Adults-Only Garden District Cemetery Anne Rice True Crime Tour

Explore New Orleans’ Haunted and Literary Heart with the Adults-Only Garden District Cemetery and Anne Rice True Crime Tour

The Adults-Only Garden District Cemetery and Anne Rice True Crime Tour offers a compelling mix of history, horror, and pop culture for $35 per person. Lasting approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, this walking tour in the Garden District of New Orleans takes visitors off the usual tourist trail to uncover hidden gems, explore haunted houses, and visit filming locations from popular horror-themed TV shows and movies. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour provides a rich narrative that connects local legends, voodoo rituals, historic burial practices, and the works of horror author Anne Rice.

This adults-only experience is tailored for those who love ghost stories, mystery, and architecture, and is particularly appealing to Anne Rice fans with stops at iconic locations. While the tour doesn’t include entry into the Lafayette Cemetery due to construction, it offers plenty to see and learn outdoors and at select landmarks. The tour is highly rated, with perfect 5-star reviews and an emphasis on guides’ expertise and engaging storytelling.

Key Points

• Price: $35 per person, offering great value for a 1 hour 45-minute tour
• Duration: About 1 hour and 45 minutes, ideal for a quick yet immersive experience
• Location: Based in the Garden District of New Orleans, with stops at notable landmarks
• Focus: Combines haunted sites, film locations, and Anne Rice’s literary connections
• Guides: Known for being knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and focused on guest interests
• Tour Type: Adults-only group, limited to 20 participants for a more intimate experience

Starting Point and Tour Logistics in the Garden District

The tour begins at 1427 Washington Ave and concludes roughly half a mile away at 1410 Jackson Ave. The mobile ticket format makes checking in straightforward, and the tour runs most days, with a full refund available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Because the tour is conducted on foot, comfortable shoes are recommended, and it is accessible for most travelers. The tour involves outdoor stops and walking past historic landmarks, but no specific mention of physical restrictions is indicated. Parking fees and alcoholic beverages are not included in the price, and travelers under 17 years old are not permitted.

Discovering the Historic Stops on the Garden District Tour

Lafayette Cemetery and Its Sordid History

While entry into Lafayette Cemetery #1 is not possible at this time due to construction, the tour still covers its exterior and shares the story of New Orleans’ Yellow Fever epidemics, death, and burial customs. This cemetery is one of the most famous in the city and closely tied to the mysteries and hauntings of the area.

Livaudais Hall and the “American Sector”

The tour visits Livaudais Hall, where insights into the history of the Lower Garden District are shared. Here, the guide explains the Livaudais family’s significance and the area’s development, providing a local historical context.

The Rink Shopping Center

Next, the tour stops at The Rink Shopping Center, which earns its name from its past as a rinks venue. The explanation of how the shopping plaza got its name adds a layer of local flavor to this stop, though it’s mainly a quick look at the area’s commercial history.

Garden District Book Shop and Literary Ties

The Garden District Book Shop is a highlight for Anne Rice fans, as it has a notable connection to her. Visitors get the chance to learn about her influence in New Orleans and the significance of the shop in her stories. Though book shopping isn’t included, the storytelling about Anne Rice’s presence in the area enhances the experience for fans.

Our Mother of Perpetual Help Shrine and Local Traditions

A visit to Our Mother of Perpetual Help offers a glimpse into local religious practices. Here, the guide explains what residents do when storms approach, providing insight into community rituals and beliefs that connect to the city’s culture.

Women’s Guild Home and New Orleans Opera Heritage

The Women’s Guild Home is a lesser-known landmark, but one with a rich history related to music and opera in New Orleans. This stop highlights the city’s musical legacy and the unique stories behind this hidden gem.

Soria-Creel Mansion and The Mayfair Mansion

Fans of Anne Rice’s “Mayfair Witches” will appreciate the Soria-Creel mansion, a filming location for the series. The guide shares details about more than just its appearance, delving into its historical and architectural significance.

Buckner Mansion: A Fusion of History and Fiction

The Buckner Mansion is the tour’s pièce de résistance for Anne Rice and “American Horror Story” enthusiasts. This grand residence blends real history with literary and pop culture connections, making it a compelling stop with stories that intertwine fact and fiction.

The Role of the Guide in Creating an Engaging Experience

Guests consistently praise the guides’ expertise and enthusiasm, especially their ability to connect historical facts, ghost stories, and pop culture references. One reviewer notes that the guide was very knowledgeable and tailored the narrative to guest interests, particularly in Anne Rice’s works.

The small group size (max 20) ensures personalized attention, engaging storytelling, and the opportunity to ask questions freely. The guide’s personality, combined with well-chosen stops, makes this tour feel intimate yet packed with fascinating details.

Comparing This Tour to Other New Orleans Experiences

While there are other haunted tours and cemetery visits offered in New Orleans, this one stands out for its focus on the Garden District’s architecture, filming locations, and literary connections. It’s ideal for those interested in mystery, horror, and local history, especially fans of Anne Rice.

Unlike longer or more touristy ghost tours, this experience offers a concise, well-curated walk with rich storytelling, making it perfect for a midday or early evening outing. The adults-only policy ensures a more mature atmosphere, suitable for those wanting to avoid family groups.

Final Thoughts on the Adults-Only Garden District Cemetery and Anne Rice True Crime Tour

This $35 walking tour packs in history, architecture, pop culture, and ghost stories, all led by enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides. Its focus on Anne Rice’s connection to New Orleans and the city’s haunted spots makes it especially appealing to literature and horror fans.

While the inability to enter Lafayette Cemetery due to construction is a minor disappointment, the outdoor stops and storytelling more than compensate. The tour’s small group size and engaging narration create a personalized experience that is both informative and fun.

Anyone interested in exploring the darker side of New Orleans, especially those who appreciate local legends, filming locations, and literary history, will find this tour a satisfying and memorable activity in the Garden District.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is adults-only and not suitable for travelers under 17 years old.

Does the tour include entry into the Lafayette Cemetery?
No, due to construction, entry into Lafayette Cemetery #1 is not possible at this time, but the exterior is explained.

What’s included in the tour?
All fees and taxes are included, and the tour is led by an English-speaking guide. It does not include alcohol, parking, or book purchases.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, making it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing.

Where does the tour end?
The tour concludes at 1410 Jackson Ave, about half a mile from the starting point.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.