New Orleans Esplanade Ridge: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Explore the charm of the Creole Garden District in New Orleans with the self-guided audio tour priced at just $7.99 per person. Lasting approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, this tour offers a flexible way to experience some of the city’s most historic neighborhoods at your own pace. Starting at Ashton’s Bed and Breakfast, a former antebellum plantation home, the tour takes you through the heart of Esplanade Ridge and the surrounding areas, including the Faubourg St. John neighborhood built specifically by and for French Creoles. With the ability to download the tour for offline use and access it lifetime, this experience suits travelers who enjoy exploring on their own schedule and value authentic, locally narrated stories.

While it does not include transportation or entrance fees, this tour is ideal for those who want a budget-friendly, in-depth look at New Orleans’ Creole heritage. It’s perfect for walkers, cyclists, or motorists eager to explore historic streets at their own pace, gaining insights into the city’s diverse communities and storied past. The tour’s emphasis on stories about free people of color and local historical sites makes it especially engaging for those interested in lesser-known aspects of New Orleans history.

Key Points

• Affordable and flexible self-guided audio tour costing only $7.99 per person
• Approximate duration of 1 hour 15 minutes, ideal for casual exploration
• Starts at Ashton’s Bed and Breakfast, a historic antebellum plantation
• Highlights include the Museum of the Free People of Color, well-preserved historic mansions, and St. Louis Cemetery #3
• Tour offers offline access and lifetime ownership, with GPS activation for seamless navigation
• Designed for walkers, cyclists, or drivers, suitable for most travelers

The Origins of the Creole Garden District and Faubourg St. John

This tour begins at Ashton’s Bed and Breakfast, a striking antebellum building that sets the tone for exploring New Orleans’ historic Creole neighborhoods. It then guides you through the Faubourg St. John area, a community crafted by French Creoles in response to American expansion. The narration explains how this neighborhood was developed as a refuge and cultural hub for the Creole population, highlighting its unique architecture and history.

The story of the neighborhood’s origins sheds light on how the French Creole influence shaped the city’s architecture and social fabric, making this tour a thoughtful introduction to New Orleans’ diverse cultural landscape. The ability to explore at your own pace means you can spend more time absorbing the stories of this vibrant community and its transformations over time.

Exploring the Museum of the Free People of Color

A significant stop along the tour is the Museum of the Free People of Color, which preserves over 300 years of history related to free people of color in New Orleans. Visitors learn about their experiences starting from 1708, including the period when slaves could sometimes purchase their freedom under Spanish rule, between 1763 and 1800.

One especially moving exhibit features a petition to President Abraham Lincoln from 1,000 free men of color, dated January 5, 1864. This document underscores the agency and resilience of the free Black community in the city’s history. The museum’s detailed exhibits enrich understanding of a often-overlooked aspect of New Orleans’ past and offer compelling stories of culture, struggle, and community.

Walking through the Historic Garden District

The tour also explores the Garden District, known for its elegant and well-preserved mansions built between 1832 and 1900 by wealthy newcomers. Visitors admire the variety of architectural styles and the lush gardens that surround the homes, which now host antique shops, cafes, parks, and restaurants.

This area’s charm comes from its blend of historic grandeur and lively modernity, making it a favorite for many. The narration shares insights into the history of these homes, giving context to the wealth and elegance that defined the neighborhood’s development during the 19th century.

Visiting St. Louis Cemetery #3: The Angel Cemetery

One of the tour’s highlights is St. Louis Cemetery #3, also known as The Angel Cemetery. This site has roots as a leper colony, with land once used for burials of those suffering from leprosy. In 1854, the cemetery gained importance after a yellow fever epidemic necessitated 8,000 additional burial plots. Priests at St. Louis Cathedral purchased the land to accommodate the rising need for Catholic burials.

The cemetery’s history reflects the city’s responses to health crises and the community’s resilience. Visitors will find the distinctive angel-shaped tombs and learn about the city’s long history of addressing outbreaks and caring for the sick. The site’s layered past offers a glimpse into public health, faith, and community survival.

The Practicalities of Using the VoiceMap App

The tour is delivered through the VoiceMap application, which offers offline access to audio, maps, and geodata once downloaded. This feature ensures that travelers can enjoy the tour without needing a constant internet connection, making it ideal for exploring areas with limited service.

The lifetime access means that the tour can be revisited multiple times, whether to deepen understanding or simply enjoy the experience at a different pace. The app activates automatically when you arrive at the starting point, located at 2023 Esplanade Ave.

Meeting Points and Accessibility

This private tour begins at 2023 Esplanade Ave and ends at 3202 Grand Rte Saint John St, both situated conveniently in New Orleans. It is accessible every day from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM during the validity period, which extends through June 2026.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals. Although the experience is designed for self-guided exploration, it’s compatible with public transportation, making it accessible for visitors staying in different parts of the city.

Pacing, Flexibility, and Personalization

One of the top advantages of this tour is the ability to go at your own pace. Reviewers praise the feature that allows stopping and dwelling on particular homes or stories, providing flexibility not available on traditional guided tours.

This flexibility is perfect for those who wish to pause and reflect on the historic homes or cemeteries, or revisit sections as needed. It also means you can skip or focus on parts that interest you most, tailoring the experience to your personal curiosity and schedule.

The Value for the Price

Priced at just $7.99 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the wealth of stories, historical insights, and the convenience of offline access. It provides lifetime ownership, allowing multiple revisits, and does not require an additional fee for museum entries or transportation.

While it does not include tickets to museums or attractions, the detailed narration and curated stops make it a cost-effective way to uncover hidden stories and explore the neighborhood deeply.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This self-guided audio experience is best suited for independent explorers who enjoy taking their time and learning about local history through stories told by a knowledgeable native. It’s ideal for walkers, cyclists, or even drivers who prefer a personalized narrative over large group tours.

Those with an interest in Creole culture, historic architecture, or cemeteries will find this tour especially enriching. However, visitors looking for guided interactions or included entrance tickets may want to consider additional options.

The Esplanade Ridge Self-Guided Tour: Final Thoughts

This affordable, flexible, and informative tour offers a meaningful way to experience a key part of New Orleans’ history. The combination of historic homes, cultural museums, and cemeteries provides a well-rounded glimpse into the city’s past. The offline accessibility and lifetime ownership make it a practical choice for those wanting to explore at their own pace.

While it doesn’t include transportation or entrance fees, the depth of storytelling and authentic narration from a local make this tour stand out. It suits independent travelers or history enthusiasts eager to uncover stories beyond the typical tourist spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour typically take?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, but you can adjust the pace to spend more or less time at each stop.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the tour is accessible for those with service animals.

What do I need to participate?
You need a smartphone with the VoiceMap app installed. The tour is downloadable, so no internet is necessary after initial download.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the tour does not include tickets for museums or attractions en route. Visitors are responsible for any additional admissions.

Can I revisit the tour later?
Yes, you have lifetime access to the tour, allowing multiple listens or revisits.

Is the tour suitable for cyclists?
Yes, the tour is designed to be enjoyed by walkers, cyclists, or motorists, making it versatile.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 2023 Esplanade Ave and concludes at 3202 Grand Rte Saint John St.

Is there a guided element with a person?
No, this is a self-guided experience delivered via the app, with narration by a knowledgeable voice.

What kind of stories are included?
Stories focus on local history, notable landmarks, the Free People of Color, historic mansions, and cemeteries.

How do I activate the tour?
The VoiceMap application activates automatically when you arrive at the starting point with GPS, guiding you through the stops seamlessly.

This self-guided audio tour of New Orleans’ Esplanade Ridge and surrounding neighborhoods offers a compelling, flexible way to explore historic Creole culture, architectural treasures, and cemeteries with authentic storytelling at an unbeatable price.