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
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
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
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
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
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