pc800touring: New Orleans

The picture above is the closest thing I saw to a parade in New Orleans. I couldn't believe it, not one person I talked to knew of any July 4th parades going on in New Orleans. They seem to have parades for every other occasion, but not for the fourth. Who would have guessed? That aside, New Orleans is a great place to visit! I started my day at a corner cafe named biscuit buns on banks.

Though a little pricey, the food was delicious! After breakfast I strolled over to the trolley stop and waited. My intention was to ride the trolley downtown and then take one of the tour buses around town. I mentioned that to another another tourist and was told the trolley would actually give me a much better tour for a fraction of the cost. You can ride the trolley all day for $3.00.

You can get off and on as often as you wish and take any trolley in any direction for that same $3.00. I grabbed a city map that would show me where I was at and also provided the information below regarding the 14 different sectors of the city.

French Quarter
The French Quarter (or Vieux Carré) is the oldest neighborhood dating back to 1718.

Treme
Treme continues to preserve the traditions of African-American and Creole culture today.

The Garden District
The Garden District is most known for its well preserved historic southern mansions.

Arts/Warehouse
District
Following the 1984 World's Fair this area quickly began to flourish.

Downtown/CBD
You'll find great shops, restaurants, bars, theatres, and renowned public art throughout the city's Central Business District.

Algiers
This charming and primarily residential historic neighborhood is just a quick ferry ride away.

Uptown/Carrollton
Also called the Riverbend, this area contains several of the city's more prominent universities and parks.

Marigny/Bywater
This charming and bohemian area of the city is most known for its music clubs and nightlife.

Mid-City
Although not as old as other neighborhoods in the city, this historic district has a great quirky local flavor.

Lakeview
The newer and primarily residential Lakeview area is is home to City Park and the famous cemeteries.

Ninth Ward
This primarily residential area has produced some of the city's finest musicians including Fats Domino.

Gentilly
This primarily residential area sits along Gentilly Ridge which was once part of the Old Spanish Trail.

Esplanade Ridge
This architecturally rich neighborhood near the French Quarter has some of the best B&Bs.

New Orleans East
This newer highly suburban area saw most of its major development following the 1950s.

With this information in hand I sat back and enjoyed the day.

A typical "Shotgun House".
Named as such because you could fire a bullet through the front door and it could go out the back door without ever hitting a wall.