A Different Side of New Orleans by Michelle Snell

When most people think of New Orleans, they think of Mardi Gras and Bourbon Street. While these have certainly helped to give the city its party reputation, they are not the only things that New Orleans has to offer. New Orleans is a culturally diverse city that is rich in history, architecture, and food. I fell in love with this New Orleans. This New Orleans keeps me returning to the city time and time again. Let me introduce you to a different side of New Orleans.

City Park

A short streetcar ride away from the French Quarter lies New Orleans’ City Park. This 1,300-acre public park is approximately 50% larger than New York’s Central Park and is the oldest park in America. Tranquil ponds surrounded by moss covered oak trees welcome visitors to come and enjoy a little bit of nature and escape from the city. City Park is also home to the New Orleans Botanical Gardens, City Putt (a New Orleans-themed mini golf course), and the New Orleans Museum of Art which also houses the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. While visiting, you can also enjoy beignets from the world famous Café du Monde as they also have a store on park grounds.

Historic New Orleans

The Historic New Orleans Collection is a collection of homes that are architectural treasure of the French Quarter. Founded in 1966, The Historic New Orleans Collection has a mission of preserving the French Quarter and New Orleans history. The collection consists of homes and land date back to the early 18th century. Each building has been meticulously restored to highlight and preserve the architectural features that makes it special. Visitors can enjoy touring the structures and learning about the history associated with them.

New Orleans Jazz Museum

What is better than learning about jazz in the city where jazz was born? Thanks to the New Orleans Jazz Museum, you can do just that. This museum, which is house in the historic old U.S. Mint, invites visitors to enjoy interactive exhibits and musical performances to celebrate jazz music.

Longue Vue House and Gardens

Photo by Michelle Snell

Longue Vue House and Gardens

The Longue Vue House and Gardens was built in the 1920’s as the estate home Edith and Edgar Stern. The original home on the site was moved to a different location in 1939 because the family did not feel that the home allowed them to enjoy the designs of the garden. This current home has 20 rooms spread across three stories that allow for optimal view of the pristine gardens. In addition to touring the home, visitors can also enjoy the vast gardens that are on site.

Michelle Snell for ELLA Inspires Magazine

Photo by Michelle Snell

About Michelle Snell

Michelle Snell is a travel writer, history buff, wine lover, and culture enthusiast. A professional educator by day, her passion for travel has her jet setting all over the world in her free time. Michelle enjoys bringing places to life through her informative writing style on her blog, That Texas Couple.

Follow Michelle on Instagram @thattexascouple