Adrienne and The Parks-Bowman Mansion is my favorite airbnb and host I have ever stayed with! I could have had a great time during my stay even if I never left the property! Adrianne has her gorgeous mansion decorated with the most fascinating artwork and strange objects that I found myself trying to go out on the town, only to be distracted by some quirky, unique art sculpture or painting. I could get lost just exploring her book shelves and there are many of them! Late at night I would go exploring the mansion just taking in the wander of all of the artwork and character of the place. Her dogs were super friendly and I miss them already. the pool area is very cozy and beautiful. I spent the end of every night relaxing out on my balcony among the tops of mighty oak trees of the Garden District, with the city skyline off in the distance, listening to the sounds of the ships' horns as they float down the Mississippi River, and the sunrise was beautiful from my Haunted Bedroom window. The neighborhood and location is ABSOLUTELY PERFECT! It is right around the corner from some very famous New Orleans landmarks (Lafayette Cemetery, Commander's Palace, The house where Benjamin Button was filmed and many of the other famous Garden District mansions!) It is just a quick walk to St Charles Ave and the street car and to the fun shops, bars and restaurants on Magazine street! Every walk I went on, I would take a different street just cause the neighborhood is so beautiful, I wanted to know what was down every block! The houses and architecture are so incredible! This is right in the middle of the most beautiful neighborhood in New Orleans!
Adrienne herself was the best host I've ever had. She was the definition of that New Orleans southern hospitality! She was so happy to see me and very inviting. She was very welcoming of early check ins and late checking out. She has places to stash your bags if your not quite ready to completely leave yet. She told me stories about the filming of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (one of my favorite movies) which happened right across the street. She had great recommendations for all aspects of the city (food, fun, bands, music venues, Halloween festivities, jobs, realtors, and advice for someone thinking of moving to her city, etc.) She has recommendations and the history of the mansion printed out for you to read if you love New Orleans history. I felt like we were very good friends just after our first conversation.
I have been to the city several times and this was my favorite trip by far and it was due a lot to the location and awesomeness of this unique airbnb. Also helped that it was Halloween and the place was just creepy enough to have me excited to be there during that time but not so creepy that I was ever freaked out by the haunted bedroom. (I did not experience any ghosts however, which I'm fine with haha.) I will try my hardest to stay with Adrienne in the Parks-Bowman mansion every time I visit the city... Unless I end up becoming her neighbor!