While there is plenty to keep you occupied in New Orleans proper for days on end, there are a host of excursions that provide valuable insight into the history and culture of the region. A visit to the Chalmette Battlefield, just seven miles downriver from the French Quarter, delivers compelling insight into the storied conflict. After you've seen the famous statue of Andrew Jackson in Jackson Square, pay a visit to this historic site just seven miles downriver from New Orleans, a free attraction good for diving into history or getting some fresh air and a walkabout for a different view of New Orleans.
Recommended for Historic Sites because: The Chalmette Battlefield commemorates two significant wars in American history, both having major implications on our country's history.
Beth's expert tip: Be sure to stop at the visitor center first to see the film - it offers necessary context for a battlefield visit.
Now serving as the city's official welcome center, Basin Street Station was formerly the New Orleans Terminal Company, a historical touchstone that remains in what was once the transportation crossroad of the city of New Orleans. Today Basin St. Station embodies the preservation of a rare vestige of the five railways stations and their associated buildings that served Downtown New Orleans in the early 20th century. Catering by locally owned Messina's Catering is offered for groups and parties. Developed by the Valentino New Orleans Hotels, Basin Street Station includes a visitor information center, educational community exhibit and performance venues, a walking tour kiosk, a coffee shop and Louisiana gift shop. There are super cool old photos of the city, train memorabilia and lots of helpful bits for visiting New Orleans.
Recommended for Historic Sites because: This is a natural starting point for visitors coming to town.
Beth's expert tip: Take a walk to the building's rooftop for a great view of the city.
Founded in 1833, Lafayette Cemetery stands out as one of area's earliest and perhaps the city's first planned cemetery. It was specifically designed to accommodate funeral processions and is distinguished by its intersecting avenues and lush greenery. Noted in Anne Rice's book "Interview With The Vampire," Lafayette has since become a highly popular tourist attraction. One of the more recent highlights to the cemetery's history happened in July 1995 when Rice staged her own funeral here, complete with a horse-drawn hearse and a brass band - an effective publicity stunt that coincided with the release of one her novels. Tours are available with interesting lore about burial practices, area history and who's who in the tombs.
Recommended for Historic Sites because: This is one of the most scenic places to visit an authentic New Orleans cemetery.
Beth's expert tip: This is a natural add-on to any visit to the Garden District or Commander's Palace.
The New Orleans streetcar is the most historic mode of transportation in the Crescent City. Traveling through the middle of major streets such as St. Charles, Canal and Carrollton and along Rampart Street, the streetcar is an affordable method of transportation that allows you to soak in the sights as you move closer to your end destination. $1.25 gets you aboard, and if lucky, you'll have a streetcar operator that will act as a pseudo tour guide, pointing out important landmarks. The streetcar itself is of historical significance to the city. It is the oldest continually operating street railway system in the entire world, moving city-goers around since the 19th century.
Recommended for Historic Sites because: No visit to New Orleans is complete without a ride on the streetcar.
Beth's expert tip: Single day, three-day or monthly Jazzy passes are available online at http://www.norta.com or in cash from the streetcar conductor.
What began as a military parade ground known as Place d'Armes in 1721 is now the colorful heart of the French Quarter, a meeting place for musicians, voodoo queens, fortune tellers, artists, grifters, historians and tourists. You can usually hear it before you see it, as the historic square is always a beehive of activity. The square was renamed Jackson Square in 1851 to honor Andrew Jackson (1767-1845), the hero of the notorious battle of New Orleans and seventh US president. Jackson, who served two terms in Washington, led a ragtag group of volunteers to victory against the British in 1815.
Recommended for Historic Sites because: Jackson Square is one of the city's most iconic places.
Beth's expert tip: This sidewalk amphitheater is where both artists and street entertainers congregate.
It looks like a fairy tale castle, but in fact, St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest continuously operating cathedral in the US. Originally built in the late 1700s, the present structure, with its white, three-steepled façade, is actually the third church on this site; hurricanes and fires destroyed the first two. The outside is grander than the inside, but step in for a quick look or take one of the free tours offered several times a day. Behind the cathedral, you'll find a small garden that contains a memorial to the victims of yellow fever, which plagued the mosquito-infested city in the 18th and 19th centuries. Called St. Anthony's Close, its main feature is a white statue of Christ with uplifted arms.
Recommended for Historic Sites because: This is the oldest continuously operating cathedral in America and a meeting place for locals and visitors alike.
Beth's expert tip: Not always a holy place, this was the city's dueling ground before it was sanctified by the church.
Wrought iron fences, exquisite gardens and lush antebellum homes line the streets of the Garden District. The area, bordered by St. Charles Avenue and Magazine Street, as well as Jackson Avenue and Louisiana Avenue, is where the city's original aristocratic class settled. Highlights include the St. Charles Streetcar line, which offers affordable transit to the French Quarter, and Lafayette Cemetery. The Garden District has been home to some famous names like novelist Anne Rice and actress Sandra Bullock. The best way to enjoy the scenery is on foot, so you can view the intricate architectural detail of the mansions as well as the garden landscaping.
Recommended for Historic Sites because: A walk through the Garden District in one of the great pleasures of visiting New Orleans.
Beth's expert tip: Some of the most interesting homes are off of St. Charles Avenue, between Jackson and Louisiana.
This free museum was founded in 1966 to preserve the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South. Recently spruced up with interactive exhibits - LOVE the giant touch screen map that peels away layers of FQ history - the Historic New Orleans Collection is also a research center for academics and history buffs. The research archives are especially focused on documents relating to the Battle of New Orleans and the War of 1812 in the South, including rare books, maps and plans that collectively tell the story of one of the greatest military upsets of all time. You can also tour the historic Williams home, which is full of gorgeous Louisiana antiques and a collection of Chinese porcelains.
Recommended for Historic Sites because: A must for history buffs, the Historic New Orleans Collection connects the dots in more than three centuries of New Orleans lore.
Beth's expert tip: The gift shop is a super place to buy New Orleans-centric souvenirs like historic maps and locally made crafts.
This historic home with Greek Revival architecture, built in the early 1940s, offers a great walking tour of its house and gardens. Tours are given on the hour of this property that resembles an English country estate. The last tour of the day is 4pm, but the best time to explore this beautiful garden and home is in the morning. Located at the edge of Metairie in Jefferson Parish, Longue Vue is just five miles outside of downtown and close to City Park. By the way, that fab home isn't the original. Built in 1924, the first home was moved and replaced with the current home in 1939.
Recommended for Historic Sites because: Built in 1939, this palatial house museum and gardens is a National Historic Landmark.
Beth's expert tip: The grounds includes an interactive Discovery Garden for children of all ages.
A national landmark celebrating the development of music in America, Preservation Hall specifically strives to "to protect and honor New Orleans Jazz." It may not look like much at first glance, and those bench seats are anything but comfortable, but Preservation Hall is Mecca for jazz fans interested in traditional, New Orleans style jazz. Folks start lining up early to get a seat - the trick to avoid the line is to get there either just as the doors open or later in the evening. This is one of your must-sees when you come to town. And it's one of the few family-friendly jazz joints in town. There's no bar and please leave your go-cups at the door.
Recommended for Historic Sites because: Preservation Hall is a cultural experience prized around the world.
Beth's expert tip: The Hall is a great place to bring the kids to hear live music.