Amazing museum. Fully restored house over 100 years old. Moved from the lake a few blocks back, one…read moreof the original homes of the area. The lady working was a wealth of knowledge and loves her job. Free admission, but they do have a gift shop. Keep places like this open. Come and visit. Check their website to make sure they are open before coming. Simply amazing. Some of the walls have been stripped down to the original, one of the door frames has been removed so you can see that the back was an addition to the original house. It is very interesting to see how it was built and to see the love and care that was put into creating this house and in maintaining it.

What a beautiful day…read more - worship at Mary, Queen of Peace: check - coffee from the wonderful people at PJ's: check - walking on the lakefront with my little buddy: check - crazy, cool tree covered in icicles melting and cracking: check Today was one of those amazingly cool and dry days we get as a real gift from the Father about 4 or 6 times a year. Probably more, but work is work, yeah? Still, it was so cold and crisp, and the sun was so beautiful and bright, that we parked up the street on Girod just to walk past the shops on our way to the lake. Ok, we also parked there to get a pic that super cool tree and the sun shining through the icicles. The lakefront is a gorgeous walk along the seawall - sun glinting off the calm waves, other walkers/runners/cyclists (not too many today!) enjoying the gift of the day the Lord has made. Freki and I were definitely rejoicing in it! We did get some water at The Barley Oak - always dog-friendly, or maybe dog-encouraging. It's one of our favorite places to stop and meet new people to pet. If you see Freki, say hi, he wants to pet you, I promise! 2 thumbs and a couple dewclaws up for this one!

Great spot to walk, run or other exercise. Or just to sit, look at the lake and think about life…read more Or people watch. Just relax. Whatever. Bring a friend or two. Bring a meal and eat outside. Huge homes and businesses line the street facing the lake that will transport you back in time.

I came for a get together with a group I am marching in Mardi Gras parades in to practice, so of…read morecourse it is January when we are practicing. There were not too many people here the day we came. Wide open spaces, a couple of places to eat nearby. I would like to come back if there are events in the future as it seems like a lot of things to do here. A community market, holiday events and events with the LPO. The bike trail leads from one end of St Tammany Parish to the other end in an east to west fashion. I am looking forward to coming and enjoying all that this area has to offer. I have no spawn of my own, but there is plenty of room for play time. Evidently the area is closed up at night, which is comforting.

The Mandeville Trailhead is a great little place in downtown old Mandeville…read more The trailhead has an amphitheater for performance, a splash area for kids and hosts numerous events. The splash area is a must attend during the hot summer months. There is a large fountain shooting water out of numerous holes in the ground where kids can splash and rollick in the cool water. Parents can bring a chair and sit back and relax while their kids expend all of their energy. There is also a trailhead museum which is pretty neat. The museum is kept quite cool so it is a nice break from the hot sun as well. Inside there is a model of the old Mandeville Lakefront wooden slide and beach area. The museum focuses on old Mandeville history ad I was able to learn many things about this area that I had not previously known. If you're in the area, this trailhead should definitely be on your list of places to see.

What. Is. That? There's a CASTLE over there?…read more Driving over the I-10 bridge from New Orleans back to Biloxi, we spotted it and I had to know what was going on so when I came back a few days later, I went out of my way to visit here. Built in 1981 for the World's Fair, the castle is quite small by castle standards. Only two bedrooms and a one and a half baths on the inside. It is private property so if you're coming to visit, please be respectful and only view it from the street (or the lake). [Review 14204 overall, 1526 of 2020, number 22 in Louisiana.]

As you drive down the I-10, east of New Orleans, you may have a WTH moment. There's a castle off in…read morethe distance (well on Hwy 11). It is a private home, for now, with aspirations for more that never quite materialize. Still the history of the place; it's recent vintage and it's singularity in the swamps of South Louisiana make it something special. You have to love a man with a dream. In 1981, Simon Villemarette decided he wanted a castle. Was it supposed to be at tourist attraction? Or was it just going to be his home? Whichever he built it well. He passed and his family had to sell. Yes it survived Katrina when most buildings did not. The official assessor's description says "concrete castle" so maybe even the K winds were intimidated. Some folks from Virginia owned it from 1995 to 2014, maybe they planned to make an inn out of it (according to news stories at the time), but that never happened. Now the current owners post to the official FB page that they too want to make it an entertainment/photo shoot/bed & breakfast spot. BUT the FB has been saying be patient since 2016. Still it's a fun spot to see. It is private property so don't be a creeper. And I decided this bit of unique architecture should be my review #2400. Enjoy!

The massive white columns and Greek Revival architecture make it one of the most striking homes in…read morethe neighborhood. This is the titular exterior of Miss Robichaux's Academy in American Horror Story: Coven! Definitely worth a photo while exploring the Garden District.

The Buckner Mansion is an incredible place to see if you're visiting New Orleans. I really enjoyed…read moreseeing it in person since it was featured in American Horror Story Season 3. The mansion looks amazing and is definitely worth stopping by.

If you're on the St Louis Cemetery tour, which you need to be to get into this cemetery now you'll…read moresee this tomb. You used to be able to walk around and take in the experience but after theft and vandalism, an organization took over the cemetery and you need to pay to enter and go on the hour tour. The tomb is very unique and sits right in the middle of the cemetery.

The tour was great. Our guide was very knowledgeable and had great stories to tell. But if this is…read morethe only draw you have to go on this tour you'll be mildly disappointed. Go for the full experience not just for Nicolas Cage.

Historical plantation house on River Road in Reserve. The local historical society has been…read morepainstakingly restoring the magnificent Godchaux-Reserve House since 2013. Previously it has long been in disrepair. There is a small parking next to the house. It is open occasionally for community events.

Visited Laura Plantation on February 28, 2026 and had a really great experience overall…read more Our tour guide, Christine, was fantastic. She was not only very informative but also incredibly kind and personable. She had a way of explaining the history that made the tour feel engaging rather than just a typical scripted presentation. By the end, it almost felt like you were being shown around by a friend rather than just a guide. The tour itself is about 2-3 hours long and involves a fair amount of walking, so I definitely recommend wearing comfortable shoes. One tip: if you're planning to visit and don't have your own vehicle, make sure to purchase the ticket option that includes transportation. It will make things much easier. Also keep in mind that there aren't many food options nearby. Unless you're planning to walk quite a distance, it's a good idea to eat beforehand or plan your meal for after the tour. There's also a small museum on the property that's worth checking out. It's close by and provides additional background and stories that help give more context to the plantation's history. Overall, this was a very informative and meaningful tour, and I would definitely recommend it if you're visiting the area.

Very interesting tour of a Creole plantation. The architecture is very different than Oak Alley…read morePlantation down the road. The tour is informative.