GUEST TOURS
Guest Tour #1
Good Morning New Orleans Walking Tour
Date: September 16, 2008, Tuesday
Cost: No Charge (10/50) – MUST SIGN UP FOR THIS TOUR
Location: Meet in the Lobby
We hope to acquaint you with the many wonderful areas of New Orleans within walking distance of our hotel!
Experience the Southern charm of Louisiana before the hustle and bustle of life begins as we watch the city wake up. Your guide will lead you past the many historic sites, such as the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and famous buildings that are a part of the Crescent City. Our morning walk will conclude with an option for New Orleans style coffee and beignets or exploring the French Market. This event is complimentary, spaces are limited and advance sign up is necessary.
River Road Journey – Antebellum Life
Date: September 17, 2008, Wednesday
Cost: $65.00 (10/15) – Lunch Included
Location: Van leaves in front of the hotel
We journey to plantation country to visit two very different plantations. Laura Plantation is a true view of life on a Creole Plantation, built in 1805. We will hear stories of the daily life of the inhabitants and view one of the largest collections of family artifacts original to a Louisiana plantation. We continue up River Road for a tour of Oak Alley Plantation, built in 1837, it captures the Southern days of old. The alley of live oak trees leading up to this Greek Revival style mansion have been seen in numerous Hollywood movies and is one of the finest examples of restoration on the Mississippi River. We will enjoy Southern cuisine with lunch at Oak Alley.
Garden District Tour with Lunch at Commander’s Palace
Date: September 18, 2008, Thursday
Cost: $55.00 (10/15) – lunch included
Location: Van leaves in front of the hotel
A tunnel of gracious old oaks forms a canopy along the renowned St. Charles Avenue, leading you to the Garden District. This area of New Orleans was known as the “American Sector,” where English, rather than French, was the primary language. Our guide will take us through the residential streets and share stories of the wealthy American Planters, who were snubbed by Creole society, spared no expense to build palatial mansions and gardens. Next we will have lunch at Commander’s Palace Restaurant, “that’s what living in New Orleans is all about.” The turreted Victorian decked out in turquoise with white awnings and gingerbread trim on the outside offers a variety of dishes at lunch and of course the famous Creole Bread Pudding Soufflé. We will end our excursion on Magazine Street for a brief time of shopping before returning to our hotel.
Honey Island Swamp – Eco Tour
Date: September 19, 2008, Friday
Cost: $55.00 (10/15) – Lunch Included
Location: Van leaves in front of the hotel
Forget about the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter and experience another kind of “wildlife.” Relax as we cruise through the backwaters of Honey Island, the second largest swamp in Louisiana and one of the wildest and most pristine river swamps in America. Your guide, a professional wetland ecologist, native to the area will explain the ecosystem that allows the many animals to live harmoniously along the cypress-lined banks of Honey Island Swamp. We may catch a glimpse of a wide variety of animals, including bald eagles, alligators, blue herons, snapping turtles, mallard and wood ducks and water snakes. We will stop at a favorite local restaurant for lunch!
