A Vintage Visit to New Orleans
New Orleans is a city that time built upon, rather than destroying the old town to create a new one. It is a city inhabited by its history. The city wears the present over the past, and nowhere is this better seen than in the French Quarter. While the quarter boasts historic Spanish architecture, the names of the streets in the “Vieux Carré” reference mostly saints and sinners. The modern-day French Quarter bears a striking resemblance in both look and atmosphere to that of days past. The neon signs added to Bourbon Street have not changed the debaucherous sense that one gets walking past the street. We should avoid Bourbon if, at all possible, it is unladylike.
To feel like a lady in New Orleans, I do have some tips.
Start with a hotel in the French Quarter. Your hotel serves as your time machine to the vintage world of New Orleans. There are over 100 hotels in the French Quarter alone, but I can almost guarantee that they will all helpt you travel back in time. Many have historical features like porches, balconies, and gardens that can serve as a lovely backdrop to your weekend. This also puts you close to all the action and saves you walking long distances. Rooms tend to vary a lot depending on the season and hotel you choose, and can range from $200-$500 USD.
If possible, I recommend staying on Royal Street and spending as much time there as you can. The street is filled with various vintage shops including, but not limited to: Vintage Dress Shops, French Dress Shops, Italian Dress Shops, Lingerie & Corset Shops, Perfume Shops, Fan & Umbrella Shops, Hat Shops, Artist Galleries, the Historic New Orleans Collection, and my personal favorite beignets in the city, Café Beignet. All of these places are not only great for shopping but are also housed within historic buildings and on beautiful streets that add to the romantic atmosphere.
While there, you should try to book a Royal Street Walking Tour. In fact, find several tours. There are tours of specific streets, neighborhoods, and topics. For the vintage gal, I recommend tours of the Garden District, the Tréme, and the French Quarter. If you are not scared of the dark, there are Haunted History tours covering the Ghosts of the city. New Orleans history is tied to both its dayside and its nightside, which is an exciting change of pace. Do not use the red tourist buses, because there are much more fashionable ways to explore the city. Mule drawn carriages are very popular and often come with a tour of the French Quarter. They are great at sunset, as it is the coolest time of day and is the most beautiful time in the city. Tours are usually in the $10-$40 USD range, plus tip, and locals who are experts in their subjects are the guides.
Then, there is the food. Anywhere in the French Quarter is good; otherwise, the restaurant wouldn’t be there. The menu can range from dirt cheap and homecooked to world-class dining. I’d recommend getting food at one of the great local restaurants such as Arnaud’s Créole restaurant or Muriel’s Jackson Square for at least one dinner. Take in the historical atmosphere where generations of New Orleanians have sat to take a meal. I also recommend you explore the local fare, especially the seafood.
Finally, there is the alcohol. New Orleans has many types of adult beverages, but for the vintage girl, I advise against Hand Grenades and Hurricanes. Instead, take in classics, such as the Sazerac, invented in the 1830s using Absinth as the main ingredient. Why not be extra fancy and try the Signature drink at the Monteleone’s Carousel Bar, the Vieux Carré? The bar itself holds 25 people on its rotating Carousel and is a real treasure out of time. The Carousel is the centerpiece of New Orleans’s Vintage Experience in the French Quarter, and perfectly summarizes the atmosphere and experience. Very historical, a little playful, and a lot of fun. I while most recommend a three day weekend, this is often party-centric. For the lover of tours, shopping, and clear pictures, try to go on weekdays when there are often deals and discounts.
In closing, be kind to the city, and it will be kind to you. Tip all of your tourist workers, buy local art, and get your tarot cards read in Jackson Square. The city will reward you by showing you why it is like no other.
I love New Orleans, too! For great music, head over to Frenchman Street in the Fauborg-Marigny neighborhood, which borders the French Quarter.