Magazine Street

It’s no secret that I love New Orleans, I try to go every year and have written numerous posts, but if you haven’t been yet, consider making 2018 the year you finally go. It’s always amazing, but did you know that 2018 is the 300th anniversary of New Orleans? There’s sure to be plenty going on!

I’ll definitely be going, I’ve been thinking about a return trip since I stepped off the plane last April. I’m considering Mardi Gras in 2018! What about you? Have you been to Mardi Gras? Do you want to go?

While I’m working out when I might find my way back I thought it would be fun to revisit some of the adventures from our 2017 visit, specifically our visit to the Garden District.

A Bit of History

The architecture in New Orleans is really something special, especially in The Garden District, which has no shortage of beautiful old homes.

The Garden District was created in 1832 – 1833 after the Louisiana Purchase as a place for the new American residents of New Orleans to settle. Made wealthy in the cotton, sugar, insurance and shipping industries these residents hired architects to create grand homes in Italianate, Greek revival and Victorian styles.

The homes were located on large parcels of land, which allowed for the beautiful lush gardens for which the area is named.

Getting There

The streetcars in New Orleans, aren’t just for show, they’ve been used by locals and tourists alike for 150 years! The original, and my favorite, is the St. Charles line. As the name suggests its route is via St. Charles Street. Take The St. Charles line to the Garden District and you’ll ride through some of the city’s loveliest neighborhoods on the way.

I love everything about riding these historic cars, watching the city roll by from the wide windows, the fantastic sounds they make, the old wooden benches, even the close proximity to other travelers! The fares are very low, and they run often! Get a lovely view of the city and where you need to go all at the same time!

The Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

Unique and filled with fascinating history no visit to NOLA would be complete without at least one visit to the cemetery.

The non-denominational Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is located in the heart of the Garden District. The Cemetery encompasses one city block, and is the oldest municipal cemetery in New Orleans. More than 7000 people are buried there.

We lucked out and were able to arrange a tour on site, but for a more comprehensive tour I recommend booking in advance.

Lafayette Cemetery No 1 New Orleans Louisiana

New Orleans! Last But Not Least!

Welcome In!

There’s nothing like southern hospitality, and you’ll get big doses of it at these two fine dinning institutions.

Commander’s Palace

From the truly southern “Welcome in” to the balloon bouquets on the tables, the three piece band and of course the delicious regional cuisine a meal at Commander’s Palace is truly a dinning experience like no other.

Opened in 1893 and located just across the road from the Lafayette Cemetery #1, Commander’s Palace is a New Orleans culinary institution. If you only have time for one upscale meal during your visit, this would be an excellent choice. Plan ahead for this one, you’ll definitely need reservations.

Emerils Delmonico

Emeril’s Delmonico is located right on the St. Charles Street car line in what looks to have been an old house.

The restaurant has not only great food, but also extremely warm hospitality. We had Easter Brunch here loved it. They take reservations and walk-ins.

Emeril Lagasse Restaurant New Orleans Louisiana

Running from Canal Street downriver to Leake Avenue upriver and stretching a distance of six plus miles, Magazine Street is a treasure trove of shops, restaurants, and bars with sections of residential homes interspersed throughout. Many of the establishments are one of a kind and you’re guaranteed to find something of interest, along the way.

A few of our Magazine Street favorites:

Simon Signs

A popular artist with his work on display throughout the city, you can pick up your own Simon sign, at his gallery just off of Magazine Street.

SAMSUNG CSC

Dirty Coast

A t-shirt shop of a different sort! Dirty Coast is where the locals shop, but visitors are definitely welcome. If you’re looking for something to bring home that feels more authentic this is the place!

Vegas

Vegas is a men’s clothing store, which features trendy hipster clothing and accessories, we usually find ourselves here at least once a visit. I got my travel backpack here!

#magazinestreet — Where I found my awesome new Backpack

Backpacks. Who needs ’em?

Dat Dog

With multiple locations throughout the city you can’t go wrong with Dat Dog. Yes, as the name suggests its a hot dog restaurant, but don’t be fooled, it’s absolutely delicious!

Beyond traditional beef they have lots of other options, including chicken, alligator and duck! For the adventurous eaters in your group, consider topping your dog with some crawfish Étouffée.

I met up with Corey from Fifi & Hop!

Crawfish Étouffée Fries

Chicken “Dog”

Snowizard

SnoBalls, otherwise known as a snow cone for those of you West Coasters, are not just a treat in New Orleans, but on a hot day they’re an absolute necessity!

These delicious treats are made when a scoop of ice cream is rolled in sno cone ice, and they come in many delicious flavors, even hurricane! We always make time for a trip to Snowizard on Magazine Street, and I highly recommend you do too!

Coconut

Coconut with cherry

lemon lime

District Donuts

We discovered District: Donuts, sliders and Brew while walking on Magazine Street a few years ago. They’re not beignets, but its become an annual tradition all the same! These guys really know how to make a donut! Not to mention they’re sliders and brew (coffee) are pretty great too!

Fun Facts, Tips & Advice

Anne Rice author of the Interview with a Vampire books makes her home in the Garden District as does Sandra Bullock and Nicolas Cage.
Many movies and television shows have been modeled after or filmed at the Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 including The Originals, Dracula 2000, and Interview with a Vampire
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 has very limited hours, so check the website before you head over.
Commanders Palace has the best service I’ve ever experienced. The Ponchatoula Strawberry Shortcake was so good its indescribable.
Many famous chefs have worked at Commander’s Palace including Emeril Lagasse.
The dress code at Commanders Palace is strictly enforced for all ages.
There is SO much more to the Crescent City than Bourbon Street. In fact it’s the last place in the city I recommend you go. If you’re interested in seeing the city from a local’s point of view, then you should know Bourbon Street is NOT the place.

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Take me with you!

Would you like directions to all these fabulous places? Why not take me with you! You can download this and other fun hilarystyle articles using the GPSmyCity app!

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Poor Cleveland, though I’ve never had the occasion to visit, I have to say it’s really no contest, how could it be? Especially when stacked up against New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans, three incomparable destinations!

Each of these cities are known worldwide for their famous tourist attractions, iconic buildings, food and culture. They’re all exciting in their own right, but what about their hidden treasures? You’ll never know what you might be missing if you don’t take the time to venture off the beaten path… This past visit to NOLA we took the time to do that very thing! We explored some new neighborhoods and dug a little deeper into some old favorites!

I know I’ve been writing about the Crescent City a lot lately, but I couldn’t wrap up without sharing just a tiny bit more…

Magazine Street

Where I found my awesome new Backpack

Coconut

Because of its length many people choose to take a cab directly to specific locations, but if you have the time and inclination to walk you’ll have the opportunity to experience many of NOLA’s great neighborhoods including, the Central Business District, the Warehouse District, the Garden District, and Uptown. We chose to split our time and walked different sections of the street over the course of a few days.

These fun banners were hanging from the street lights in the Warehouse (Arts) District. They were perfect for this area filled with galleries and museums!

Along The Parade Route, Beads, Beads, Beads…

Walking along a residential section of Magazine Street one afternoon I noticed remnant Mardi Gras beads adorning, gates, lanterns, doorways, telephone poles, and tree branches. They were everywhere!

Mardi Gras Tree

Even though they look so pretty all those sparkly shiny beads can be a bit of a nuisance once the party is over. I read that over 86,000 pounds of beads were collected after Mardi Gras 2016. Cleaning just the trees along the parade routes, it can take the crews as many as three weeks to remove the bulk of the beads from the city’s trees.

Faubourg Marigny

Just downriver from the French Quarter, you’ll find the Faubourg Marigny, or The Marigny as it’s often called these days. Less “touristy” (for the moment anyway) and more relaxed than some other parts of the city this neighborhood is popular with locals and tourists alike. Long on charm and full of history you’ll find local food, art and music as well as unique galleries, and fun shops. Look out for the Frenchmens Art Market and the Dirty Coast T-shirt shop, both full of local treasures to bring home.

Dirty Coast T-shirts

Bywater

Keep on going past The Marigny and you’ll find yourself in Bywater. Colorful historic fixer uppers along with trendy new restaurants and bars are helping to breath new life into this longtime neighborhood.