As I mentioned, my sister and I are down in New Orleans for over a week and we are enjoying the long visit with Lauren and her family. There is so much to see and do in the area and the last few visits have been all about baby time and we haven’t gotten out and about that much. But this, trip we are getting out sight-seeing around town. On Saturday, we headed out to City Park which is not far from where they live and it’s a really pretty park with lots of activities and open green spaces, as well as trees and water features. I can see that this is a well used park in the area for those getting outside to exercise and take the kids out to play. There are ducks in a pond and a huge kid’s play ground too. Not to mention Morning Call is there, a wonderful coffee and beignet café that stays really busy. I can’t come to New Orleans without getting beignets and this one is close to home, so we went there first.
First things, first. Parker looking cute in her vintage chenille jacket that I got her for Christmas. I love it on her!
It was a beautiful sunny day in New Orleans last Saturday and we headed out for an early afternoon at the park, along with lots of other folks who were tired of being cooped up in the house after all the dreary weather we’ve had this month. Morning Call is a beignet and coffee café and as it says, they are open 24 hours. This area is not far from where Lauren and Philip live. Philip grew up going to this park when he was a kid.
Of course, I had to have some beignets, so this is a good place to get them too, although you have to sprinkle on your own powdered sugar. Café Du Monde loads it on there and I’ll hit it before I leave here too. The morning we were there, they had 2 musicians playing and singing live and that was a treat. New Orleans is all about the music too.
City Park has some unique architecture and beautiful spaces. Perfect place to spend a few hours in the sunshine.
The stone bridge at City Park is well known and Lauren and Philip took their engagement pictures here. Beautiful setting.
The old and sprawling live oaks are just beautiful, with their dipping branches. If I had been here as a kid, I would have been all over these trees.
This beautiful spot is where outdoor events are held and it’s a really neat architectural feature.
Here’s another view of it. Philips said it can be rented out for parties and events.
There’s a huge playground too for kids to play and it was full the day we were there. Sunshine brings everyone outdoors this time of year.
Nearby is a pond with plenty of ducks too. I imagine they get fed regularly.
These white Ibis birds were really pretty to look at.
Ducks were plentiful too.
Loved seeing the turtles sunning on the log.
At the playground, Parker got a taste of swinging in the swings and I think you can tell from her face how much she loved it.
She was all smiles and giggles.
The New Orleans Museum of Art is here in City Park, as well as the Botanical Gardens and we took a stroll through the sculpture garden.
Now, mind you, I’m not nearly cultured enough to really appreciate modern and all sculptural art. Some of it was figural and some was left to your imagination and a little strange. Several nude statues just like in Europe. But, it was fun to look at and what a gorgeous day it was with those blue skies and warm temps.
We enjoyed strolling around the pond and taking it all in.
More birds here too.
I love all the moss hanging in the trees in New Orleans.
Each sculpture had a nameplate, but I didn’t take pics or note all of them, so I’ll just share the pics with y’all.
This one was a tall pile of metal violins. Very interesting.
And a ladder and window. OK.
This one was a tail of silver sculptural people all standing on top of each other.
How different is that. Lauren and Philip are checking it out. What does it mean? We have no idea. There are so many imaginations out there.
Another sculpture.
This one is Hercules.
This one was gold colored and an archer.
Another view of the pond.
Lauren on the bench with 2 white people sculptures.
This one had something to do with monkeys.
Now THIS, I get. Blooming pink camelias! Ahhhh, so pretty.
Blue dog, I have heard of this one.
A huge spider. This could cause nightmares.
All you need is LOVE. Yes, love is good.
A person shaped with letters.
Urns or vases. Very literal.
A horse statue.
And a giant safety pin.
A hanging chandelier in the nearby botanical gardens.
There’s a cute area for kids called Storyland, all about nursery rhymes. Parker was getting tired, so we didn’t do this one, but when she gets a little older, we’ll go in here.
It looks really cute.
And that’s a peek at City Park in New Orleans. What a wonderful green space and park for the residents of this area. We loved walking around and taking it all in that day.
If you live in New Orleans, have you been to City Park?
I was fortunate enough to move to New Orleans in 1983, when I was 22, and lived there for 18 years. I met my husband there and out daughter was born at Southern Baptist Hospital uptown. She loved playing at Storyland and we went to many birthday parties at the carousel in City Park….and of course NOMA. I hope you got to see the museum. Loving your New Orleans posts. We miss it so much!!
Rhoda, we are going to New Orleans next month with friends. Gathering ideas for the trip. 🙂
We love parks and gardens. Glad to know about this!
Thank you for the tour. We are going to New Orleans in March. I was just starting last night to think of things to do. Today I will be dropping by my book store, to get a city guide.
Hope you are enjoying your trip!
Dana
I think that statue references the idea that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. Just my first thought.
I thought the same: we stand on the shoulders of giants.
That darling Parker gets prettier each time you see her…I would love the park, the shot of the stone bridge is stunning. I think I would prefer to see Storyland than the sculptures, I don’t get modern art at all….I did like the City of Brotherly love sign…I enjoyed your pictures though…..hope your Mom is ok..worried she isn’t there.
Hi, Mary, mom is fine, she is home with dad. We are staying over a week, so that’s too long for her to be away. She will probably come back in February for Parker’s 1st birthday.
Hi Rhoda,
I grew up in New Orleans and moved away with my hubby about 27 years ago. I miss it so much and love seeing your photos of City Park! I have many fond memories of the pavilions-used to roller skate in those- and feeding the ducks. Also, the sculpture garden, beautiful blooming shrubs, and historic oak trees-yes we did love climbing those! My husband and I took our engagement photos at City Park! I remember that little bridge well. Glad you are enjoying your visit. Parker is growing so quickly, and she’s adorable! Thanks for sharing.
I am a native of New Orleans and moved away 27 years ago but am fortunate enough to have a VRBO on the Mississippi Gulf Coast only about an hour from New Orleans. Loved your pictures. There is also a fabulous dog park at the park and NOMA a world class museum. New Orleans offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Hi Rhoda! Thanks for sharing. Parker is absolutley adorable!!!!! I’m a born & bred New Orleanian here (as are my kids). We took their 4 year old pictures at City Park last year. I’m going to e-mail you some photos of Celebration in the Oaks. I’m sure Lauren told you about it but City Park goes way out with the Christmas lights. It’s awesome. 🙂
Fascinating glimpses of the many views and features in City Park. I haven’t been to New Orleans in 25 years, but remember fondly my visit there. Might be time to plan a return trip!
BTW, the statue of the golden archer looks to be a replica of Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ sculpture of the Greek goddess Diana the Huntress made in 1891, a very well-known piece with a fascinating history (provided by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, which has a 1928 version in its collection): http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/28.101
Love the replica of Robert Indiana’s famous “Love” sculpture, too!
THanks, Leslie, for filling in some details. I admit I am not cultured when it comes to art and museums. Fun to look, but I don’t have a lot of knowledge about things like that.
Parker is so cute! I too love your posts on New Orleans, although I have never been to New Orleans. That park looks like a great place to start when I do visit.
Rhoda, I grew up in the Atlanta area and when I was a child back in the 60’s we used to go to a place in the Marietta area called “Storyland” and I absolutely loved it. Have very fond memories there. I wonder if this is the same type of place. I know the one I went to is no longer there. Also, LOVE the cute little chenille jacket you got Parker!
Susan, I was telling my sister and niece that Marietta used to have a Storyland too. My sister didn’t remember it, but I do. It was going south on Hwy. 41 below where Cumberland Mall is now. I can’t remember when it was torn down, but it’s been ages ago. I don’t think our family ever went, but I do remember it. I am sure my parents couldn’t afford to take us, money was scarce back then.
Loved your tour of the sculpture park – you’re right, there are so many imaginations out there. Must have been so fun to explore with your beautiful family!
xo. Leslie
Segreto Finishes
Thanks for the great tour, Rhoda. I have never been to New Orleans but the park looks like a great place to start. I am not a modern art fan but I really enjoyed seeing the old oaks, duck, birds & other scenes you showed. Parker is a sweetie for sure. Love that chenille sweater.
The one that you said had something to do with monkeys looks more like dogs to me.
Look closely at their heads.
You are right, I saw that too, but I remember a sign that said monkeys.
New Orleans is on my bucket list. Hopefully we will move from Connecticut to Virginia/North Carolina and then maybe we can go to New Orleans. Looks great!
Awesome photo rundown of the best parts of New Orleans’ City Park. Thanks for sharing.
Our daughter was married in December at The Elms Mansion on St. Charles Street. Some wedding pictures were taken at City Park where they were engaged. While in NOLA, I saw Lauren in a commercial for the law firm that she works in!!! She is so beautiful and Parker is a charmer! Thanks for sharing the pictures.