New Orleans has many claims to fame, among them its unique architecture, regional cuisine, jazz music, voodoo legends, haunted histories, Mardi Gras and so much more, and while each of the aforementioned deserve recognition in their own right, for me, it’s the mingling of all these sights, sounds, and smells that make New Orleans so special, a true feast for the senses.
No matter how many times I visit there is always something new to discover! I’m constantly stopping to snap a photo of this or that, often multiple times in one block. I always hope that my photos will convey feeling, but in a city as busy as New Orleans, there’s a fine line between a feast for the senses and sensory overload! Do I share the big picture, the small details? What about the scores of tourists in the way, or the parked cars? Include them, or delete? Maybe a little of both?
Often, by the time I’ve waited for the car to drive by, or the people to meander out of my shot, I’m half a block or more behind my family. While I’m aware that some of the best shots are captured in early morning or late at night, getting them can prove difficult, as it’s not always the best idea to be out and about on your own, not to mention my family isn’t especially keen on those early morning hours.
All of the above reasons are why, during my most recent visit, I sighed up for a photo tour with American Photo Safari. I chose the French Quarter tour, and used my mirrorless SLR camera, however they offer tours in other parts of the city, and cellphone users are welcome to join as well.
Our tour started in front of the St. Louis Cathedral, located just in front of Jackson Square Park, and quite possibly the most photographed building in New Orleans. We spent some time getting to know each other, and our guide Natasha, before doing our best to get some unique shots of this iconic building.
There were multiple haunted stops on the tour including the Cornstalk Fence Hotel on Royal Street, and Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop on Bourbon Street, which is not just haunted, but also claims to be the oldest operating bar in the United States.
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop is located on the “good” end of Bourbon Street, if you go consider trying the voodoo daiquiri, which tastes just like a grape slushy, but be warned it packs a punch!
It’s been a few years since people tied their horses up to the hitching post, however, there are many of them throughout New Orleans and they add a great deal of charm to the city’s streets. I’d be surprised if I ever saw a horse tied to one, but never say never in NOLA!
While visiting NOLA you’re sure to notice the gas lamps located on the street corners, hanging from the galleries and doorways, and along the walls. The French Quarter, just wouldn’t be the Quarter without them!
During the day, they add an old world charm, but the real magic happens at night, especially in the warmer months, when the lamplight mixes with the humid air creating a magical hazy glow.
Over the course of it’s 299 year history the architecture in the Quarter has been influenced by Spanish, French, Creole and American residents. It’s the combination of these different styles that make the Quarter the special place it is today.
Beyond the colorful and unique street fronts you’ll find that there’s more than meets the eye, magical hidden courtyards, filled with angels, fountains and lush gardens are just waiting for you to discover them.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this little tour of the French Quarter, and some of the details that help to make it such a wonderful place to visit and explore!
Tips & Advice
- A recipe for Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Voodoo drink:
2 oz bourbon 1 oz Everclear or vodka 4 oz grape juice 1 cup crushed ice - Are you wondering how much it costs to keep the gas lamps lit? Around $8 per month, or so I was told.
- The photo tour is 3 hours, and is suitable for all ages and all camera types.
- The tour is best suited to older children and adults.
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I’ve been writing a lot about New Orleans lately, the food, the festivals, the family fun, but what about the French Quarter? While the Crescent City has many great neighborhoods the French Quarter is NOLA’s oldest and most well known, and in my opinion her crown. Also known as the Vieux Carré, the French Quarter is oozing with undeniable charm, a fabulous hodgepodge of fine art, grit, delicious cuisine, music, and art!
New Orleans is just shy of 300 years old and has a long and fascinating history which helps to make it one of the most unique cities in America. Because it was French and then Spanish and then French again, before it was acquired by the United States in the Louisiana Purchase, the Quarter has a vibe all its own. It’s hard to put a finger on it, it’s not quite European, and not quite American, but a mix of both and yet there’s something else there as well. Maybe it’s the voodoo? It’s definitely the Creole, but there’s more. As you wander the streets lined on both sides by the colorfully painted buildings indicative of the Vieux Carré Its impossible not to feel the history of this magical place the peeling paint and 300 years of grit only adding to its charm!
If the French Quarter is the crown of New Orleans, than the St. Louis Cathedral is the jewel in her crown. The St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest operating cathedral in the United States and along with the fleur-de-lis a true icon of the city.
Beyond great cuisine and the infamous Bourbon, Street New Orleans is famous for its music and art scene and rightfully so! There are many great music clubs, but no need to be so formal if you’re looking to hear great music, you really needn’t look much further than the nearest street corner.
Already feeling like you’re someplace special, something happens in the Quarter after dark and the light of the gaslamps on a warm night creates a hazy glow that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another time and place. Couple this after dark ambiance with its long and storied past and It’s no wonder that New Orleans finds itself on the “Most Haunted” list more often than not. Haunted 
I’ve been to NOLA 5 times and each time I’ve stayed somewhere new. This most recent visit found us at the 
As usual I took a ton of photos on this trip and though I’ve done my best to narrow them down there are still so many I want to share… The famous gaslight lamps and lanterns, the street signs, storm shutters, selfies, street views, the Ursuline Convent and so much more…
