You Could Lose Yourself In These Mesmerizing Gardens At This Historic Hidden Gem In New Orleans
By Jackie Ann|Published June 26, 2019
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Jackie Ann
Author
Louisiana native and LSU Alum (Geaux Tigers!), Jackie has lived in Louisiana for over three decades and currently lives in New Orleans. She's been writing for OnlyInYourState since 2016 and can often be found with a coffee at her side, dreaming of her next adventure.
Just about everyone knows about the Botanical Gardens at City Park. They’re certainly an enchanting attraction to spend an hour or two when you’re looking to be surrounded by blooming flowers and lush greenery. But there’s an underrated hidden gem that’s hiding in plain sight and equally enchanting, and you need to visit it. When you’re looking to step off the beaten path, these mesmerizing gardens in New Orleans are an absolute delight and worthy of an adventure.
You’ve probably passed by it a million times, but have you ever visited Longue Vue House and Gardens?
This is perhaps the most mesmerizing hidden gem in New Orleans. Both nature and history lovers will love taking a tour through this historic home and gardens.
Situated in the Lakewood neighborhood of New Orleans, Longue Vue is a world-class house museum nestled among eight acres of beautifully manicured gardens.
Both the home and the gardens were the dreams of Edgar and Edith Stern, who worked with architects and landscape architects for many years to make their dream home a reality. The home was completed in 1942, taking three years to build.
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When you arrive at the house, you can’t help but be amazed by how spectacular the gardens are.
Landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman started designing the gardens in 1935 and continued until her death in 1950. Although the majority of the gardens were destroyed after Hurricane Katrina, The Garden Conservancy along with many other helpful hands (and green thumbs) worked tirelessly to restore the gardens to their original beauty using Shipman's original plans.
One of the collaborators for the Wild Gardens was none other than Caroline Dorman, a nationally acclaimed naturalist and conservationist who was instrumental in helping to establish the Kisatchie National Forest. To read more, check out our previous article here.
There’s even a discovery center that the little ones will enjoy.
