New Orleans' fabled Garden District is one of the most beautiful and historic city neighborhoods in America and a "must-see" during your visit. Here the newly-minted millionaires of the antebellum South built magnificent mansions framed by lush gardens and ancient live oak trees. Today's residents have lovingly preserved the district's rich architectural heritage, providing a realm of beauty and elegance to explore on this two-hour walk.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
The Chicory House, 2727 Prytania Street
- Our meeting spot is a traditional New Orleans coffee house located in "The Rink," an upscale shopping arcade housed in a historic roller skating rink built in 1884. You can get there via the St. Charles Avenue streetcar, just two blocks away.
Colonel Short's Villa
The first of our magnificent mansions is surrounded by New Orleans' celebrated "Cornstalk Fence," a masterpiece in cast iron featuring plants and flowers in high relief.
House of the Seven Gables
Built in 1872, this massive residence features elaborate millwork around each of seven dormers. It's also the present-day home of one of Hollywood's biggest stars, as your guide will share.
Freret's Folly
The boom and bust cycles of antebellum real estate were built into in five stately town houses. It's a fascinating story!
The Walter Robinson House
This cotton king's palace had everything money could buy in 1859! You'll also learn about the enslaved people who lives were closely entwined with the rich and powerful.
London Lifestyles in New Orleans
Many British entrepreneurs made fortunes in the plantation-based cotton and sugar economies of the antebellum South. Three of the most successful left posh homes and lush gardens at the corner of Third and Prytania Streets.
The Thomas Toby House
You don't have to venture outside New Orleans to see plantation houses. With its sturdy columns and wraparound verandah this 1840 gem, the oldest home in the Garden District, is a classic example of Louisiana plantation architecture.
The Henry Buckner House
Henry Buckner was a cotton man who made it big and built big. In fact, his 21,000-square-foot mansion with two grand ballrooms was the largest and most sumptuous residence in the Garden District. Today it's been featured in many movie and TV productions, including a starring role in the "American Horror Story" series.
Ending Point
The tour ends on Jackson Avenue, two blocks from the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line and three blocks from the Magazine Street shopping and restaurant district on M
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guide Fee.
Snacks or beverages at meet-up spot.
This tour covers about 10 city blocks of walking. Comfortable shoes are advised, as well as hats and sunscreen in the summer months.
Welcome to my fascinating and beautiful city! I’m a native New Yorker and Tulane University graduate who fell in love with New Orleans 40 years ago and never left. I've been a professional guide here since 2013 after retiring as director of marketing and communications for the Louisiana State Museum. This second career has been an absolute joy. I get to experience New Orleans every day like it was my first day ever through the eyes of smart and curious travelers like you. That's why I always say my guests are my guide. Thank you!
“Excellent day in New Orleans with Arthur”
We had a very interesting and informative day in New Orleans. Arthur told us a lot of background information and both current and historical facts about New Orleans. We thank him for the wonderful day, which brought us much closer to this city.
Arthur S.
Danke schoen, Michael! You and your friends made it a great day for me too! Arthur
“Great day in New Orleans”
My family and I spent a full day with Arthur, starting out for a few hours on foot, then driving around to major sites outside of the French Quarter; and having lunch at an out-of-the-way place mid-day. We had a great day. Arthur's knowledge of the city and its history is encyclopedic, and is informed by both a love of the area and its culture, and real perspective about the forces that have influenced it, both past and present. We learned a ton both about how New Orleans was founded and how it evolved in its early years, and about what it's like today. Our time with Arthur gave perspective to our whole five-day visit, and he was helpful in suggesting activities for the rest of our stay. Highly recommended!
Arthur S.
Hello Frank, thanks for the kind words above. I had a great time too and it was a pleasure to spend time with your beautiful family! With best regards, Arthur
$300/ per group