Our last day in New Orleans was bittersweet -- it was relaxing in that we didn't exert ourselves into much more than a walking tour of the Garden District and an early dinner at John Besh's Luke, but it also marked the culmination of one of the best family vacations we've ever had. None of us were ready to leave, and for a few minutes we even contemplated extending our stay.
The morning started off with breakfast at the JW Marriott NOLA -- a routine at this point -- followed by our first ride on a NOLA streetcar. There are three different streetcar lines in New Orleans, each visiting a different part of the city. Another convenient thing about staying on Canal Street is that you have easy access to all of the lines.
Since we were going to the Garden District we picked up the St. Charles Line (green streetcar) and took it to the stop at Washington and Prytania. The St. Charles Line is the oldest continuously operating streetcar in the world -- a great experience for only $1.25 per ride.
From Washington and Prytania it was just a short walk to Lafayette Cemetery No. 1-- the meeting point for our tour from Free Tours by Foot New Orleans. One of the reasons I went with this tour (besides being free!) was that it included a stop at one of NOLA's unique cemeteries, also known as "Cities of the Dead" -- I find them to be remarkably beautiful.
For the life of me I can't remember our tour guides name, but she was very informative. We learned about the history of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, the different types of crypts found there, and why many of the tombs in NOLA are above ground (it has to do with the city's high water table).
This was the tomb used by the Vampire Lestat in the movie Interview With the Vampire.
The second part of the tour included a walk around some of the mansions in the Garden District. I knew many celebrities had homes in New Orleans, but I didn't realize how many. We past homes owned by Sandra Bullock, John Goodman, Nicolas Cage, Anne Rice and Peyton Manning. Brad & Angelina also purchased a home but it's in the French Quarter.
This mansion was my favorite -- it was the this house that inspired Walt Disney to build the "Haunted Mansion" attraction at Disneyland.
I can't recommend Free Tours by Foot in New Orleans enough. We will absolutely use them again the next time we visit. I should add, the tours are free, but it's customary to tip your guide at the end 😉
-----
I had arranged it so that our last meal in NOLA would be at John Besh's Lüke. There's a bit of a back story to this: a few years ago I met Chef John Besh at the opening of Luke San Antonio. It was there that I had one of the best meals of my life (See: The Best Thing I Ever Ate: Chef John Besh’s Gnocchi with Jumbo Lump Crab Meat and Truffle). I promised myself that I would eat at the original Luke (the restaurant is named after his son) on my next visit to NOLA... and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!!
All of the walking from the tour left us famished. We decided on a early dinner to take advantage of their happy hour special -- half price drinks and 50 cent oysters.
I started my meal with a French 75, and it was DELIGHTFUL ... one of the best cocktails that I've ever had. Luke is known for making an excellent version of the classic drink -- here's the recipe:
1 ½ oz cognac
1 oz triple sec
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon egg white.Shake hard and strain to glass, top w/2 oz champagne
Garnish: Brandied cherry
You can't beat fresh oysters at 50 cents each, so we ordered a dozen. Delish!
Finally, I had heard how good the burger was at Luke, so my husband and I each ordered one, sharing with our daughter (who also had a cup of crab bisque).
It was everything you could want in a burger-- Allan Benton’s bacon, caramelized onions, tomatoes, and Swiss cheese served with house-made fries.
Our meal at Luke was an awesome ending to a perfect family vacation in New Orleans -- I don't think we would change a thing about our experience. The thing I love about NOLA is that there's always something new to discover. Our first visit introduced us to Mardi Gras, this trip focused on family friendly attractions, and who knows what will be in store for us next!
-- Are you ready to Follow Your NOLA?
Angela says
I've been enjoying your blog posts from this trip. Even riding the street cars looks like a ton of fun!
Robin Gagnon {Mom Foodie} says
Now this is exactly the sort of things I'd want to check out in New Orleans. Great food & amazing history.
LyndaS says
I would love to go on one of those tours. I find the cemeteries fascinating. Call me crazy, but I think it would be neat to go into one of the voodoo shops, too.
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes says
NOLA is one of my favorite places to visit -- and I head to the cemetery every time .... I find it beautifully fascinating!!
Mellisa says
I look forward to visiting NOLA someday. So many fun things to see and do.
Emily says
I'd love to go there with my husband one day!!
Marcie W. says
What a cool cemetery and those homes take my breath away!
Donna says
I so hope to visit NOLA some day... it's on my wish list. I love reading all about your family adventure!
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
Looks like there's so much to do there.
Shell Feis says
Cemeteries are so creepy, but so cool. I love being able to walk through history.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
One day I'll get to go. so much history and the food looks amazing!
Lisa says
I've been to NOLA but never to the Garden District before.
Amber K says
I've always wanted to go to New Orleans, even more so now!
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
I think it's fantastic that you ended your trip that way, but jealous that you'd previously met him! The tour of the cemetery is a definite must in Nola.
Tiff @ Babes and Kids says
I think riding on the street car would be so much fun, and that's great that it was so affordable. Some of those old houses are amazing too.
Vanessa: thequeenofswag says
Such an amazing and fun time for the whole family!
Colleen says
I love the street car but I can't get over how beautiful the houses are. That is one thing about South Florida I'm not fund of, the cookie cutter houses. I love the older style ones like the ones here.
Tricia @ Night owl mama says
such history and so much architecture. thanks so much for sharing
Tammy says
Free is always good! We generally tip our tour guides regardless, so that's a real bargain if you're not paying for the tour to begin with 🙂 How neat to see those 'movie attractions' (I never knew the Haunted Mansion was based on a house in NOLA!) too.
Mellisa says
I would love to do a tour of the cemetery. It is just so fascinating to me how they are all above ground.
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy.com says
I'm going to NOLA in October and I can't wait after reading all about your time there.