A full day in Nawlins!
April 23, 2008
Balconeys aren't just in the French Quarter. We saw these headed out for the Garden District.
Judy’s tummy is better and we are ready for a full day of fun. We managed to get a good breakfast at the hotel including cereal, juice, yogurt, and coffee. Off to see the sites of the town. First is the Garden District. So many nice homes its hard to pick which ones to photograph. Unfortunately the streets are in such bad repair due to the roots of the live oak trees. It’s bumpy and narrow so slow going for sure. Good thing we weren’t in a hurry.
Then back through the Bourbon Street area for some more pics. And finally we found a parking spot and strolled near a place where my wife said was a must try place for her, Café Du Monde. She had to have a Café Au Lait and an order of Beignets. Served extremely hot right off the grease with more powdered sugar than could possibly be needed.
As we neared the Garden District, some of the homes got nicer and nicer.
We also bought a souvenir spoon and cap and tried to buy a CD of some Zydeco music playing in one store but the store clerk said she was out of it. Sure was toe tapping good. We'll look for it again tomorrow.
We relaxed in the room for a little while and then headed out for an evening on Bourbon Street. It’s still pretty early but the crowd is gathering and starting to have fun. The music is blaring from almost every bar, lounge and gathering spot on the street. We walked about eight blocks before heading back the opposite way.
I had seen a tee shirt I wanted to buy but couldn’t find in it in my size. The caption on the front read "Retired but still work part time as a pain in the Ass!" I looked in every store and never did find it big enough.
We ate dinner at the Red Fish Grill and it was great. Way too much food!!
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Balconeys aren't just in the Fre…
As we neared the Garden District…
As all around the country, some …
In some areas the tree roots hav…
This store looked nice
A beautiful front yard feature.
The streets and sidewalks are a …
Back into the French Quarter.
And Bourbon Street.
A very pretty place. Three stori…
A New Orleans Historic Marker.
Carriage tours are available alw…
Two very good street musicians n…
Along Boubon Street in the eveni…
And these street perfomers colle…
Folks were dancing in the streets.
A fun stroll thru "Party Town"
I guess the best way to describe Bourbon Street in New Orleans is to say “Party!”. This several block long street is home to more bars, pubs, souvenir shops, sex clubs and eateries and is most famous for being the party capital of New Orleans. As the evening gets going the bands start playing and the alcohol starts flowing. The later it gets they wilder it is. And the locals keep things lively with make-up bands playing on the street in different places. And yes, this is the place where girls on the balconies lift their shirts and show off their breasts for a string of colorful beads, although I’ve heard several times of that happening in reverse, with the girls down on the ground showing off for the guys on the balconies. I guess I was there on a quiet night. Some of the music is just loud and noisy while others are worth stopping and listening to for awhile. Only a few places have a cover charge, and you can usually hear the music outside just as well. It is a fun experience at anytime of the year.
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Nice dinner
Being tourist in a new town we had no idea where to eat, and I guess we looked that way to a police officer who was patrolling Bourbon Street, because he suggested the Red Fish Grill. He told us that the price would be a little high but the food is excellent. So we did give it a try for a nice meal. Now let me tell you that neither my wife or I eat very much, and we thought this would be a great chance to share a meal. We asked our waiter who was very helpful and made a suggestion of the Red Fish over a bed of ham, potato and peas with Crawfish tails. Sounded good to us, but when he brought the two plates we thought he had gotten the order wrong. These two plates were more than we expected even one plate to be. But he reassured us that it was indeed one meal split. The food was excellent, the atmosphere it the restaurant was nice if not a little noisy, and of course it was crowded. Our meal was $26.95 plus our drinks and tip, which was not bad considering where we were. Would I go there again? Good question. This place was tourity, but great food and I’d probably give another place a try.
New Orleans Party area
The French Quarter area of New Orleans has a dual personality. If you drive or walk through during the day you see the wonderful wrought iron balconies the great brickwork and architecture and narrow streets. But when the sun goes down and lights come on the personality changes. The streets of the French Quarter are blocked from vehicle traffic and the people come out of the woodwork and the party starts. The music begins, the liquor flows, the bead necklaces flash and people get wild. If you are into the party life this is definitely a place to enjoy!
You haven't enjoyed life until you've had a Beignet!
The original Café du Monde coffee stand was established in 1862 in the French Market of New Orleans. And according to its website is open 24/7 everyday except Christmas and “unless a hurricane gets a little to close”.
Considered a traditional coffee shop their menu is short and sweet. Coffee with Chicory, Milk (both white and chocolate), fresh squeezed Orange Juice and most recently Iced Coffee and soft drinks. Coffee Au Lait is the most ordered.
The sweet part is the Beignets, a French donut like fried fritter square in shape and covered with more white powdered sugar than you can imagine. Served in three per order. Brought to Louisiana by the Acadians these are a treat so great you’ll wish you had them near your home. Messy, but easy to eat and hard to leave.
Not to worry, if you wish you can purchase Beignet mix from them to make you own. In fact you can purchase several things in their gift shop or on-line.
Considered a traditional coffee shop their menu is short and sweet. Coffee with Chicory, Milk (both white and chocolate), fresh squeezed Orange Juice and most recently Iced Coffee and soft drinks. Coffee Au Lait is the most ordered.
The sweet part is the Beignets, a French donut like fried fritter square in shape and covered with more white powdered sugar than you can imagine. Served in three per order. Brought to Louisiana by the Acadians these are a treat so great you’ll wish you had them near your home. Messy, but easy to eat and hard to leave.
Not to worry, if you wish you can purchase Beignet mix from them to make you own. In fact you can purchase several things in their gift shop or on-line.
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The Splendor of the Old South
The Garden District of New Orleans was begun around 1850 by the richest of the fairly new residents of the area. After the completion of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 the population of the area grew by leaps and bounds to take advantage of the boom in Mississippi River commerce. The local economy was fueled by several cash crops including cotton, the slave trade, and national banks.
Those wealthy individuals built large, elegant mansions exemplifying many architectural styles, including Greek Revival, Italianate and Queen Anne Victorian.
Today tours are tourist favorites. Whether you take guided walking tours, driving tours and just drive through, you will find some of the most impressive homes in all of New Orleans here.
Those wealthy individuals built large, elegant mansions exemplifying many architectural styles, including Greek Revival, Italianate and Queen Anne Victorian.
Today tours are tourist favorites. Whether you take guided walking tours, driving tours and just drive through, you will find some of the most impressive homes in all of New Orleans here.
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