Peachy the Magazine July August 2015 | Page 70

New Orleans PLAY If you want to learn more about the colorful history of New Orleans, head to the French Quarter mansion, the Hermann-Grima House. Built in 1831, this historic home has been meticulously restored to its original splendor and depicts the lifestyle of a prosperous Creole family. The courtyard is beautiful! 820 Saint Louis Street 504.274.0746 photo from Audubon Aquarium website The Audubon Nature Institute includes the Aquarium, Insectarium (both near the French 68 PEACHYTHEMAGAZINE.COM Quarter) and Audubon Zoo (located uptown by Tulane University). All three are state of the art and interesting for all ages. The Aquarium and Insectarium are perfect if you visit during a rainy day. Both have lots of interactive activities and feature animals that are special to the area. The Albino alligator is a favorite at the Aquarium, and my children love saying they have eaten grasshoppers and worms while visiting the Insectarium (there is a restaurant that lets guests try cooked insects!). Again, adults are just as entertained as the children!!! Audubon Aquarium of the Americas (photo below) #1 Canal Street 504.565.3033 Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium 423 Canal Street 504.524.2847 The Audubon Zoo is located Uptown in a gorgeous setting…oak trees dripping in moss, swamps filled with alligators and nutria. It’s truly a beautiful and special place to visit. During the hotter months, the zoo opens their water parks, Cool Zoo and the new Lazy River, so don’t forget your bathing suits. The food is really delicious too. My family especially likes eating the Cajun meat pies at the Swamp where live alligators are lounging and swimmin r