You have probably passed it a zillion times, and never thought to take the time to tour the Longue Vue House and Gardens. This world-class house museum and eight acres of perfectly manicured gardens are a National Historic Landmark and just waiting for you to explore. Let's take a closer look.

Longue Vue is open for tours Monday through Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday from 1pm-5pm.

House tours are led by tour guides are every hour on the hour, with the last tour beginning at 4pm.

The gardens were recently awarded one of the "Top Ten North American Gardens Worth Traveling For by the Canadian Garden Council and the American Public Gardens Association.

But let’s take a look into the history of the house and gardens and what makes them so special.

The home and gardens were the brainchild of local New Orleanians, Edgar and Edith Stern.

The plan was to build a house and gardens that complimented each other perfectly, creating a cohesive oasis. The entire estate was designed as a single unit, to be viewed together as one.

The house was built in 1939 and took architects William and Geoffrey Platt three years to build.

Landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman began designing the gardens in 1935 and continued until her death in 1950.

Kids of all ages will love the Discovery Garden.

Opened in 1998, the half-acre garden invited children of all ages to explore and learn about nature.

Once you’ve strolled the breathtaking eight acres of gardens, be prepared to be amazed by the inside of the home.

From start to finish, you'll be in awe of everything you see.

Consisting of three stories and a basement, the home has 20 rooms you’ll be able to tour.

Not too many homes in New Orleans contain basements.

The house contains its original furnishings from the Sterns travels.

Edgar and Edith Stern travelled the world collecting priceless antiques to furnish their home. You’ll see everything from Chinese porcelain to original Picasso art.

You can check their website to find out what's in bloom before you go.

Click here to find out what's in bloom for this month.

You can find Longue Vue House and Gardens at 7 Bamboo Rd, New Orleans, Louisiana 70124.

It's the perfect way to spend an autumn afternoon.

Have you ever been to Longue Vue? Share your experience in the comments below!