime example of Gothic Revival architecture. Don"t miss the famous "Cornstalk Fence House" with its iconic fence and Victorian flair. Download a walking tour app for anecdotes about each significant structure and its former inhabitants.

After exploring the historical sites, venture over to Magazine Street, a six-mile stretch known for its eclectic shops and eateries. Refuel with a local delicacy at one of the charming cafes or bistros, then continue to peruse the array of antique stores, art galleries, and boutiques.

End your adventure at the Audubon Park and Zoo, reachable via a scenic walk or a quick hop back on the streetcar. Offering a perfect place to unwind, the park"s sprawling greens, ancient trees, and tranquil lagoons contrast beautifully with the exotic wildlife of the zoo.

From hauntingly beautiful cemeteries to lush, verdant parks, the Garden District offers an adventure that beautifully melds the past with the present, making every moment of exploration a treasure unto itself.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.