ThiNgS TO SEE & DO PLANTATIONS & HISTORIC HOMES Destrehan Plantation destrehanplantation.org / 13034 River Rd., Destrehan, 70047 / 985-764-9315, 877-453-2095 Closest plantation from New Orleans. Costumed tour guides. Exhibits include an original document signed by Thomas Jefferson, folk art depicting the 1811 slave revolt, and family artifacts and documents. Period craft demonstrations daily. — Outside Metro Area RIVERBOATS Betsy Ann Riverboat betsyannriverboat.com / 5145 Fleming Park Rd. , Lafitte, 70067 / 504-229-6650 Cruise Lafitte's scenic bayous aboard the Betsy Ann paddlewheeler, offering historical tours and relaxing sunset cruises. Enjoy drinks and snacks onboard. Perfect for groups and private events seeking an authentic Louisiana experience. — Westbank JAMNOLA Paddlewheeler Creole Queen jamnola.com / 940 Frenchmen, NO, 70116 / 504-233-2206 Now located on vibrant Frenchmen Street, JAMNOLA (Joy Art Music -New Orleans) takes visitors of all ages on an immersive joy ride through the heart and soul of New Orleans. This one-of-a-kind cultural funhouse features 29 exhibits that celebrate the city's iconic art, music, food, and theatrics all brought to life by over 100 visionary local artists and creative partners. — Faubourg Marigny/Bywater Houmas House and Gardens houmashouse.com / 40136 Hwy. 942, River Road, Darrow, 70725 / 225-473-9380 Houmas House Estate & Gardens offers a step back in time. Explore 38 acres of stunning gardens and tour the historic mansion. Afterward, savor exceptional Louisiana cuisine at Latil's Landing, The Carriage House, or the Dixie Café. — Outside Metro Area creolequeen.com / Spanish Plaza Wharf, NO, 70130 / 504-529-4567, 800-445-4109 Cruise the mighty Mississippi aboard our award-winning, authentic paddlewheeler. Enjoy our leisurely dinner cruise with classic Creole cuisine or embark on a day trip to historic Chalmette Battlefield in Jean Lafitte National Park. — Central Business District Pixie Dust Biodegradable Glitter Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS Laura Plantation lauraplantation.com / 2247 Hwy. 18 , River Road, Vacherie, 70090 / 225-265-7690 Trip Advisor's top-rated plantation tour. Go beyond the myths of the American South and explore the lives of four generations of one Louisiana Creole family, both free and enslaved. Tours are based on intimate, first-hand accounts from archives in Louisiana and France. Daily tours in English/French. Fifty minutes from New Orleans. — Outside Metro Area Steamboatnatchez.com / St. Louis Street and the Mississippi River , 400 Toulouse St., NO, 70130 / 504-569-1401, 800-233-2628 Running mate to the Steamboat NATCHEZ offering narrated 75-minute daytime sightseeing cruises and Jazz Brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Bars on every deck, with the best view in town from the Skyline Bar on the fourth deck. — French Quarter pixiedust.eco / 824 Chartres St. , NO, 70116 / 504-434-0832 Book an eco-friendly "Sparkle Station" for your next celebration. Let a professional glitter artist add a touch of magic to the faces of your party guests. Our business not only embodies glitter and glamour, but upholds sustainable values. Our glitter is plant-based, plastic-free, and biodegradable. — French Quarter Tijon tijon.com / 631 Toulouse St., NO, 70130 / 504-428-8422 Create your own perfume/ cologne. Join over 21,000 people in this five-star experience. Three options are offered. The hardest thing for most is naming their fragrance. — French Quarter Steamboat NATCHEZ Zero Latency VR New Orleans Oak Alley Plantation oakalleyplantation.org / 3645 Hwy. 18, Great River Road, Vacherie, 70090 / 225-265-2151 From its 28 oaks to its open spaces to its hidden nooks and crannies, Oak Alley's landscape tells the story of a plantation in its evolution. Explore the landscape, walk under the alley, connect with staff through tours of the "Big House" exhibit and conversation series at the Slavery at Oak Alley exhibit, and experience other exhibits and points of interest. — Outside Metro Area steamboatnatchez.com / Toulouse Street and the Mississippi River , 400 Toulouse St. , NO, 70130 / 504-569-1401, 800-233-2628 Three daily cruises aboard the last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi River featuring live jazz, captain's narration, optional Creole cuisine, and panoramic views from indoor and outdoor spaces. Book direct to upgrade with a drink package. — French Quarter zerolatencyvr.com/en/new-orleans / 733 St. Joseph St., NO, 70130 / 240-938-1351 In an arena the size of a tennis court, you are video gaming while inside the game. Wander in family-friendly puzzling worlds or face not-so-friendly zombies and pirates, all while immersed in free-roam virtual reality. — Convention/Warehouse/Arts District Zip NOLA LLC SPECIALTY EXPERIENCES Church Mouse Forge churchmouseforge.com / 1157 Eagle St., NO, 70118 / 504-635-5805 Small artisanal blacksmith shop offering custom hardware, made-to-order tools, unique housewares, custom knives, and hand-wrought iron. Also offering beginner blacksmithing classes and knifemaking classes. — Garden District/Uptown St. Joseph & Felicity Plantation stjosephplantation.com / 3535 Hwy. 18, Vacherie, 70090 / 225-265-4078 Authentic tour of a working sugar-cane plantation, family owned since 1877. Birthplace of acclaimed architect H. H. Richardson. Explore original cabins of the enslaved and exhibits of early life on St. Joseph Plantation. Annual "Mourning Tour" runs Oct. 1-Nov. 3 depicting 19th century Creole mourning customs. — Outside Metro Area zipnola.com / 301 Peavine Rd., LaPlace, 70068 / 504-350-0947 The world's first and only fully aquatic swamp zipline. With complete views of the Maurepas Swamp, Historic Village of Frenier, Lake Pontchartrain, and the New Orleans skyline, Zip NOLA is a must see for anyone looking to explore the wild side of New Orleans. — Outside Metro Area Community Sailing New Orleans SPORTING EVENTS & SPORTS Allstate Sugar Bowl allstatesugarbowl.org / 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr., NO, 70112 / 504-828-2440 Host of annual Sugar Bowl football classic, which doubles as a College Football Playoff game, as well as a proud supporter of area teachers, youth sporting events, scholarship programs, and recognition banquets. — Central Business District RESERVATIONS SERVICES -ACTIVITIES Gators and Ghosts gatorsandghosts.com / 728 St. Louis St., NO, 70130 / 504-226-5433, 888-481-8188 Airboat swamp tours, haunted French Quarter Tours, city and Katrina tours, private tours, group tours, and much more. Locally owned and operated. Visit our booth at the Chris Owens Club at 500 Bourbon St., book online, call, email, or even text us. — French Quarter nolacommunitysailing.org / 101 N. Roadway St., NO, 70124 / 504-233-3292 Community Set on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, Community Sailing New Orleans offers visitors a unique way to experience the city from the water. Guests can book team-building sails or private lessons, or host sunset happy hours or special events at our waterfront Sailing Center. Looking for a fun and memorable activity? We offer unique experiences that showcase the city from a whole new perspective. No experience needed. — Lakeview/Lakefront Crescent City Classic GLITTER BUFFET experience powered by Elektra Cosmetics Joieful joieful.com / 4333 Euphrosine St., NO, 70125 / 504-207-4555 Curates New Orleans experiences of all kinds and provides group-planning services and exclusive VIP deals. Make your day Joieful by visiting our website or concierge locations. — Mid-City glitterbuffet.com / 628 Elysian Fields Ave., NO, 70117 / 504-507-8470 x101 Experience the ultimate Glitter Bar, perfect for weddings, corporate events, galas, brand activations, and music festivals. Elevate your occasion with dazzling glitter stations, transforming your event into a sparkling celebration for a lasting impression. — Faubourg Marigny/Bywater ccc10k.com / 320 Metairie Hammond Hwy. , Suite 400, Metairie, 70005 / 504-861-8686 One of the largest 10K road races in the U.S. This is a chance to see the city up close and personal. Join 17,000 "friends" at our post-race party, described as the "most fun you can have at a race." 104