Louisiana

Goodbye New Orleans!

by Ingrid

It’s time for us to say goodbye to New Orleans.  We reluctantly load the car and start our long drive back to Colorado.  With a twenty plus hour drive in front of us, son and I have plenty of time to discuss our New Orleans experience.New Orleans

Garden DistrictI was particularly intrigued by the buildings.  New Orleans is well know for its abundance of unique architectural styles.  Wednesday afternoon, we ventured into the Garden District.  The historic and many well-maintained antebellum mansions, did not disappoint.

The Garden District is a residential neighborhood.  During the turn of the century, wealthy newcomers chose to build large, Victorian style homes in this neighborhood along with opulent gardens.

Not only were we fascinated with the structures, but also with the fencing and landscaping.  This is so different from anything we see in the west, especially for Logan.  He has spent the past three years living in Phoenix, Arizona, where the architecture and landscaping is so vastly different.  Today the Garden District is more known for its architecture than gardens.

Garden DistrictLarge front porches seem to be a common element, as well as each home is uniquely painted.  We see everything from white, to pink, to powder blue, to charcoal gray, and everything in between.  The houses are built relatively close together.  And the yards are, of course, gorgeous……lush and green with flowers galore.

The downtown area of New Orleans appears to be divided into different categories or rather neighborhoods.  There’s the French Quarter, which I wrote about in the previous post, aka “party central” in my book. Then to the west of the Quarter is the Warehouse/Arts District.  Our hotel is located within this area.  Then further to Garden Districtthe west is the Garden District.  Although when I say west, what I really mean is to the left on the map.

The commercial buildings in the Warehouse/Arts District are an eclectic mix of old and new.  There are numerous museums in this area, including one Logan was really hoping to visit; the World War II Museum.  Unfortunately time did not allow us the luxury.  There is also a Civil War Museum, a Contemporary Arts Center, a Children’s Museum, just to name a few.

warehouse district
Fundraising event in Lafayette Park located next to the Blake Hotel. Our hotel room window is to the left of the statue. Federal Reserve building in background.

The business district is home to the cities tallest buildings. New Orleans is a rather small city and thus has a small amount of high rises in comparison to larger cities.  The diverse architecture is every bit as interesting as that found in cities twice as large and that New Orleans flare is ever-present.

Garden District
Lafayette Cemetery

Garden DistrictWhen Logan and I decided to take a walk to the Garden District, we had a destination in mind; the Lafayette Cemetery.  New Orleans’ beautiful cemeteries, with their distinct above-ground tombs, are attractions in themselves.  All of the graves are above ground vaults, noted for their European style and Catholic faith.

Unfortunately, when we arrived at the cemetery the wrought iron gates were locked.  We were an hour too late.  That was fine by me, because in all actuality, I don’t think I was ready to walk through the cemetery.  Just standing at the gate, shivers ran up my spine.  I’m not usually creeped out like this.  Perhaps its the age and/or the above ground tombs or maybe its the True Blood marathon I shared with daughter the week before.  Snapping photos through the gate worked fine by me.

French Quarter
Real Alligator stuffed

After the cemetary visit, we head back to the French Quarter for a little retail therapy, drinks, and food.  We’ll start with the drinks first  🙂

I’d say we made the most of our 42 hour stay in New Orleans, Louisiana.  We definitely intend to return with plans for a much longer visit.  After all, we need to get in a Swamp Tour and feed some gators!

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23 thoughts on “Goodbye New Orleans!”

  1. This really brings back memories, thanks. I went to NO when I was 19 and stayed there for 3 months – this was back in 1980! It was such an eye opener for me, I arrived the day before Mardi Gras, plunged into a world that was SO different from mine (small village in UK, a freezing gray February). I was overwhelmed and so happy. I think it started my travel bug, which I did for quite a few years. I loved the architecture and the lushness – and there was so much fun to be had at night in the clubs and bars 🙂 I had a job at Ralph & Kackoos (?) on Bourbon Street and everyone was very kind to me – I wasn’t that competent really! The heat finally got to my celtic bones in May and I left.

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    1. Wow, that had to be a culture shock for you. Even I felt like I was in another country, but it was definitely fun. That heat and humidity can get thick that’s for sure!

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  2. I have picked this post to let you know that I have enjoyed hearing about and seeing through photo’s of New Orleans. I lived there until Hurricane Katrina. I miss NOLA so much. Your blogs about your trip has brought it to me in a time that I felt so homesick. Thank you so much for sharing your trip. I have enjoyed being back there again. 😉

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    1. I can’t wait for a return trip to NOLA so I can take my time and experience more of this unique part of the country. Hope I did it justice 🙂

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      1. You did…it does not look the same from the last time I was there. Too much damage and not too many people. It is thriving again and full of life. Have a great weekend! 😉

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  5. Great posts about your trips to New Orleans. I plan on taking a trip there with my nephew for his 21st birthday. Reading all post about the city has gotten all excited and anxious lol.

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    1. That’ll be an awesome eye opening time. Have fun….hope you’ll allow plenty of time to take it all in.

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  6. love the idea of visiting New Orleans, the architecture of the south is vastly different from the west and so is the vegetation the flowers, trees, even the weeds and grasses. Sounds like you had a great time!

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  8. Already there……contemplating our schedule. This is really surprising me that I can’t wait for a return visit…….perhaps you’ll enlighten me in a blog posting!

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  10. We love wondering the streets of towns looking at the architecture. That cemetery photo reminded me of Mexico when we lived there. 🙂

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    1. Wow, you guys have lived in lots of different places. One of these days we’ll need to meet up, share a bottle of wine, and swap stories. Totally agree about admiring architecture……slowly taking in the history of a new location.

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  11. Watch your hands with the feeding… love this post New Orleans cemeteries that we see so often in movies and on TV just fascinates me… they seem so much more historic and opulent than anywhere else… I wonder why..???

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