The Garden District is a place where romance blooms and memories are made. Visitors wishing to explore this magical neighborhood are met with oak-shaded streets, brick line sidewalks, and a variety of historic houses, ranging from single-story cottages to grand mansions. Its green canopy has become its most famous and memorable characteristic, featuring an abundance of hibiscuses, crepe myrtles, angel trumpets, and bougainvillea.
The Garden District was established by the American elite by the City of Lafayette in 1933, but the name was not officially dubbed until 1852 when it became a part of New Orleans. The Garden District is considered an early example of a luxury suburb most known for its architectural design. The area consists of a variety of homes ranging in size, a cemetery, a shopping center, and a large public avenue. The Garden District began with two houses on each block surrounded by a large garden, but in the late 1800’s it began to be subdivided in an effort to make it more urban. This meant yard sized were reduced, and houses were surrounded by cast-iron fences. Many 19th century mansions followed their lead, as a result, making the Garden District well-known for its architecture as well as its scenery.
Today, the Garden District sits in pristine conditions, standing strong after withstanding several hurricanes that have attempted to mar its beauty. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and identified as a National Historic Landmark. A number of celebrities, including actors and athletes, have the ability to call this magical place their home. Visitors can enjoy their day sitting in the shade or strolling down the oak-lined street, soaking in one of the most stunning man-made environments in the world.
Visitors can explore one of the oldest city governed cemeteries while in the Garden District. Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 received its name from the city of Lafayette and is the home of a rich history. Among the 500 wall vaults, visitors can find the resting place for several notable people, including the first settlers from Ireland and German. Overall, Lafayette Cemetery 1 contains 1,100 family tombs and over 7,000 people are estimated to be buried there.
Magazine Street, a major thoroughfare in New Orleans, stretches across six miles, running parallel to the Mississippi River. The origin story of Magazine Street’s name is not fully known, but there are two theories of how it came about. Many believe it received it named from the warehouse that the Spanish Governor built to store exports, while others believe its name stems from an 18th century colonial ammunition magazine.
Magazine Street offers a break from the stereotypical mall experience, offering retail street stores mixed throughout charming homes. These stores offer a wide variety and often unique products, including but not limited to pottery, period furniture, clothing, books, toys, and jewelry.
St. Charles Avenue is considered an embodiment of all things New Orleans. It is known as the “Jewel of America’s Grand Avenues” and characterized by a grand and leafy residential avenue, stretching for more than five miles before ending near South Carrollton Avenue. In 2007, St. Charles was labelled as one of the APA’s top 10 Great Streets, marking its place in history as an icon of Southern style and charm. It has served as a magical gateway for visitors making their way to New Orleans for nearly two centuries.
Since 1835, St. Charles has been the home of the oldest operating line in the world, the St. Charles streetcar, allowing it to be added to the National register of Historic Places in 1973. St. Charles combination of vivid scenery and rich history has cemented itself New Orleans tourism culture and making its mark on American premier residential boulevards.
With a place as magical as the Garden District, it is hard to describe its beauty in simple words. Visit it yourself and let the Garden District enchant you with its lush green walkways and historic scenery. Cajun Encounters is the perfect way to experience the District while hearing about the details that make it great from the mouths of well-trained guides committed to giving guests the best New Orleans experience. Tours take place on air conditioned buses, offering uninterrupted views unlike any other tour available.
Cajun Encounters City Bus Tours offers tours at three different times of day. The morning tour includes daily pick ups at 8:30 am and offers guests a look into that historic cities, including the experience of coffee and beignets for breakfast. The mid-day tour begins at 11:15 am daily and offers a complete city tour, including a drive through the 9th ward. The afternoon tour begins daily pick ups at 2:30 pm and offers a full city tours, lasting for two and a half hours.
Visitors can experience an authentic look into the well-known neighborhoods that makes New Orleans a famous tourist destination, including the Garden District and the French Quarter, and so much more. Attractions that guests are guaranteed to see include, but are not limited to, Café Du Monde, Jackson Square, City Park, and so much more. With a backstory as intricate as New Orleans’, visitors have the ability to see a variety of historical landmarks. This includes the famous St. Charles Avenue street car, the mighty Mississippi River, and the lasting effects of the notorious Hurricane Katrina.
Tour routes includes stops that allow guests to have a closer look of certain locations.
Cajun Encounters works hard to ensure guests safety during these trying times. As a result, tour sizes are limited and tour times are reduced to allow for proper disinfection between tours. High touch surfaces, such as seats and railings, are sanitized multiple times per day. Hand sanitizer is provided on location, and masks are worn by each staff member and are available for guests who wish to wear one.
Buy your tickets and start exploring today by visiting https://www.cajunencounters.com/tours/city-bus-tour/ or calling 504.834.1770.
Book a tour with Cajun Encounters today by visiting www.cajunencounters.com or calling 504.834.1770 or begin your walkthrough New Orleans by visiting neworleanslegendarywalkingtours.com or calling 504.503.0199
