The spectacular garden rooms and opulent architecture of New Orleans’ Longue Vue House and Gardens take center stage as the “Southern Garden Trail” feature in our May/June 2024 issue. Beyond the manicured grounds of the 20th-century estate, dining destinations, historic landmarks, and one-of-a-kind shops draw visitors eager to experience the enthralling energy that dances through the city of jazz.
Longue Vue House and Gardens
Longue Vue’s original residents, philanthropists Edith and Edgar Stern, worked closely with esteemed landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman to create indoor and outdoor living spaces that seamlessly flowed together. Nearly every room of the grand manor provides a view of the enchanting paradise just outside its doors.
The 1940s house is a wonderland in itself, as the Sterns left all the original wallpaper, furnishings, and heirlooms for public display. In addition to a collection of antiques blended with modern art, the house features technological marvels of the era, such as floor-to-ceiling windows that open automatically and the first air conditioning system in the city.
Around Town
Longue Vue isn’t the only oasis in New Orleans, a city that stays green all year long. Stroll through the Botanical Garden nestled inside City Park to find a train garden complete with miniature iterations of local landmarks, a glass conservatory filled with tropical plants and a waterfall, and the largest assortment of live oaks in the country.
Just a short walk from the bustling French Quarter, The Windsor Court provides all the upscale accommodations of a European-style hotel imbued with Southern hospitality. Enjoy a cuppa and a scone during traditional afternoon tea service at Le Salon or step into the brick-paved courtyard for a quiet moment amid birdsong and the shade of trees.
Ride a streetcar down grand St. Charles Avenue to visit Promenade Fine Fabrics, a local mainstay that entices visitors from all over the world seeking designer fabrics, exquisite lace, and vintage ribbons. Venture next door to their sister shop, BackRoom Fabrics, for a curated selection of upholstery textiles.
A culinary city through and through, New Orleans offers unparalleled experiences for restaurant enthusiasts and home cooks alike. At Atchafalaya, swing by for Sunday brunch accompanied by live music inside a Creole cottage. If you’re looking to elevate your own meals made from scratch, a handmade cutting board from NOLA Boards on Magazine Street is just the ticket.
Step into the 1940s at the National WWII Museum, an award-winning institution that offers a view into not only the battlefront experiences of The Greatest Generation but also life on the Home Front. Visit the Stage Door Canteen to hear the Victory Belles sing radio hits from the period, in addition to big band performances from the Victory Swing Orchestra. After a long day of sightseeing and dining, the city’s magnificent oak trees provide the perfect spot to sit for a spell.
Text by Kate Lorio
Photography by John O’Hagan
Find our full feature of Longue Vue House and Gardens in the May/June 2024 issue, available on newsstands, online, and via digital platforms.
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