The Big Chill
You’re away from home and you feel terrific. Then, suddenly after nonstop whipping around New Orleans and seeing all the sights you say to yourself, “Gotta take a break.” You’re at the right place.
City Park is a paradise for kids (let’s be honest, it’s for kids of all ages)
TAKE A BREAK ON OUR PORCHES
Porches are one of the most attractive features of the Rathbone Mansions – they’re like dazzling jewelry that heightens the glam of a basic black dress. One can’t help but notice them. Even better, porches are definitely spots where one can sit down, chill out and recharge.
But, wait a second. Let’s take a closer look. What’s the difference between a porch and a veranda (or verandah)? Here are the official definitions: a PORCH is a covered shelter in front of the entrance to a house or building while a VERANDA is a roofed platform alongside a house. It’s level with the ground floor and often extends across both the front and sides of the structure. Southern homes often have wraparound verandas where folks sit in the evening to chat and stay cool.
TAKE A BREAK AT THE NEW ORLEANS BOTANICAL GARDEN
No matter where they’re located, these gardens are great. The last trip we took to the 250-acre New York Botanical Garden was at Christmas to see the 26th year of their famous train show and it was absolutely terrific. If you visit the New Orleans Botanical Garden, you’ll still be walking and moving around but you’ll be in delightful surroundings. CLICK HERE for a current and upcoming Calendar of Events.
The Garden is located at Five Victory Avenue and is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm. They offer free admission for Louisiana residents on Wednesdays (bring an ID). There is also a Visitor Center where you can buy drinks and snacks.
OR GO TO THE NEW ORLEANS CITY PARK AT ONE PALM DRIVE
This is a beautiful, magical park dotted with 600-year-old oak trees. There’s a museum and activities for children. The park staff loves to welcome visitors to New Orleans. CLAIM TO FAME: On September 19, 2012, the Space Shuttle Endeavour passed over City Park. I’ll bet you can’t beat that one!
The Carousel in City Park is a WOW! Look closely: THE FLYING HORSES have real horsehair tails
The youngsters can feed the ducks, geese and swans around City Park
Now, let’s hear what those who have visited City Park have to say about it – and yes, all these quotes are straight from the horse’s mouth (okay, a bit of an exaggeration, but you get what I mean). You don’t? (It means one step better than the inner circle of stable boy, trainers, etc. It’s from the horse itself.) Here goes:
“Clean, so much to see for free, great artwork and streetcar accessible.”
“Incredibly relaxing – gives you a refreshing boost.”
“Had coffee and beignets – I’d love to go back.”
“The most beautiful place in New Orleans.”
“Everyone I know calls the horses on the Carousel ‘The Flying Horses’”
“I loved the sculpture garden – it was really beautiful.”
TAKE A BREAK AT RATHBONE
And now, you’re back home at Rathbone. Why not take a dip in our hot tub or pool? Water is always a terrific way to refresh one’s tired bod. Why do you think the Italians built 170 public and private baths in ancient Rome? It may have been 33 BC but those dudes really knew how to live.
Shaun Nelson-Henrick