Our tour begins in the heart of the New Orleans Garden District - considered by many to be one of the best-preserved collections of historic mansions in the United States. Originally a family plantation, this area was divided into smaller (but still very large!) lots for private homes with beautiful gardens in the mid-1800’s, giving the district its name. The amazing Antebellum architecture in the Garden District continues to draw the eye, making the area a favorite of locals and visitors alike.

We quickly arrive at the home of one of New Orleans’ oldest cemeteries - Lafayette Cemetery. Continually popular with travelers, New Orleans cemeteries have a unique approach to burials: namely, the above-ground, multiple-burial techniques used. Explore the grounds with your local guide, hear why these types of burials are iconic to New Orleans, and learn about some of the families buried in this particular square.

We then continue on for a view of one of the most striking buildings in all of New Orleans: Commander’s Palace. Host to a myriad of wedding receptions and dinners throughout the year, this eye-catching, turreted Victorian building is one of the most well-respected upscale restaurants in the entire country. We’ll admire from the outside unless you want to treat your guide to a meal of a lifetime.

Next, we’ll take a stroll, past more gorgeous homes, some with famous Hollywood connections. New Orleans is always a popular filming location for the movie industry and the homes in the Garden District have had starring roles in several films.

To reflect the full story of The Garden District, your guide will highlight the real history and the true backbone of this historic neighborhood. Across Magazine Street, we’ll find the working-class area known as the Irish Channel. Predominantly settled by Irish immigrants, this neighborhood developed in the early 1800’s when the city’s shipping, alcohol, and brewing industries drew workers from all over the world, especially from Ireland. In contrast to the palatial homes we saw earlier, your guide will take you past some of the iconic shotgun-style homes of New Orleans.

Next, we’ll take you to a local institution in the heart of the Irish Channel. Here, we’ll sample one of New Orleans’ most famous foods: the po-boy sandwich. With many variations possible, this sandwich has its roots deep in the Gulf Coast seafood industry, typically including fried shrimp and oysters served on a French-style baguette. A New Orleans taste not to be missed!

Then we’ll try another favorite in New Orleans: local beer! Your guide will lead you to one of the most popular watering holes for locals in the Irish Channel. Enjoy a beer with your new friends, hear some stories, and imagine the madness for the annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and festivities.

Finally, after you’ve sampled your local brew, we’ll take one final stroll past several more picturesque antebellum homes, making our way back close to the streetcar line. When the tour ends, you’re sure to have a newfound appreciation for the deep and complex history and dynamic neighborhood behind the postcard-perfect properties of the Garden District.

Before you head on your way, your guide will be able to give you any recommendations you need for more beautiful sights to see, restaurants or bars to try, or other favorite spots throughout the city.