Welcome to the Esplanade Ridge, home to the Faubourg St. John, romantically referred to as the Creole Garden District. Beginning at the upper boundary of the musical Faubourg Tremé, on this walking tour you'll discover that the Faubourg St. John harbors a history and lore just as lush and enticing. The history of Esplanade Ridge begins in 1708, a full decade before Bienville founded the city of New Orleans. The faubourg grew from those proud French roots and is often hailed as the Creole response to the American incursion following the Louisiana Purchase. From the elegant architecture to the Free People of Color Museum to the bustling Ponce de Leon Triangle to the quiet elegance of the “Sanctuary of Angels” built on the grounds of a one time leper colony, the Creole Garden District will enter your dreams and have you singing a few lines of Hoagy Carmichael’s “If you've never seen a quaint old Southern city, Just think of New… think of New Orleans. It will remind you of old fashioned lace, while a glass of wine will greet your smiling face.” So, how about it? Won’t you join me for a leisurely stroll through this Creole Garden District. A video trailer for the walk, which includes some of the sights you'll see, can be viewed [here]( https://vimeo.com/264607675).