Tour guide in New Orleans Desiree E.

New Orleans, United States

English

Tours Delivered,
Since Jan 9, 2023

6.0

Hours, Avg. response time

I'm Desiree E., your private tour guide in New Orleans

Guide #44782

4.9 (14)

Hello Family, my name is Desiree and I am a proud native of the beautiful city of New Orleans whose family's history dates back to the beginning of the Louisiana Colony. I grew up in Uptown New Orleans not far from the Garden District, in a family of Musicians, Gospel Singers, and Historians. Singing, performing and bringing "History to Life" are my passions so don't be surprised to hear me serenading you with "Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?" by Mr. Louis Armstrong or Lizzie Miles' famous "Louisiana". I am also very passionate about making every traveler (whom I consider to be family) feel safe and welcome while visiting our beautiful city. My hobbies are sewing and creating motivational programs and materials for children. My experience as a Guide began in 1989 while working with my father at the Louisiana State Museum's Jazz Archive. As a renowned Jazz Musician and Historian, my father always stressed the importance of preserving and sharing our history with people from around the world. It was through his encouragement and insistence that I became a licensed guide. That was one of the best decisions that I've ever made. I was trained at the Louisiana State Museum under the tutelage of the Friends of Cabildo in 1989 and spent five years helping to build and catalog the Jazz Collection at the New Orleans Jazz Archive, (Old U. S. Mint Bldg. ) Family, that was 33 years ago! Since becoming a guide life has been very exciting!! I have provided History Tours and Productions promoting Louisiana in School gymnasiums, Museum's, on Chartered Buses, at Plantations, parks and even churches. You name it and I have been there having a blast! There is nothing more exciting than transforming a chartered bus into a moving classroom where children are engaged and learning! My specialty tours are "Jazz The First Days", The Louisiana "Roots Tour and the "The Afro American Heritage Tour". All three will give you a Bath in Louisiana History. THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE NEW ORLEANS!!! To say that I am in love with New Orleans would be an understatement because New Orleans is a city unlike any city in America. Our historical landmarks, history and governments of France, Spain and America are educational eye openers. Our combinations of Native American, French, African, Spanish and German heritage reflect the diversity of our people. Our music is second to none with "Jazz" being New Orleans contribution to World Culture. The flavors in our mouth watering cuisine showcase the recipes of our French, African and Spanish ancestry, coupled with a lot of love. Our Jazz and Heritage & French Quarter Festivals along with Mardi Gras Celebrations bring people from around the world to our city, demonstrating that we really do know how to host a great party. New Orleans also has a large variety of places to visit and things to do, making it an excellent place to bring the entire family. The natives are warm and friendly, so don't be surprised if you are greeted by someone you don't know with "Good Morning" or "Good Evening" because it's the New Orleans way. My goal as a Guide is to take you on a journey through time, leaving you with a clear understanding of Louisiana's rich History, Culture, People, Cuisine, Traditions and Musical Contributions to the world . With that being said……. What is there not to love? Please consider yourself Invited and Welcome and I'll see you in New Orleans! * Licensed Tour Guide # 21LTG-11256 * Louis Armstrong Foundation, Inc. N.O.L.A., President, Cultural Ambassador / Historian * Volunteer/ Docent - N.O. Jazz Collection - Louisiana State Museum 5 yrs * Tour Guide / Historian- Evergreen Plantation - 5 yrs * Author of Ebony Achievement Student & Teacher's Edition * Member of Mid South Women in Tourism * Actress / Vocalist * Presenter / Motivational Speaker None

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  • New Orleans

Tours by Desiree E.

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4.9

Traveller reviews for this guide

14 reviews

  • Shari B.
    December 2025

    I have the pleasure of rating my New Orleans tour.My husband,best friend and I were treated to a beautiful experience .Our tour guide shared her knowledge and love of everything New Orleans. Her enthusiasm and joy for her city was both exciting and fun and we felt like she truly cared that we had a wonderful time and I assure you we did.It was a complete escape from...

    Replied from Desiree E.

    Mrs Shari, her husband and best friend were simply wonderful! They truly came with an open mind and heart. They will forever be etched among my most memorable tour experiences. What a great day!!!!

  • Melissa S.
    December 2025

    Our New Orleans tour guide, Desiree, was absolutely incredible, and the entire experience felt both amazing and deeply personal. Her passion for the city shone through every moment, and we left feeling truly connected to New Orleans in a way we never expected. She was a true wealth of knowledge, seamlessly blending music, cultural insights, and historical context into...

    Replied from Desiree E.

    Accommodating these ladies was soooooo much fun!!! Can you say hilarious 😂? Hanging out with them was like being with the best sisters ever. I’m not sure which one of us had the most fun. They will forever be considered family and welcome in New Orleans.

  • Answorth R.
    June 2025

    Desiree boarded our bus and was just outstanding from the very beginning. She provided an awesome tour experience for our Line Dance Group. Her Black Heritage tour of New Orleans was enjoyed by all. Several of our dancers said, she was the best tour guide they have ever had. If you have never done a Black Heritage tour of New Orleans, you should definitely contact...

    Replied from Desiree E.

    Mr. Answorth and his group of Line Dancers were simply wonderful!! Sir, you all are always welcome in New Orleans and are considered “Family” Thank you so much, Desiree

  • Herman S.
    June 2025

    I would like to publicly thank Desiree for an amazing tour experience. Her knowledge of New Orleans history is unmatched. We were particularly impressed by her understanding of Louisiana before it was purchased by the United States in 1803. Our tour took us beyond typical tourist spots and provided a genuine experience of life in New Orleans. Thank you once again!

    Replied from Desiree E.

    A thousand thank you’s to the Scales Family. We had a great connection and an amazing day for many reasons! You are hereby deemed “Family” and always welcome in New Orleans. Desiree