The rich history of the southern metropolis is also reflected in the city’s very exciting museums.
Louisiana State Museum
With thousands of exhibits and works of art, the museum commemorates Louisiana’s rich heritage of historical events and fascinating traditions. A top attraction! 751 Chartres St., New Orleans 70116, www.crt.state.la.us/museum
Mardi Gras World
According to travelationary, a visit to this colorful and surreal sight brings guests closer to the fascination of this most important event for New Orleans: In addition to the unique costumes, which are made comprehensible from the design to the end product, you can also learn something about the construction of the large parade floats, the “Floats”. Some of the costumes worn in previous parades can also be tried on. 1380 Port of New Orleans Place, www.mardigrasworld.com
New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum & Tour Co.
A spiritual journey into the history and mysticism of voodoo. 724 Dumaine St., NO 70116, www.voodoomuseum.com
House of Broel’s Historic Mansion & Dollhouse Museum
This beautiful mansion in the Garden District exemplifies the grandeur and elegance of a bygone era. Open from Monday to Saturday. 2220 St. Charles Ave. , NO 70130, www.houseofbroel.com
Old US Mint
Behind the classical facade of the former mint is the New Orleans Jazz Collection, which tells the story of this extraordinary music. Among the objects on display is a cornet belonging to Louis ‘Satchmo’ Armstrong, one of the city’s most famous sons. daily except Monday, 400 Esplanade Ave. louisianastatemuseum.org/ new-orleans-jazz-museum-the-old-us-mint
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
The aquarium showcases the world of water around New Orleans, from the Mississippi River and the swamps to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. 600 different animal species are shown here. One of the highlights is the nine meter long Great Maya Reef with a sunken city on the Yucatan Peninsula. The aquarium also teaches about the complex ways in which fish communicate with each other in the world’s oceans. The area also includes the New Orleans Zoo, the Insectarium and the Entergy IMAX Theater. Canal Street on the Mississippi audubonnatureinstitute.org
Hermann-Grima Historic House
The brick house is one of the rare American Creole houses in the French Quarter. It was built by William Brand in 1831 for the German-Jewish trader Samuel Hermann. However, in 1837 he lost his fortune and sold it to the judge Felix Grima. The building impresses with some structural features and shows how wealthier citizens lived here in the 19th century. The servants’ quarters are in a three-storey building behind the main house. There is also the kitchen with the stove. 820 St.Louis St.hgghh.org
Excursions and tours in the surrounding area
Not only the city of New Orleans itself is of great tourist interest. There are also some highlights in the area:
Some of the South’s finest plantations can be found along the Great River Road . Old, venerable mansions, well maintained and almost all open to the public. On the so-called Plantation Alley you will find, among other things:
Oak Alley Plantation : An avenue of 300-year-old Virginia oaks leads to the impressive 1839 home. The view through the trees towards the mansion is Hollywood cliché. 3645 Hwy 18, Vacherie. (40 miles west of New Orleans Airport), www.oakalleyplantation.com
Laura Plantation : Built in 1805 from cypress wood by Senegalese builders. 2247 Hwy 18, www.lauraplantation.com
Destrehan Plantation : Built in 1787 in the French Colonial style, the lower Mississippi mansion is believed to be the oldest plantation mansion. 13034 River Road, Destrehan, www.destrehanplantation.org
San Francisco Plantation : Built in 1856, the home is a National Historic Landmark. The building is surrounded by centuries-old oak trees and decorated with Creole-style balconies. After a major fire in 2005, it was completely restored. 2646 Hwy. 44 (River Road) St. John the Baptist Parish, Garyville www.sanfranciscoplantation.org
Nottoway Plantation : The largest plantation house is closest to Baton Rouge. The mansion, built in 1860, has 65 rooms, 165 doors and 200 windows. The Grande White Ballroom is the largest room on the property. Here the owner John Hampden Randolph celebrated his daughter’s wedding. Part of the property is now a resort and restaurant. White Castle nottoway.com
Lafayette is the best starting point for adventurous boat tours through the region’s alligator-inhabited swamps.
In Cajun Country, the TABASCO® Country Store & Visitor Center, McIlhenny Company (Hwy. 329, Avery Island , LA 70513, 001-337-365-8173) www.tabasco.com allows visitors a free behind-the-scenes tour. After visiting the world’s only production facility for the spicy sauce, you will find all sorts of “spicy” souvenirs in the adjoining gift shop.
What’s hot in New Orleans
Paddle
Steamer Natchez Old times come alive on the two-hour trips on the steamer Natchez. Similar ships used to navigate the entire length of the Mississippi. At the peak of steamship travel between 1830 and 1860, there were often 30 such ships at anchor. The era ended with the advent of the railroad in the late 19th century. Woldenberg Riverfront Park Wharf, www.steamboatnatchez.com
Cemetery Hopping
New Orleans is also known for its cemeteries. Maybe that has something to do with the fact that people here on the Mississippi have a slightly different attitude towards death. But maybe also with the fact that you can wander around the cemeteries like in small towns. In swampy New Orleans, the dead used to have to be buried above ground. And because the rich residents valued the posthumous style, there are tombs in the cemeteries that look like small villas. In terms of style, everything is represented: there are Gothic-inspired, neo-classical and even Egyptian-oriental styles. One of the most visited graves in the southern states is the simple grave at St. Louis Cemetery #1and is said to contain the remains of the famous voodoo queen Madame Laveau. Many people draw an “X” on their grave, which is often visited – a sign for the fulfillment of a wish. Basin St. between St.Louis and Conti.
