{"id":947,"date":"2025-04-19T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-19T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/?p=947"},"modified":"2025-04-22T12:00:25","modified_gmt":"2025-04-22T12:00:25","slug":"i-went-to-louisiana-to-drink-with-vampires-and-visit-nicolas-cages-grave","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/19\/i-went-to-louisiana-to-drink-with-vampires-and-visit-nicolas-cages-grave\/","title":{"rendered":"I went to Louisiana to drink with vampires and visit Nicolas Cage\u2019s grave"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n\t\t\"Colorful\t<\/div>
Colorful houses in the streets of the French Quarter in the city of New Orleans (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I\u2019m standing next to a gaudy pyramid-shaped tomb that belongs to Nicholas Cage<\/a> \u2013\u00a0who, in case you were going to check, is still alive.<\/p>\n

The actor paid $40,000 for his eventual resting place in St Louis Cemetery No 1<\/a>, which is also the burial site of Madame Laveau, a revered voodoo queen and beautician who lived in the 1800s.<\/p>\n

Visiting a graveyard is just one of the many bizarre experiences I\u2019m having in New Orleans<\/a> \u2013\u00a0a city that I am quickly falling in love with.<\/p>\n

Most people come here to drink or swing their cheap Mardi Gras beads on the infamous Bourbon Street. And if there\u2019s anything that the people of \u2018Nawlins\u2019 know how to do, it\u2019s how to throw a good party.\u00a0<\/p>\n

To locals, this isn\u2019t about visiting tacky joints or drinking cheap booze \u2013it\u2019s about embracing every opportunity that life throws at you to have a little fun. <\/p>\n

One person told me that their neighbourhood once threw a bash to celebrate the potholes on their street being filled in.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\tSign up to The Getaway newsletter\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
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Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration.\u00a0Sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Nothing is too weird in the \u2018The Big Easy\u2019.<\/p>\n

In one week, I have a drink with a \u2018vampire\u2019, meet (and eat) alligators, and learn that in Louisiana, vegetables are an optional food group.\u00a0<\/p>\n

I also face death on more than one occasion, in a manner of speaking.<\/p>\n

Serial scares<\/strong><\/h2>\n

New Orleans has a grid-like layout, meaning if you want to truly see it, you need to walk. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s part of the city\u2019s charm so I encourage you to ditch Google Maps and just let your feet, ears and nose lead you.<\/p>\n

Of the walking tours \u2013 and there are many \u2013 I recommend the Haunted History<\/a>: Ghosts and Legends experience (from \u00a319). But beware, the stories can be harrowing and uncomfortable.<\/p>\n

The worst of the lot is the stop outside LaLaurie Mansion, where serial <\/a>killer Delphine LaLaurie<\/a> and her husband tortured and murdered countless slaves, a story that was depicted in season 3 of American Horror Story<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Vampires are a big thing in New Orleans partly because Anne Rice, the New Orleans-born auteur of dark vampire fiction, wrote \u2018Interview with the Vampire\u2019 and set it here (Picture: Almara Abgarian)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Legend has it that if you walk under the building\u2019s balcony or touch its walls, you will be haunted by its spirits. I stayed firmly on the other side of the street.<\/p>\n

Ironically, this house is also linked to Nicholas Cage: he owned the property in the early 2000s, before losing it to foreclosure.<\/p>\n

Interview with a vampire<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The French Quarter is home to several vampire establishments, including the Vampire Caf\u00e9<\/a> on Royal Street \u2013 which serves cocktails in blood bags \u2013 and the Vampire Apothecary<\/a> on Saint Peter Street.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Have dinner at 11pm, followed by a visit to the in-house \u2018dentist\u2019 who can design a pair of fangs for you, starting at $200 USD (\u00a3151).<\/p>\n

There is also a secret speakeasy for the undead hidden above a truly incredible jazz bar.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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New Orleans has a mix of African, French, Spanish, British, and Asian cultures (Picture: Almara Abgarian)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I won\u2019t give away the location because that would spoil the fun, but go to Boutique Du Vampyre<\/a> and tell the cashier you are \u2018looking for the vampire\u2019. <\/p>\n

His name is Jason, of all things, and he\u2019s very friendly.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll admit, the vampire thing felt a bit gimmicky. But as someone who was obsessed with Buffy The Vampire Slayer as a teen, I couldn\u2019t resist delving into this world for an evening.<\/p>\n

The weird and the wonderful<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While you\u2019re in the area, pop into one of the many bizarre museums that New Orleans has to offer.<\/p>\n

Start with the Voodoo Museum<\/a> on Dumaine Street to learn about the true history of this spiritual practice and why it has nothing to do with sticking needles in dolls (entry is \u00a37.50).<\/p>\n

Continue to the Pharmacy Museum<\/a> on Chartres Street (also \u00a37.50), which has fascinating medical items on display across two floors and a lovely courtyard in the back.<\/p>\n

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The Pharmacy Museum is the largest collection of pharmaceutical\u00a0memorabilia\u00a0in the US (Picture: Almara Abgarian)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Finish off at the Museum of Death,<\/a> packed with serial killer memorabilia (\u00a311.30). The receptionist tells me they often get items sent in for consideration including, most recently, a bag of teeth.<\/p>\n

Light relief<\/strong><\/h2>\n

At this point, I\u2019m in dire need of some more light-hearted activities.<\/p>\n

I recommend Mardi Gras World<\/a>, which is essentially a huge warehouse filled with colourful floats (entry is \u00a323).<\/p>\n

Skip the guided tour, walk around by yourself and take funny photos with a life-sized Oscar<\/a> statue and a bust of Queen Elizabeth II<\/a>.<\/p>\n

After, get a taxi to Magazine Street \u2013 a six-mile stretch of road in the Warehouse District \u2013 and spend a few hours doing retail therapy. <\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
(Picture: Almara Abgarian)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The best shops, including bargain vintage store Funky Monkey,<\/a> can be found from the middle of the street onwards.<\/p>\n

Trust me on this: you need to set aside a few hours if you want to walk the entire stretch.<\/p>\n

And don\u2019t forget to look up; there are Mardi Gras beads in the trees, as well as random skeletons on porches \u2013 which is a normal sight in New Orleans. Several celebs, including Sandra Bullock <\/a>and vampire author Anne Rice<\/a>, own a house in the neighbourhood.<\/p>\n

Sadly, I didn\u2019t run into any of them.<\/p>\n

In the middle of this hipster shopping haven, I find another treat: a tiny museum dedicated to alligators (this one is free).<\/p>\n

They have plenty to see, including a life-size stuffed reptile, named Fideaux (yes, Fido) and you can buy gator teeth or jerky to take away.<\/p>\n

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Fideaux looks friendly, don\u2019t you think? (Picture: Almara Abgarian)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tastes like chicken<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Love it or hate it, alligator meat is a common staple in Louisiana restaurants. <\/p>\n

If you want to try it for yourself, head to the French Market to get a cheap gator \u2018bite\u2019 (a deep-fried slice), burger, or sausage on a stick.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Cooking and eating good food is a way of life in Louisiana with classic Creole and Cajun dishes like jambalaya, gumbo and po-boys available pretty much everywhere.<\/p>\n

Must-visits include Mother\u2019s<\/a>, a diner that has been around since 1938.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
Alligator meat is a staple in New Orleans cuisine (Picture: Almara Abgarian)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It\u2019s an unassuming place that doesn\u2019t care how you feel about their slightly dated decor.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s usually a long queue but it\u2019s worth the wait.<\/p>\n

For something more upscale, pop into Comp\u00e8re Lapin<\/a> or Palace Cafe<\/a>. Get breakfast at Ruby Slipper<\/a> \u2013 three locals recommended it to me \u2013\u00a0 and for dessert, eat all the beignets your heart desires at Cafe du Monde<\/a>, which is worth the hype.<\/p>\n

In this city \u2013 frankly, in this state \u2013\u00a0food isn\u2019t just food.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Cooking and eating good food is a way of life in Louisiana with classic Creole and Cajun dishes like jambalaya and gumbo available pretty much everywhere.<\/p>\n

My personal tip is to ditch the luxury restaurants and focus on local or independent establishments, because that\u2019s where the real action (read: flavour) happens.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
And of course, crisp and fluffy Beignets with plenty of powdered sugar (Picture: Almara Abgarian)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

And order more than one po-boy, from different places. This isn\u2019t \u2018just a sandwich\u2019 and not all po-boys are created equal.<\/p>\n

After dinner, if you do<\/em> want to party or catch some live music, the locals have one rule: stay away from Bourbon Street (the only exception is Fritzel\u2019s<\/a>). <\/p>\n

Instead, choose Frenchmen Street in Marigny. Every night, each bar has an artist or band playing \u2013 follow your ears to find your vibe.<\/p>\n

It is near-impossible to sum up the atmosphere of this street. If I had to try, joy is the word I\u2019d choose.<\/p>\n

One minute, you could be standing in a busy crowd around a pick-up truck, listening to someone rapping, and the next, you\u2019re in a dark club as a traditional jazz band makes up the music as they go along.<\/p>\n

Gimme more<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Just over two hours away, you\u2019ll find Lafayette, which has been crowned the \u2018happiest town in America\u2019.<\/p>\n

And I get why \u2013 the sun is constantly beaming and people here are some of the friendliest I\u2019ve met in my years of travelling.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a lazy vibe in the air and I mean that in a good way.<\/p>\n

Eat boudin, a traditional local dish of pork and other ingredients stuffed in a sausage casing, order ice cream at Borden\u2019s<\/a> 1950s parlour, and enjoy live music at Bon Temps.<\/p>\n

You absolutely must go on a swamp tour on Lake Martin with Cajun Country Tours<\/a> to spot gators among the ancient cypress trees (from \u00a319 per person).<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
Roaming alligators in Tabasco Island\u2019s Jungle Gardens (Picture: Almara Abgarian)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This excursion was one of the highlights of my trip. I had expected a high-pace danger tour but it was actually incredibly peaceful.<\/p>\n

Mind you, I kept my hands firmly inside the boat.<\/p>\n

You can also visit Tabasco Island \u2013 where the sauce is made \u2013 and its Jungle Gardens<\/a>, a drive-through park where the reptiles roam free (entry is \u00a312 for adults).<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the state capital, Baton Rouge, was built for two types of people: politicians and students \u2013 meaning it is a ghost town during low season. <\/p>\n

This city wasn\u2019t really to my liking, mostly because I love old architecture and prefer a chaotic, cultural vibe.<\/p>\n

But it\u2019s worth a day trip just to see the State Capitol Building. Take the lift to the top and view the city from above.\u00a0<\/p>\n

There\u2019s also a miniature replica of the White House \u2013 more formally titled the Old Governor\u2019s Mansion<\/a> \u2013 to explore (also free). The property has a hidden passageway behind a wall.<\/p>\n

If you have time, you can visit Britney Spears<\/a>\u2019 hometown, Kentwood, which is an hour from Baton Rouge.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
Britney Spears grew up in Kentwood (Picture: Almara Abgarian)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Keep your expectations in check, though. There\u2019s little else beyond a high school and a Popeye\u2019s.\u00a0<\/p>\n

New Orleans is a truly unique part of the world where anyone is welcome. No one cares what you look like, what you wear or how old you are. <\/p>\n

Being weird isn\u2019t weird here; it\u2019s celebrated.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\tWhere to stay and how to get there\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
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You can get return flights to New Orleans for as little as \u00a3700 during low season but do your research, as prices fluctuate.<\/p>\n

I flew with JetBlue and found tickets directly on the airline\u2019s website, with one stopover each way.<\/p>\n

In New Orleans, I stayed at Old No 77 Hotel & Chandlery. It\u2019s a modern and stylish place, a few minutes from the busy city centre, meaning we got a good night\u2019s sleep.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, in Lafayette, I stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton, which has the friendliest receptionists and a pool out the back, which overlooks the river. Don\u2019t swim in the latter, there are gators in the water!<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Colorful houses in the streets of the French Quarter in the city of New Orleans (Picture: Getty Images) I\u2019m standing next to a gaudy pyramid-shaped tomb that belongs to Nicholas Cage \u2013\u00a0who, in case you were going to check, is still alive. The actor paid $40,000 for his eventual resting place in St Louis Cemetery […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":949,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-947","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/947","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=947"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/947\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":960,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/947\/revisions\/960"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/949"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=947"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=947"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=947"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}