Rathbone Mansions
Historic New Orleans Hotel, Steps From the French Quarter
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Insiders Guide of things to do, eats and drinks in New Orleans

Rathbone Mansions Insiders Guide

With its unique, vibrant history, award winning chefs, craft cocktail bars, and party atmosphere, there's no wonder NOLA is consistently ranked one of the best cities to visit. We've got you covered with insiders' tips on the best places to visit, eat and drink during your stay. Click through our blog for suggestions, current events and truly experience New Orleans like a local.

New Orleans has a unique, vibrant history, award winning chefs, craft cocktails galore, and a low-key, Southern fun atmosphere. There's no wonder NOLA is consistently ranked one of the best US cities to visit.  We've got you covered with tips on locals' favorite spots to check out during your stay. Scroll through our blog for suggestions, current events and truly experience New Orleans like a local.

 

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A Journey of Discovery

 

We want to make your trip to New Orleans as memorable as possible. So here are six must-see places that definitely work for both adults and children – no one will be bored and you’ll all have lots to talk about after returning home.

Families love to go for strolls in City Park

Families love to go for strolls in City Park

ONE The Louisiana Children’s Museum is now (after 30 years on Julia Street) in City Park at 15 Henry Thomas Dr., (504) 523-1357

Having a great time at the Louisiana Children’s Museum

Having a great time at the Louisiana Children’s Museum

This is a place where kids use play, shared exploration and conversation to connect with the people and the world around them. There’s 56,000 sq. ft. of “Whoa, what’s that?” It’s a place where wonderful things happen daily. And that’s inside! The outside activities include adventures on the water, in the garden and much more – or, said differently: 8.5 acres for the kiddies to explore!

TWO The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, at One Canal Street, (504) 565-3033

This aquarium is located along the banks of the Mississippi River. It’s also a nine-minute walk on Decatur Street to The French Quarter. Overall, it will transport you and your family and friends to an underwater world that stretches from the Caribbean to the Amazon rainforest. Closer to home, it also features the waters that give New Orleans its lifeblood: the Mississippi and the Gulf of Mexico. The museum showcases more than 250 species including endangered ones such as African penguins. Come and have an experience you’ll never forget.  

THREE The Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium at 423 Canal Street, (504) 581-4629

The Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium is a big hit with kids of all ages

The Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium is a big hit with kids of all ages

Since 2008 this museum has been in the United States Custom House, a historic government building that was first occupied in 1856. Wow! That’s 165 years ago. This is North America’s largest museum devoted to insects and their relatives. Cousins? Visitors can wander through a mysterious Louisiana swamp and be captivated by thousands of butterflies in an Asian garden. Note: there are more than one million species of insects on planet earth. It’s said that they’re so successful because (a) they’re small and (b) they can fly. If that’s the case, we’re not even on the radar.

FOUR The National WWII Museum at 945 Magazine Street, (504) 528-1944

This museum offers a wide variety of family activities that inform, educate and entertain. Here are just a few of their offerings: (a) there are Boy, Girl and Cub Scout Days, (b) they have a Victory Corps for students aged 13-17 who have a passion for history and learning, (c) they offer an array of summer camp opportunities and (d) they sponsor a summer canteen so kids can escape the heat by spending select Saturdays in The National WWII Museum’s BB’s Stage Door Canteen! Note: BB stands for Boysie Bollinger – the museum’s largest private donor and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards.

FIVE The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum at 514 Chartres Street, (504) 565-8027

The building that houses the Pharmacy Museum was constructed in 1823 for Louis Dufilho Jr., America’s first licensed pharmacist. It was classified as a Creole townhouse – and served as an apothecary and residence until 1855. The 19th century was a turning point in the history of medicine. With the discovery of surgical anesthesia physicians entered the realm of “modern” medicine.  

SIX Mardi Gras World at 1380 Port of New Orleans Place (next to the Convention Center), (504) 361-7821

When you’re a little shrimp this is the best way to watch the festivities! Above is a “ladder seat” that goes on a car. CLICK HERE to read how to make one for the Mardi Gras parades.

When you’re a little shrimp this is the best way to watch the festivities! Above is a “ladder seat” that goes on a car. CLICK HERE to read how to make one for the Mardi Gras parades.

I visited Mardi Gras World with my husband, Peter and it’s simply wonderful – you’ll love it. It’s 300,000 sq. ft. of spectacular floats and props. You’ll never get this close to the floats while they’re rolling along in Mardi Gras parades. They handle over 500 floats every year and this is the only place to see how these amazing pieces come to life. Come see where the Mardi Gras magic is made!

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? This time of the year is great for kids – young and old. The spots we’ve written about in this blog can be a learning experience for the junior set – as well as entertaining and fun. Come and stay with us – the whole family will have many memories for years to come.  

PLEASE PHONE, USE EMAIL OR CHECK THE WEB for the current status of whatever museum or exhibit you choose to visit.  

Shaun Nelson-Henrick

 
Christina DiPierroRathbone Mansions Hotel