Discover the Big Easy's Garden District
Effortlessly charming and delightfully opulent, the Garden District is one of New Orleans' most iconic neighborhoods. Travelers come to stare open-mouthed at the grand antebellum mansions fronted by wrap-around verandahs and expertly manicured gardens, but soon find out there's more to discover. From touring ornate above-ground tombs at the 19th-century Lafayette Cemetery and settling back for a ride along the Mardi Gras parade route on the world's oldest continually operating streetcar to tucking into amazing Creole cuisine and boutique shopping along the lively Magazine Street, there's no shortage of reasons to enjoy a stay in a Garden District vacation rental.
Family fun in the Garden District
From the thought-provoking WWII Museum to the fabulous New Orleans Museum of Art, the Big Easy isn't short on cultural hangouts, though never one to be left behind, the Garden District has its own museum: The New Orleans Fire Department Museum. Tucked away in the former Washington Avenue Fire House, just 2 minutes' walk from Lafayette Cemetery, the museum counts an 1896 Steam Fire Engine among its highlights. From there, a trip to nearby Audubon Park, a quick streetcar ride from Garden District vacation rentals, offers the chance for travelers with kids to visit the zoo and relax on the banks of the Mississippi.
Touring the Garden District
The elegant homes that sit proudly along St. Charles Avenue are easy to come by, but a walking tour can help you discover some of the district's more intriguing spots, not least Toby's Corner, the Garden District's oldest standing residence, and Morris Israel House, the inspiration for Disneyland's Haunted Mansion. Self-guided tour maps can be found online, although opting for the services of a typically theatrical local guide is well worth the ticket price. Meanwhile, the laid-back whiskey bars and vintage boutiques make exploring Magazine Street something you'll want to enjoy at your own pace.
Seasonal delights in the Garden District
The spring months of February through May, when the weather is comfortable and Mardi Gras celebrations are in full swing, are perhaps the best time to visit the Garden District, though the availability of rentals can be scarce, and it pays to book well in advance. If Mardi Gras mania isn't part of your plans, December or January can be a good bet, with calmer surroundings, cool weather and seasonal decor, not to mention attractive rates for Garden District vacation rentals, among the many plus points. Either way, stifling heat and the threat of hurricanes mean that summer and fall are best avoided.
Outdoor adventure near the Garden District
If a little outdoor time is on the agenda, a cruise along the Mississippi River is an idyllic way to get your fix. Traditional steam boats depart daily from the heart of the nearby French Quarter, regaling passengers with a different perspective on the city and an obligatory jazzy tune. If you're happy to explore a little further afield, the 40-foot wide Lake Pontchartrain, north of the Garden District, serves up an array of watersports options, including sailing, windsurfing and fishing, as well as the option to watch the sun set over the Big Easy from the vantage point of Mandeville's Sunset Point Fishing Pier.
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