Rich cajun food, passionate people, a culture of partying, brass bands...what's not to love about New Orleans, LA? Well, that pervading urine smell on Bourbon Street maybe...but there is so much more to this illustrious port city.
If you haven't yet discovered Frenchmen Street, you're missing out. The Official New Orleans Guide describes it as, "Light years removed from the glitzy neon lights and blaring cover music of Bourbon Street but, in reality, only walking distance away, is a compact musical enclave where the “locals” hang out. A two-block-long entertainment district where, on any given night of the week – including normally dead Mondays – you can hear live sounds and a wide variety of music as only New Orleans musicians can perform."
On a recent trip, we wandered in and out of music venues. Some uber-hip, like the Spotted Cat and d.b.a.; others catering to a slightly older, 'I like to sit down while I listen to music' crowd. We danced in the street to the punchy, vibrant sounds of a local band. We rifled through the eclectic Frenchmen Night Art Market. It was a pretty good time. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Tip: We were able to find plenty of free parking - just drive past the happenings, north on Frenchmen, and look for a street spot.