NOLA Tours

02/10/2024

So in love with this Mardi Gras house float in the Garden District! I wonder what Mucha would think about being the inspiration for such a fun piece of art.
Thanks to our guide Artie for taking this wonderful photo!
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01/27/2024

It might be grey out there, but these Purple, Green, and Gold Mardi Gras decorations pop on this American Townhouse on St. Ann Street
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01/01/2024

Happy New Year! Are you having a hard time writing your New Year's Resolutions? If one of your resolutions is to "have more fun", just add a couple of these things to your list for 2024!
Our resolution is to find out fun new tidbits about New Orleans to share with all of you on our tours!
Have you done any of these things? What would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below! See you in 2024! ⚜️

11/18/2023

A new blog post is up and this time it's about the home of the Preservation Resource Center

From an iron foundry to wartime weapons to the Preservation Resource Center, the walls of this surviving commercial Gothic structure have many stories to tell.

11/16/2023

New Orleans has the most Interesting buildings complete with storied histories.

“The Maginnis Cotton Mill was constructed in 1882 by Arthur A. Maginnis, a wealthy son of Irish immigrants who reigned as King of Carnival in 1880. When A. A. Maginnis purchased the property in 1881, the city square bounded by Annunciation, Constance, John Churchill Chase and Poeyfarre Streets was occupied by a lumberyard, modest working-class houses and a plantation house. These buildings were torn down to make room for the mill which became the largest cotton mill in the gulf south. It produced everything from burlap sacks and sail cloths to fine muslin and ladies' hosiery, churning out 21,000,000 yards of cotton annually.

At its peak, the mill employed more than 1,000 men, women and children, most of them Irish immigrants. The Maginnis family sold the business in 1914 after being indicted for tax fraud. The mill continued to produce cotton products, but by World War II, parts of the building were leased to various businesses which produced ties and sportswear. The building officially closed in the mid-1980s.

In December, 1996, the Cotton Mill Limited Partnership sponsored archaeological excavations on the grounds which led to the discovery of a mill-era privy (or outhouse), 19th century tenement buildings and the well-preserved floor and foundation of the Duplesses Plantation house which dates back to 1765. Pieces of this archaeological excavation and full history of the land where the Cotton Mill sits can be found in an exhibit in the Cotton Mill lobby.” - website

11/05/2023

The Carroll Crawford house was built shortly after the Civil War for a Virginian named Joseph Carroll. He was a very successful cotton merchant. He hired architect Samuel Jamison to design the house. Work began on this Italianate house in 1869.
The smooth, flat facade has segmental-arched windows and doors outlined by prominent moldings; crowning the roofline is a cornice with oversized dentils and a central tablet. A two-story cast-iron gallery shades the entire facade, each of its bays arched to echo the shape of the windows behind. The contrast between the feathery ironwork and the building’s solid weightiness gives each a sharper focus. To emphasize the central entrance, five bays wide, the gallery’s central bay projects very slightly and is supported on slender paired columns.
Later, the home was later owned by R.M. Walmsley, whose grandson, would go on to serve as mayor from 1929 to 1936.
After several more changes of hands, the newest owner is finishing a complete renovation that changed the infamous pink home to the gray you see now.
This renovation keeps the history in tact but updates important factors to the large home.
You’ll notice, in this picture, Halloween decorations adorn the home even though the renovation isn’t complete. That’s typical in New Orleans. We are known for our celebrations and decorations.
If you want to know more about New Orleans and more about our homes, walk along with us on one of our tours. We promise to make you feel like family.

10/27/2023

In October, people flock to this Magazine Street house from all over the world! They come to see Ghost Manor, a magnificent display of Halloween fun. The owners of Ghost Manor spend countless hours creating this spectacle every year.
In other months, this 120+ year old Victorian gets a lot of tender loving care from its owners.
The house boasts exquisitely painted Cove Ceilings with 11 fabulous mantel pieces. Stunning stained glass windows allow the light to radiate inside. Exceptional architectural wood detail is prominent. The home also has 1000 Sq. Of attic space! It’s a good thing because these skeletons and pumpkins have to have somewhere to live outside of Spooky season!
Come experience Halloween in the Garden District of New Orleans

10/23/2023

Just in case you are ever wondering just how tall these balconies are , just take a look at the very popular 12 foot skeleton that stands on this one.
Halloween is a big deal in New Orleans. We decorate and celebrate everything and we love it all!
This French Quarter Spanish built home is clearly ready to celebrate.
You may admire the decorations or you may admire the gorgeous ironwork. You can also admire them up close and personal on our French Quarter Architectural Tour but you only have through October 31st to enjoy the spooky decor.
Did you know that Halloween’s importance dates back to the Catholic founders of New Orleans who were gearing up for the Feast of the All Souls Day on Nov. 2? Leading up to the Catholic holiday, New Orleanians would go to cemeteries and spend time cleaning up for the departed.
All Saint’s Day or All Souls’ Day is still special today. It’s a time to pay respects to the dead by visiting family tombs located in numerous above-ground and in-ground cemeteries throughout the city.

10/17/2023

Restoration in the Lower Garden District.
Down to the bones.
We can’t wait to see the face lift completed and share the results.

10/17/2023

Tremefest this Saturday

The 8th annual Tremé Fall Festival will feature local craft and food vendors, musical performances and a Second Line. Founded by the Friends of Tremé...

10/12/2023

Look at this row of lovely Corbels. Highlighted by the nighttime lighting, they are even more dramatic.
This photo was taken on Martin Luther King Blvd by Linda Douglas.

10/08/2023

Welcome to the Curtius Plunkett House in the Garden District.

In 1839, octogenarian pharmacist Hermann Curtis purchased a prime vacant site on First Street. He then commissioned New Orleans architect James Freret to design a residence as a retirement home for him and his sister Caroline.
The aging German-born siblings had lived together for years above the family's downtown drug store. Unfortunately, Herman died soon after moving into the fashionable Garden District home.
Caroline continued to live there until 1901 when she succumbed to old age.
The property fell into disrepair during the following decades, serving as a multi-family dwelling and losing its salient Eastlake stylistic features.
In 2009 when Laura and Bill Plunkett purchased the house, the porch, its most elaborate and prominent feature, was gone.
Fortuitously, Tulane University has Freret’s original watercolor drawing, documenting the original appearance. Using this resource as a guide, the new owners and their experts reconstructed the rich ornamentation and intricate detailing of the side porch. Finally, they painted the exterior with period-appropriate multi-chrome highlights.

09/25/2023

Take a look at this Gothic Revival beauty. Built around 1869, this home has the highest HDLC rating for architectural significance. Award winning Garden District landmark sensitively restored. Historic details include octagonal columns, pointed arches, plaster moldings and medallions, and intricate cast iron fence. Inside are Formal living/dining rooms; a huge den and gourmet kitchen that has been updated to an ultra modern look. The baths are modern too.
What’s your favorite feature about this home? If this were your home what would change, if anything?

09/15/2023

This Friday Focus Post is featuring this charming Victorian home in uptown New Orleans. Inside are high ceilings, heart of pine floors, pocket doors, a large kitchen with granite and beautiful fireplaces. It has 6 bedrooms!
Those floor to ceiling windows bring is so much natural light and the ability to make you galleries part of your living space.
Dreams do come true in New Orleans!

08/30/2023

The house off Esplanade Avenue looks like it belongs in the rolling hills of Tuscany, a faded Italianate mansion still radiating its original grandeur.
The Luling Mansion was built as a residence for Florence Luling, a German immigrant and cotton merchant. It was designed by James Gallier Jr., who also designed the French Opera House and Gallier House, his personal residence in the French Quarter and now a museum.
Completed in 1866, the Luling Mansion had 22 rooms and was set on 80 acres extending to Bayou St. John. The formal grounds included a lake with an island. Luling and his family lived there for a brief time: Tragedy struck, and at least one of his sons, some accounts say two sons, drowned in the bayou. He sold the property about 1870 to the Louisiana Jockey Club, as the house was ideally located near the New Orleans Fair Grounds Race Course.

After the club sold the house in the early 20th century, the accessory wings of the house, which contained kitchens, stables, a billiards parlor and a bowling alley, were demolished, and the property was developed as a bungalow neighborhood by architect Leon Weiss. The house was divided into eight apartments, which are still rented today.

08/25/2023

In this weeks Focus post, we travel to the .
Nestled beside the renowned French Quarter, Faubourg Marigny unfolds like an artist's canvas, framed by Esplanade Avenue and stretching along the Mississippi's gentle curve up to St. Claude Avenue.
Born from the vision of Bernard de Marigny in 1806, this vibrant neighborhood bloomed from a plantation to a melting pot of Creoles, Caribbean free souls, and a blend of European settlers. Today's dynamic tapestry of artists, entrepreneurs, and dreamers owes its hue to them. It's a testament to the community's spirit that the Marigny stood strong against urban decay, and by 1974, proudly wore the badge of a historic district in the National Register.
Beyond the frenzied rhythm of the French Quarter, the Marigny district hums its own lively tune. From soulful music joints to artisanal rum distilleries, its streets echo with creativity and history, offering a vibrant splash of color and the warmth of old-world charm.

08/23/2023

Our newest blog is a myth buster. Tour guide DeAnna DuPont debunks the taxations on closets, doors and windows on New Orleans properties. Have you been telling it wrong? Find out here.

There are so many myths about taxes in New Orleans. The stories that persist are the ones that people believe.

08/15/2023

We are so proud to announce our new partnership with the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans!
The PRC promotes the preservation of New Orleans’ historic architecture by expanding the constituency that understands the economic, cultural and aesthetic importance of historic preservation, and by involving citizens in preservation projects and services that enhance living in New Orleans.
This partnership allows both Nola Tours and the PRC to extend our reach to even more people and showcase our historic architecture and local culture.
You can read more about our partnership by clicking the link below.

 Read More

08/11/2023

Hey there, New Orleans enthusiasts! 🎨

Feast your eyes on these two double gallery homes, standing side by side but exuding entirely different personalities. It's all in the colors and accents! One whispers elegance with soft pastels, while the other shouts vibrance with bold hues. Here in New Orleans, architecture isn't just a profession; it's a form of expression.

Nothing is ordinary in this city. From the jazz-filled streets to the Creole kitchens, New Orleans is a pulsating heart of culture and creativity. It's an architect's playground, and if you're lucky enough to own property here, you become the artist of your own masterpiece. 🏡✨

Want to explore more about our city's unique homes and personalities? Join us on one of our fascinating tours at www.nolatours.com.
Your adventure awaits in the soul of the South!

08/08/2023

A New Orleans two-story columned home that breaks the mold, featuring multiple Juliet balconies instead of the traditional gallery we often see in our city.

Floor to ceiling windows light up the interior, and the side hall entrance adds an elegant touch. Ornamental brackets frame the top of the house, giving a nod to classical design, while those Juliet balconies add a fresh and unexpected twist. 🏠✨

New Orleans never ceases to surprise and delight with its fusion of history and innovation.
Have you seen a unique home recently?
You can see more homes on our tours. Visit www.NolaTours.com to book

08/04/2023

Pretty baby house:
Built as a country house in 1852, the antebellum property has a rich and storied past. In 1859, it was sold to New Orleans businessman Lloyd Coleman, and it remained in his family for a lively and tumultuous 145 years. From its Civil War occupation by Union Army officers to its prominent role in the controversial 1979 film “Pretty Baby,” the house has been a backdrop to the city’s cultural history. Once known as “one of the most haunted houses in New Orleans,” over the decades, it played host to decadent parties, from debutante balls to days-long dinners.

Salvageable elements were reintegrated into the new space. An original floor-to-ceiling pier mirror and striking gasoliers anchor the house’s downstairs living space. In what was once the servants’ quarters, the guest bedroom features 19th-century original brickwork and beams. The transom window that once divided the open double parlor now hangs in the central kitchen, and innumerable windows, doors and decorative elements were reconfigured for the home. “We reclaimed everything that we could,” Jimmy Lee said.
The house is now filled with artwork that spans the centuries, helping to tell its story, said Vicki Lee, an accomplished painter. Severe portraits of the original owners, Lloyd and Betty Coleman, cast a protective eye over the first floor; upstairs, the Colemans’ granddaughter Browning’s sultry gaze embodies the privilege and mystery of a New Orleans socialite in the 1920s.

1221 Orange St. stands as a testament to the passion that New Orleanians have for historic restoration and how the architecture is inextricably woven into the city’s history.

07/24/2023

This bracketed double shotgun house is adorable! Love the color combo!😍
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07/17/2023

📷 Exploring the charm of New Orleans' architectural treasures! 🏛️ This is the stunning Cornstalk Hotel, a true gem in the heart of the French Quarter. 🌺 Its architectural beauty is a feast for the eyes, adorned with delicate cast-iron details that give it an enchanting and unique character. The iconic cornstalk motif, delicately woven into the ironwork, adds an exquisite touch to the building's facade.
It was built in 1816 by Francois Xavier-Martin, the first Attorney General of Louisiana, who served in that position from 1815 to his death in 1846.
In 1834 the house was sold to Dr. Joseph Secondo Biamenti.
The Cornstalk is also the hotel in which Elvis Presley lived while he was in New Orleans shooting King Creole in 1958. The hotel still has an Elvis room.
According to the hotel, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman have all been guests. 😍

If you are captivated by the allure of New Orleans' architecture, I invite you to join us on the French Quarter Architecture tour. Let's delve into the rich history and architectural marvels of this vibrant city together! Discover the hidden stories behind the buildings, the fascinating blend of styles, and the intricate craftsmanship that make New Orleans truly remarkable. 🌟

📅 Don't miss out! Book your spot on the French Quarter Architecture tour today and witness the magic firsthand. Let's unravel the secrets of this magnificent city together!

07/11/2023

Do you know the secrets about this house and it’s history?
Come find out more on our Garden District Architecture Tour.
Www.NolaTours.com
504-355-1213
Join us on TikTok as nolatours for more content.

07/04/2023

Come take a tour with us at NOLA TOURS!

07/04/2023

Join us on our new Tiktoc. The best is yet to come!

TikTok

06/30/2023

Friday Focus:
Built in 1900, this single family home on Prytania Street boasts 5 bed and 4 bath and has 5,190 sqft. It sold in 2019 for 2.6 million.

06/28/2023

Welcome Home Wednesday Post:

Four walls and a roof over your head isn't the only way we define the word “home”.
Home is more than just a shelter, it's where we love, it's where we feel, it's where we can be ourselves and it's where life happens.
On our tours we share the feeling that home brings to us through our love for these old houses and their architecture. There really is no place like home.

06/23/2023

Our Friday Focus is on the house on Prytania called “Maisonette Creole”

In 1832 this site was a part of Jefferson Parish and was known as the Livaudais Plantation. In the late 1890’s it was occupied as an English Apothecary and owned by R.N. Girland.
An Englishman by birth, Girling studied pharmacy in England and at the Ecole de Pharmacie in Paris. In the early 1870s he immigrated with his wife to New Orleans, where he soon advertised as a “Druggist and Chemist”. His embossed glass bottles read “R.N. Girling, Accuracy and Purity, Pharmacist and Chemist, New Orleans”. A founder of the Louisiana Pharmaceutical Association in 1882, he served as its second president, and was instrumental in Louisiana becoming the first state in the nation to license pharmacists. After his death in 1894, this site continued to be used as a pharmacy until the 1950s.