New Orleans – what an amazing trip. I treasure spending time with Sandy, together as a couple without the kids, but New Orleans’ striking character rushes you on a literal trip away from everything familiar. The city’s stunning architecture abounds, with beautiful design details everywhere, yet, its seediness and grittiness seeps in to all the gaps. The contrasts magnetized my roving eyes. We stayed just outside of the French Quarter, within easy walking distance of everything. I’m an early riser, no matter the hour to bed, so I walked the streets with my camera, while Sandy slept the morning away. This is what I saw:
Gaslights (love these) and ironwork intersperse with neon glare.
Old world, street side charm glows in the morning light,
one block from Bourbon street, littered with bars and strip joints and mounds of yesterday’s garbage.
Each streetscape communicates its own unique vignette, seductively historical, yet so present and tangible.
Cobblestone streets, fresh and shiny in the rain, charmed me and transported me to another place. I think New Orleans’ magic blossoms from this very otherness.
Streetside cafes and unique shops beckon from every corner. 
Iron work detail decorates the architecture throughout the French Quarter.
Historically, the quantity and level of intricacy in your iron work spoke to your level of wealth, as it required constant upkeep.
Streetcars can take you many places in the city. The photos in this post are all of the French Quarter, but the Garden District, Uptown and Fauberg Marigny are also amazing places to visit and visually stunning, as well. I highly encourage a visit if you get the chance.
Music flourishes on the streets, ranging from low country folk bands to jazz to current pop blaring out every bar on Bourbon Street. The music literally goes all hours with much raucous dancing, singing and toe-tapping from admiring crowds. One of my favorite New Orleans memories includes dancing in the street with Sandy to a local jazz quartet in Fauberg Marigny at 2am – seriously, what a town!
We traveled to New Orleans to go to the Alabama-LSU game. My husband is a HUGE Bama fan and this trip was a dream come true for him. The pride, energy and excitement that pulsed through the streets stunned me day to day. From the thrill after the Saints won their playoff game, to the anticipation for the big LSU-Alabama game, the excitement continued to build. The more the hours passed, the busier and crazier the town got. The streets and the balconies bulged with people. The mother in me was a tad worried!
I mean, really, are those balconies designed to withstand all those people?
And then, here is Bourbon Street before the game–throbbing with people, loud music pumping out every door, college cheers erupting from all directions. You inch along the street with people yelling, stumbling, drinking, laughing, cheering, and really quite polite for all of it . . . I found it fascinating and oddly compelling.
Alabama won, followed by wild celebration in the street afterwards. Hoarse with excitement and loud cheering, we danced our way down the street late into the night, collecting pats on the back, high fives, and enthusiastic “Roll Tide”s the entire way. Both the LSU fans and the Bama fans were courteous to the end.
Whatever is said about New Orleans, it will remain vibrant, bustling and quite charming in my memory. Its unique character grips me. I will be back.
SUPAHMAMA! says
You know, I have flown in and out of the NOLA airport and never once left the tarmac. 🙁 One day I’ll go! But until then, your French Quarter pics are dreamy!
beki says
One of my favorite cities (of course I’m biased living so close by). Sounds like you had a wonderful time!!
stacie says
I love New Orleans! We stayed in the French Quarter when we visited too. Your photographs are Anne.
Kristina @ ReMadeSimple says
Thanks for sharing this your photos are stunning and capture the moment.
Nancy says
Your pictures have captured the character(s), colors and beauty of my pride and joy. After retiring from the Coast Guard, I couldn’t wait to get back home, and you can see why.
anne says
Nancy and Kristina, thank you for your sweet words. They mean so much to me.
Anonymous says
My home! I have traveled a bit and have never found a city as unique as New Orleans. Your photos of the Quarter capture it beautifully. Thank you and please come back to visit!
smilingwoman says
O-M-gosh! I have joyfully shared links to your photos of the stompin’ grounds of my youth… what beautiful photos… and you truly captured the essence of the City! Thank you so much for sharing with us!
anne says
You guys make me so happy with your comments. I love hearing from you new orleans folks! I’m glad you feel I did your city justice. xo anne