Day two in New Orleans started out with a little rain and by a little rain, I mean the sky emptied itself in a torrential and relentless deluge. (Mind you that rain was not in the forecast at all. I’m talking ZERO chance of precipitation.) Hmmmmph.
We carried on with our plans to tour Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 and the Garden District in hopes that the rain would let up. (Spoiler alert: it didn’t, and we got wet.)
Somehow my daughter managed to look adorable in spite of it all.
Because New Orleans is below sea level, its burial grounds are not. Makes sense, right?
The cemetery was the setting for the movies “Double Jeopardy,” “Dracula 2000,” and “Interview with a Vampire”, and if you saw the latter, you may recognize this as Vampire Lestat’s tomb.
A guided tour is best for viewing the cemeteries as the fascinating bits of family history and info about burial styles and traditions is something you can’t pick up on your own from just walking the grounds.
Since Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is located in the heart of the Garden District, we continued our tour by strolling the surrounding neighborhood’s elegant and historic homes.
But yes, it was still pouring. *sigh*
This is John Goodman’s home, and when we walked up someone was opening the front door, but quickly shut it when they saw our tour group out front.
This is where Sandra Bullock lived during her marriage to Jesse James.
It’s also where my daughter found a tiny snail friend.
The tour guide told us so many interesting details about the homes and the styles of architecture. I am definitely going to repeat the tour on my next trip to New Orleans and on a clear day.
Afterwards we had originally planned to head straight to Magazine Street, which is near the Garden District, but we were sopping wet so we hopped the streetcar back to the hotel to change into dry clothes first, waited the rain out and then headed back.
Once we reached Magazine Street, there were tons of restaurants and fun little shops to peek inside. I found my first souvenir in one of the shops: this pair of sterling silver fleur de lis earrings. They weren’t cheap, but I love them.
We also happened past a group of musicians as we strolled down the street.
We decided to eat lunch at a restaurant called Ignatius. I had never had a po’ boy sandwich before so I ordered a roast beef po’ boy, and it was craaaaaaazy good! My daughter ordered a Fried Green Tomato Salad and she loved that too.
Since you can’t go to New Orleans without trying a New Orleans Snoball, we did! We stopped at SnoWizard and I can’t even describe to you how yummy they are. It’s the only icy treat I’ve ever eaten where the juice lasted all the way to the last bite! My daughter had key lime pie and I had root beer.
You must, must, must try one!
We decided to go back to the hotel where my daughter would take her daily afternoon swim and then we’d both take a nap. When we woke up, we walked over to the Haunted History Tours starting point at Rev. Zombie’s Voodoo Shop.
This was our tour guide who was full of haunted tales about the city. We took the 8pm tour so that it would be dark and spooky, but in reality these kinds of tours are more amusing and theatrical in style.
This was the building where Lestat the vampire was set on fire in the movie “Interview with a Vampire”. She told us to take lots of pictures of the balconies in the buildings she showed us as sometimes ghosts can be seen in the photos.
I got nothin’.
They say the ghost of a woman named Julie can be seen on the roof of this building sometimes. She was a Frenchman’s mistress in a love story gone wrong.
And the creepiest story of all was about the Lalaurie Mansion. Horrific real life events took place there, so no wonder it’s haunted!
One of the stops on the tour was at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, the oldest bar in America, and it’s lit by candlelight. They also serve a Purple Voodoo, a grape slushy for the over 21 crowd. My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed them!
The tour was really interesting and entertaining, well worth taking. After it ended, we were pretty whooped from an entire day on our feet, so we went back to the hotel and crashed for the night.
I LOVE New Orleans!
Up next: Day Three
Tonya {The Traveling Praters} says
The tour to see the celebrity homes sounds like a lot of fun. I did see the cemeteries when I was in NOLA (how could you go to NOLA and NOT see them?) but I didn’t have time for a tour. I definitely want to do that if I ever go back.
Stephanie Person says
Very awesome! I have never been to New Orleans but I must go now!
Kayla @ TheEclecticElement says
Okay, all I can say is WOW! I’m somewhat of a cemetery nut so I would LOVE to go and explore one of the New Orlean’s cemeteries! People think I’m weird but they don’t understand just how amazing and peaceful cemeteries can be 🙂
I’m also very much into haunted and scary things so a real live ghost tour like that is something I must do!
April Decheine says
I have never been to New Orleans but have talked about it with my hubby many times to visit. I thought that was the cemetery from Double Jeopardy, that was freaky! Looks like a great tour too, hope you had a great time. Your daughter is adorable!
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy.com says
Sorry to hear it rained on y’all. It still looks like y’all had a great time though.
Toni says
This sounds like it would be the type of day I would like to have when I go to NOLA
Emily says
My girl friend lived in Nola for years and raves about the snowballs!
Lolo says
On my bucket list! So much history there!
Tiff @ Babes and Kids says
What a wonderful day! Sorry about the weather, of course it’s always unpredictable, right? I love your earrings, so pretty!
Becca @ Mama B says
I’d love to visit NOLA one day!
Kathleen says
Looks like a wonderful day in NOLA! You both look adorable by the way. We also took a garden district tour when we were there last month, and it was so much fun!
HilLesha says
That cemetery looks quite spooky, yet it’s still interesting because of the history. Great pictures, though! New Orleans never appealed to me before, but I wouldn’t mind visiting there for a couple of days. My husband lived there briefly as a teenager and he loved it.
Lisa says
NOLA cemetaries are the best!!
Courtney says
I want to go to New Orleans so bad! I love that you had a tour guide – I’d love to see it all!
Tricia @ Night owl mama says
looks like a scaryifiic good time. We have some similar tours here in chicago were hoping to do at the end of the month
Theresa says
It looks like you had a fantastic time!
Stefanie says
I also bought a pair of silver fleur de lis earrings while in NOLA!
Shell Feis says
That sandwich looks delicious & I love those earrings! Walking around a cemetery would freak me out a bit though!
Diane Sallans says
I’ve never been to NOLA, but I’d love to get there to explore the history, culture and the Food!
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
So glad you’re enjoying yourself!
I’d still like to go back, I haven’t been there since I was a teen in the 80s.
My Mom loves the Garden District.
dramaqueensmum says
I’d love to go back to New Orleans. I’ve only been there once. Those earrings are cute. I’m reading a mystery book right now & it is set in New Orleans & they mentioned Magazine street.
Cindi Thornton says
I loved your way of sharing your tour of this area of New Orleans! The pictures are wonderful, and the food looked absolutely delicious! I really loved all of the information you shared, and the fact that one of my all time favorite actresses, Sandra Bullock, lived there, definitely was exciting to find out.
Andy Hayes says
I reallly want to go to NOLA so this is all making me very jealous. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Kristin says
Wow, wow, WOW! Now I really want to visit New Orleans. Sounds like you had a fantastic time on the tour. So so much history going on. John Goodman rocks!
Amy Qur says
Looks so much fun!
I now know where Im going next with my hubby.
Robyn says
Sounds like a great day! I would love to do this!
Laurie Floyd - Steals and Deals for Kids says
Wow!! What a great tour with memories to last a lifetime. I love towns with lots of history!!
Mellisa says
I would REALLY love to visit Nola during Halloween and take a ghost tour. So much fun!
Ave says
Looks like you had great time! I would like to visit some famous houses too and try the food you ate. Looks so delicious!
Rosie says
That was quite a day – jam packed! and all the photos look wonderful, even with the rain! I didn’t realize Sandra Bullock ever lived there! I would adore having a po boy from New Orleans – super! the little snail is so cute! We used to get unexpected torrential downpours in southern FL in the summer. I’ll have to remember to take a few umbrellas if I go to New Orleans!!!
Debra says
I love the New Orleans cemetery tour, I just love the architecture of it and the ornateness. And the food in NO ain’t bad either!
Amy Desrosiers says
Wow, I am so interested in how they bury their dead in New Orleans. I never really put any thought into it. Thanks for the very informative post.
JulieD says
Love all of your photos!! I have always wanted to visit NOLA!! I think we can even drive there. Can’t wait to see more of your pics!
Cher@MomandMore says
How fun! I never thought about all the history there!
Kato says
I really need to get there one day….that cemetery was beautiful!
Vanessa: thequeenofswag says
I would love to visit new orleans some day. The haunted history tour looks amazing. I’d love to do it. Looks like you had a great time.
christy karch says
what a nice tour and lmao at the tour guide she is really dressed for the affair 🙂
Danyelle says
I will never forget living in New Orleans. From the drive through Margarita stands to the flooding of the sewage system when it rained all the way to the voodoo doll kiosks at the mall – it was an amazing journey I was happy to come home from!
Brett says
so sad you got NO ghost pics. maybe they were all “omg she’s so cool” and camera shy.
i’d be so freaked out by the night tour and dying of curiosity i’d be beside myself.
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
Ignatius looks like a very interesting place to eat! Also, it looks like a fun tour!
Cyndie says
I love the way you captured NOLA through your photos. PHENOMENAL!!
Sean C says
Never been there but after reading this, I’d love to book a flight.
Alina says
WOW! I’d love to take these tours! They look amazing.
Ari T. says
I would love the tours! Both for the spooky stories and to appreciate the wonderful architecture! I’m glad the rain didn’t completely stop your adventures, though it must have been a nag. The fleur de lis earrings are lovely, by the way!
Marcie W. says
I’m sorry the rain dampened your day but I couldn’t think of a better scene for a cemetery visit. It looks like you both still managed to have a great day and NOLA has certainly made it on to my must see travel list!
Mariana says
That cemetery looks amazing! I’ve always wanted to visit New Orleans! Oh, and I LOVE your new earrings!
Tammy S says
I would love to go on that tour. Rain or Shine. It sounds like so much fun. I love all the stories of haunted homes and all the history of the buildings. I have always wanted to go to New Orleans.
Kristyn says
i would be so freaked out visiting the cemetery but it looks like you had a ton of fun during day two!
Marina says
What character and personality lie entwined in NOLA! Y’all look like y’all had a blast! (Despite the rain!)
Victoria says
It looks like you had a really great time. I have always wanted to go to New Orleans.
Lucy says
This makes me want to book the vacation now 🙂
Tammy says
What a fun day. I loved reading about your tours. They sound amazing. Makes me want to go back and do all of them!
judy gardner says
the houses look beautiful and i do recognize the grave yard from Double Jeopardy
Penelope (NYC Blogger) says
This brings back memories…it was magical there! I had the BEST TIME! I was serenaded at a famous jazz club, ate at some amazing restaurants, did a ghost tour, and various tours through some magical, mysterious and romantic areas, and ugh, to be young again!
Annie @ mama dweeb says
that is so awesome!! I want to go on tours in NOLA. When I went, I had no tour guide, so I was all walking around going “Cool….so what is this?” LOL! Great photos, even if there weren’t ghosts in them. 🙂
(And I had no idea John Goodman lived IN nola!)
Jai says
I was a big fan of the Interview with the Vampire books back when they were still a new thing. That’s actually pretty cool seeing some of those spots!
heather says
Now this looks like a total blast I have never been there but have always wanted to go so much history. The haunted history tours would be something I would want to go on too. Thanks for sharing and looks like you had a blast.
Jenn- The Rebel Chick says
That fried green tomato salad looks amazing! Like it would be worth a trip back to NOLA just for that LOL But seriously, it looks like you had an amazing trip and were able to get out and see a lot, even with the rain.
Amanda @ Mommy of Two Little Monkeys says
I’ve never been to New Orleans, when I do, this is on my list of things to do! Looks like fun.
Debi@ The Spring Mount 6 Pack says
It looks amazing. I want to go to New Orleans so bad.
Rosey says
When I began your sentence about street musicians I was all ready to tell you how much I love them, and then I saw yours, hahahahahhahahhaa
New Orleans looks like such a fun place. Does Harry Connick, Jr. live there? Looks like Goodman and Bullock are sure good at ‘roughing it.’ 😉
Your daughter does look cute as can be, and the little snail is perfect!
Danielle @ We Have It All says
I LOVE these New Orleans posts! The cemetery looks so creepy! And the homes – OH.MY.Gosh. I’m dying to go visit!
Nichol says
I need to visit there soon, looks amazing!
Daisy says
This looks like an amazing trip! I’ve never been to New Orleans, but I want to visit.
Dorothy Teel says
Wow sounds like you had a lot of fun and saw things I would never of thought of going to the cemetery, but they are interesting. You know when hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, a lot of the cemetaries had problems with their crypts. Glad you all had fun. Don’t forget to eat at Emerils and have some Jambalaya..
Naomi says
The fried green tomato salad looks amazing!!!
Kiersten @ OMV says
It just seems so wrong when it rains when you’re on vacation, doesn’t it? That should not happen! But you managed to have a jam-packed day anyway. 🙂 LOVE those gorgeous houses.
Cam | Bibs & Baubles says
Living vicariously through you and your daughter right now as I have never been to New Orleans.
Alissa Apel says
I always wanted to go there. So much history and live music. When I went to grad school, if I would have had a car, I would have went. I was in Savannah, GA. It rains a lot, but it’s so pretty!
You’re making me miss the south.
I have my WW up if you are hoping around. I redid a locker for Mica’s room.
Jennifer says
That is awesome!!! I would LOVE to see those tombs. Your pictures look straight out of a movie and just magical.
Donna says
I cannot tell you how much I would love this! I am a huge Anne Rice and “Interview with a Vampire” fan! I also love, love, love, old cemeteries, gorgeous architecture, and great food… I really need to visit NOLA some day soon!
Mally says
Such a wonderful place! Everyone should go there at least once.
Nancy @ Whispered Inspirations says
OMG, I would absolutely LOVE to go to New Orleans and go on these tours. You did a great job on showing us the ropes. John Goodman’s house is beautiful. 🙂 WOW.
Ronnie says
Beautiful pics! I’ve always wanted to visit New Orleans, seems like quite an adventure of a place. And John Goodman’s home is gorgeous.. what defining architecture!
Scott B says
If I ever go to New Orleans I’ll have to check out all these tours. I love this kind of stuff 🙂
Jess says
I have always wanted to visit New Orleans! Looks like you had a great time!
Kelly Stilwell says
I have only been to New Orleans once and it was a business trip, but I did have fun! I’d love to go back!
Emily says
I need to put New Orleans on our “must visit soon” list! It looks like you had a blast!
danielle says
I’ve been to New Orleans twice now, and I think it’s one of my favourite cities in the US. The architecture is out of this world. We also visited Cemetary #1, so fun exploring all the graves.
Brittany C. says
I haven’t been there yet, but I’d love to go there soon! Looks very interesting indeed!
Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking says
Wow you all got to do so many things! Your earrings are gorgeous and the food looks so delicious!!
Tammy says
That sounds like so much fun – but pfft on the rain! I think I’m totally most enthralled with the food you all were eating while there. Fried Green Tomato Salad sounds so interesting! And I’ll take two of the SnoBalls thank you!
Ruby says
I’d love to go to New Orleans.
Jessica @FoundtheMarbles says
Looks eerie and cool and fascinating and fun all wrapped up into one exciting day!
Eva says
I have been to New Orleans a couple of times and love the Garden district + Cafe du Monde and their beignets!
Monica says
Fantastic images! I have never been but would like to.
Jenn says
Cool sites, great food, and good company. What’s not to like?
Ellen says
Great photos. Sounds like you all had a good (albeit wet) time!
Ashley says
I would love to travel to New Orleans, the culture there is amazing – so jealous! PS The cemetery looks so eery and yet beautiful.
Ms. A says
Sounds like the two of you had a really long day, full of adventure!
When I see those beautiful homes and cemeteries, I can’t help remembering all the horrific flooding during Katrina. It’s quite amazing to see how nice everything looks now. I wasn’t sure it could ever be possible to recover the way they have.
Colleen says
You seriously know how to bring a place to life in your post. I SOOO want to go. I would love the haunted tour and I think the houses are amazing i would love to live in an old house of the style in your photos. The cemetery looks like it should be in a movie would love to hear the history.
Theresa says
There is something so fascinating about the cemeteries there. I would love to tour them myself some day! I love John Goodman’s house! Luck dog!
Kristi says
I would love to tour those cemeteries – so fascinating! (I guess all the ghosts were taking five elsewhere..) Oh well. But New Orleans looks like a fab. place to visit. Love your earrings too!
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
I Love your photos! That cemetery looks a bit creepy when it’s all out in the open sop to speak!
Tara says
Oh how I love NOLA! It’s so full of stories and crazy energy. I love the photos of the cemeteries with the bad weather. It totally set a eery mood. I did the same ghost tour years ago, it’s fantastic and the stories really make you realize the history of all the ups and mostly downs of that area.
Lisa @ Oh Boy Oh Boy Oh Boy says
minus the rain this sounds like an awesome day!!!
Patty says
I don’t blame you. It is a marvelous city.
April Yedinak says
I think I would have liked the rain for the cemetery tour, but it would have been nice to see all the gorgeous houses in the Garden District in better weather. I love the architecture and history of New Orleans. It is definitely on my list of places to visit. Thanks for the ‘desktop tour’.
Colette S says
That’s a pretty cool tour!
I’m glad you enjoyed the food! And you said the words: Craaaaaaaaazy good! 😀
Emmy says
I have never been to New Orleans! Looks like you two had a ton of fun, other than the rain. I have seen those cemetery’s in movies but yes never thought about why they were built that way.
Sandra (at) Coasahmom (dot) com says
I’ve always wanted to Visit New Orleans , the tour guides looked like real fun even though it decided to rain on your parade. 🙂
noelle says
so glad you got a po boy!!! did you go to Mothers while you were there? LOVE it 🙂
yummmmmmmmmm
Julie Wood says
Wow! What a very nice place to visit! I think New Orleans can keep any tourist very enthralled with all the History that is there. The food looks so delicious and the houses look big and so nice. You looked so cute in the picture, and you make me want to visit New Orleans!
Jackie says
I love taking tour of old places like that and the haunted tours are especially fun!
cheryl s says
I’d like to spend a couple days pre-cruise in NO as we’ve never been. My hubby would love the ghost tour. Sounds like you’re doing and seeing such fun things. I’d love to try authentic creole cooking.
Melissa says
I was waiting for Day 2! Love the pics – the haunted tour would be so cool!
Yona says
Omgoodness…the homes are beautful and that icy looks delicious. I would love to visit New Orleans so that I could sample all the different foods. I would also be extremely scared to take a haunted tour there.
Christine Luken says
Wow, looks like a great trip! I think seeing the cemeteries would be cool and creepy.
Casey @ Veggies and Glitter says
I am definitely following your blog from now on! I am a Charlotte-area blogger and love reading what others from the Carolinas have to say. 🙂 I absolutely love New Orleans, but I haven’t been there in a few years, so you have made me want to go back! The roast beef Po’ Boy was interesting; I guess I have never even considered that they would be made with anything other than shrimp because that’s the norm. Great post- I enjoyed it! 🙂
Angela says
You know I am just dying to visit New Orleans now after following your trip. I bet the rain just made that cemetery visit all the more creepy. I totally see why they would film vampire movies there. And on a side note… your daughter has an adorable sense of fashion.
Steven says
I want to go on that haunted history tour right now. That would be something really fun to do, especially with Halloween approaching.
AmyLK103 says
I love NOLA and can’t wait to go back. I want to tour the garden district again too.
Pam says
I got to admit I would have loved to have gone on the Haunted History tour! I am amazed by some of the shops in the garden district. My son found a Fresh Market (grocery) in a mansion. It had to be the swankiest grocery I had ever seen!
Cindy Brickley says
I went to New Orleans back in 1980 for the Mardi Gras. That was a long time ago. I would love to go again. They have some of the best restaurants with fantastic food. I am so glad you had a great time and I would love to have seen the cemetery.
Lisa Brown says
No is a great place to visit. I went years ago and had a great time. I did not visit the cemeteries, though.
Dawn Lopez says
Wow, looks like you both had a fabulous day.. sans the downpour! Hmm that fried green tomato salad sounds delish… and snoballs? Yum yum, that sounds scrumptious! I can’t believe I visited the area and didn’t get to try one! I need to get back there!
brian miller says
i love the architecture of New Orleans…the grave yards are pretty amazing as well….i so want to go back now…..the books were far better than the move for Lestat series too…smiles.
Sara Phillips says
I really REALLY need a trip to NOLA!! It sounds like this was an amazing experience, and you aren’t even finished with the story!
Lisa @ Two Bears Farm says
We went to Cemetary #1 when we were there – I loved it. Your earrings are adorable! Definitely worth the splurge 🙂
Southern Angel says
I have always wanted to visit NOLA.. especially for the old buildings and the ghostly history. I agree your daughter was too cute in that outfit.. I am glad ya’ll had fun
Mami2jcn says
The cemetery tour looks cool. I remember that cemetery from “Double Jeopardy”.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I’ve done most of the haunted tours here in new england & I love them!!
Sue says
I’ve never been there before. But looks really cool. I’d love to do some of those haunted tours 🙂
MizFitCarla says
my friend denise pointed this out to me initially—and I LOVE THE WHOLE CONCEPT.
Liz says
The whole concept of???? I’m confused on what your comment has to do with New Orleans?