The 10 Best Things to do in Lower Garden District, Louisiana (LA)

A grandly baroque church that also happens to be where Fr. Francis Seelos, the hero of the yellow fever epidemic of 1867, lies buried.

St. Alphonsus, located at 2025 Constance Street, was originally built in 1855 by the Redemptorist Fathers to serve the religious and social needs of the Irish Catholic immigrants who began settling in an area upriver from the French Quarter known as Lafayette City in the 1840s. It was one of a number of buildings forming a religious complex that once occupied five adjacent city blocks. Often referred to as "Ecclesiastical Square", the complex included an orphanage, nine school buildings, a gymnasium, three churches, the priests' residence and gardens, two convents, stables, a laundry and other supporting buildings. The post-World War II migration to the suburbs, in addition to the development of low-income housing within the neighborhood, diminished the church's congregation. Steadily rising operating and maintenance costs led the Redemptorists to close St. Alphonsus in the late 1970s. The Friends of St. Alphonsus (FOSA) was formed in 1990 after a small group of concerned citizens entered the abandoned church to view the splendid F. X. Zettler stained glass windows (c. 1870). Noting the serious deterioration and benign neglect of this magnificent and beautiful historic structure, Blanche Comiskey and Susan Levy successfully petitioned the Archdiocese of New Orleans to lease the building to the newly formed FOSA. Since that time, FOSA has held a number of successful fund raisers that have included concerts, auctions, and tours of the building. In 1996, the building was declared a National Historic Landmark through efforts of the Friends, helping to insure its survival. Because of the efforts of FOSA, the building has been made available to the community once again, albeit on a limited basis. Collaboration of these dedicated volunteers with other civic and private organziations has yielded a number of activities which have benefitted the community. St. Alphonsus Art and Cultural Center is located at 2025 Constance Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. Open to the public every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 pm.On-site parking is available.

Discover authentic antique Chinese and Tibetan furniture. They have the region’s largest selection of Asian antiques. Beautiful exotic oriental furniture - stylish yet affordable altar tables, armoires, buffets, cabinets, tables, and chairs. Asian inspired accessories, fine art and gifts. The owners personally travel to China to hand-select items for the store, most of which are also on their website.Internet, in-store, & by appointment. Exotic furniture journeys, creative design solutions!

Experience New Orleans with a seasoned, professional guide alongside a small number of guests. Learn about the city's quintessential spirit on one of our uniquely themed tours. New schedule announced soon. Fresh voices and perspectives on history. Home of the Brothels, Bordellos and Ladies of the Night tour, where the sex trade of the city is the focus from an academically curious perspective. Visit most notable landmarks and hear about our amazing culture. Some tours are adult only while others are completely family friendly. Great for couples, friends, book clubs, bachelorette parties, girls weekends, etc. We're also happy to customize a private experience for you.

A popular, prayerful pilgrimage site to a saintly favorite known as the "Cheerful Ascetic". This Redemptorist priest possessed great mystical gifts due to his intense prayer life. Many miracles are attributed to Father Seelos' intercession both during his life and after his death in the 1867 New Orleans yellow fever epidemic.

Welcome to the River City Venues, the most sophisticated and sprawling event complex on the Mississippi. Whether you have an intimate group of 25, or a dynamic group of 25,000, our expert event planners will make your event shine. And when we say the sky is the limit, we mean it—enjoy the stars, the moon, and even fireworks from one of our various riverfront spaces!

Spa Isbell is a full-service salon and day spa in the Historic Lower Garden District of New Orleans. We provide an assortment of services to help unwind and relax our guests. Our services include specialty massages, pedicures and manicures with a wide variety of gel and polish colors to choose from, facials, makeup application, and hair services.

Mardi Gras World is the most unique attraction in America’s most uniquely attractive city. Come see how Mardi Gras is made and get up close to Mardi Gras' grandest floats and sculptures.