Posts by La Belle Esplanade

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

Vintage sign for Rock'n' Bowl in New Orleans, featuring a large bowling pin and musical notes.

The Rock 'n' Bowl on Thursdays

Here is a solid recommendation. Go to the Rock ‘n’ Bowl on a Thursday night. This is real New Orleans. It is zydeco night at the Rock ‘n’ Bowl on Thursdays. People come from all over the state to dance and dance and dance. People don’t just come from… Read more

Lush greenery with palm and leafy trees against a blue sky.

Autumn in New Orleans

When you live in New Orleans you can feel the seasons in your bones. The temperature fluctuates more in winter than in summer. Spring and autumn are wings of summer. Leaves do not change color in New Orleans. Winter is when flowers don’t bloom. Autum… Read more

Hanging black hats adorn a colorful house's porch ceiling.

New Orleans Witch Houses

Apropos of Halloween, I’d like to share a condensed article from our sister blog about New Orleans Witch Houses. There are witch houses all over New Orleans. There is nothing intrinsically wrong with that. It would be rash to say that there are a lot… Read more

Street view of a boutique named "OMEN" with a psychic readings sign, flanked by a sidewalk and parked bicycles.

Palm Readings in New Orleans

If you are looking for a palm reading in New Orleans, you can go to Jackson Square. I know a couple of palm readers who work in Jackson Square. You can get your palm read at any hour of the day or night. There is always a collection of psychics and g… Read more

A large, ornate turquoise Victorian house surrounded by lush green foliage and a decorative iron fence.

Steamboat Gothic New Orleans

You’ve got your regular gothic and then you’ve got your steamboat gothic. The Steamboat Gothic houses in New Orleans aren’t in our neighborhood but they are a short bike ride away. Here is a picture of La Belle Esplanade: We live on a beautiful stree… Read more

A vintage sign featuring a rubber boot illustration against a blue sky.

Hail the Shrimp Boot!!

If you don’t know what shrimp boots are, you aren’t from Louisiana. All hail the shrimp boot! Shrimp boots are white rubber boots that shrimpers wear when they are out on their boats. Actually, they wear them more often than that. I wouldn’t say that… Read more