Must See Sights and Landmarks in Garyville Area

"A prominent landmark on Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral (officially the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis King of France) stands tall and proud, beckoning French Quarter visitors to take a little time out from drinking and dancing to admire the oldest continuously used cathedral in the United States. The seat of the city's Roman Catholic Archdiocese, the cathedral was built in 1789 and rebuilt in 1850, and today, its all-white, Spanish Colonial façade with three black spires is one of the most instantly recognizable landmarks in the South. The inside is just as beautiful.More"

"The longest continually active Roman Catholic church in the United States stands proud on the city side of Jackson Square. Dedicated to Louis IX of France (1214-1270), St. Louis Cathedral dates from 1789, although there was a church at this spot as early as 1718. The current cream-coloured Spanish Colonial building was reconstructed in 1850, and most of the architecture is from that time."

"What looks like a castle in the French Quarter is actually the oldest cathedral in North America. This alone makes it one of the best things to do in New Orleans, especially when you head inside. You see, St. Louis Cathedral was founded as a Catholic Parish in 1720 and includes both Renaissance and Spanish Colonial architecture that is totally gorgeous."

"Sprinkled with lazing loungers, surrounded by sketch artists, fortune tellers and traveling performers, and watched over by cathedrals, offices and shops plucked from a Parisian fantasy, Jackson Sq is one of America’s great town greens and the heart of the Quarter. The identical, block-long Pontalba Buildings overlook the scene, and the nearly identical Cabildo and Presbytère structures flank the impressive St Louis Cathedral, which fronts the square."

"In the heart of the French Quarter lies Jackson Square, one of New Orleans’ most famous locations. A National Historic Landmark, it is home to St. Louis Cathedral and is often filled with locals and tourists who come to stroll the paths, catch the buskers and street performers in action, or just sit in the shade and watch the world go by.More"

"It’s also an excellent place to people watch and where a number of New Orleans’ historical landmarks like The St Louis Cathedral, The Cabildo, and The Presbytère are located (with Preservation Hall and The Historic New Orleans Collection nearby). Tons of artists, musicians, and fortune tellers hang out in Jackson Square and in the spirit of disclosure, I spent most of my time here people-watching and eating beignets. However, if you want to be a little more cultured than I was, visit one or several of the above-mentioned landmarks for even more NOLA history."

"Through the iron gate on St. Peters Street lies one of the world’s most respected music venues and the spiritual home of New Orleans jazz, Preservation Hall. The band “preserves” the traditions of New Orleans jazz as it was in its heyday a hundred years ago, and plays five white-hot, hour-long sets each night in front of a packed room, where benches are kicked back so people of all ages can dance. No reservations, no booze—just stand in line with everyone else and you’ll be rewarded with a little local magic."

"The most famous music venue in the French Quarter, Preservation Hall was the center of the New Orleans jazz revival of the 1950’s. Today the Preservation Jazz Hall Band plays three or four limited seating jazz sets every night in the hall that remains virtually unchanged for the last 50 years. Definitely get your tickets in advance!"

"There are several tour options for ghost tours, but the best way to learn about that side of New Orleans is to go to St. Louis Cemetary (which is where famous Voodoo queen Marie Laveau’s grave is and where Nicolas Cage has bought a plot) and ask a local tour operator hanging around the entrance to take you on a tour!. You can also visit Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo on Bourbon Street."

"We highly recommend taking a cemetery tour through Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1. This is the oldest and most famous cemetery in New Orleans and has the tombs of famous people like Marie Laveau, the notorious voodoo queen, Homer Plessy’s tomb, from the famed Plessy vs. Ferguson civil rights case, and even Nicholas Cage’s strange pyramid tomb for when he dies."

"If you’re looking for unique stuff to do in New Orleans, then definitely consider dropping by St. Louis Cemetery No. 1."

"What Bourbon Street offers is 13 blocks of New Orleans history, restaurants, bars, cafes, souvenir shops, and New Orleans' culture. Stop for a bite to eat at the popular Galatoire's, admire the architecture, do some shopping, and then stick around for nightfall when things really start heating up on Bourbon. If you're lucky enough to be in town for Mardi Gras, Bourbon Street is the place where it all happens, so definitely join in the festivities!"

"Take your pick for nightlife: Bourbon Street or Frenchmen Street. New Orleans is famous for its nightlife, and no New Orleans itinerary would be complete without including it: this isn’t a place to call it quits and head back to the hotel after dinner."

"Internationally renowned artist, Chris Roberts-Antieau offers up her whimsical and bizarre world of fabric appliqué in her galleries in Nola and Santa Fe!"

"Features an impressive collection of original paintings, works on paper, and sculpture by some of history’s most revered artists. Representing over five centuries of fine art, we specialize in original works from the old masters to the modern masters, as well as a select group of renowned contemporary artists."

"This is not your typical gumbo, which has a thick filé stock with seafood and or meat, and a Louisianian “Holy Trinity” of vegetables: bell peppers, celery, and onions. Rather, it’s a modern and elevated take on the traditional stew by chefs John Folse and Rick Tramonto. John Folse is an expert on Louisiana cuisine and the author of several books, most notably The Encyclopedia of Cajun & Creole Cuisineand The Evolution of Cajun & Creole Cuisine."

"At least one night during your trip to New Orleans you’re going to want to dress up nice and fancy and head out to the best fine dining restaurant in New Orleans. That restaurant is Restaurant R’evolution!. Restaurant R’evolution opened in 2012 and is known for their reinterpretations of classic Cajun and Creole dishes."

"Seared sea scallops and foie gras is served with truffle white bean puree, celery salad and bacon vinaigrette. Reservations recommended. Lunch Fri., dinner daily, brunch Sun."

"Pop some bubbly at Effervescence, an elegant champagne bar at the edge of the French Quarter. Create the perfect date night at the Rampart Street bar with a champagne-focused menu featuring sparkling flights, light bites and desserts. The bar also offers live music every Wednesday and Sunday."

"If there are tangible signs of Rampart Street smartening up, Effervescence is undeniably one of them. As you step in, you’re enveloped in a sea of white walls and polished wooden floors. Behind a central bar, corks pop, and there’s a pleasing, well, effervescence to the whole room."

"A Gulf seafood Plateau includes West Indies crab salad, snapper ceviche, royal red shrimp, Murder Point oysters and bowfin Cajun caviar. Reservations recommended. Lunch Sun., dinner Wed.-Sun., late-night Fri.-Sat."

"The best fishing hole for miles may be the Warehouse District’s kind-of-rustic, sort-of-industrial dining room, where the great catches include catfish with pickled greens, a Louisiana shrimp roll and a model caramel cake. Small wonder that the James Beard Foundation presented Peche with awards last year for both Best New Restaurant and Best Chef: South."

"There may be no more reliable, perfect place to eat seafood in New Orleans than Pêche. The sourcing comes from local waters — to the extent that we’ve heard that the restaurant has its own battery of fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico. Order raw oysters, yes."

"A Victorian-style mansion with old south design and distinct luxurious charm, it is now used for weddings, as a museum, and also to host frog farm exhibits. With so many things under its belt, it’s hard to imagine that the House of Broel isn’t among the main attractions of New Orleans. The house is named after Bonnie Broel, an ordained minister, a Polish Countess, and the Dollhouse Museum curator."

"House of Broel is an opulent 19th century mansion located in one of New Orleans’ most picturesque neighborhoods, the Garden District. Owner Bonnie Broel has turned her home into an in-demand wedding destination that offers brides and grooms some of the best Southern charm that New Orleans has to offer. For casual visitors, House of Broel offers an off-the-beaten-path gem: a doll museum."

"This gorgeous church-turned-restaurant in Mid City offers a large covered patio with a clear roof above stylish wooden slats — think oversized pergola with pizzazz. There’s a tasty all-day menu featuring Mediterranean favorites, salads and sandwiches, and a brunch menu served on weekends."

"Pan-seared Gulf fish is served with braised sumac beluga lentils, blistered cherry tomatoes, green onion, lardons and lemon-sage beurre blanc. Reservations accepted. Dinner daily, brunch Sat.-Sun."

"Eat, drink, and congregate at this restaurant that makes its home in a converted 1914 church. Vessel NOLA is the brainchild of chef Amandalynn Picolo, and its brunch has helped the..."

"A fried chicken plate includes a leg, a breast and a thigh, collard greens with tasso and mashed potatoes with chicken gravy."

"When dining out with a family of people with different tastes, a steak house is never a bad option. Ruth’s Chris, nestled between Harrah’s Hotel and Fulton Street, offers outdoor seating right on the pedestrian walkway, which is lovely on a nice evening and perfect for the kids who might need to stretch their legs or stay occupied with some people-watching. Additionally, Fulton Street offers Christmas decorations, live music, and “snow” during the holidays."

"In many cities, Ruth’s Chris dominates local steak houses with unforgettable steaks, seafood, and sides. At the location in New Orleans, Executive Chef Vernell Gibson has elevated ..."

"Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in New Orleans is a classic and consistent staple, serving the finest USDA Prime beef steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes, and homemade desserts."