Walking the French Quarter

Our girl’s trip to New Orleans was truly a wonderful time with me, my sister, my mom and niece.  Memories like this don’t happen every day, but I’m so glad I got to go along on this trip.

We crammed a lot of fun into our few days in New Orleans, arriving and heading to the French Quarter to see what we could see as dusk was falling on Friday evening.  I took lots of pics of the architecture and food.  Fun times!

I’ve been to New Orleans a handful of times, the last being in 2003 with a friend of mine who was taking some classes at the Baptist seminary, before Katrina devastated the city.  It was nice to see that many of the homes that were damaged have come back.  Lauren told us about the area where she lives and how even it suffered from flooding.  Her future in-laws house flooded and they had to rebuild over the course of a year’s time.  Driving to the Quarter, I found some pretty architecture to shoot pics. Lots of cool buildings in this historic city. This will be Lauren’s new street, once she is a married woman.  Say it like this:  chop-a-too-lisI thought this was an interesting structure.We parked near Jackson Brewery and got out for some strolling the streets.The architecture of the city has always fascinated me every time I have visited.These old balconies and buildings certainly are similar to Paris.My cute little mama and Lauren walking ahead of me.  This was Mom’s first time to this city.  She thought it was interesting, but it probably wouldn’t be somewhere she’d love to come often.  She was a trooper though and kept right up with us.We walked as dusk fell and I tried to take as many pics as I could before it got dark.

The church at Jackson Square towers majestically over the crowded streets.

Walking by Cafe DuMonde, we decided to come back later for dessert and coffee.You never know what you will see on the streets in the French Quarter.  Yep, a little different entertainment.  Strange, actually. 🙂Mardi Gras is about to be celebrated this month. Never been, but don’t really want to.Lots of horse drawn carriages, waiting for tourists to take a spin.We walked in a cute clothing boutique. Check out these plates on the walls.  Very creative display! Lauren and Mom waiting on the sidewalk.A sweet little outfit on the sidewalk.I adored all the gas lanterns all over the city.More beautiful architecture.

Mardi Gras decorations.

Pretty door.

My sis walking in an antique store.With lots of interesting things inside.Right off Royal Street.Peeking through the fleur de lis fence around Jackson Square.The horse statue and fountain is so beautiful.We were getting hungry, so stopped here for a bite to eat.  It’s right on Jackson Square and a tourist spot.  I had a fish sandwich.  Food was just OK, not fabulous. Night shot of Jackson Square and the fabulous St. Louis Cathedral.

We left a little room for cafe au lait and beignets at Cafe DuMonde.  And yes, they are as fabulous as they look!  Powdered sugar was flying around the table as we scarfed these down and enjoyed every single morsel.

I’ve got lots more to share of our wonderful time in The Big Easy.  I have a feeling I’ll be going down that way a little more often, now that Lauren will be living there with her new hubby.

Lauren was born in Louisiana and it’s really ironic that she is marrying a Louisiana guy and will be living there once again.  I’ll have lots to share on all the showers and wedding plans too.  It’s going to be a gorgeous wedding and I’ll be sure and share as much as I can with all of you!