I spend so much time living, breathing and writing about West Bank real estate that sometimes I forget one of the most unique cities in the world lies just a few short miles from my front door. So it was fantastic to spend Saturday night in downtown New Orleans on date night with the hubby and another couple of friends.
We started with cocktails at a downtown loft, just down the street from Lucy's, an iconic New Orleans bar that is great for people watching. Sitting on the rooftop patio, we could see other downtown dwellers outside on their patios too...grilling dinner, visiting with friends or just enjoying the evening breeze. Note to self: a small loft might be just the ticket to keep any of the kids from moving back home.
The wonderful thing about downtown New Orleans is that it's so easy to get from place to place without the need for a car or cab. So, we strolled past the Piazza d'Italia on our way to Harrah's Casino Theatre to see a live performance by Leon Russell. Great show, but Leon has no (as in zero, zip, nada) personality and the only words he spoke the entire evening were "Thank You".
The casino on a Saturday night is jam packed with suckers gamblers, so we made a quick exit after the show and walked over to check out the bar at the newly opened Ruth's Chris Steak House in the Harrah's Hotel. I'm very happy to see a Ruth's back in the city, since I absolutely detest driving through all of the Metairie traffic to get the single location that's been open since the storm.
I had not been to either the new hotel or the Fulton Street Plaza, and I was blown away by what a good job the architects and planners did of making the outdoor space so inviting. Surrounded by great landscaping, lighting, and cool sculptures, sitting outside on a warm May night was very enjoyable indeed.
I'm still working on my nighttime camera skills...
Sometimes you just need to be a tourist in your own hometown.
When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.
Here's the disclaimer part: The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the author, but you are free to share yours in the comments. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Copyright 2008. Lisa Heindel, All rights reserved.
I like the idea of being a tourist in your hometown. Keeps it fresh and reminds you why you chose to live there! Thanks for the pics, too!
I can't wait to be a tourist in your home town with you as my tour guide, Lisa!
Ditto Amanda! I would have loved to be with you to see Leon Russell. As long as he sounds great, he doesn't need to talk!
Really nice place to sit outside -- I would love that.
Thank you for sharing this trip with us! I so enjoyed my time there back in 2006 when NAR was in town. I would like to go back and visit again one day soon.
Yes, note to self: Kids get ready to graduate then we downsize! =]
Sounds like such a fun time! I'm jealous of your weather though...still waiting for Spring here most days!
I would have enjoyed it as well. It is always a good time there. Is there still a Court of Two Sisters, and Cafe Demond (sp?)?
Lisa, I loved the "tour" and the pictures. I have seen Leon Russell twice here in concert, he is not a man of words. The last time he just walked offstage---we were all waiting for "Tirghtrope" but he never came back! Thanks for sharing, your pics are wonderful!
Melody, I love Court of Two Sisters!
Hi Lisa, very nice tour of New Orleans. Never been there, but would like to someday. Good idea about the loft! Very good idea, actually. ;-)
I can't believe I have never been in New Orleans. Sounds like a wonderful night out. Let me know when you learn about night time picture taking. I'm having the same problem
Thanks for the nice tour of your beautiful city! I'm so glad to read that the city is returning to it's former glory, and that businesses have re-opened. I really enjoy reading your posts about the city and your area.
Lisa, nice evening out. I haven't been to New Orleans in 8 or so years. I can't believe it's been that long. Looking forward to a long weekend there with my honey! Have to plan our trip carefully so we can do everything on our list. #1 is MEET LISA!!!
Lisa, this is the funniest thing to do. I use to do it when I lived in Atlanta and I plan on doing it here.plan
LISA - I love the "note to self." You are too funny! It's amazing that we all tend to avoid the areas that tourists gravitate to, but there's a reason that they all want to go there. Nice post.
Lisa - You are lucky to live in such a cool spot! I have been to New Orleans and it is such a neat place!
Kelly, I live in a great city to be a tourist in! I think we become so accustomed to thinking things will always be there that we never get around to enjoying them.
Amanda, any time!
Elaine, swing by and pick up Amanda on your way :)
Jessica, I'd love to show you around and have you to dinner while we still have some space :)
Colleen, let me know when spring arrives in WA. It's HOT here already during the day, but not so bad at night yet.
Melody, it IS always a good time. Cafe du Monde is definitely back in business and I'm pretty sure the Court of Two Sisters has reopened as well.
Carole, he didn't perform Tightrope here either!
Teri, the downtown lofts are incredible and so many of them have views of the city skyline or the river. I've still got a few years before we can downsize, but everytime we visit our friends I dream about it!
Judy, if I read the book that came with my camera I might do a better job...LOL!
Jan, I'm so glad you enjoyed the pictures and thanks for your support of the city.
Judi, I can't wait!
Danny, you have a whole new city to explore and share with us - that's very cool.
Adam, my husband and I used to take a weekend every year to stay in a downtown hotel and play tourist for a couple of days. We haven't done it in awhile and really need to again!
Bill, I AM lucky - let me know when you get back down this way and we can tour together :)
That's it! I am making plans!!!
Sounds like a nice night on the town. It's great when you have visitors to encourage these things.
Mel, I'll be here waiting :)
Georgina, any time we can have a grown up night out, I'm happy no matter what city I'm in!! LOL :)
The boss (my wife) and I love to get down to NOLA. We have been twice in the last few years, and generally we're stuck in the French Quarter. The first time we went there... there was a lot of drinking and we ended up engaged. The last time we went... there was just a lot of drinking.
The food is incredible. The music is fantastic. And the booze is pretty cheap. Oddly, I don't seem to drink anywhere else.
Lane, let me know when you come next time...I can show you where the REALLY cheap drinks are :)
It's great fun playing tourist... no matter where you are but there's something about getting out of your box and seeing it in a new light. My folks and I used to spend summer vacations on the Mississippi gulf coast and would usually find our way to Nawlins once or twice. So a loft is the key to keep them from coming back, huh? hmmmm.
Jesse, LOL! I'm thinking that if I don't have room for them, perhaps they won't try to return to the nest once they have their wings. A girl can dream, right???
Sounds good to me... because the problem is they leave as one but come home as a brood. haha. In a few years we'll be calling a 58' sailboat home so there will only be room for short visits... otherwise they'll have to walk the plank! Arrgh. ha
Great post Lisa. You can really sell your town, I bet you have an awesome real estate business as well. I may have to take a tour of my town soon. Thanks for sharing, as always.
Terrie
New Orleans is one of my favorite cities. I spent a lot of time there as a kid. I'm glad you took the night out to enjoy.
Jesse, oooooohhhhh...I wanna see the boat!
Terrie, it's a lot of fun to walk around your own town and try to picture it with new eyes. Bring the camera and just start taking pictures - you'd be amazed at what you'll see.
Christine, come back and spend some time as a grown up :)
Localism is just motivation to go out and to experience the great city and surroundings where you live. I am going to join in your effort to know my local scene.
Richard
Richard, that it is. I look at my surroundings in a whole different light now that I "report" on my community.