Historic Sites in River Ridge

"Located on the corner of North Rampart Street, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church is the oldest house of worship in New Orleans. Originally named the Mortuary Chapel of St. Anthony of Padua, the place of worship was built in 1826 to serve as a burial church for the victims of yellow fever. The current name of the church was received in 1918."

"If you’re down in the CBD or headed toward the French Quarter, one small church lies hidden on Rampart Street. Peering through the doors, you see a rather simple sanctuary and some of the homeless asleep on the pews. The real beauty is to either side of the altar: the shrines to St. Jude and Our Lady of Guadalupe."

"Tours run twice every evening (5pm and 8pm) and include visits to the Lalaurie Mansion (where American Horror Story Coven was filmed), LaFitte’s Blacksmith Shop, and more. Our guide had plenty of creepy tales to share and clearly believed a lot of the ghost stories herself, which made it all the more fun. Our tour group was a little on the larger side, but otherwise, the experience was entertaining."

"Wander down to Governor Nicholls Street to see Lalaurie Mansion, once the home of actor Nicholas Cage, and one of the homes used for American Horror Story Coven. There are also other fancy homes like the New Orleans home of Angelina Jolie down this beautiful street."

"The Beauregard-Keyes House is significant and worth a tour for its Greek Revival architecture, lovely quaint garden, and for once having been the residence of Confederate General Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard, a New Orleans native who ordered the first shots of the Civil War and remained a hero in the South long after the war was lost. Ursuline nuns used the property from the early 1700s until the 1820s when the new house was designed to combine elements of a Creole cottage with Greek Revival features, including a Palladian facade, curved twin staircases, Tuscan portico, and generous dining room. In 1945, author Frances Parkinson Keyes was looking for a place to write and live in New Orleans."

"The Beauregard -Keyes House museum includes past residents such as Confederate General Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard and American author Frances Parkinson Keyes. The house has elements of a Creole cottage with Greek Revival features, including a Palladian façade. It also has twin curved staircases leading to a Tuscan portico."

"Formerly a filling station, this renovated cottage has a unique pitched purple roof. Inside, you’ll find a lovely exposed wood ceiling, concrete floors, and a surprisingly airy layout, thanks to architect Gunner Guidry. A post shared by David (@davidnola) on Jan 10, 2018 at 11:13am PST"

"The Station is a laid-back environment with good coffee and equally tasty homemade food to pair. Get to this industrial-chic and whimsically decorated coffee shop early to avoid a line. Take a seat outside on the patio for relaxed sipping."

"900 Royal St., (504) 412-8065; www.cafeamelie.com/petite-amelie. A garlic chicken sandwich is topped with warm garlic sauce, greens and rosemary mayonnaise on ciabatta."

"Café Bon Ami is an adorable espresso bar right in the heart of New Orleans Central Business District, so it’s perfect for those corporate commuters in need of a caffeine boost. They also carry locally made treats from Girls Gone Vegan, Gracious Bakery, Acalli Chocolate, and Second Line Snacks, which pair perfectly with any of the drinks on the menu. To learn more about their menu and hours, you can check out their Facebook and Instagram pages!"

"Orleans Grapevine tends to fly a bit under the radar in the midst of splashier French Quarter spots, but for those in the know it’s a top destination, particularly for wine. It’s a favorite of local distributors and wine geeks, and the great wine flight deal offered during happy hour can help familiarize even the most novice vino drinkers. There’s a cozy vibe and friendly staff, and it’s one of few places in the Quarter to feel like a neighborhood gem."

"Orleans Grapevine is a French Quarter Wine Bar & Bistro with a casual fine dining component as well. Start with the wine, which can be ordered by the glass or bottle. Come in between 4-6 pm to try a "Wine Flight", a three wine sampling to expand your horizons."

"Escape to the south of France at this incredibly charming Bywater restaurant that features a delicious sake-cured salmon and goat cheese tartine, duck a l’orange, and a wine list that’s far from mainstream. Pro tip: N7’s only dessert option is a cheese plate, so expect to go elsewhere for dessert if your sweetie likes sweets. 1117 Montegut St.; an establishment so French there’s no phone number listed"

"One would venture to bet that numerous people have passed this neighborhood restaurant without every realizing it was there. Enter the gate, and you’ll discover a little backyard oasis in the middle of the Bywater. The restaurant got rave reviews when it first opened, and the setting is precious."

"Dining at N7 is deeply memorable, right down to the dining space. You walk down a potholed road to a garden littered with a vintage French junkyard theme."

"One of the best kept-secrets when it comes to romantic French restaurants. Here, you’ll find unique items like frogs legs but familiar ones as well, such as grilled rack of lamb, Cornish hen, or grilled salmon. Don’t like French food?"

"When I walked into Revelator Coffee and saw all of their unique blends and espresso machines at work, I knew I was in for a treat. Their coffee tastes legit, and you can even buy some coffee grinds to DIY at home. Along with the relaxing music playing, the sounds of their espresso machines were extremely therapeutic while studying."