I hope everyone had a Happy New Year. Since there was a little lull after the New Year, I decided to take advantage of a free day; I’ve lived here my whole life, and I thought about how much I sometimes take the city for granted. I decided to spend the day as a tourist and it was wonderful! I made a list of places I rarely visit that make New Orleans so great and started my day.
I collected $1.25 in quarters and waited for the streetcar. Once on, I stared at the architecture and oak trees until I hit the last stop on Canal Street. From there I headed toward Jackson Square, but to really be a tourist I had to make a pit stop for a Bloody Mary. I was amazed at all the art and entertainment on Jackson Square; how could I not come here every day? I perused the art and decided to make my way to the French Market for the first time in years.
As I strolled through the market, I stopped to have a nibble of alligator jerky and a refreshing strawberry lemonade. My drink was getting low, so I meandered down to Port of Call for a Monsoon. Once freshened up I headed for Frenchmen Street. It was incredible, a totally different vibe from the French Quarter, very relaxing and wonderful shops.
By this time it was getting late and I had two stops on my list: Napoleon House for a Pimm’s cup and the Hermes Bar at Antoine’s Restaurant for soufflé potatoes. I made my way in that direction, stopping in a few antique shops along the way. During my stop at the Hermes Bar I had a wonderful conversation with the bartender about the city and the people he meets doing his job. As we exchanged stories, I couldn’t help but think how lucky I am to have all of this culture around me. I went home stuffed and relaxed. I hope you all can find the time in 2012 to have a tourist day. You never know what you might find or whom you’ll meet.
Heard something interesting for “cruisin’ the crescent?”
If so, please send it to: St. Charles Avenue
110 Veterans Blvd., Ste. 123
Metairie, La. 70005
or e-mail: Shelby@MyNewOrleans.com
