Big Easy City Tour

Overview

We begin this tour by visiting the famous French Quarter, where we learn about the origins of New Orleans and the French colony of Louisiana. We will then discuss how the city changed during the Spanish period and the events that would lead up to the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. While in the French Quarter, we will stop at notable properties.

Our next stop will be the Marigny neighborhood, where we will discuss how the city expanded beyond the French Quarter in the early 1800s. While touring Marigny, well also drive along Frenchman Street and discuss the vibrant local music scene that is active 7 nights a week here. Well then visit an above ground cemetery - where well talk about the tradition of these quirky cemeteries that have dominated New Orleans since 1789.

After visiting the cemetery well go to the City Park of New Orleans and see the many offerings of this 1300 acre gem. During our time here, you will have an opportunity to stop at Morning Call Cafe to taste famous New Orleans beignets.

Once youre done resting and snacking on beignets, we will stop at Lake Pontchartrain where we will discuss the different threats of flood that New Orleans has faced over the last 300 years. Your historian tour guide will talk about the various civil engineering systems in place and the evolution of technologies that has helped the city survive for three centuries. The tour guide will also explain the deficiencies in this system and areas that have failed, or are still at risk.

From here we will visit St. Charles Avenue and the Uptown side of New Orleans, with its impressive architecture and a more American South Aesthetic than is found in our downtown neighborhoods like French Quarter and Treme. On St. Charles Avenue you will see Tulane and Loyola Universities, Audubon Park, and many 19th century estates.

To finish up the tour we will visit the Garden District and see exquisite Antebellum architecture, recent TV and movie filming locations, and celebrity homes in this opulent uptown neighborhood.

Visit/see:

• French Quarter (St. Louis Cathedral & Artillery park)
• City Park
• Garden District & St. Charles Avenue
• St. Louis No. 3 Cemetery