Duration: 2 hours
Imbibe in the nostalgia and history of New Orleans while getting a taste of some classic southern tea with the 'Spilling the Tea: New Orleans Style' activity. This unique city tour provides a rich look into the ways of Old New Orleans, taking you through the elegant and historic Garden District, a place filled with antebellum mansions, pristine gardens, and stunning oak trees. Lovers of history, tea-enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a tranquil and informative afternoon will find this activity engaging and thoroughly enjoyable.
Once you partake in this tour, you will embark on a leisurely walk around the beautiful Garden District that stretches for approximately 1.5 miles. Typically, customers spend around two to three hours soaking in the enchanting neighborhood, its Southern charm accentuated by Civil War-era mansions and the Lafayette Cemetery's rich history. You will be guided by a local expert, sharing tales of Garden District's former and current inhabitants and overviewing the significance of key landmarks. Your journey will be peppered with fascinating narratives about secret love affairs, feud-fueled duel grounds, and whispered scandals. Make sure to don attire fit for walking and the weather.
A not-to-be-missed highlight of the tour is the unique 'tea experience' that draws inspiration from the traditional English afternoon tea. You'll stop at a popular local haunt, known for their wide array of artisanal tea blends, where you'll be galvanized in the art of brewing tea New Orleans-style. Expect to sample and compare rare and delicate flavors, nibble on delightful southern treats, and learn the do's and don’ts of the local tea etiquette.
Let's delve a little into history too. The Garden District, also the setting of many novels and films, is one of New Orleans’ most iconic neighborhoods. It arose during the prosperous antebellum era when the 'nouveau riche' Americans decided to make their own neighborhood, juxtaposing the Creoles residing in the French Quarter. The district also served as a base for poets and writers, adding to its cultural richness you'll discover on the tour.
Wrapping it up, 'Spilling the Tea: New Orleans Style' tour provides more than just a stroll around a picturesque neighborhood and a unique tea experience; it offers a rare chance to immerse in the authentic southern charm, complete with stories from the past and vivid scenery. You will leave New Orleans having acquired a piece of its soul, carrying with you memories of its profound historical resonance, unique culture, and its nuanced tea traditions. Adventure and hospitality blend together beautifully in this activity, tempting you to explore and embrace the multifaceted spirit of New Orleans.
