The Lafayette Cemetery in New Orleans was built in 1833. Two footpaths that shape a cross divide the cemetery. This is one crowded cemetery (1,000 tombs and 7,000 burials and counting) which had been filled to capacity in mere decades of its opening! Most of the tombs are constructed of inexpensive plastered brick while some wealthier families opted for marble tombs. Crypts were also built by fraternal organizations such as the Jefferson Fire Company No. 22.

In the 1800s Marie Laveau supposedly moonlighted as a Voodoo Queen after she closed the doors of her hair salon. After her death in 1881 a rumor persisted that she could grant favors if the petitioner scrawled three Xs on her tomb. Of course, this led to countless Xs covering her tomb and thus the cemetery was forbidden to anyone not with a bona fide tour guide. So plan on visiting only after you've found and paid a local tour guide to escort you.

This gnarled, knobby tree is a favorite with the locals, but it should be - it's believed to be, according to the "Live Oak Society," 100 to 500 years old, so it should've made many friends by now! It's branches are incredibly climbable with a number of dangling stray ropes and handles to aid you in clambering up into its canopy. It's also a favorite spot to take wedding pictures.

In the 1690s the French claimed Louisiana as a colony and Bourbon Street paid homage to the House of Bourbon - France's ruling family. In 1763 New Orleans traded hands to Spanish but 80% of the city was destroyed by fire in 1788. This is the reason Bourbon Street and the French Quarter display more Spanish than French influence. America gained control over the colony in 1803 and translated French street names into English and Rue Bourbon suddenly became Bourbon Street.

New Orleans is known for its haunted places and LaLaurie Mansion is one of the most famous. Probably made even more famous after "American Horror Story" season 3 aired, this swanky abode was once the home of Madame Delphine LaLaurie. While many of her alleged offenses were most likely fabricated it is clear that she was a cruel woman responsible for the deaths of slaves in her household. Today, the house is privately owned and trespassing is strictly forbidden.

Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop was constructed in the French/Spanish colony during the 18th century and is one of New Orleans' older structures (and the oldest structure in the U.S. which contains a bar). It's also purported to be one of the most haunted venues in the French Quarter. The building is a rare example of briquette-entre-poteaux construction and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1970.

Old but beautiful this mansion is one of the most grandiose architectural styles in the city. Today it is divided up into eight apartments. Although the building could use some better maintenance the apartment buildings are rented at premium prices. While you might not be able to see the interior the exterior is gorgeous enough to warrant a photo stop.

Nicholas Cage has an odd history with this city - he has bought historic landmarks and has had to forfeit those landmarks after IRS issues. This last piece of property yet remains in his possession - a gleaming white pyramid in the St. Louis Cemetery No.1. Even though he has lost his Louisiana properties his final resting place is locked in place just awaiting its inhabitant. If you're not a germaphobe, you can leave a lipstick kiss on the tomb along with thousands of others.

Known also as Vieux Carré, the French Quarter in New Orleans, LA is the oldest neighborhood and a prime tourist destination in the city. New Orleans was founded by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville in 1718 and the city was developed around the Vieux Carré or "Old Square" - now, most commonly called the French Quarter. Most of the buildings were constructed in the late 18th century and the first half of the 19th century during Spanish rule, then during U.S. annexation and statehood.

Few cemeteries are this distinctive with unique markers, statues, mausoleums, and sepulchers housing the dead. This cemetery is known for the beautifully sculpted works of art each one contributing to the peaceful and spiritual aura of the grounds. Some are old, some are new, but they are all gorgeously rendered. There's even a special place for dearly departed pets. There is a lot of land to cover so be sure to set aside a couple of hours for your visit.