One last day in "Da town"
April 24, 2008
In the morning we made our way thru a nice area. This was the first.
Up at a good time to dress and get our breakfast downstairs in the hotel breakfast room. Cereal, juice, yogurt, a sweet roll and coffee. Then back up to our room and shower and pack up for check out by 11 a.m.
We are going to stay in town today to be able to make the New Orleans TravBuddy Meetup at 5 p.m. at the Crescent City Grill.
But with hours to spend between checking out of the hotel and the meetup we try to figure out something to do. The GPS sometimes comes in handy for such a thing. Ask for Landmarks and it gives lots in all directions. So off we go for about two hours of sightseeing of the first kind.
Then we did a little shopping, a little strolling, a little listening to some cool jazz and soon enough it was nearing 4:30 and time to check out the Crescent City Grill. And who was sitting at the second table inside the door but our old friend Mark (Travelman727). We talked and talked and learned a few more tid bits of information until we decided to move back and get an area that would be more suitable for a larger group. We waited for quite some time before Adam (apoloz) showed up. He is from the area and had just gotten off work. A little while later Dana (Jerseygirl67) and her girl friends ( Alice and Betty) came in. And finally Malvin (malvin_soh) came in. It made for a small but great meetup. We had some really good food, a few suds, and some giggles and laughs. Even a few pics.
In the morning we made our way t
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This house was known as the Wedd
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Another shot of the Wedding Cake
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A shot of the "Doll House". A co
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A closer shot of the "Doll House"
From the river overlook we could
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And more of the river.
Up at the river overlook was thi
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And the view back across to the
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Mark had to give a kiss to Dana
Some of the great food
More good food
The small but fun group that mad
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The small but fun group that mad
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A good busy place for a meet-up
Crescent City Brewhouse has only been here on this site since 1991, but the building has been here since the early 1700s. Burned to the ground in 1794 it was rebuilt and has seen many families, who used it as a home and then more recently for fur processing. Today it is a busy, pub-styled brewery and eatery with a very New Orleans style and menu to match.
We had our meetup here and although we had planned on having a much larger group the tables we were given for our early evening get together was sufficient for our needs. Everyone ordered and paid for their own meals, as did my wife and I. A few people had oysters on the half shelf and gave only a fair rating on them. My wife and I shared a meal of Shrimp Pappardelle, wide noodle pasta with jumbo gulf shrimp pan sauteed with crispy bacon, peas, and mushrooms in a creamy sauce of fresh basil and parmesan cheese. Again tonight it would have been much more than either one of us could have eaten by ourselves. The portions in New Orleans are huge. The meal was good without being excellent. The company around the table was better.
A rich man's idea of a doll house for his daughter
The Doll House, as it is commonly called, is another one of those slightly strange or unusual places to like to find. We found this one in the Garden District of New Orleans. Situated among the grand and extravagant homes was this small corner lot with only a very small Tudor style doll house to match the wonderful home next door. The owner had built it on its own lot next door for his daughter to play in. It is at the intersection of St. Charles St. and Broadway. But because it was on its own lot the post office gave it its own address, 7209 Saint Charles Street. I’m sure at one time it had a much nicer look with flowers and well maintained and manicured lawn. Today it shows a lack of care.
White frosting never looked so good!
Located at 5809 St Charles Street in the Garden District of New Orleans is this very ostentatious Victorian revival mansion with layers of balconies, cornices and columns, all painted white, making it look like a giant wedding cake. Built in 1896 this is one of the most prominent and recognizable residences along this wonderful boulevard of dream homes. It has recently gone through a full restoration estimated at six million dollars which included both interior and exterior and even added a new rear entry vestibule and stair. Landscaping has also been completely changed. The home is presently owned by an Attorney.
One of New Orleans most famous spots
Jackson Square has been a part of New Orleans for a really long time. In fact, back when it was a Spanish Province from 1762 to 1803 it was called Plaza de Armas, according to a sign still posted on the front ironwork. It was later renamed in honor of the Battle of New Orleans hero, Andrew Jackson. As one of the featured attractions of the French Quarter this very popular square features an array of local artists displaying their work just outside the fence. Also, along Decatur Street are the horse drawn carriages that are always ready to give a tour of the area, and street musicians playing for your pleasure (and tips). Surrounding the square are many famous and historic buildings, the Louisiana State Museum, restaurants, and merchants and the oldest apartment building in the nation. Directly behind the square is the St Louis Cathedral. The square faces the Mississippi River just across Decatur Street. The center of the square features a very nice mounted statue of Andrew Jackson. A visit to New Orleans would be much less than complete without a visit here.
