Discovering New Orleans

Historic townhouses line the narrow streets of the French Quarter, their famous "iron lace" balconies hung with lush plantings, their intimate courtyards hidden behind walls.

Far more sophisticated and genteel than the first six blocks of neon Bourbon Street kitsch just a street away, Royal and Chartres streets contain a lineup of fabulous shops crammed with unique merchandise and museum quality antiques.

Try easing past Jackson Square into the residential end of the Quarter. You'll find specialty stores with antique and hand-sewn clothing, handmade crafts, glamorous gowns and those swooping hats New Orleans women adore.

Browse in tiny Faulkner House Books in Pirate's Alley for books both old and new and take a peek at the place William Faulkner once lived.

The French Quarter is also crammed with museums. There is definitely something for everyone!

Mardi Gras Museum in the Presbytere on Jackson Square. Colorful fun for the entire family. A great place to purchase Mardi Gras souvenirs. 

The Cabildo on Jackson Square. Housing historical artifacts including Napoleon's death mask.  (open 10 am to 4 pm Tues. - Sun.)

Hermann-Grima Historic House, 818-20 St. Louis Street. Early Georgian-style residence has frequent cooking demonstrations in the only functioning 1830s kitchen in the city. Seasonal period decorations.  

Gallier House, 1118-1132 Royal Street. Elegant 1857 townhouse designed by the famous architect and reflecting the latest innovations of its day. Specially "dressed" for summer and holidays. 

Beauregard-Keyes House, 1113 Chartres Street. Decorated in turn-of-the-century style with an 1830s garden, the raised cottage has been occupied at different times by chess champion Paul Morphy, Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard, and author Frances Parkinson Keyes, of "Dinner at Antoine's" fame.  (Open 10 am - 3 pm Mon. - Sat.)

1850 House, 525 St. Ann. A three-story period restoration of a Pontalba Building apartment as it would have looked during the Belle Epoque. 

Madame John's Legacy, 632 Dumaine. Built in 1726, this West Indian/Colonial-style house is one of the few structures to survive New Orleans' two disastrous fires in 1788 and 1794.    (Open 9 am - 5 pm)

Voodoo Museum, 724 Dumaine Street. A glimpse of New Orleans-style voodoo, with a working altar and ritual tours available.  

Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal Street. A house museum with changing historical exhibitions in seven historic buildings. Unique gift shop. 

Pharmacy Museum, 514 Chartres Street. Built in 1823 for America's first licensed pharmacist. (Open 9 am - 12 pm Tues. - Sat. & by appointment)

Musee Conti, 917 Conti Street. The Wax Museum of Louisiana Legends features displays of historical vignettes. 

Old U.S. Mint, 1300 Decatur Street. An extensive jazz & Mardi Gras archive.  (Open 9 am - 5 pm)