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A Newcomers Guide To The New Orleans French Quarter
The French Quarter has always stood out as one of New Orleans’ star attractions possessing the mixture of cultural influences architecturehistory musicand celebration that defines the city. I recently traveled to New Orleans and had theincredible experience of getting to knowthe Quarter.
I went into the trip without knowing a thing about New Orleans history and culture and came out as a self proclaimed ‘French Quarter Tour Guide’. I decided to start this blog as a way to get my thoughts about the city down as well as domy best toguide any newvisitors. I always try to keep in mind financial affordability especially during economic times like these. So viola my guide for a day in the life of a French Quarter Tourist:
1.Find Your Lodging: With affordability in mind I booked my New Orleans Hotel through a nifty site called VacationOffer.com. VacationOffer lets you find discount vacationdeals through partner resorts based on the stipulation that you go on a 90minute timeshare tour while you are there. The short tour was harmless and informative and definitely worth the great price I got while staying at the beautiful Frenchmen Orleans luxury condos. The Frenchmen was located at 519 Frenchmen St right near the best in food music and nightlife.
2. Take in some History at Jackson Square: After you get settled at your comfortable lodging I suggest you get out on your feet and explore some of the history that the French Quarter has to offer. Jackson Square a beautifully manicured open air park located at the heart of the French Quarteris a great place to start. Here you can explore18th century history and architecture by visiting theSt. Louis Cathedral designated a minor basilica by Pope Paul VI.Next to the Cathedralyou should also check out The Cabildo Museum whichserved as the city’s town hall in the 18th century.
When youtire of ancient hallowed landmarks take a break and reenergizewith an authentic cafe au lait at the Cafe du Monde across the square. Here you can sit relax andlisten to the live music of street performers.
3. Lunch anyone? : Getting hungry after all that history? Head down to the Alpine Bistro on Rue Chartres just one block from Jackson Square coming from Canal St. At an affordable price you can enjoy one of the most romantic restaurants New Orleans has to offer. “Thecourtyard will bring you back to the olden days when writers wrote theliterature we marvel at today” Be sure to tryall of thecajun and creole favorites I highly recommend the crabcakes with a crawfish sauce!
4. A Peaceful Stroll: While you are on Rue Chartres I suggest taking a stroll to enjoy thehistoric architecture on the street. Here youwill find the city’s greatest concentration of preserved colonial era buildings andearly 19th century townhouses.Your peacefulwalk will also take you by somelocal shops and cafes scattered along the street. Take some time to stop and chat with the locals who are often relaxing in front of these establishments.
5. Dinner and Beyond: You may first have to return to the Frenchmen Orleans and take a nap before getting back out onto the town. I suggest spending your evening on the famous Bourboun Street partaking in the fantastic food and wonderful nightlife.Word of caution: Bourbon St. is notoriously known for catering to tourists as is any famed citylandmark. Beware of certain establishments that look especially gaudy and have the tendency of pricegauging unsuspecting visitors. For dinner I recommend Ember’s Borboun House and Restauraunt an eatery that specializes insuch delicacies as crawfish tails fried alligator jambalaya catfish stuffed crab red beans and rice and crawfish etouffee. Be sure to try and get balcony seating overlooking the Bourbon Street nightlife.
For the latter part of your evening I suggeststopping in for adrink at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop This candle lit bar will bring you through a time warp to a simpler time.The establishmentwas built around 1761 and supposedly once owned by the pirate Jean Lafitte.
6. Sleep: You will probably be quite tired by the end of this whirlwind tour so be sure to getsome ‘Zs’.Lay back in your plush Frenchmenbed and fall asleepto the sounds of New Orleans…and don’t forget to get ready for another great day in the Big Easy!
About the writer: Times are hard for the American currently. My goal is to start a conversation about how we can use eachother’s knowledge to better our lives and country. Now is the time for us to stand together and the internet is the perfect vehicle for us to traverse this difficult path and emerge to a bright new era.
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