Braving the intense humidity of Louisiana in June, I hopped on the streetcar to go to the Garden District- a leafy neighbourhood of New Orleans that was designated a national historic landmark in 1974.
As I looked around the streetcar, I noticed beads of sweat were forming on people’s foreheads and a man was mopping his brow with a towel. New Orleans is HOT in June. I don’t usually mind the heat, but I prefer a dry heat and the deep south is very very humid.
I had spent most of my days in New Orleans lying in my dorm room at the India House Hostel, not really doing much. The heat made me sleepy, and so I only ventured out in the late afternoon/early evening when things were a bit cooler. I’d like to say I was just too hungover like most people in my hostel, but I actually only went out partying one night. One very BIG night I might add.
But today was a little bit different- I wanted to stroll around the Garden District in the daylight and take some pictures before it got too late.
About the Garden District New Orleans
The Garden District is a beautiful area of New Orleans with tree-lined roads, blossoms, and historic mansions. As the sign says below; “Famous for its nineteenth century homes and gardens. This area was originally part of Livaudais Plantation. Became part of City of Lafayette, 1833. Annexed by City of New Orleans, 1852. Designated a National Historic Landmark, 1974.
I had wanted to walk inside the Lafayette cemetery, which is often used in films made in New Orleans, but the cemetery was closed by the time I got there. The opening hours are Monday-Friday 7am-2.30pm, Saturday 7am-12pm and closed Sundays.
The whole area was very pretty and green, with a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. I strolled around for about an hour looking at all the fancy homes and gardens. I loved the way that nature has sort of taken over here, and the trees are ripping up the pavements.
Afterwards I was so thirsty that I popped into a very cute little coffee shop called Still Perkin’ which is opposite the cemetery and one block from the St. Charles Streetcar line. Located next to the Rink shopping centre, this place has great iced coffee! I loved it in there so much that I stayed for an icy cool lemonade too.
Check out some of the photos I took whilst walking around the New Orleans Garden District:
I remember going to the garden district in May and I loved the architecture and nature all around… beautiful! But that southern humidity will kill you.
It is so relaxing and peaceful there! I would love to go back to New Orleans when it wasn’t so hot and sticky!
As much as I’ve traveled, there are a handful of southern states I’ve never made it to despite it being my own country. Thanks for the inspiration!
Louisiana is cool and really different to any of the states i visited, would recommend heading down there sometime!
Great photos! I love the South! Seeing these pictures made me realize how much I miss it…