Whether you're looking for a weekend trip or a full-fledged vacation, there are plenty of great places to visit in New Orleans. You can experience the city's storied past through its history as a melting pot of cultures, or you can dance all night long at the city's vibrant live music scene.
Hermann-Grima House
Located in the French Quarter, the Hermann-Grima House is a National Historic Landmark. It is a restored 1831 Federal-style mansion. It includes an outdoor 1830s open-hearth kitchen, an original stable, a courtyard, and workspaces for enslaved workers.
The Hermann-Grima House Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of an affluent New Orleans family during the 1830s-1860s. The house is owned by the Christian Woman's Exchange, which was founded in 1881 as a non-profit organization for the education, preservation, and consignment of books and other items for sale. The exchange also ran a tea room and provided a safe place for women to sleep. The house is open from Mon-Sun.
The museum has over 2,000 original books from the Grima family. Visitors can learn about the family's life, the French-Creole culture of the time, and the customs of mourning. The house also hosts cooking demonstrations, including creole cooking, throughout the year.
Visitors can experience life in New Orleans during the 1830s-1860s, including the Civil War. The tour explores the enslaved experience in the urban environment, as well as the contributions of African descent.
The museum is a wonderful place to learn about the life of an affluent New Orleans Creole family, including the many generations that lived there. Visitors can take part in a guided tour to learn more about the history of the house and the lives of the enslaved people who occupied the property. The house also holds annual memorials.
The Hermann-Grima Museum is a fascinating visual experience for all ages. It offers visitors the opportunity to see a restored house, including the interior and exterior. It is also home to one of the few open-hearth kitchens still in the state.
Atchafalaya National Park
Located on I-10 just north of New Orleans, Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge is the perfect place to see bald eagles, alligators, and other wildlife. You can also hike, kayak, and paddle around this sanctuary.
The park's rookery and wading bird populations are the main attractions. You can also see bald eagles and alligators in the nearby Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge.
If you're looking for a more relaxed way to enjoy the park, you can go on an airboat tour of the Atchafalaya Basin. These 90-minute trips are a thrilling ride through the swamp. You'll also get the chance to see several endangered species of wildlife.
You can also go on a guided photography workshop. Captain Caviar Swamp Tours can guide you through the winding bayous and rivers. Their captains have years of experience guiding tours through marshland. They also have restrooms on board and shade to keep you comfortable.
Another great option is the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center. This site is located in Terrebonne and is a great way to learn about the flora and fauna of the Atchafalaya Basin.
If you're interested in history, you can also visit the Whitney Plantation. This museum is dedicated to educating people on the impact of chattel slavery. They also have a 4-D film experience. You can learn about the plantation's history and how the South was built on chattel slavery.
Another great place to visit is Audubon Park. This park is located in the Uptown area of New Orleans. It's named after artist John James Audubon, and it's set on an old plantation site. The park is also home to a golf course, a rookery, sports fields, and picnic facilities.
Frenchmen Street
Located in the 7th Ward of New Orleans, Frenchmen Street is one of the most popular areas for nightlife in the city. This street is known for its nightclubs, restaurants, and bars.
The street is also known for its live music. Some of the best live music acts come in at the end of the day, when the crowds are a little less drunk. You can get a taste of local talent at the Maison and The Three Muses.
Several of these clubs have outdoor patios, so you can get your drinks and snacks outside. The street also has a few street performers who cover all sorts of genres.
There are several restaurants on Frenchmen Street that serve Creole classics, such as jambalaya and red beans. You can also find Middle Eastern food, as well as Korean and Brazilian cuisine. You can also find French fries and sugar-dusted beignets for dessert.
The nightly art market is another great place to check out. You can find local artisans selling handmade crafts and clothing. This is also a good place to meet others and catch up on the latest news. It's also a good place to buy souvenirs.
Aside from music, Frenchmen Street is also known for its cheaper eats. You can find hot dogs and burgers at many of the late night diners. There are even a few food carts. Pirate Pizza is a nautical themed food cart. It serves cheap thin crust slices. You can also check out The Praline Connection for pralines and cookies.
The Three Muses is a popular restaurant and live music venue on Frenchmen Street. Its two bars serve great cocktails, as well as mouthwatering small plates. They also have a great selection of wines. Often, you'll have to make a reservation if you want to visit on a busy night.
Voodoo Museum
Located in the heart of the French Quarter, the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum is one of the few museums in the world dedicated to Vodou art. Its mission is to preserve the legacy of New Orleans voodoo history. Its two main rooms are filled with artifacts and sculptures.
Aside from voodoo artifacts, the museum also displays African artifacts. This includes gris-gris, an essential part of voodoo. The museum also sells New Orleans handmade voodoo dolls.
The museum is run by a team of experienced professionals. You can visit the Museum on a guided tour. It costs $32 per person, and you can reserve a tour in advance. The tours only have a maximum of 10 guests.
If you're interested in exploring the museum on your own, you can use the self-guided tour. It includes information cards and paintings. You can also take a two-hour guided walking tour. The Museum's main tour features the history of New Orleans Voodoo. It also includes a tour of the Marie Laveau tomb.
Whether you're a voodoo fan or just interested in history, the Voodoo Museum is an excellent choice. It's packed with information on the history of voodoo and the connection between Louisiana and Africa. There's even a voodoo priest to help you out!
The museum also offers a tour of Marie Laveau's tomb in Saint Louis Cemetery #1. The museum has a variety of exhibits, including a tomb, gris-gris, personal artifacts, and explanations of voodoo religion. It also features altars to voodoo spirits.
The Museum has also helped documentary filmmakers, writers, and students with their projects. Its staff strives to debunk myths and misconceptions about voodoo.
Steamboat Natchez
Located on the Mississippi River, Steamboat Natchez is one of the oldest and most popular attractions in New Orleans. Its historic design and fully functional steam engine room are two of the highlights of this popular excursion.
Steamboat Natchez cruises offer a wide range of options for passengers. Depending on your choice, you can take in the sights of New Orleans, listen to live jazz, or enjoy a delicious lunch.
A daytime cruise on the steamboat is an excellent way to learn about the city's history while cruising along the Mississippi River. You will also have the chance to take in the views of the city's skyline from the water.
During the spring season, you can take in the sights and sounds of Mardi Gras celebrations. However, New Orleans is a great city to visit all year round. There are many activities for the whole family.
While on board, be sure to check out the Steamboat Natchez exhibit, which is a museum-quality display. You can also see the workings of 100-year-old steam engines. You can also enjoy a complimentary iced tea, which is a good way to cool down in the summer.
Steamboat Natchez offers a range of cruises, including the jazz and brunch cruises. These cruises are available daily from the Toulouse Street Wharf. The company also provides parking at its own paid lots in the French Quarter. You should arrive at the boarding booth at least thirty minutes before the cruise's departure time.
Another interesting feature of the steamboat is the steam calliope. When the steam calliope plays, it creates columns of steam. You can also enjoy the view from the top deck, which is one of the best views in town.
