Idyllically laid within the ambit of New Orleans' famous French Quarter district, Jackson Square is steeped in a rich history associated with the epoch-making Louisiana Purchase. An arsenal of historic landmarks, including the three-steepled St. Louis Cathedral, The Cabildo and the Presbytere stand amid vast landscaped gardens, with the bronze statue of the heroic Andrew Jackson forming a compelling centerpiece. Although now buried under layers of history, the square harks back to a fascinating past, when it was originally known as the Place d'Armes. An erstwhile site for public executions, this square saw a dramatic shift at the turn of the twentieth century. At the height of the Roaring Twenties, this National Historic Landmark became widely known for its association with the arts, allowing artists to gather and participate in the exchange of ideas. Through the years, Jackson Square has been touched by fleeting, yet enduring associations with tarot-readers, jugglers, street artists, and paraders, echoing the very unbeatable ethos that New Orleans is known for today.
This Greek Revival mansion is home to original English and American antiques and eight acres (3.2 hectares) of formal gardens and decorative fountains. Although the floral blooms here vary with the changing seasons, visitors can count on a spectacular display year-round. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Longue Vue House & Gardens features ever-changing exhibits. The lovely Teatime at Edith & Edgar’s Museum Cafe serves a selection of snacks and loose leaf tea in a garden setting. A gift shop sells horticulture and decorative items, children's gifts, and reproductions from the Longue Vue Collection.
When in town, take your kids out for an unforgettable fun-and-learn experience at this spectacular museum. Louisiana Children's Museum offers a toddler area and children's drama, dance, and puppet shows. There are also art and science exhibits, as well as hands-on math and physics exhibits, and a reproduction of a television studio. Many of the exhibits are geared toward learning through doing. This style of learning makes it fun for both parents and kids alike. This is a great rainy day field trip and a good place for anyone trying to get away from the "adult" aspects of the city.
Located on the boundary of the French Quarter, Saint Louis Cemetery Number One is the oldest cemetery in the city. The above ground burial practices are typical of swampy New Orleans, where early settlers soon discovered that coffins buried in the ground would float to the surface after a hard rain. There are many ornate family tombs and vaults, but visitors to Saint Louis Cemetery Number One must be accompanied by a licensed tour guide or have a special pass issued for persons with loved ones or family members buried in the cemetery.
The Sisters of Ursula established Catholic schools for African-American and Native American girls and set up the first orphanage in Louisiana. The convent is now home to Catholic archives dating back to 1718. It is the oldest building on record in New Orleans and the entire Mississippi Valley. It sits across from another historic site, the Beauregard-Keyes House, and is part of the Archbishop Antoine Blanc Memorial. It is open for self-guided tours.
The Presbytere, built in 1790, was originally called the "Ecclesiastical House." It served as a courthouse and a commercial business before becoming one of five buildings in the French Quarter that make up the Louisiana State Museum. Exhibits focus on paintings, furniture, pottery, clothing and every kind of craft or relic imaginable, as long as it illustrates Louisiana's culture and colorful past.
Hop aboard one of NOLA Gondola's tours for a romantic journey through New Orleans. These hand-crafted, Venetian Gondolas leisurely cruise through the lagoons of New Orleans while the soundtrack of romantic Italian music gently plays in the background. Crackers and cheese are provided for lovers to munch on while gliding across the water, while the champagne or wine is brought by tour-goers themselves. These private tours are the perfect way to connect with the unique vibe of New Orleans while enjoying a memorable outing with you and your special someone.
Ronald Lewis a local of New Orleans started the House Dance & Feathers museum in the year 2000. The museum displays memorabilia from the carnivals of Mardi Gras Indian “tribes” in New Orleans. The exhibits speak of the rich heritage and culture of the tribe. Each exhibit has a story attached to it which is best told by Ronald. Ronald’s efforts behind creating this beautiful collection of colorful and native trinkets, accessories and costumes, help the community in keeping their tradition alive. The museum continues to run with the help of donations from the visitors and the community. Call up before visiting the place as it’s in the backyard of his home and does not have direct access to the public.
Located in a Civil War era three-story Antebellum house, this museum has some of the most unique art work of that period. The collection is of interest since it showcases African-American works found in the heart of the Old Confederacy. It is also of interest because of its quarters in the 19th Century era mansion.
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center honors the men and women that fought on the front-line during world war 2. The museum provides a rather interactive experience through a host of original artifacts of the war. Decommissioned tanks, airplanes, a submarine replica, ships and other vehicles and machinery that played a part in the war, offer an in-depth account of the strategies used in the great battle.