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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — When you’re looking to learn more about what’s around you, what better place to go than an out of the way museum?

This summer, I’m checking out fun, weird, and flavorful things that will take you and fellow adventurers off the beaten path.

This week, I’m checking out museums in the New Orleans area that you shouldn’t miss.

H.J. Smith & Sons General Store

H.J. Smith & Sons

You might be thinking ‘huh? I thought she said museums!’ Don’t let the name fool you!

H.J. Smith & Sons is part general store, part museum. There’s everything from Covington and Smith family history to tiny wagons built for kids and pulled by goats! If you don’t mind driving the Causeway, check them out!

Address: 308 N Columbia Street, Covington (51-minute drive from New Orleans)

Admission: Free

New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum

voodoo museum

Learn the history of one of the religions practiced longest in the city, and the differences between voodoo, hoodoo, and all in between.

With lots of artifacts and information, any questions you might have can be answered by the knowledgeable staff.

Address: 724 Dumaine, New Orleans

Admission: $5 per person

Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily

Madame John’s Legacy

madame john's legacy

The museum is said to be the oldest and only French home in the French Quarter. The name for the house was inspired by an 1874 short story called Tite Poulette. So go check out the architecture and the rotating displays.

Address: 632 Dumaine, New Orleans

Admission: FREE

Hours: Open 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Tuesday – Sundays

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

pharmacy museum

Did you know the pharmacies in New Orleans used to sell voodoo potions? YES! And how the potions were named inspired some artists.

Take the kids to stare at all the weird stuff in clear jars pharmacists used to prescribe to help you get better and check out the (sadly nonfunctional) old school soda fountain!

Address: 514 Chartres

Admission: $5 per person

Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday

Whitney Plantation

whitney plantation

While technically a plantation tour, this is a must go.

Whitney Plantation doesn’t focus on the hoop skirts and mint juleps, but rather the slaves — and especially slave children — of “Habitation Haydel.”

Reservations recommended.

Address: 5099 Highway 18, Wallace

Admission: $22 general admission

$22 general admission

       $10 kids 6 – 12

       $15 for seniors, students, active-duty military, & residents of St. John & St. James Parishes

Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Wednesday – Monday