Garden District History and Homes Walking Tour

The Garden District of New Orleans offers visitors a captivating journey through the city’s history and architecture. Strolling along its shady, tree-lined streets, one can admire the stately antebellum mansions and Victorian-era homes that showcase diverse styles, from Greek Revival to Italianate. Beyond the elegant facades, the neighborhood’s haunting allure extends to the mysterious Lafayette Cemetery, with its above-ground tombs and Gothic-style architecture. Whether you’re a history buff or simply appreciate timeless Southern charm, this walking tour promises to unveil the private lives of the district’s wealthy residents, both famous and influential. Prepare to be enchanted, as the Garden District’s secrets are about to unfold.

Key Points

• The Garden District was developed in the 1800s as an upscale residential area for wealthy plantation owners, merchants, and industrialists.
• The neighborhood features a mix of iconic antebellum mansions and ornate Victorian-era homes with distinctive architectural styles of the southern United States.
• The Buckner Mansion, Brevard-Gillespie House, and Brevard-Blandin House are examples of the stately southern mansions that can be explored during the walking tour.
• The walking tour showcases the enduring architectural legacy of the Garden District, including intricately carved balconies, stained glass windows, and grand double-gallery porches.
• The famous Lafavette Cemetery, with its above-ground tombs and Gothic-style architecture, is believed to be haunted and is a highlight of the walking tour.

Neighborhood’s Rich History

The Garden District’s rich history dates back to the 1800s when the neighborhood was developed as an upscale residential area for the city’s elite.

Elegant antebellum mansions and Victorian-era homes line the tree-shaded streets, showcasing the architectural styles that defined the southern United States during this prosperous era.

Many of these historic properties were built by wealthy plantation owners, merchants, and industrialists who sought to establish a prestigious neighborhood separate from the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter.

Today, the Garden District remains one of New Orleans’ most sought-after residential areas, with its well-preserved historic charm and lush, manicured landscapes drawing visitors from around the world.

Stately Southern Mansions

Stately southern mansions, with their sweeping verandas and ornate architectural details, line the oak-shaded streets of the Garden District, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of New Orleans’ 19th-century elite. These grand homes, many of which were built in the Greek Revival and Italianate styles, feature elaborate ironwork, towering columns, and beautifully manicured gardens. A few notable examples include:

Home	Architectural Style	Notable Features
The Buckner Mansion	Greek Revival	Iconic white columns and wrought-iron balconies
The Brevard-Gillespie House	Italianate	Intricately carved wooden details
The Brevard-Blandin House	Greek Revival	Symmetrical facade and central pediment

Exploring these magnificent homes is a highlight of the Garden District walking tour, allowing visitors to step back in time and imagine the grandeur of a bygone era.

Victorian Home Architecture

Alongside the grand southern mansions, the Garden District also showcases an array of elegant Victorian homes, each adorned with intricate architectural detailing that transports visitors to the opulent era of the late 1800s.

From ornate gingerbread trim and grand double-gallery porches to intricately carved balconies and stained glass windows, these historic homes represent some of the finest examples of Victorian design in the country.

Many of the homes feature a mix of architectural styles, blending elements of Greek Revival, Italianate, and Queen Anne influences.

As you stroll through the neighborhood, you’ll be struck by the sheer variety and beauty of these impeccably preserved Victorian masterpieces, each one a testament to the enduring allure of New Orleans’ distinctive architectural legacy.

Haunted Lafayette Cemetery

Among the Garden District’s most haunted highlights is the above-ground tombs of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, where visitors can explore the eerily captivating final resting place of New Orleans’ past residents.

The cemetery dates back to the 1800s and is renowned for its ornate, crumbling mausoleums and Gothic-style architecture.

Many believe the cemetery is haunted by the spirits of those buried there, and visitors have reported seeing ghostly apparitions and hearing unexplained noises.

Guided tours of the cemetery provide an opportunity to learn about its rich history and the mysterious legends that surround it, offering a unique and spooky glimpse into New Orleans’ past.

Celebrities and Locals

Garden District walking tours allow visitors to spot the celebrity homesteads of famous Hollywood actors like Sandra Bullock and John Goodman, who own palatial residences alongside the neighborhood’s well-heeled local elite.

The tour showcases:

1. The stately Victorian and Antebellum mansions that serve as private homes for New Orleans’ wealthy residents.
2. The luxurious gardens and manicured landscaping that surround these grand properties.

The discreet yet commanding presence of these celebrity abodes, blending seamlessly into the historic charm of the district.

As the guide leads the way, the tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the private lives of both the famous and the influential who call the Garden District home.

Tour Meeting Location

The Garden District walking tour meets at the corner of St. Charles Avenue and First Street, providing a central and easily accessible starting point for participants. This location is just a short walk from many hotels and public transportation options, making it convenient for both locals and visitors to the city. The meeting spot offers ample street parking as well, allowing tour-goers to leave their vehicles nearby. Plus, the starting point is situated right at the edge of the historic Garden District, enabling the guide to immediately immerse guests in the neighborhood’s rich history and architecture.

Location Details
Address	Corner of St. Charles Ave and First St
Accessibility	Near public transportation
Parking	Street parking available
Convenience	Central location, walkable from hotels
Starting Point	Edge of Garden District

Tour Inclusions and Logistics

This walking tour includes a professional, local guide who leads guests through the historic Garden District, providing insight into the neighborhood’s rich history and legends.

The tour meets at the corner of St. Charles Avenue and First Street, a central and easily accessible location near public transportation and ample street parking. It’s an ideal starting point for both locals and visitors to explore one of New Orleans’ oldest and most atmospheric neighborhoods.

The tour ends at the iconic Commander’s Palace restaurant, where participants can enjoy an included lunch.

The experience accommodates up to 20 travelers, with confirmation received at the time of booking (or shortly after for last-minute reservations).

The tour includes:

1. Professional, local guide
2. Lunch at Commander’s Palace
3. Stroller accessibility (not wheelchair accessible)

Tour Reviews and Ratings

With a 98-review Badge of Excellence and a 4.5-star rating, this Garden District walking tour has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from past participants.

Reviewers praise the knowledgeable and engaging local guides who bring the neighborhood’s rich history and architecture to life. Visitors are captivated by the stunning southern mansions and the eerie yet fascinating Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.

Many comment on the perfect pacing of the tour, allowing ample time to admire the sights without feeling rushed. Overall, guests consistently describe the tour as a highlight of their New Orleans experience, offering a unique and immersive look into one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour generally does not allow bringing outside food and drinks. Participants are expected to rely on the included lunch and any refreshments provided during the tour. However, please check with the tour operator for their specific policies.

Are Photography and Video-Taking Allowed During the Tour?

Photography and video recording are generally allowed during the tour, though guests are advised to be respectful and avoid disrupting the guide or blocking other participants’ views. Some restrictions may apply at specific sites.

Is the Tour Suitable for Visitors With Limited Mobility?

While the tour is not wheelchair accessible, it is stroller accessible, making it suitable for visitors with limited mobility. However, it’s important to note that the tour involves extensive walking along historic streets.

Can I Join the Tour if I’m Traveling Solo?

Yes, solo travelers can join the tour. The tour is open to individual participants and does not require a group. Travelers can experience the highlights of the Garden District on this walking tour, even if they’re visiting alone.

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, the tour can be customized for a private group. The tour operator offers private tours that allow groups to personalize the itinerary and schedule to meet their specific interests and needs.

Recap

The Garden District walking tour offers a captivating exploration of New Orleans’ rich history and architectural diversity.

Visitors can marvel at the stately southern mansions, learn about the neighborhood’s affluent residents, and uncover the haunting allure of the Lafayette Cemetery.

This comprehensive tour provides a unique opportunity to take in the charm and elegance of this iconic New Orleans district.