NEIGHBOURHOOD

THE PLACE THE LOOKS

New Orleans Garden District Swoon over an entire neighbourhood of 19th century southern mansions built on a one-time vast plantation lost in a divorce settlement and divvied up into 80 city blocks. Each block’s antebellum mansions were once surrounded by huge lawns and gardens – thus the district’s name – but a second wave of development squeezed in more mansions built in a charming kaleidoscope of styles.

If strolling the neighbourhood sounds too energetic (especially in summer’s humidity), see the mansions from the quaint St Charles streetcar, which trundles along oak-lined St Charles Avenue.

The teal-and-white destination restaurant, Commander’s Palace, serves haute Creole fare along with 25c martinis. See neworleanscvb.com.

DON’T MISS ESSENTIALS