French Quarter and Garden District (23rd August)

This morning we set out for a walking tour of the French Quarter. It is hot but as long as we stay on the shady side of the street it is bearable. We see some fantastic iron work on both French and Spanish heritage buildings. So many of the houses have history of hauntings .... what a colourful past this town has. For lunch we venture to the Garden District and Commanders Palace. We are serenaded by the Jazz band (we asked for Blueberry Hill) and have a 3 course luncheon. Beautiful food, but oh ..... too much. We then catch the St. Charles Streetcar (famous for its role in Streetcar Named Desire) through the Garden District. The houses show case an era of Southern Wealth, with their fine porches, gardens and facades. The area has been well preserved. At the end of the line, we return on the streetcar through the CBD with its tall modern buildings with the occasional columned old style bank. Finishing at Canal St., the wide boulevard (that never actual had a canal) has many shops and it is only a short walk to the Hurrah's Casino. No not for the gambling or the slot machines!!!!! But for the air conditioning and the cold beer. And the tunnel that brings us up 2 blocks from our hotel. The evening is a short walk to Mulates for fine Southern Cooking and Cajun Music. Dancing and margaritas included. What a great day.