There is a mansion in the affluent Garden District of New Orleans, which was not only owned by author Anne Rice of Interview With a Vampire fame, but later, was also purchased by actor Nicolas Cage.
With that kind of quirky pedigree, it should come as no surprise that many of the furnishings within this circa-1856 home, including the pool table, were purchased by original Las Vegas Rat Pack crooner Dean Martin.
Entering the Garden District in New Orleans. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Ann Rice wrote The Witching Hour in this house in the Garden District. Notice the buckled sidewalks that are hard to navigate if you have mobility issues.
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Just one of the palatial mansions in the Garden District of New Orleans. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
But, when it comes to Cage, as the story goes he only lived in the house for one week before ghosts drove him out to seek new, less haunted accommodations. Apparently, Cage also bought the very last plot of ground in Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, the oldest existing cemetery in New Orleans.
New Orleans Garden District Walking Tour
I learned the history of the home, and others along our route from Betsy, our knowledgeable and humorous guide from Two Chicks Walking Tours, during a stroll through the Garden District, which saw us gaping at pre-Civil War homes, many showcasing grand wrap-around porches, towering columns, ornate wrought-iron gates and gabled roofs.
Betsy, our tour guide from Two Chicks Walking Tours. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Beautiful mansions on the Garden District Walking Tour of New Orleans. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
With these massive mansions set back on such large properties, meant to offer privacy, it makes sense many celebrities, famous actors, filmmakers, athletes and literary greats own palatial homes in the Garden District.
The Greek-Italian Revival and Victorian architecture of the neighbourhood is a highlight of the two-hour Garden District walking tour offered by Two Chicks, the idea of which was, of course, “hatched” over cocktails 10-years ago by Christine Miller, a long-time (unofficial) ambassador of New Orleans.
More beautiful homes of the Garden Distict of New Orleans, Louisiana. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Another highlight of the tour is the Spanish moss draped over the branches of the looming oak trees lining the streets we walked. And while those ancient trees are jaw dropping to view, in many areas their roots have begun to buckle the sidewalks making them tricky to traverse, which is why the tour is not recommended for anyone with mobility issues.
A white mansion in the Garden District of New Orleans. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
Besides taking in the elegant homes of the district, we stopped at Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, famous for its above-ground tombs, which have been featured in many TV shows and movies.
Founded in 1833, the cemetery is one of the oldest in the city and is on the National Register of Historic Places. When the cemetery is open there is no admission to explore the grounds.
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 in the Garden District of New Orleans. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
We also stopped for a break to check out The Rink, which was built in 1884 for the World Cotton Centennial Exposition and included a roller-skating rink — the first of its kind built in the South. Today The Rink is home to an eclectic mix of small businesses, including the Garden District Book Shop.
Where to eat after the tour
Commander’s Palace
Commander’s Palace restaurant was another notable stop along the tour, but only to take photos of the exterior of this iconic restaurant. This famous eatery opened in 1893 and has been a New Orleans landmark and favorite ever since.
Tip: if you plan to eat there any time in 2024, you had better make reservations now.
The famous Commander’s Palace restaurant in the Garden District of New Orleans. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Gris Gris on Magazine Street
Following our tour, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at Gris Gris on Magazine Street, including their famous Flambeaux Shrimp and Shrimp and Gris Gris Grits, which blew us away. Gris Gris is a multi-award-winning restaurant featuring refined, Southern cuisine.
Gris Gris is owned by New Orleans-native, executive chef Erik Cook, a former combat veteran who served six years in the United States Marine Corps. Cook began his culinary career at famed New Orleans restaurant Brennan’s in the French Quarter, before moving onto Commander’s Palace.
And, as if that’s not impressive enough, Cook has appeared on several TV shows, including Top Chef New Orleans and Off the Menu, After Hours with Daniel Boulud. Most recently he was featured on Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted on the Discovery Channel. Impressive resume aside, the food was amazing and we highly recommend eating at Gris Gris.
Gris Gris on Magazine Street, including their famous Flambeaux Shrimp. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
What to know if you book a Garden District tour with Two Chicks Walking Tours
- Provide the Chicks with a working mobile phone number in the event of changes
- International travelers can contact them through Whatsapp at 504-264-6258
- This tour is not for anyone with mobility issues due to the aging/buckled streets and sidewalks.
- The tours are between 1-1.5-miles in length
- Two Chicks Walking Tours also offer guided tours of the French Quarter. Private tours are also available. The Chicks also offer a handy online guide of the best happy hours to check out, broken down by neighborhood.
How to get to the Garden District
The Garden District is bounded by St. Charles Avenue, home to the oldest continuously operating street railway system in the world, and Magazine Street, an eclectic shopping area filled with galleries, boutiques, cafes, bars and restaurants.
Do not trust the St. Charles Avenue streetcar system to get you there on time. As charming as the streetcars are, they are also notoriously unreliable. Call a cab or use Lyft or Uber instead.
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About the Author:
Award-winning journalist and travel writer, based in Vancouver, B.C. Co-chair of the B.C. Chapter of the Travel Media Association of Canada, member of the Society of American Travel Writers.
Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, an award-winning travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW, IFWTWA and NATJA.
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