While I was in New Orleans a couple of weeks ago, I set out by myself one day to do a walking tour of the Garden District. I had heard of this district in New Orleans and even driven through here a few times, but to do a 2 hour walking tour was really fun. There was a small group of us who met up with the knowledgeable tour guide and headed out to walk and take in the beauty of the Garden District. We started in the Lafayette Cemetary, where movies have been filmed. Double Jeopardy (a scary movie) was filmed in this cemetery.  I used Tour New Orleans for my tour, so check them out if you are in the city and interested in a tour.
I took a zillion pics, so hope you will enjoy seeing them all. I’m not going to try to narrate all the photos, but just enjoy the tour and imagine you are walking the sidewalks of the garden district on a crisp blue-sky day. It was beautiful and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I found a tour place online and was very happy with our guide and the tour.
The Garden District, historic landmark sign in New Orleans.
We met up at the corner of Prytania St. in the bookstore nearby and began the tour in Lafayette Cemetery.
I do remember that our tour guide said this corner was 4 families who lived in the same neighborhood and wanted to all be buried together. Interesting fact!
We walked right past the famous Commander’s Palace, a restaurant I haven’t ever been to yet. Maybe I’ll get there one day. I’ve heard good things about it. I sure love the exterior.
Enjoy all the beautiful architecture of homes in the Garden District. There are mansions, large homes, and smaller homes and they all have such personality and beauty.
We learned that this is John Goodman’s home.
And one thing I noted was how many of these homes are pink. Another interesting fact!
Love, love this one, it totally speaks to my Southern soul.
This stately Victorian(?) style home belongs to Sandra Bullock.
And this is a former home of Ann Rice, the author. She has owned a few homes in New Orleans and of course, written her vampire books from here.
This home was where Jefferson Davis died in 1889, I think it says.
Beautiful stately home.
A pretty water fountain behind a beautiful iron fence.
Be sure and read this sign, so cute!
This pretty house is the home of Archie Manning and his wife. It was kind of funny, as our group walked by on the sidewalk, Mrs. Manning drove up in her SUV and got out and walked into the front door. I didn’t want to disturb her privacy too much, so didn’t snap a picture. This is where those talented Manning boys grew up and played.
Sully Mansion Bed and Breakfast.
I hope you enjoyed this walking tour of the Garden District as much as I did. When I get back again for an extended visit, I’d love to do more tours. Lots of history to be shared in this beautiful Southern city!
You’re right….there’s nothing like walking through New Orleans on a bright January morning! Missing it even more now that I live in NW Ohio…..no leisurely walks outside in January here! Thanks for sharing.
I enjoyed seeing your pictures so much that I’ve added the walking tour to my bucket list!
Wonderful tour on a cold snowy day. Tks.
Thanks for sharing the garden district photo tour, you have some wonderful shots of these historic homes and of the cemetery! I found the history and architecture of some of the mausoleums and the cemetery fascinating when we toured the cemetery a few years back.
I have a question I’m hoping you might help me with; I had noticed the odd off color (I think they’re).. tiles across the peaks of roof lines at several homes in the area last time I was there and wondered at their significance…… did your guide mention them? Thanks again for a great pictorial tour Rhoda, your photos would make a great coffee table book……! Hugs, VBg
Hi, VB, those are red clay tiles across the roofs. I do remember him mentioning something about that, but I didn’t retain it. I don’t know it if is just for ornamentation or if it’s extra protection from rain on top of the roof. It is interesting though.
Thanks for sharing… I went to NOLA for the first time last June and fell in LOVE! I am petitioning my Hubs to go back again this year. Your posts have made me feel like I was on vacation again.
I’ve never been to New Orleans, but feel like I have after seeing all your beautiful pictures! My son’s girlfriend and her family go for Mardi Gras every year. Maybe I should invite myself to go with them, ha! Thanks for sharing!!
Thank you for sharing , I truly enjoyed the walking tour! Its been about 10 years since we were in New Orleans , and it was wonderful. The information our tour guide gave to us about the graves was interesting. Hope to make it back someday !
Fabulous tour of this gorgeous city and pictures of some of the most stunning homes in the US. Thanks so much for sharing….. I loved it!! BTW…. you must go to Commander’s Palace… food & ambiance are awesome!! 🙂
I’ve been to New Orleans many times. Your photos are wonderful and I would love to go again. Thanks for sharing the walking tour.
Love, love, love these houses. So much character to them compared to what is built today. I just have to get to New Orleans to see them & the other gorgeous sights. Thanks for sharing this wonderful tour. BTW, J. Davis died in 1889.:)
Beautiful and inspiring homes! Was there any mention of any of these home being flooded by Hurricane Katrina?
HI, Carol, from my understanding the Garden District and French Quarter were not flooded during Katrina. The worst flooding was in the 9th Ward, which is further away from the Quarter.
You’re correct, Rhoda. The Garden District and the French Quarter were not flooded. It’s also true the 9th ward was terribly flooded, but equal to the 9th ward and possibly worse was the flooding in Lakeview due to the breach of the levee. The majority of the homes were lost and many lives were lost. The city lost many residents who lived in Lakeview and didn’t return after they evacuated prior to the storm. This August will be the 10th anniversary. It’s hard to believe it has already been 10 years.
Indeed, it was the levees breaking along the Industrial Canal and the MRGO in the Lower 9th Ward that caused most of the damage. The Garden District and French Quarter were mostly unaffected. Areas east of NOLA were far more damaged.
Never been there but looking through your pics and being a photographer I can see some really amazing places for portraits to be taken…and the history. Amazing. Thanks for sharing.
So beautiful and different from where we live in New Mexico; fascinating–thank you, Rhoda, for taking the time to assemble a “tour” for us!
I have loved your posts on your New Orleans trip! They have been a real inspiration during these cold, dreary, winter days we have been having. It has been so much fun to look at all of your beautiful photos.
Thanks for taking us along with you!
I love the ornamental iron on some of the structures. Wonderful shots you have posted.
betsy