Nearly two dozen privately-owned homes in the French Quarter, Garden District and Uptown are open to the public during this ten-day spring event. Ticket-holders get intimate glimpses at some of the city's most gorgeous residences as well as private gardens and courtyards that often remain unseen by the casual passerby. Also part of the festivities is a French Quarter parade and – because this is New Orleans after all – plenty of opportunities to savor good food and drink. Particularly popular is the Sunday brunch, the cost for which includes tour tickets.