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Gators & Ghosts Blog

Stories, Tips & Insider Knowledge from New Orleans

Get the inside scoop on Louisiana swamps, haunted history, local favorites, and everything you need to know to make the most of your New Orleans adventure.

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Kayakers paddling down a flooded Banks Street in Mid-City New Orleans, July 2019Ghost

VISIT NEW ORLEANS WHILE YOU STILL CAN!!!

By Lenny Crist

A new study says New Orleans is sinking into the Gulf. Here's a 300-year-old city's gloriously unbothered response to being told it's doomed.

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The quarter-mile alley of live oaks leading to the Greek Revival Big House at Oak Alley PlantationPlantation

Oak Alley or Whitney: Which New Orleans Plantation Tour Is Right for You?

By Lenny Crist

Stuck between choosing Oak Alley or Whitney for your plantation day from New Orleans? Here's the honest difference and how to pick the one that fits your trip.

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Louis Armstrong Park in New Orleans during festival seasonNew Orleans

What's Happening in New Orleans in April 2026

By Lenny Crist

April is the best month to visit New Orleans. Four festivals, new restaurants, and 80-degree weather.

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Crowd at the Congo Square stage during New Orleans Jazz FestTips & Guides

How to Fill Your Jazz Fest Week (Without Missing a Single Set)

By Lenny Crist

Jazz Fest 2026 runs April 24 through May 4. Here's how to fill the mornings, evenings, and mid-week days when you're not at the Fairgrounds.

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Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter of New OrleansNew Orleans

26 Best Things to Do in New Orleans (A Local’s Guide for 2026)

By Lenny Crist

Skip the tourist traps. Here are 26 things to do in New Orleans, recommended by locals who’ve been helping visitors explore the city since 2008.

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Where To Eat In New Orleans Late at Night After A Ghost Tour?Ghost

Where To Eat In New Orleans Late at Night After A Ghost Tour?

Discover Top Late-Night Restaurants in New Orleans, Recommended by Locals, Perfect for Satisfying Your Post-Ghost Tour Cravings. Open Past Midnight and Beyond!

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Are Service Animals Allowed on Swamp Tours?Swamp

Are Service Animals Allowed on Swamp Tours?

Learn why swamp tours can legally restrict service animals and what alternatives are available. Discover how ADA guidelines address wildlife interactions and find trusted pet care options during you

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Dad of the Year (Or At Least Trying To Be)Ghost

Dad of the Year (Or At Least Trying To Be)

Leonard Crist, co-owner of Gators & Ghosts in New Orleans, reflects on becoming a father for the second time while running a tour business. He shares his thoughts on work-life balance, a song called

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Could Lana Del Rey's Swamp Romance Spark A New Dating Trend?Swamp

Could Lana Del Rey's Swamp Romance Spark A New Dating Trend?

Forget swiping right on dating apps - the hottest new way to find love is apparently on a Louisiana swamp tour! At least, that's what we're gathering from the recent buzz about Lana Del Rey's rumored

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The Complex History of Oak Alley PlantationPlantation

The Complex History of Oak Alley Plantation

Discover the rich history of Oak Alley Plantation, a National Historic Landmark in Louisiana. From its Greek Revival-style mansion to its enslaved population, learn about the complexities of plantat

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[2026] Essential Ghost Hunting Tools for Paranormal Investigations in New Orleans’ French QuarterGhost

[2026] Essential Ghost Hunting Tools for Paranormal Investigations in New Orleans’ French Quarter

Explore essential ghost hunting equipment and embark on a thrilling paranormal New Orleans French Quarter tour with Gators and Ghosts, unveiling the supernatural mysteries of the city!

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Experience New Orleans on a Budget with Our Affordable ToursNew Orleans

Experience New Orleans on a Budget with Our Affordable Tours

Unleash the best of New Orleans on a budget with affordable tours, mouthwatering cuisine, and unforgettable experiences – Gators and Ghosts is your key to unlocking the Big Easy!

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Seasons of Wonder: Find The Best Time for Your New Orleans Swamp ExperienceSwamp

Seasons of Wonder: Find The Best Time for Your New Orleans Swamp Experience

Discover the best time to visit New Orleans' Louisiana swamps on airboat or pontoon tours, enjoying diverse wildlife, captivating flora, and unique seasonal experiences.

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Gator Facts: Things You Might Not Know About AlligatorsSwamp

Gator Facts: Things You Might Not Know About Alligators

Beloved sports team mascot, apex predator, survivor – you could use any of these terms to describe the alligator. While these creatures probably walked among dinosaurs, they managed to adapt, evolve

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Ghosts in the Cold: The Story of JulieGhost

Ghosts in the Cold: The Story of Julie

The cold rarely lingers in New Orleans, but every once in a while, we find ourselves in a brief but deep winter. Nights like these bring to mind one of the most notorious NOLA ghost stories – the ta

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Native American History Month: A Look at the Original New Orleans InhabitantsNew Orleans

Native American History Month: A Look at the Original New Orleans Inhabitants

You cannot understand the history of New Orleans without looking back further than the European settlement of this area. While the city of New Orleans celebrated its 300th anniversary of cityhood in

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The Most Instagrammable Spots Around New OrleansNew Orleans

The Most Instagrammable Spots Around New Orleans

A visit to New Orleans is a feast for your senses, and while we are known for our incredibly decadent food scene, you will quickly find that the colors and textures of the city mean that photo oppor

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Jean Lafitte: Infamous Pirate, Folk Hero, PatriotGhost

Jean Lafitte: Infamous Pirate, Folk Hero, Patriot

One of the most infamous characters in New Orleans history was a man named Jean Lafitte. He was a pirate, a smuggler, and a slave trader — not exactly a nice guy — but in certain circles, he was see

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Best Halloween Spooks and Scares in New OrleansGhost

Best Halloween Spooks and Scares in New Orleans

Murder, mayhem, mystery – with a history as storied as ours, it is not hard to find spooks and scares in New Orleans, one of America’s most haunted cities. While you can seek out a goosebump-inducin

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Top 10 New Orleans Attractions — How Many Of These Big Easy Can't-Misses Have You Done?New Orleans

Top 10 New Orleans Attractions — How Many Of These Big Easy Can't-Misses Have You Done?

Don't be overwhelmed by the hundreds of things to do in New Orleans. We'll help you figure out what's worthwhile with this handy list of the top 10 New Orleans attractions.

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