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A bride and groom dance down the street while a brass band plays in a vibrant neighborhood.

Life On Esplanade Ave.

Get to Know the Real New Orleans

Lush garden view featuring greenery, tall trees, and a lantern.

Walter "Wolfman" Washington Park

At an intersection of street signs that could only happen in New Orleans, there is a little urban oasis called Walter "Wolfman" Washington Park. The park, too, is something that could only happen here, this city where everything, even the mundane, is… Read more
A colorful mural of a crocodile on a wooden gate, surrounded by vibrant gradients and patterns.

Walking in New Orleans

There are angels in the details, and any stroll down any street in New Orleans will show you that the city is a living museum of life lived well. Walking in New Orleans means seeing the city at street level, where the streets are alive with art, both… Read more
A vibrant mural of a muscular figure holding a small vehicle, situated on a bridge support.

Guardians of Gentilly Mural

Gentilly is where New Orleans began to expand in the 1920s. By the 1950s and 60s, it had become a shopping hub. It was no Canal Street, but Gentilly had its share of shopping centers and commercial strips. That's not why I'm sending you out there. As… Read more
A serene seascape featuring a calm ocean under a partially cloudy sky.

How New Orleans Rolls

Parades roll. This is what we say in New Orleans. We don’t say they march, we don’t say they pass; we say they roll. That is how New Orleans rolls. This is why we love it so. If you see a city bus this time of year (summer 2025) you will see advertis… Read more
A cozy coffee shop with a blue sign reading "Pontilly Coffee" and showcasing pastries, illuminated under a cloudy sky.

Pontilly Coffee

I am at Pontilly Coffee this morning. It is next to the God is Good Carwash on Chef Menteur Highway. It is run by the same people. It is across the street from the New Orleans Baptist Seminary. I am looking at the live oaks on the seminary grounds as… Read more
A colorful mural depicting two stylized figures joyfully riding a tandem bicycle.

Flour Moon New Orleans

When something is Uptown, there is its equivalent Downtown. It is hard to find a good bagel in New Orleans. Uptown, on Freret Street, there is Humble. Downtown, at 457 North Dorgenois Street, Is Flour Moon Bagels. When you are in New Orleans, go to F… Read more
Logo featuring a stylized black cat and the text "Black Cat Magic Club N.O."

The Black Cat Magic Club of New Orleans

Don’t worry if you’ve never heard of the Black Cat Magic Club of New Orleans. New Orleans is a city full of secret societies, fraternal organizations, sororities, social aid & pleasure clubs, Carnival krewes, marching associations. They are people wh… Read more
A series of decorative tiles spelling "PAUL MORPHY" laid out on a sidewalk.

The Ghost of Paul Morphy

New Orleans is made up of things both visible and invisible. It takes a certain kind of eye to appreciate all the various threads out of which any day in New Orleans is woven. I know. I live here. So does the ghost of Paul Morphy. Paul Morphy knew . … Read more
A golden statue of a mounted figure holding a flag is surrounded by various state flags against a blue sky.

Joan of Arc

I have been going to the French Quarter more often than usual recently. There is no particular reason beyond me having nothing else to do. I live in New Orleans. While I appreciate the French Quarter, I know what is there, so, if there is no reason f… Read more
A red metal gate adorned with painted butterflies, set against a colorful house and palm tree backdrop.

The Peacemaker Po' Boy

Have you ever had a sandwich? A New Orleans po’ boy is a sandwich on steroids. You can usually get them 6″ long or 12″ long. Six inches of overstuffed po’ boy is enough for me. Peacemaker po’ boys only come in 12 inches. Whenever you see po’ boys adv… Read more

You Belong Here

The best New Orleans memories are made on Esplanade Avenue