We seem to get stuck in the French Quarter when we go to New Orleans, but this trip we finally broke out.

The original plan was to walk just outside the French Quarter and hop on the street car. Rick decided we should walk the 2 miles, so we did.

It was a decent walk, flat, not crowded but noisy with traffic. Once we ditched the Main Street we found some quiet, as well as some interesting homes.

Museum

We used the website for our self-guided tour: https://freetoursbyfoot.com/self-guided-garden-district/

It was an awesome guided tour site describing how to catch the street car, where to begin the walking tour and all of the best or most famous homes along the way.

As it turned out we needed a rest room break before our “tour” and found the Still Perkin’ Cafe which was item #1 on the tour. A former ice skating rink built for the 1884 New Orleans Worlds Fair. Repurposed now to the coffee shop as well as other shops.

The next house was built in 1859 for Colonel Robert Short. His wife missed the corn fields in Iowa so the fence was adorned with corn stalks.

Next treasure was Our Mother of Perpetual Chapel built in 1857 which was purchased by author Anne Rice at some point, and is the setting for her novel Violin.

The home below was built in 1857 and combines Greek Revival, Italianate metalwork with a Queen Anne extension. It was impressive!

The home below is the oldest still-standing residence in the district built in 1838. The fountain on the front porch was a sugar kettle used in the past.

This next home is currently owned by the Archie Manning family. Sons Peyton, Eli and Cooper grew up there. Evidentially a common occurrence to see family members out and about.

This home was the basis for Disney’s Haunted Mansion. I do remember that!

This home below has what is believed to be the original chain link fence. The art work may be Skeletons or roses. What do you think?

This is the house the chain link fence is part of. owned by Anne Rice. It was her home until 2003.

The next house is owned by actor John Goodman. He is a full-time resident so it’s not uncommon to see him. We however did not see him.

This next house belongs to Sandra Bullock. Rick was very disappointed that she didn’t appear to be home, but we can try again!

All in all it was a lovely neighborhood. One that I would be happy living in, but doubtful it would be affordable. Fun to walk through and enjoy the architecture.

#Nolaneighborhood