As promised, I'd like to show you a little winter getaway, my husband and I took in February, to one of our favorite cities: New Orleans, Louisiana! (All photos, and photo collages, in this post, will enlarge for easier viewing if clicked on)
The French Quarter section of the city makes one feel as if they have stepped back in time. The city was established by French colonists and was named after the Duke of Orleans, who reigned as Regent for Louis XV from 1715 to 1723.
The older section of the city, the French Quarter, is known for its distinct French and Spanish Creole architecture, as well as its multicultural heritage.
We arrived the day after Mardi Gras - the famous celebration held annually in New Orleans to celebrate "Shrove or Fat Tuesday," which is the day before Ash Wednesday in the Christian faith. As much as we knew that the Mardi Gras carnival celebration would be a wonderful sight to see, we did not want to deal with the large crowds and noise.
It was fun to see the French Quarter still decorated for carnival...
....and the traditional, green, yellow and purple decorations were displayed everywhere!
Of course, the party never stops on Bourbon Street!
The thirteen street long block is a mix of bars, restaurants, and other forms of entertainment which are on a more seedy side, but it is definitely a "must see" at night if one visits New Orleans. One evening we enjoyed listening to a jazz band in the Musical Legends Park that is located along one section of Bourbon street.
Another New Orleans tradition, that is a "must do," is to stop at Cafe Du Monde for their chicory flavored coffee, and fresh beignets. The original coffee stand opened in 1862, and now is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and there is almost always a line to find a seat!
The beautiful Saint Louis Cathedral is one of the most notable landmarks of New Orleans, and is located next to Jackson Square and faces the Mississippi River.
Built over the foundation of a 1727 church, and completed in 1851, it is the oldest active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States.
The magnificent Rocco style interior of the cathedral includes a statue of Saint Joan of Arc. The cathedral was a serene place to visit after a busy day walking around this very scenic and enjoyable city.
I have much more to show about New Orleans! I hope you will come back soon to see Part Two.
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54 comments:
wow - such amazing architecture! Looks like something out of a Disney film...
It sure is a city with a difference. Your photos brought back memories of our visit. I loved the Cathedral and the bands playing in the streets. I preferred Royal St to Bourbon Street
Wow. So much to see and take in. Love your images, and especially the collages you made. Have a great Sunday!
Mersad
Mersad Donko Photography
Hello Pat, what a fun trip. I enjoyed seeing your night shots from Bourbon St. The architecture is unique, I especially love the balconies.. The cathedral is beautiful. Awesome photos and post.. Enjoy your Sunday and have a happy week ahead!
Growing up in Houston, we always went to the New Orleans Race track. May 2 is derby day, have a great Sunday.
Morning Pat, thank you so much for the grand tour! Your photographs are all amazing and wonderful! I've not been to New Orleans in a long time, your post brings back many memories!
Have a sweet Sunday!
Nancy
Wow! Quite. The place! Your pictures capture the flavour of it.
I've read and heard so much about New Orleans over the years. It's a place I'm ambivalent about visiting. The historical places you've shown us are so interesting and what a beautiful RC cathedral. Crowds wouldn't interest me, either, but it would be fun to see the city in its festive state, as you did.
I don't comment often enough on your wonderful blog, but since New Orleans is on our bucket list, I had to share this with my hubby. What a fun trip! The architecture is unique, and I have always loved seeing photos of the balconies. Awesome photos! I think we would like go to during the Christmas season.
Great post. There may not be a more photographable (that is a word in Oklahoma) city anywhere (at least cities I have been to) than New Orleans.
Hi There, Love your pic's from Nawlins. I enjoyed my 4-5 years there so much... Neat city. We haven't been there since Katrina --and there were a few years that I did NOT want to go back after that huge storm. BUT--I want to see it again NOW.... Your pictures brought back so many memories. Can't wait to see more.
Hugs,
Betsy
We'd love to go back to New Orleans one day. When we went, it was on a stop on our way to Florida for a graduation so we didn't have the choice of when we were there. It was June and talk about hot and humid!!! It really took the enjoyment out of it. I want to go back if for no other reason than to get more pralines!!!
Wow, it looks really great! I don' know too much about this city! Well done and thanks fow sharing!
I've always wanted to visit New Orleans. Your pictures make me want to do so even more!
This is a favorite city of mine! Looking forward to the rest of your pictures!
the city looks so colorful! You are lucky to be able to travel so much:)
Amazing street decorations and love the cathedral design.
I've Always dreamed to be there during Mardi Gras....maybe, one day...Thanks for all the sharing!
Wonderful post! I particularly liked the French Quarter. And the food!!! Have a grand day!
Mornin' Pat,
I've never been, so thank you for taking me along with you on your visit. Isn’t it fun finding blues to share? Thanks for playing today.
Happy Blue Monday!
I was there many years ago, but did not care for it. I am sure it is very different now.
I was so excited to read this and see your pictures. I want to go visit a friend in the winter so making lists of things I want to see and eat so your post is helping. You have such a wonderful way of describing places. Thank you Grace xoox
There is a lot of colour there on Bourbon St. Interesting photos of the city that make beautiful and colourful mosaics.
Nice photos Pat! I have many good memories of New Orleans. My aunt and uncle lived in Baton Rouge and as a kid I first visited it at the age of 12. Back than the guys like Louie Armstrong and Al Hirt were performing on Bourbon Street! Thanks for sharing. Have a great week!
Such a colorful city in many ways. Dear will be there in the middle of May for a conference. Love the fence and blossom shot!
Those beignets at Cafe du Monde are the best - until you inhale a bunch of powdered sugar! Glad you had a great time. Your photos are stellar, as usual.
NOLA is such a beautiful city. So many things to offer the visitor.
Worth a Thousand Words
I have never been to New Orleans...so much color and oh that food.
How I would love to visit New Orleans myself Pat. Your photos show lots of colour and people everywhere.
I'm sure you'll be sharing some food in your next post of the city as I've heard it's very good.
Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday.
One of my favorite places! Nothing like a day in NOLA!
Wonderful tour of the city. I like those pictures.
Hello Pat, Your trip to new Orleans sounds and looks fabulous. We have been there twice for two National football games with our Gators. The first time we lost and the second time we won. The town is stunning in every way. Your photos are great reminders of how beautiful and diverse New Orleans can be. I remember the beautiful antique shops and the food. Plus all the wonderful architecture.
Happy Blue Monday.
Hugs,
Jeanne
Wow Pat! How fun to see New Orleans through your eyes! Where did you stay?? We had a fabulous time! But my photos were rotten!!!!
Can't wait to see more!
XO Kris
I've always wanted to go to New Orleans but don't suppose I ever will, walking with you down Bourbon St. was wonderful thanks for taking me along on your trip!
It's so colorful and I love the architecture. Looks like a fun trip! How was the food? For me, it's always about the food! lol!
Wow, what a fabulous collection of photos - it looks an amazing place to visit, although like you I would probably want to avoid the worst of the crowds at carnival time!
Wonderful photos... Colours, great architecture, beignets and beautiful flowers!
Thank you so much for sharing!
Beautiful scenery and the food looks yummy.
Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY.
Blessings,
Cindy
Great post.....love the colours!
Smart planning to visit NOLA starting the day after Mardi Gras! You got all the color without the "day of" crowds and confusion. A great city for a getaway ... It is truly a unique experience. Your photos are great. I'm ready to go back right now!!
Hi Pat, It has been several years since I've been to N.O. but one thing is for sure ... Your neat photos definitely capture the flavor of the place. Nice work! I felt like I was right back there. I enjoyed this post.
i have never been and would like to. smart of you to go after mardi gras, i think. :)
Oh, Pat, New Orleans is one city I've always wanted to experience for its amazing vitality, traditions, colour and music!! Your photos are spectacular, as are your descriptions. Love the last pic of the black, wrought iron fence and the pretty pink flowers blowing in the breeze!
Poppy
Onc again Pat, you have shared such interesting pictures of a place that you have travelled to. I enjoyed reading about the cathedral. It looks to well preserved. i liked the perspective in your fence and blossoms photo. Have a sunny day!
You did a great job of photographing the city. Your photo of the cathedral is beautiful!
Thanks for sharing your trip to NOLA.
I have not been. Would enjoy the architecture/history, food, etc., but not the crazy night life.
Thanks for stopping by. Wisteria is beautiful. It is a shame the blooms don't last longer.
That looks like a fun trip.
Great photos. I have never been there and really want to go. Thanks for sharing.
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Lucky you!!! I visited New Orleans a number of years ago and would love to go back. It's such a colorful city with so much to do and see. Your images are fabulous. They bring back many fond memories. Thank you.
I missed this post, Pat. Can you believe I've never been to New Orleans? Yes to beignets! Great photos of the city.
Pat, your photographs of New Orleans are just amazing! We have been three times and had such a marvelous time, it's not like any other place, is it?
Thanks for sharing, loved this post.
Nancy
Oh be still my heart at that cathedral! :)
Deb from Sacred Eclectic and Frugal Little Bungalow
What a great selection of photos. I've long wanted to visit New Orleans, and now even more so! :)
This post had me smiling...as I recalled our visit to New Orleans a few years back. And you have me yearning for those beignets at the Cafe du Monde! It's such a fun city to visit.
Pat, I was in New Orleans several years ago. But I was there on business and didn't get to see very much, so it was good to read your posts and see all your photos! (Reminds me, I must post my beignets recipe soon.)
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