New Orleans Drunken Turkey Hunt

Imagine combining a scavenger hunt with a walking tour through one of America’s most vibrant neighborhoods—now, add in a playful hunt for a hidden turkey, with stops at local bars. That’s precisely what the New Orleans Drunken Turkey Hunt offers. This experience promises more than just a walk; it’s a lively, interactive adventure that blends history, local legends, and a dash of silliness.

While we haven’t personally signed up for this tour, its unique approach to sightseeing in the French Quarter stands out. We love how it manages to entertain without feeling gimmicky — guests get a taste of dark stories, paranormal tales, and the quirky influence of Voodoo, all while enjoying a cold drink or two.

On the downside, the tour’s success depends on the group’s pace and the bar crowds, which might slow things down for some travelers. Still, if you’re looking for a lighthearted, engaging way to explore, this tour hits the right notes.

This experience is particularly suited to adventurous, social travelers who enjoy mixing history with humor and don’t mind a bit of walking while ducking into bars. It’s also perfect for those who love a playful challenge—like finding a hidden turkey—and want to fill their go-cups while learning about New Orleans’ wild past.

Key Points

• Interactive scavenger hunt combined with a historical walking tour of the French Quarter.
• Stops at local bars to sip drinks and fill up go-cups, making the experience relaxed and social.
• Learn about pirates, vampires, murders, and Voodoo’s influence in a fun, memorable way.
• Search for the hidden turkey along the route to win a prize, adding a playful competitive element.
• Tour duration is around 1 to 2 hours, making it a flexible activity fitting into most itineraries.
• The cost of $55 balances affordability with the fun of a guided, interactive experience.

What to Expect on the Tour

Starting Point and Meeting Details

The tour kicks off outside the Legendary Lafittes Blacksmith Shop Bar at 941 Bourbon Street. It’s important to note that the tour does not meet inside the bar, but rather at a gate of the attached courtyard. Arriving a few minutes early ensures smooth check-in and helps you start on time. The tour ends in the heart of the French Quarter, making it convenient to continue exploring afterward.

The Itinerary: A Walk Through History and Haunts

The tour’s itinerary revolves around the gorgeous streets of the French Quarter, with stops at historically significant and sometimes eerie sites. Your guide will tell stories about the founders of New Orleans—pirates, prostitutes, and murders—and visit homes linked to vampires and other legends. Expect to hear tales that are as scandalous as they are fascinating, blending fact and folklore.

Throughout the walk, the guide will pause at various points to share scandalous stories of the past, such as Louisiana’s traditional burial practices or infamous local figures. Each story aims to entertain and educate, offering a window into the city’s colorful and sometimes dark history.

The Turkey Hunt: A Playful Challenge

The main playful element is the search for a hidden turkey along the route. This adds a layer of fun, turning the tour into a scavenger hunt. Finding the turkey first wins a prize, which injects a healthy dose of competition into the mix. The turkey is cleverly hidden, and part of the fun is the challenge of spotting it among the historic facades and lively street scenes.

Bar Stops and Refreshments

As you move from one historical site to another, the guide will stop at various bars along the route. Guests are encouraged to purchase beverages to fill their go-cups, a common practice in New Orleans for relaxed, social drinking. The guide will wait outside if participants wish to order drinks, allowing everyone to stay together. This approach makes the tour feel less rushed and more informal.

Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts approximately 1 to 2 hours, making it a flexible addition to your day. The group size can be quite large, with a maximum of 999 travelers, but most participants find it manageable and lively. It’s a paced walk, so expect some moderate physical activity, especially in the heat or rain.

The Value of This Experience

At $55 per person, the tour offers a reasonably priced, engaging way to experience the French Quarter beyond typical sightseeing. The combination of storytelling, bar stops, and a scavenger hunt provides entertainment and education in one package.

Compared to traditional walking tours, which often focus solely on history, this experience spices things up with interactive elements and local pub culture. It’s especially good if you’re traveling with friends or in a group seeking something playful and memorable. The price includes a local guide, who adds personality and insight, but drinks and tips are extra.

Authenticity and Fun

Guests have noted that the stories told are often scandalous and entertaining, which adds to the charm. Several reviews mention the guide’s storytelling ability and the fun of searching for the turkey. Some guests appreciate the relaxed pace, especially since you can enjoy drinks along the way, making for a social, laid-back experience.

Potential Drawbacks

What might be less appealing is the reliance on bar stops, which can slow down the tour if bars are crowded or if the group is large. Plus, the tour is weather-dependent—rain or extreme heat could impact the walk or the enjoyment. Late arrivals are not accommodated, so punctuality is key.

Breaking Down the Experience

The Start: Meeting Point and First Impressions

Starting at the courtyard attached to Lafittes Blacksmith Shop is a classic New Orleans spot, and arriving early ensures you won’t miss the departure. The guide will be waiting outside, and at this point, you can get a feel for the group size and pace.

Exploring the French Quarter

The route covers the most iconic streets, soaking in the vibrant architecture, historic landmarks, and lively street scenes. The stories told here are a mix of dark history and colorful anecdotes, perfectly suited for those wanting a deeper sense of NOLA’s character. The guide’s storytelling style is engaging, with some guests noting that the stories are “nothing less than scandalous,” which makes the experience feel authentic and slightly mischievous.

Bar Stops and Sampling

Stopping at bars along the way is a highlight for many. You get to fill your go-cup, chat with fellow travelers, and soak in the local vibe. The tour guide’s role is more of a facilitator, waiting outside for those who want drinks but keeping the pace steady. This is a great way to experience New Orleans’ pub culture without feeling obligated to stay inside each bar for long.

The Hunt for the Turkey

The hunt adds a playful element—finding the hidden turkey becomes a mini-quest amidst the historical tales and lively streets. Several reviews have noted the fun in this challenge, with some guests saying, “Whoever finds the turkey first wins a prize,” which keeps everyone engaged and eager to stay alert.

Ending the Tour

The tour concludes in the core of the French Quarter, making it easy to explore more, grab a bite, or continue your night in this lively neighborhood. The flexibility of the timing allows for a relaxed finish to your adventure.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who enjoy interactive, social outings with a focus on local stories. If you like a bit of competition and humor mixed with your history, you’ll find this tour delightful. It’s also a good fit for adults who appreciate bar stops and informal learning, but it might not suit travelers seeking a deep, scholarly dive into New Orleans’ past.

It’s especially suitable for groups, friends, or couples who want a lively, memorable introduction to the French Quarter. If you’re traveling solo, it’s a great way to meet fellow adventurers. The tour’s affordability and fun factor make it a worthwhile addition for those looking for a lighthearted, engaging activity.

Final Thoughts

The New Orleans Drunken Turkey Hunt offers a lively twist on city sightseeing. Its combination of history, humor, and a scavenger hunt makes it stand out among more traditional tours. For just $55, you get a guided walk through the iconic French Quarter, bar stops, and the chance to win a prize—all in a relaxed, social setting.

While it’s not a comprehensive historical tour, it’s a fantastic way to experience New Orleans’ quirky spirit, learn a few scandalous stories, and enjoy some casual fun. It’s best suited for travelers who don’t mind walking, enjoy a drink or two, and love a playful challenge.

If you’re after a light, entertaining way to get to know the city and its legends—without the rigid formality of more serious tours—this could be just the ticket.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour generally lasts between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the pace and bar wait times.

Where does the tour start?
It begins outside the courtyard attached to Lafittes Blacksmith Shop Bar at 941 Bourbon Street. Make sure to meet at the gate, not inside the bar.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 18 are only admitted with a parent or guardian, and some bars may have restrictions on minors.

Are drinks included in the price?
No, drinks are not included. Guests can purchase beverages at the bars along the route, and the guide will wait outside if you choose to do so.

What if I arrive late?
Late arrivals cannot be accommodated once the tour has started, so punctuality is important. The guide will not wait past the scheduled departure time.

Can I take photos of paranormal activity?
Photos can be taken, but audio and video recordings are not allowed during the tour.

In the end, the New Orleans Drunken Turkey Hunt offers an amusing, light-hearted way to explore the French Quarter’s stories and legends. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a mix of history, humor, and social interaction—plus a little friendly competition. If that sounds like your kind of adventure, this tour will add a fun, memorable chapter to your NOLA trip.