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2012 Jazz Fest Blues Tent

In the “city that care forgot,” (or that forgot to care?), the best time of the year is Jazz Fest.  It’s the last weekend of April and the first weekend of May, and we all pile in our cars or get on our bicycles and head for the Fair Grounds to indulge ourselves in all that Jazz Fest is.   It’s the sum of the whole that makes it an experience to anticipate excitedly every year.

You walk in the gate at whatever entrance you choose, and hear the familiar deep tones of the Jazz Fest announcer coming over the loudspeakers.  You smear yourself with suntan lotion and get ready for the sun to begin warming your sandaled toes. You feel the breeze wafting the smell of barbecue from one of the food booths, but you’re not going there.  No, you’re standing in line at the soft-shell crab poboy booth because before you go to hear any music, you’ve GOT to have that rare New Orleans treat . Or maybe for you it’s the strawberry mint iced tea booth you hit first.  Or maybe you immediately go the biggest stage with your friends and set up your encampment, complete with the artistically decorated flag you carry around every year to mark your spot.

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New Orleans has numerous monthly markets for our locals to escape their regular Saturday errands and instead, socialize with their neighbors, check out creative regional arts & crafts, pick up some fresh produce, all while listening to great local music! When staying at your Southern Comfort Bed & Breakfast, you are just a short walk away from Freret St., host to our neighborhood favorite, Freret Market on the first Saturday of every month from 12:00-5:00pm.

Once a bustling commercial district, the stretch of Freret St. between Jefferson Ave. and Napoleon Ave., sat quiet and virtually abandoned by local businesses for years until its rebirth after Hurricane Katrina. In the past 6 years, wonderful new restaurants, bars, clubs, shops, and more have all popped up along this popular local drag. The resurgence of Freret St. has brought life back into this area of the city and Freret Market has become the perfect celebration of that renaissance! Each month, Freret Market takes over a large parking lot just off Napoleon Ave. providing a vibrant coalescence of culture for New Orleans Uptowners. Live local music greets the market’s visitors as they enter the maze of tents filled with fantastic crafts, fresh produce, homemade snacks, and much more. ARNO even frequents the market to introduce friendly doggies to potential adoptive parents; it’s hard to pass up petting a few of the adorable pups.

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Old Algiers, a.k.a. Algiers Point, is perhaps one of New Orleans best kept secrets. It’s located just over the Mississippi River facing the French Quarter. Founded in 1719, Algiers Point is considered one of the earliest areas of the Crescent City and is dotted with wonderful Victorian architecture and shotgun houses. The Algiers neighborhood is accessible from the French Quarter via the Canal Street Ferry.

The ferry runs from 6 a.m. and midnight seven days a week. The ride over the Mississippi river is free for pedestrians. I always suggest this to my guests. It’s a great way to actually get on the river, feel the power of the great Mississippi  as the ferry forges against the current, and watch the river traffic up close. I especially like a evening  crossing as the lites of the Mississippi bridge sparkle in the night and the city’s skyline is magnificent.

Old Algiers is known for its beautiful, historic architecture,  bike and walking paths. Some of the most beautiful views New Orleans are accessible from atop the levee in Algiers Point. Wander aimlessly through the neighborhood and admire the architecture. Enjoy a cold beer and perhaps have lunch at Dry Dock Cafe. You’ll find local favorites of gumbo, crawfish etoufee, poboys , red beans and rice and salad’s if you’re feeling the need for a  healthy choice.

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Whenever one thinks of New Orleans, they think of jazz. And rightly so as we are considered the birthplace of jazz.

One of the nicest clubs to experience our local jazz is Snug Harbor, 626 Frenchman St. 504-949-0696. With delicious drinks, great regional food, and beautiful 1800s architecture, Snug Harbor is a must for history buffs, food lovers, and cocktail coinsures.

There are three rooms at Snug Harbor, the dining room, and bar room and the music room. With great Jazz every night and reasonably priced entrance to the music room (usually between $10-$15), The classy New Orleans atmosphere of Snug Harbor is unbeatable. Snug Harbor is not a tourist trap. It is a place where locals go to hear jazz and enjoy local cuisine and delicious cocktails. read more »

Looking for the perfect place to wrap up your evening or to get it started in beautiful New Orleans? Your choices are limitless and can be a bit overwhelming, but the best place to start or end the night is definitely Cure! www.curenola.com 4905 Freret St 504-302-2357. With great small plates and some of the world’s most original cocktails, Cure is hard to beat.

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