The Haunted Truth About Halloween in New Orleans
Last year New Orleans celebrated its Tri-Centennial. After 300 years had passed, this city has had its share of ghosts and witches to now be called, “the most haunted city in America.” These haunted tales have been passed along for generations and always seem to resurface around Halloween.
Like the infamous tale is of Madame Delphine LaLaurie, or the tragic story of Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, and what other city in America has the First Lady of Vodoo – Marie Laveau!
I live near some of the older cemeteries in the city and often marvel at the beauty, peace and tranquility of these hallowed grounds. After researching history about these cemeteries, I came across an article about, “The Feast of All Souls,” or “All Souls’ Day.” In the early history of the city, this day was dedicated to celebrating the lives of family and friends who had passed-on. The day was spent in the cemeteries – cleaning tombs, manicuring lawns and placing flowers. The respect for those who passed is still apparent by the care of family tombs that now date back several centuries.
On a larger scale, Halloween takes on a more festive feel, similar to Mardi Gras Day. Frenchmen Street in the Marigny neighborhood is alive with spooky costume clad revelers as music blasts out from Jazz clubs and bars. A week earlier to get the haunted season rolling, the Krewe of Boo (a family friendly event) parades through the French Quarter and the CBD before ending in the Warehouse District (October 19th). A week later, Vodoo Fest is held (October 25th to 27th) in City Park, just to the south of Scout Island Scream Park that operates throughout the month until ending on November 2nd.
Getting back to our haunted past is like most things in New Orleans – a time to be festive and have fun! To learn more about the city’s haunted past, try a Ghost Tour with Legendary Walking Tours. Neworleanslegendarywalkingtours.com or call 504.503.0199. It will put all this haunted history into perspective with New Orleans’ Joie de Vivre.
– Peter A. Boese
Like the infamous tale is of Madame Delphine LaLaurie, or the tragic story of Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, and what other city in America has the First Lady of Vodoo – Marie Laveau!
I live near some of the older cemeteries in the city and often marvel at the beauty, peace and tranquility of these hallowed grounds. After researching history about these cemeteries, I came across an article about, “The Feast of All Souls,” or “All Souls’ Day.” In the early history of the city, this day was dedicated to celebrating the lives of family and friends who had passed-on. The day was spent in the cemeteries – cleaning tombs, manicuring lawns and placing flowers. The respect for those who passed is still apparent by the care of family tombs that now date back several centuries.
On a larger scale, Halloween takes on a more festive feel, similar to Mardi Gras Day. Frenchmen Street in the Marigny neighborhood is alive with spooky costume clad revelers as music blasts out from Jazz clubs and bars. A week earlier to get the haunted season rolling, the Krewe of Boo (a family friendly event) parades through the French Quarter and the CBD before ending in the Warehouse District (October 19th). A week later, Vodoo Fest is held (October 25th to 27th) in City Park, just to the south of Scout Island Scream Park that operates throughout the month until ending on November 2nd.
Getting back to our haunted past is like most things in New Orleans – a time to be festive and have fun! To learn more about the city’s haunted past, try a Ghost Tour with Legendary Walking Tours. Neworleanslegendarywalkingtours.com or call 504.503.0199. It will put all this haunted history into perspective with New Orleans’ Joie de Vivre.
– Peter A. Boese
Cajun Encounters – Where Spice and Adventure Meet in Louisiana
What do you get when you combine a 60 pound sack of live crawfish with a 16 foot Alligator in Southern Louisiana? Answer: An exciting party! Well, that is exactly what we experienced at Cajun Encounters last Thursday evening. We had a corporate outing planned at their timber and wrought iron constructed Cajun Pavilion on Honey Island near Slidell, LA. When we arrived, the cooks where boiling water, adding Cajun seasoning, chopping ingredients as they prepared for the party. This gave us time to jump in a few of their custom tour boats and venture up-river through thousands of acres of old Cyprus forest.
The surroundings changed right-away and in no time we were venturing through narrow passages with tremendous sounds of birds, frogs and other swamp creatures that my ears could not identify. Our boat captain and guide explained that this area is known as a prime habitat for some really big alligators and it was our mission to see one of these while we still had enough daylight. We were told that these alligators don’t venture far from where they were hatched and a 16 foot alligator is probably over 70 years-old!
We continued to cruise deeper into the swamp and came across and group of wild feral hogs that were feeding at the edge of the water. The guide commented that none of the hogs were getting close to the water. I asked if that was due to our boat getting closer? He replied that it was most likely due to the fact that we were in an area known for “big gators.” We moved into deeper water close to a channel that ran through an unnamed slough, when all of a sudden a pair of eyes and large nostrils appeared just above the water line. It was the big one, the gator we had been looking for. I have always had respect, and yes – fear for these prehistoric reptiles. I had worked in Africa years ago and knew better than to take a cool “dip” in the nearby river, even though the temperature was over 100 degrees. Those were crocs back then, while these in Louisiana are “gators,” – even so, they both demand the respect and caution of anyone who comes close. From the safety of the boat, we got a really good look at this monster reptile, and so it was time to head back to the pavilion and the Cajun Feast that was waiting for us in big steel pots!
Upon arrival back at the pavilion, a father and son duo where playing tunes on their guitar and accordion while singing lively lyrics in an old Cajun French dialect that was foreign to my ear. I pulled an ice cold Bayou Teche Beer out of a tin wash-basin and took a swig, with a smile, I sensed I was in for a unique experience with these hosts! Just then a very big man came over to welcome me to the party, he called himself “KP” and his handshake was strong, typical for a work-boat captain . KP explained “crawfish season” and the traditions of preparing, peeling and eating these delicious little crustaceans.
I sat a picnic table covered with brown butcher paper with the others as we anticipated this Cajun Feast. I commented that they might serve the food like they do at a Hawaiian Luau – give us a serving tray and ask us to form a line to be served. Boy was I wrong! KP and one of his buddies arrived at our table with what what looked like a small canoe and set it in the middle of the group. He explained that this was a Pirogue (Cajun canoe) and offered to demonstrate how to eat the crawfish served steaming hot with corn, Cajun sausage, potatoes, onions, garlic and a secret blend of spices. We all ate what we thought was a large serving, but KP explained, “a local will eat double what you ate and in half the time!”
After dinner we learned some of the old Cajun dance steps and enjoyed the music that blended-in nicely with the sound of the surrounding swamp. It really gave me an appreciation of the unique culture that the Cajuns have in Southern Louisiana. I am fortunate to have traveled all over the World and have experienced a wide range of cultures; this part of America, with its Cajun culture, culinary traditions, wonderful people and impressive wildlife was a special box to check-off on my bucket-list.
I recommend you try this the next time you visit New Orleans!
– Peter A. Boese
I recommend you try this the next time you visit New Orleans!
– Peter A. Boese
West Pearl – Pristine River in Jeopardy
As the communities up-river in Mississippi continue to forge ahead for the construction of a dam they don’t need, I contemplate the possibility of the loss of the Pearl River System down-stream in the state of Louisiana. I am proud to state that I work for a company that operates an award- winning eco-tourism business – taking people from throughout the nation and beyond into the pristine Honey Island Swamp. Earlier this season, the company hosted a Japanese film crew on a tour, and they advised that this experience was the highlight of their tour of the South. This unique eco-system has something for everyone; I expected the film crew to comment on the alligators, but it was the abundance of beautiful birds that caught the eye of the cameraman. The National Audubon Society ranks this ecosystem one of the best in the South for observing a wide range of bird species.

Let’s also consider the people who work on the river. It is not just the local fisherman, but several businesses in the tourism industry operate eco-friendly tours showing an authentic old growth cypress forest to interested visitors from throughout the globe! Many local residents have made careers supporting this important eco-tourism industry that is vital to the preservation of this endangered eco-system. In my opinion, the Pearl River System is priceless and needs to be protected!
– Peter A. Boese
Cajun Encounters
CAJUN ENCOUNTERS
Cajun Encounters Eco-Tours is locally-owned and operated by New Orleans natives who are passionate about their home town, its history, and the surrounding wildlife. After nearly 20 years as the leading tour company in New Orleans, we’ve been consistently recognized for top customer ratings, and we continue to grow. We’re known throughout the area for providing authentic, New Orleans swamp tours to visitors and locals alike.
CAJUN ENCOUNTERS INFORMATION
- Cajun Encounters is a Pelican New Orleans Tour Operator that offers:
- Custom designed tours for groups of all sizes, we’ll even plan your entire stay!
- Full fleet of deluxe buses for private transportation
- Guided walking tours through the French Quarter, Garden District and local cemeteries
- Guided city bus tours traveling to the most unique New Orleans neighborhoods & landmarks
- Guided tours plus transportation to local Louisiana Plantations
- And more!
Whether you’re meandering through a plantation of the Old South, taking a guided bus tour through the city, or gliding next to a giant gator, we promise to make your New Orleans vacation an unforgettable adventure. When planning your next New Orleans trip, be sure to take a true Cajun swamp tour to experience the true feel of Louisiana.
Allow us to show you the hidden treasures of Louisiana. Bringing your friends? Book a group adventure.
5/5
8/22/2019
We had a great time!! Our guide Nathan was awesome!! So friendly and very knowledgeable! He had us laughing the whole time!! I booked this for 15 of us and everyone said how much fun they had. We've all lived in Louisiana our whole life and none of us had ever done a nighttime swamp tour. Our boat didn't even have lights (3 fuses) blow, so all Nathan had was his spot light but he didn't miss a beat!! All the stuff was friendly and the place was beautiful and well kept. Would go back for another tour anytime!! Thank you for some wonderful memories!!
Rachel M.
5/5
08/14/2019
We used Cajun Encounters for three tours: City Bus Tours, Swamp Tour, and Plantation Tour (Laura and Oak Alley). The City Bus Tour was guided by Butch. The Swamp tour was guided by Capt Stefan, and the Laura tour was guided a young man whose name I do not remember. These tour guides were the best we have ever seen. They take tour excellence to a new level in my book. The guides were interesting and edifying and made the whole experience unforgettable. Even the tour bus drivers were entertaining and did a great job. We did these tours on Aug 20 and 21, 2019.
Tom L.
5/5
08/07/2019
We really enjoyed our swamp tour with Capt John! He had the right amount of wit and humor (reminded me of Adam Sandler), along with interesting facts! We got really great pictures of the alligators up close (and personal!) and the wild boar! We booked online and when we arrived, everything was ready and well-organized. The facilities were nice. Waiting area with games and look-out area, restrooms, gift shop were nice too. I liked how they color- coded each group for the boats and fitted the kids with life jackets. My oldest daughter has Autism and easily gets overwhelmed by new experiences; but Capt John quickly put her at ease! She even helped him find a live snail! This was well worth our time and money! Highly recommend Cajun Encounters! Thanks, Capt John for a fun experience!
Meredith S.
OTHER SERVICES
Audubon Coach
Audubon Coach Audubon Coach is the premier luxury transportation service of Louisiana.
Legendary Walking Tours
LEGENDARY WALKING TOURS New Orleans Legendary Walking Tours will provide you with

Audubon Coach
Audubon Coach
Audubon Coach is the premier luxury transportation service of Louisiana. Owned and operated locally in New Orleans, our commitment to excellence is powered by attention to detail, cutting-edge software, an exquisite fleet of vehicles, and Southern hospitality. Our drivers are professional chauffeurs, with in-depth knowledge of the area and pride in providing the highest level of service. Our diverse fleet of vehicles spans from luxury motor coaches to Mercedes Sprinter vans. Our team is on hand for the smallest detail to the largest itinerary change. At Audubon Coach, we are dedicated to providing a truly superior experience. We look forward to serving you.
5/5
8/22/2019
Had an amazing experience with Audubon Coach! Contacted them 24 hours before a wedding as a last minute request for my clients. Booking process was seamless, vehicle arrived 15 minutes before the contracted time, it was clean, smelled great and my bride was reassured that she booked the right vendors for her wedding day. The drivers presentation and demeanor was also excellent! Thank you so much for helping me at the last minute and giving my client a 5 star experience!
Ashley C.
5/5
08/14/2019
Audubon Coach was fantastic for our wedding party. They were very professional, responding immediately and sending us itemized invoices when we first contacted them. On the day of our wedding, the drivers showed up early with everything we requested, and were nothing but friendly, courteous, and professional the entire night. Moreover, Audubon was far cheaper than other comparable companies in New Orleans. We would use them again in an instant.
Tommy W.
OTHER SERVICES
Cajun Encounters
CAJUN ENCOUNTERS Cajun Encounters Eco-Tours is locally-owned and operated by New Orleans
Legendary Walking Tours
LEGENDARY WALKING TOURS New Orleans Legendary Walking Tours will provide you with

Legendary Walking Tours
LEGENDARY WALKING TOURS
New Orleans Legendary Walking Tours will provide you with an unparalleled experience of the French Quarter, Garden District, and historic cemeteries that set New Orleans apart from any other city in the U.S. From eerie gravesites, to stunning French and Spanish architecture, to the mysterious origins of voo-doo and the birthplace of jazz, every view of the Crescent City offers new discoveries.
COME SEE US
Explore the secrets of New Orleans firsthand as the city’s most knowledgeable tour guides bring history to life.
Bringing your friends?
Bringing your friends?
5/5
8/22/2019
I had a hard time deciding on a tour when visiting New Orleans so I decided to go with the Legendary Walking Tours, based on other good reviews. We had Jennifer as our tour guide and we were not disappointed. She gave an amazing tour. She was very informative about all things New Orleans, and always kept the tour interesting. Would highly recommend!!
Amanda C.
5/5
08/14/2019
My daughter and I did the Garden District tour (8/20); Loki, our tour guide, was fabulous. His knowledge and little tidbits made the tour fun and enjoyable. We are looking forward to our trip back to New Orleans and will definitely do another tour! Thank you!
Lori F.
5/5
08/14/2019
Our walking tour was a combination of education and fun. Our tour guide Loki made our tour come alive with his stories. It even started to rain quite heavily during our tour but that didn't damper anything. We continued on, having a great time. We learned so much and had so much fun with Loki. Thanks!
David P.
OTHER SERVICES
Cajun Encounters
CAJUN ENCOUNTERS Cajun Encounters Eco-Tours is locally-owned and operated by New Orleans
Audubon Coach
Audubon Coach Audubon Coach is the premier luxury transportation service of Louisiana.
