Page 16 - Florida Sentinel 10-23-15 Edition

Travel
A Visit To The Colorful City Of New Orleans
BY KENYA WOODARD Sentinel Feature Writer
New Orleans. The Big Easy. Nawlins. NoLa. Whatever the moniker, the city of New Or- leans never fails to charm. Founded in 1718 by French colonist Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bi- enville"Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, the city would operate under French rule for the next 45 years until it was handed over to the Spanish in 1763. The French again took control in 1801 and before it came under the jurisdiction of the United States after Napoleon Bonaparte sold Louisiana in 1803.
Renowned for its colorful history and unique cuisine, New Orleans is recognized as the cradle of jazz and the pur- veyor of good times. The city is booked year-round with fes- tivals and events, including the New Orleans Jazz Festival, the French Quarter Festival, and, of course, Mardi Gras.
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina swept through the city and left much destruction and devas- tation in her wake. But 10 years later, New Orleans is ex- periencing an upswing with its infrastructure on the mend and its tourism-based econ- omy once again booming.
Thinking of visiting New Orleans? Here are suggestions for places to visit, to eat, and to stay.
Places to Visit French Quarter: No visit to New Orleans is complete without a stroll through its oldest neighborhood. Also known as “Vieux Carre” or “Old Square”, the entire area has been designated a Na- tional Historic Landmark. Many French and Spanish- style buildings from its settle- ment and occupation in the 18th century still line its nar-
row brick-paved streets.
A well-known entertain- ment district, the French Quarter offers a plethora of nightclubs, bars, and lounges with live music of just about
every genre.
Additionally, some of the
best restaurants in the world are located here serving up hearty Creole and Cajun fare. Places of interest to check out while in the French Quarter include, the New Orleans His- toric Collection, a free mu- seum featuring exhibits about the history and culture of the city and Jackson Square, a gated public park the size of a city block that’s home to St. Louis Cathedral and govern- ment-buildings-turned muse- ums, the Cabildo and the Presbytere.
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1: Tucked away in the Garden District, Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is the oldest of the seven city-operated cemeteries in New Orleans. Non-segregated and non-denominational, the cemetery is the final resting place for an estimated 7,000
Rum House – A taco platter at the Rum House restaurant on Magazine Street.
people who are buried in more than 500 tombs. The cemetery is open daily for tours and visitors can do a self-guided tour or rely on a guide to offer insight into the cemetery’s history.
Garden District: Stocked with street after street of his- toric mansions, the Garden District is perhaps one of New Orleans most scenic neighbor- hoods. Developed in the mid- 19th century, the Garden District was settled by some of the city’s wealthiest families who made their fortunes in the slave-based cotton indus- try. Despite its name, the Gar- den District is known more for its architecture than land- scaping. Famed restaurant Commander’s Palace is lo- cated right across the street from Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, the oldest burial ground in the city.
Places to Eat
Rum House: Located on
Katrina Memorial – A me- morial honoring Hurricane Katrina victims located in the Warehouse District.
the iconic Magazine Street, Rum House offers visitors a Latin American and Caribbean-fusion food in an island-like setting. Foodies looking for something differ- ent will find it in the chorizo roti flatbread, curried mus- sels, and tortillas stuffed with duck, lamb, and – in a nod to its hometown – fried oysters.
Diners can choose from a dozen tropical cocktails to wash it all down and top their meals off with smooth sips of one of nearly 100 rums from around the world.
Mulates: Billed as “the original Cajun restaurant,” Mulates has been serving up bayou-influenced fare in New Orleans since 1990. The menu features a variety of hearty dishes, including gumbos, red beans and rice, and jamba- laya. Also available are broiled or fried seafood platters, pas- tas, and rich desserts.
Port of Call: This no-frills dive bar (that’s a compliment)
Garden District – Historic mansions line a street in the Garden District.
offers very little variety on its menu, but loads of charm in its décor and ambiance. Steaks or burgers are the only entrees on the menu and salad and baked potato (full dressed with cheese, mushrooms, or sour cream) are the only sides. Seating is limited and so is the lighting. But what this French Quarter stalwart lacks in at- mosphere it more than makes up for in flavor.
Places to Stay Hampton Inn and
Suites: This hotel sits on the edge of the city’s Arts and Warehouse District in what was formerly the New Orleans location of the Fulton Bag and Cotton Mills. Remnants of the old warehouse still remain in the hardwood floors and high ceilings with exposed beams. It’s just minutes from the French Quarter, the New Or- leans Streetcar system, and bustling Canal Street.
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