New Orleans Banquettes: made for Walking!
Written by Cathleen Grant
CEO New Orleans Spirit Tours
Welcome to belle New Orleans, jewel of the Mississippi. New Orleans allure is alive with historic places, fabulous food, music, incredibly beautiful architecture, amazing shopping and GHOSTS!
Since her beginnings, New Orleans has been indefinably mystical. There is a legacy of death and dying, inhospitable surroundings, and merciless disease. Above ground burial, the horrors of slavery, savage piracy and outrageous corruption make this legendary haunt like no other!
In 1997, New Orleans Spirit Tours began their Ghost & Vampire tour which combines the ancient art of storytelling with historical documentation to provide an eerie evening walk of suspense into the dark edges of the historic Haunted French Quarter. Discover why the unrested and living dead roam among us.
Drink in the tragic history of the city as it’s woven through authentic accounts and folklore. Hear of the gruesome and horrific deeds of the slave owners, the decadent Creoles, and the Bloodthirsty.
These myths, legends and stories have been collected from city archives and first hand reports. They have astounded natives and visitors alike for over 200 years! Take a walk and find out why New Orleans is considered by many to be the most haunted city in the United States!
In addition to experiencing the chilling Ghost & Vampire tour, the cemeteries are a must see! Unfortunately they can be lonesome places where the unwitting tourist could be a target for unwanted attention. Therefore it is strongly recommended that you join a tour or visit in a large group.
New Orleans Spirit Tours Cemetery & Voodoo Tour provides and in depth look into New Orleans Oldest Cemetery, St. Louis # 1 where New Orleans unique culture comes alive! Hear compelling stories of some of the city’s most historic figures including Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. Unusual burial methods still in use, extraordinary architecture and decayed ruins make this cemetery a must for every visitors New Orleans experience.
In addition, this tour gives a realistic look into the misunderstood practice of Voodoo, investigating it’s West African origins, Catholic influences and history. Visit sites where Voodoo rituals take place and have the rare opportunity to visit an authentic Voodoo Temple where modern day practitioners worship.
You do not want to miss this unforgettable experience which combines two of New Orleans most intriguing curiosities!
Okay, so once you’ve had your fill of Cemeteries and Specters, it’s time to do some more walking!
The recommendation here would be to start in the French Quarter. The architecture is not to be missed, with lavish lace balconies, hidden courtyards and charming creole cottages. This is a photographers dream! You can have a ball walking around the residential section which is downriver from Jackson Square. If you need a break of course the ultimate New orleans experience would be cafe au lait and beignets at the Cafe Du Monde on Decatur street at Jackson Square. Once you’ve gotten your strength back, it’s time for some light shopping at the French Market. This is a great open air market that sells anything from local food to T-shirts, jewelry, costume and precious, leather goods and souvenirs including mardi gras masks, voodoo dolls and music cd’s.
If it’s more serious shopping you’re up for, extend your sojourn to lower Decatur Street where one can find anything from great junque shops to vintage clothing, goth shops, antiques, and a serious artists market where local art work and hand crafts are made and sold.
Further upriver switch over to Royal street where world renown art galleries and tony antique shops can be found. No joke, some have such great stuff it should be in a museum.
If you’re feeling energetic and more adventurous, you can travel even farther upriver to the Uptown section of the city and visit the Garden District. This is the magnificent American section of town that was developed by astonishingly wealthy residents who made their fortunes during the city’s ante-bellum period ca. 1830-1860. Also a photographers dream, you can catch the streetcar on St. Charles at Common St. just one block above Canal St. Get off the Streetcar at Washington Ave. and walk toward the river one block. There is a great book store in “The Rink”. Pick up a self guided walking tour book there, join a tour, or just mosey. It’s breathtaking!
If you’ve not forgotten your wallet, take a jaunt over to Magazine street, just a few blocks closer to the river. Stop in one of the shops there and pick up the Magazine street merchants guide. It will guide you to whatever your fancy. Frou-Frou pet shop, great Indian jewelry, trendy clothing, unfancy antiques. FABULOUS!
Okay, had enough of picture taking, shopping and eating? Audobon Park is a picturesque place to unwind with a meditative walk around the track. Play some golf if you please. Eat, (oops, we were taking a break from food) at the newly opened cafe that overlooks the golf course. Food’s great, reasonably priced. Across Magazine street is the award winning Audobon Zoo which is a great experience of it’s own, and if your tootsies are pooped by now, a shuttle is available to take you back to the quarter!
New Orleans is a true friend of the walker, hope you find your way down here soon!
New Orleans Spirit Tours
Toll Free: 1-866-314-1224
Phone: 504-314-0806
