The French Quarter, New Orleans: Things This Local Loves To Do

Hi there – Thank you for stopping by! I’m a romantic suspense author who has lived in and around New Orleans my entire life. Since I enjoy putting words on the page, and also love to play tourist in my hometown, I thought I’d share a few things that I like to do in the French Quarter, New Orleans, one of the most magical neighborhoods in the world:

1. See the Quarter s-l-o-w-l-y. Take a pedicab up and down Bourbon, Royal, Decatur, and Chartres Streets (or anywhere else you might want to go), so you get a feel for the architecture, attractions, and quieter, residential areas of the Quarter at a leisurely, effortless pace. If you’re having a hard time finding a pedicab, call NOLA Pedicabs and arrange a pickup.
   
2. Gaze at flickering gas lanterns at the Museum and Showroom of Bevolo Gas Lights, at 318 Royal Street. Learn about the company that has been in business since 1945, creating the lights that are recognized worldwide as symbols of New Orleans. Walk through the courtyard to see Bevolo’s coppersmiths at work.
   
3. Want something sweet? Go to Southern Candymakers, ask for the “original creamy” praline, close your eyes, and taste a bit of heaven. This is a great gift to bring home.
4. Eat! Go to Central Grocery, an old-style Italian grocery store. Order the original muffuletta, a sandwich on Sicilian sesame bread with Italian deli meats, cheese, and olive salad. Get a Barq’s root beer to sip with your sandwich. While you’re at the counter, buy a jar of olive salad to take home (they ship). Also, purchase white candy almonds to eat later. Beware: the line can be long, and there isn’t much table space. It’s worth the hassle.
   
5. Walk! Put on comfortable shoes, head towards Woldenberg Park, and stroll along the Mississippi River, from the Aquarium of the Americas to the end of the park, and back again. Stop to take photos along the way. If you want to go inside for a while, the aquarium is definitely worth a visit.
   
6. Drink! Mix a cocktail with New Orleans atmosphere at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop. Sample literary-inspired cocktails at Backspace Bar & Kitchen. Have a Pimm’s Cup at Napoleon House. Sit at the carousel, let the world spin away, and order a glass of champagne at the Carousel Bar in the Monteleone Hotel.
7. Visit Pat O’Briens. A commenter, below, chastised me for leaving this out of my first list, and she’s correct. This historic venue is a New Orleans institution. Many, many locals snuck into Pat O’s (as locals call it) before reaching drinking age (who me? never!?!) and had their first Hurricane. There’s a piano bar, a patio, and drinks that you will never forget. Warning: the drinks are strong. The Hurricane tastes great going down, but it really is best if you stop at one. Trust me on this.
8. Need a hangover cure? In New Orleans, the perfect cure is another cocktail, within an hour or so of waking up. This proven cure is a world famous Bloody Mary from Donna at Le Touche Bar at the Omni Royal Orleans. Be careful – it’s spicy!  (the hotel address is 621 St. Louis Street; Le Touche’s entrance is on Royal Street).
9. Visit the Saint Louis Cathedral. It’s beautiful and open to the public. The photograph at the top of this page was taken inside the cathedral. Brochures are available for self-guided tours. Visit the website for more information, hours, and a calendar of events. Writing note: The cover of Concierge features a painting of the St Louis Cathedral. Read more about the inspiration behind that here.
   
10. Shop! Go in antique stores on Royal Street; check out artists and their paintings at Jackson Square; and look for souvenirs in the New Orleans French Market (a farmer’s market and flea market).
11. Preservation Hall. For a music experience featuring live, authentic jazz, go next door to Pat O’Briens and take in a show at Preservation Hall. This place is so special I also listed it as an essential thing to do in New Orleans. Warning: drinks are not served on the premises and outside drinks are not allowed, so don’t buy a fresh drink to take into the Hall. The music is still wonderful, even without alcohol.
12. Eat again! Go to Café Du Monde for coffee and beignets. There are several locations around the city, but the French Quarter one is the oldest. No visit to the French Quarter is complete without these powdered-sugar, deep-fried bits of perfection. Local tip: if the cafe is too crowded, there is a walk up, to-go window in back.

What have I missed? Comments are welcome!