didn’t mean to fall in love with New Orleans...

it takes a second visit to a city to truly embrace its beauty and flavors! New Orleans surprisingly stole my heart on this trip after walking around extensively. As an artist, I’m inspired by the highly-stylized architecture, colorful painted shutters and doors, decorative signage, ornate cast iron railings and fences, and all of the native flowers and foliage. Oh...and the food, shopping and entertainment! Here’s just a handful of recommendations!

THE GARDEN DISTRICT & UPTOWN is not only one of New Orlean’s most desirable areas, but one of the nation’s “most preserved city districts and home to the rich, famous, the strange, and the dead” according to Free Tours by Foot. It’s easy to get there by hopping on a historic St. Charles streetcar. Operating since 1835, it is the oldest continuously running streetcar line in the world. Affordable at $1.25! Walking tour guides are knowledgeable about the history of the gothic Lafayette Cemetery No.1, the various styles of architecture, celebrity acquisitions, film locations, etc. Sturdy and comfortable shoes are a must, so tread with caution. The houses are fabulous — but some of the sidewalks are buckled and uneven.

UPTOWN is so photogenic with all the colorful paint, plants, flowers, trees, highly decorative cast iron fencing, railings, and porches. I am charmed by the blueand-white street tiles that spell out street corner names all over The Crescent City. These alphabet squares started being embedded in the intersections of concrete sidewalks in the 1880’s. Take note as you walk to shop and dine. I highly recommend all of the restaurants that I tried: Superior Seafood, Superior Grill (yes, same owners) and the darling La Petite Grocery!

MAGAZINE STREET is a shopper’s paradise. It stretches six miles and is a delightful mix of residential and shops, restaurants, bars, and a whole lot of character. There are so many cute stores and far too many to list all of them, so I encourage you to look online at Magazine Street shops. Just a handful of my favorites were Peony, Shake Your BonBon, Lucy Rose, and Monomin. Walk as much as you can to see the individual businesses up close. There are a lot of pretty, free-standing houses with decorative touches which house local businesses.

SometimesST. CHARLES AVENUE is lined with grand Queen Anne-Style mansions. It is also the backdrop of part of the Mardi Gras Parade route. You’ll see dazzling strands of beads high up in the branches of tall trees that are still glistening in the sun long after the parade. Architect Thomas Sully designed a lot of the gorgeous mansions. Take the time to stop in two of them: The Chloe and The Columns. They are both so lavishly decorated with layers of textures, color, artifacts, collectibles, and art. Have a refreshment in one of the gardens or by the pool at The Chloe.

JACKSON SQUARE is a National Landmark and is named after General Andrew Jackson. His bronze statue is a focal point in the center of the park. The elegant Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, built in 1914, looms majestically over the square. I love the energy of the open-air artist colony and all the vendors, the street performers, live jazz, fun boutiques, restaurants, bars, and Jax Brewery. You certainly can’t miss the historic Cafe Du Monde’s easily recognizable kelly green and white striped awnings. Famous for their beignets, cafe au lait, and chicory, it’s a must-stop, but don’t miss Cafe Beignet, also! Mule-drawn carriages line the Decatur side of Jackson Square to offer leisurely tours of the area, and just beyond is the Mississippi River where there’s plenty of riverboat cruises to choose from.

ENTERTAINMENT abounds! Friendly doormen clad in shamrock green jackets greet you at Pat O’Brien’s Dueling Piano Bar. It’s a lively performance and an interesting treat watching local Alvin Babineaux play his aluminum “Finger Tray” with his plastic thimbles. The opulent Hotel Monteleone overlooks Royal Street and is the home of the famous 25 seat revolving Carousel Bar. Try lunch on the balcony at Royal House and dinner at Antoine’s, the famous 1840 establishment and birthplace of oysters Rockefeller. Frenchmen’s Street offers all genres of live music and a colorful art bazaar. It seems to be more of the hangout for locals.

SHOPPING in the French quarter is...interesting! There’s a lot of flash, sequins, and kitschy souvenirs. One thing for certain..there are no fashion rules in NOLA. You can be totally casual or “sparkle plenty.” Whimsy...everywhere! Antique stores are full of chandeliers dripping with dazzling crystals and jewelry store windows showcase gemstone brilliance.

Farewell to The Crescent City for now. I will miss your muticultural and lavish beauty, your soulful sounds and your delectable local flavors. I loved my stay at Q&C Hotel Bar™ and will treasure the memories until my next visit!

Peace&Blessings, -Melissa

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