New Orleans... Oh The Romance!

By Angela Ash

New Orleans has been called everything from the Queen City to the Big Easy. But how often do you hear it called one of the most romantic cities in the world? Well, take notes, because you just did.

Strolling through the Garden District is like stepping back in time. Close your eyes and block out the sound of the street, open them again, and it is very easy to imagine that you are in a time long forgotten. Walk down a side street on Bourbon, erase the neon and blinking lights, and it works like a charm… again.

Walking around New Orleans at twilight is like being in a dream. The worries of that day are easily forgotten, as something that feels quite like magic takes a hold of you, pulling you down this street, and then the next. You may pass a graveyard where your favorite movie was filmed, stop into a couple hundred years old piano bar, have dinner in a lavish courtyard, or just “be”. The possibilities are endless.

Let’s explore a few.

Before you do anything, find that perfect hotel. Being the wonderful city that it is, Accommodations in New Orleans can fill up quickly, especially when there are special events going on. And yes, I have the perfect place!

When deciding which area to stay in, I would definitely suggest the French Quarter. This is the area where you are going to do most of your shopping, take most of your tours, and visit most of the attractions. Plus, THAT, my friends, is where Bourbon Street is. Now, sometimes people will tell you that the area is dangerous or “seedy”. I feel that this is completely ridiculous. Of course walking down a deserted alley at three in the morning is not advised. But would anyone advise you to do that anywhere? I have never felt anything but completely safe when staying in the French Quarter. One good thing is that the Quarter is always filled with people, which definitely gives you a sense of safety. Now, should you hold onto your purse and watch out for pickpockets? Absolutely! But you should do that when you’re leaving the mall at home. Definitely… no question about it… the French Quarter is the place to stay.

What other choice than the Maison Dupuy Hotel? Located a mere two blocks from the center of Bourbon Street, it feels like it is another century away. This luxurious boutique hotel is, in one word, amazing! The rooms run from a luxurious standard to a honeymoon suite with a marble tub. No tiny detail is overlooked here. Many of the rooms look out onto the beautiful courtyard, complete with seating, a beautiful fountain, a heated swimming pool, and hot tub. The hotel offers delectable dining at Le Meritage, and comes complete with a 24 hour fitness room to work off that dessert. Everything, and I mean everything, is right at your disposal. This is, without a doubt, one of the most wonderful properties I have ever visited.

And yes, they do weddings! The Maison Dupuy offers more than 2600 square feet of ceremony and reception space, even accommodating up to 200 guests. With several spaces to choose one, you may elect which offers the best backdrop for that special day. I can just imagine the courtyard for a spring wedding. How beautiful!

The Maison Dupuy was created by joining five town houses in this beautiful residential neighborhood that was once the site of the nation’s first cotton press. In 1973 it opened its doors as the last hotel in the View Carre, as that future developments were banned to preserve the area. Boasting the area’s largest and most scenic courtyard, it has truly become a place of pure magic.

The Maison Dupuy

1001 Rue Toulouse

504-586-8000

www.maisondupuy.com

Now that you know where to stay, where do you EAT? I mean, let’s make sure that we cover the basics!

If you are caught dead anywhere else for brunch, then just pack up your bags and go home. The Court of Two Sisters is the place to be! This place is wonderful, and the food isn’t too shabby, either. You may choose to dine inside, or out… in the fabulous courtyard. And the buffet is endless… or seemingly. There are so many choices that it can make your head spin. And while the Court of Two Sisters in best known for their Jazz brunch buffet (every day… not just Sunday), the dinner is superb. If you have a weekend in New Orleans, eat here twice!

The Court of Two Sisters

613 Royal Street

504-522-7261

www.courtoftwosisters.com

Ok, so far we are housed and fed. Here comes the good stuff.

New Orleans is known for so many things. However, what do most people think of? Yup… Bourbon Street! I could go on for the next century about the night life on Bourbon, branching out onto Decatur and Royal, and the alleys in between. If you like jazz, it’s there. Want a little hip hop, no problem. Heavy rock? You guessed it. And New Orleans is the home to the goth and/or alternative scene. But the place that really piqued my interest… well, if you’re not careful, you might just miss it. Walk way down Bourbon. I mean, really… keep walking. And there she sits, a tiny gem amidst the pulsing dance beats and disco balls… Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop.

Legend has it that the pirate brothers Jean and Pierre Lafitte used this location as a blacksmith shop, which served as a front for well… let’s say a few businesses that couldn’t exactly hang a sign on the front of the building. It is said to have been built sometime before 1772, and also claims to be the oldest bar in the country. However, all I cared about was the deliciously romantic atmosphere, and that beautiful piano in the back corner. Now, people say that the bar is haunted, and several night ghost walks “happen” by on their tours. Doesn’t that make it even more tempting?

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop

941 Bourbon Street

504-522-9377

Speaking of ghosts, you can’t say you visited New Orleans without taking a ghost walk or two, or finding yourself in the middle of a cemetery. Obviously, the tour companies offering such excursions are numerous. I chose to tour with the French Quarter Phantoms, and I was NOT disappointed.

The French Quarter Phantoms offer several different types of tours, including ghost tours, historical tours, and spiritual tours. They also offer specialty tours for groups. Trust me, take every tour this company offers while you are in town. It is totally worth it. Something that a lot of people don’t think about when taking guided tours is how it can familiarize you with the city. While the main purpose is, of course, because you are interested in the specific theme of the tour, it sure doesn’t hurt to remember seeing a particular building the night before, suddenly causing you to realize that you passed up the restaurant you have dinner reservations at two blocks back. And isn’t it so much better to walk around a city after you have some knowledge about it first? Looking at a building is so much nicer after you know what that building is, or in some cases with the ghost tour… maybe not. However, I make it a point to always learn about the city I am visiting, especially a good ghost story or two.

Every night at eight, the ghost tour departs Flanagan’s Pub in the French Quarter, where all those participating in the tour receive two for one Hurricanes. (Yup… just a special added bonus.) Perhaps you should drink up, because this may be your last chance to stand in a well-lit building without feeling goosebumps sneak up your arm for, well… let’s say quite some time. This tour will twist and turn through the narrow streets of the French Quarter, while an expert story teller will seriously scare you to death. And these are not “made up” stories. This tour company checks their facts.

Ghost stories not your thing? Try the UNCENSORED French Quarter History tour, with Randy Ping… who seems to know everything about everything involving New Orleans. You will be utterly fascinated with these tales of history, architecture, piracy, scandal, slavery, murder, and anything in between. And what can be better than hearing these stories, than hearing them in the places where they actually happened? This tour is worth the trip to New Orleans by itself!

And don’t miss the newest tour operated by the French Quarter Phantoms… the Saints and Sinners tour. This tour is everything you could imagine for a voodoo tour, with a hearty mix of every spiritual influence to ever grace the city with their presence. This tour goes into deep detail about everything that has ever given New Orleans its “seedy” reputation, while instantly redeeming her with stories of hope and faith. Learn about St. Expedite, the Spanish Inquisition, Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, the Ursuline nuns, a jazz funeral, and even Mardi Gras. The tour guide, Mike Indest, holds a Masters Degree in Theology, and seems to be able to answer every question one could possibly come up with.

The French Quarter Phantoms are a superb tour group. Priding themselves in keeping their groups small, one really feels like each and every story takes on a personal feel… more like friends sitting around a bonfire, rather than like students in a large classroom.

Just take the tours already!

 

French Quarter Phantoms

625 St. Philip Street

504-666-8300

www.frenchquarterphantoms.com

While touching on cemeteries, there is one that you will not want to miss while in New Orleans. Some might question walking about in a cemetery, but this is no ordinary cemetery. First and foremost, take a few minute’s ride on a streetcar over to the Garden District to see the beautiful Victorian homes… and why not stargaze for a minute or two? The well known author Anne Rice once lived in the Garden District, as did Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails. Don’t worry… the Garden District is still home to a few people you might know. Do the names John Goodman or Nicolas Cage ring a bell? And as I promised, this visit should culminate with a good, long visit to Lafayatte Cemetery Number 1, where “Interview with a Vampire” was filmed. Sound like a nice afternoon?

Oh… and what to do next? Do not miss the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. This is rated one of the top five aquariums in the country, and has the largest collection of sharks and jellyfish. Doesn’t that make you shudder already? On the cute and cuddly side, you can see penguins and sea otters, so let go of the rail! Come on, you could spend all day here!

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

1 Canal Street

504-581-4629

www.auduboninstitute.org

Now, I am about to tell you about one of the most interesting museums I have ever visited. Like creepy crawlies? Awww… come on. You know you do!

The Audubon Insectarium is so amazing! Imagine what it would be like to instantly shrink to “bug size”. Whoah… pretty cool, huh? Wander through 13 gallery rooms, containing over 70 live animal enclosures, 30 specimen cases, and a multisensory theater. Walk through a Louisiana swamp, or visit a beautiful Japanese butterfly garden. Wonders await you!

Audubon Insectarium

423 Canal Street

504-581-4629

www.auduboninstitute.org

So, since you are on Canal Street, you might as well make a date with Lady Luck and venture down to Harrah’s Casino. I mean, this place is great. This is definitely one of my favorite casinos, Vegas included. The ambience is nothing short of inspiring, and every gaming option imaginable is there waiting… hopefully to give you money. And Harrah’s is not all about gambling. The dining options are a reason to visit alone. I love Fuddruckers!

Harrah’s Casino

8 Canal Street

504-533-6000

www.harrahs.com

After your pockets are not quite full (in a perfect world), then head to Jackson Square, the heart of the French Quarter. Jackson Square is to New Orleans what Trafalgar Square is to London. It is perfectly situated between the Mississippi River and the St. Louis Cathedral. This is the perfect place to people watch, buy a piece from a local artist, or have your fortune told at twilight. The artists, restaurants, museums, merchants, and the square itself make Jackson Square one of the Quarter's most popular destinations.

 

Cajun Pride Swamp Tours take place in the famous Manchac Swamp. From within the safety of a boat, you literally come within feet of jumping alligators. As you ride through the swamp, you will learn about the Louisiana Wetlands, the inhabitants of the swamp, most importantly the life and habits of the American alligator. While on my tour, one particular alligator was so close I could reach out and touch him, as he came in for a marshmallow, apparently his favorite treat.

110 Frenier Road

LaPlace, Louisiana

800-467-0758

www.cajunprideswamptours.com

 

Traveling on down the Great River Road, it seems like you can “feel” Oak Alley Plantation before you even see it. It is just one of those places that, despite any information or other facts to invoke such a reaction, you “know” will be fantastic.

And Oak Alley does not disappoint. The first thing you will lay eyes on are the magnificent oak trees that line the path up to the front porch of the plantation. They literally take your breath away. Being a tree lover, I was thrilled to find that you could actually purchase a small tree grown from one of the cuttings. “Bette Davis” is growing in my back yard and, despite concerns that she might not adapt well to the climate change, she seems even healthier than when I first brought her home!

If you think the grounds and gardens are amazing, wait until your tour guide, dressed completely in period costume, shows you the inside of the plantation, a beautiful 1800’s mansion.

Make sure you set aside plenty of time to visit Oak Alley, as that this is not a visit you will want to rush. The Oak Alley Restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch, and the jambalaya is to die for!

Many movies and television series were filmed here. For you Days Of Our Lives fans, this is the location where Bo and Hope were married in 1984. And for your Bette David fans (hence my new live oak’s namesake), this is the film site for “Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte”. And yes, you are right. This is the home of the melancholy vampire, Louis, in “Interview With A Vampire”. Even Ghost Hunters filmed a segment here, sending in their paranormal investigators to see if the place really is haunted!

Oak Alley Plantation

3645 Highway 18

Vacherie, Louisiana

800-44ALLEY

www.oakalleyplantation.com

 

Just a few more minutes away is lovely Laura Plantation. This place is a wonderful history lesson in Creole history. Surrounded by fields of sugar cane, you will experience a guided tour into the 200 year old sugar plantation homestead. Through live accounts and props, you will experience what it would have been like to actually live and work at the Laura Plantation.

However, I believe that the crown jewel is a guided tour inside one of the slave cabins, built in 1840, where the ancient tales of Compair Lapin, better known in English and through Disney’s “Song of the South”, as "Br'er Rabbit” (think Splash Mountain), were invented. On the grounds are 12 buildings on the National Register, including animal barns, the overseers' cottages, and other buildings of significant historical interest.

With a wonderful gift shop to explore, this was one of my highlights on my visit to New Orleans.

Laura Plantation

2247 Highway 18
Vacherie, Louisiana

888-799-7690

www.lauraplantation.com

No matter where you go or what you do, New Orleans is a spectacular place to visit. This can definitely be categorized under “Road Trip, or if you wish to save time and gas, a quick plane ride will deposit you right in the heart of one of the liveliest cities on earth.

WHile I would to have included everything about this remarkable city, you may find all of that information and more by visiting www.neworleanscvb.com.  And don't forget... visit Great River Road, walk every step of the French Quarter that you can, and by all means, take those French Quarter Phantoms tours.  You can't go wrong!

Whether this is a romantic weekend away, a week long family vacation, or a getaway on Bourbon Street for a bachelorette party, New Orleans is the perfect location.