Quick Read New Orleans is like no other place in America. A city formed by superstitions and long-standing traditions, NOLA is an authentic experience that one can truly admire by living and breathing New Orleans. Explore and open your mind up to places like:
Living in the French Quarter
New Orleans itself is an amazing place to live. Full of rich history, culture and celebrations including Mardi Gras parades, festivals and concerts, there’s always something going on.
Within New Orleans, there are many neighborhoods worth exploring, but one of NOLA’s more popular neighborhoods, the historic French Quarter, is the heart of the city.
Known also as the Vieux Carré (Old Square), the French Quarter was founded in 1718 and in the late 1700s, the area experience two major fires which resulted in a slew of building codes. To prevent major fire damage in the future, the buildings cypress-style roofs were replaced by baked tile and quarried slate which resulted in the historic Creole architecture we see today.
The French Quarter atmosphere gives one a feeling of old-world mystery, romance, and a splash of jazz. With a mix of modern boutiques, antique stores, and a nightlife one has to experience for themselves, it’s time you learned what makes this neighborhood so charming.
St. Louis Cathedral
Originally built in 1727, the cathedral was rebuilt and expanded after having been through the great fire of 1788. Known by another name, the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France is the oldest cathedral in the United States and is still in operation.
Caretakers of this historic building are constantly working toward conservation and restoration efforts because the cathedral is one of New Orleans’ most notable landmarks that can be easily identified worldwide.
Though this is a Catholic place of worship, many visitors from all walks of faith are eager to lay their eyes on the beautiful, yet imposing structure.
Jackson Square
Named in the honor of the Battle of New Orleans hero, Andrew Jackson, the Jackson Square is a famous landmark located in the heart of the French Quarter of New Orleans.
This historic place was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960 for its central role it played as the site in 1803 where Louisiana became part of the United States pursuant to the Louisiana Purchase.
The Cabildo
If it’s your first time living in the French Quarter, your tour of this neighborhood wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Cabildo.
As one of the most historically significant buildings in America, the Cabildo served as the seat of government during the Spanish colonial period.
Today, the Cabildo has within its walls more than 500 artifacts, each telling a story of the rich and colorful history surrounding New Orleans & Louisiana.
The Historic New Orleans Collection
For further history of New Orleans, check out The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC) and give your inner history buff a few lessons about the Big Easy.
Peruse 22 artists work and their impressions regarding New Orleans most historical neighborhoods through one of two indoor exhibitions: French Quarter Life: People and Places in the Vieux Carré.
The pandemic has caused the hustle and bustle of New Orleans to come to a halt. Two exhibitions, (1) The Dancing in the Streets: Social Aid and (2) The Pleasure Clubs of New Orleans showcases historical photographs and film footage from years past detailing the many parades and events where New Orleans can celebrate and embrace their culture.
If you’re up for some heavy reading, you can visit the Research Center where more than 30,000 library items are accessible to the public spanning across a number of research fields including colonial Louisiana, the Battle of New Orleans, the French Quarter, early New Orleans music and more.
HEX: Old World Witchery
New Orleans has had a long history of magic dating back to the 1700s when Voodoo magic was first introduced. Today, New Orleans still has a long line of famous practitioners and shops, including the magic shop, Hex: Old World Witchery.
Introduce yourself to the craft and learn about the religion of witchcraft as well as the classic Voodoo & Afro-Caribbean Paganism where you can learn how to perform basic rituals yourself.
Browse through the many spell kits, grimoires, potions, herbs and other ritualistic items that Hex: Old World Witchery has to offer and “…embrace the deeper ways of the Witch.”
Moving to the French Quarter
