Destination Guide New Orleans: 3 Things to Do for the Art & History Lover
In today’s world of Google maps, Siri and Alexa, it’s sometimes hard to imagine what the early explorers must have gone through. Those attempting to conquer the Mississippi believed it flowed east to west, and since they were on a quest for China, it seemed to be the perfect route.
So how did New Orleans go from a mosquito-filled marshland to a stylishly cool and creative world destination? For my first book, I spent a tremendous amount of time researching the stories of those explorers as well as New Orleans’ development throughout the following centuries. Through my research of the neighborhoods, and discovery of the characters that made them sparkle, I truly feel I've been given a good perspective on where the city came from.
I've written so many posts mentioning my favorite places to hang in the city, and last week I wrote a post about how to NOT look like a tourist (one of my most popular posts this year, you guys!). As a member of the New Orleans art community, I have compiled a list of a few places and neighborhoods that I always spend time in when I'm in the city. I have mentioned these destinations in previous posts, however I haven't discussed any in detail before today. These are great spaces to check out if you are an art history lover and want to integrate yourself within the New Orleans art scene.
So what's on my list?!
1. The Roosevelt Hotel
The Relaxation Suite at the Waldorf Astoria Spa
The first placed I ever stayed in New Orleans (then it was the Fairmont), The Roosevelt is known as a "beacon of luxury in the South". Famous faces walked these halls from opening day (1893) until now - Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles and Jack Benny were regulars. Today, on any given night, legendary folks can be spotted in the Sazarac bar sipping on Gin Fizzes late into the night. Even if you're not staying, there's much to see and do in the hotel.
On my most recent visit, I spent an afternoon in the Waldorf Astoria Spa. I had a massage (maybe the best of my life) and a pedicure, and relaxed in one of the most glorious relaxation suites ever - complete with champagne, btw. Post treatment, I took advantage of the Spa Club Membership.
The membership gives access to the Rooftop Pool. If there's something I know about, it's a rooftop pool (what else are locals supposed to do in the summer months?!).
Hands down, this pool wins - on my next visit I'll be renting a cabana and staying for the day.
2. The Julia Street Art Gallery District
Art lovers can visit any of the twenty-five-plus galleries that call this area home. Business professionals, tourists and convention attendees can be spotted all around the neighborhood at the many award-winning restaurants and music venues. The Julia Street Art Gallery District was originally an industrial neighborhood, but was transformed in 1976 with the opening of the Contemporary Arts Center. The style of the neighborhood is one of dressed up elegance with charm and warm hospitality abound.
My personal favorite is Martine Chaisson Gallery.
To be honest, Martine is a friend of mine and a FABULOUS friend at that. I've spent years hanging around her gallery. If you look far enough into my instagram, or if you were a reader of my first blog, you'll recall shows from my NOLA Fashion Week days housed in Martine's glamorous ballroom. While fashion show production isn't something I'm doing anymore, hanging around Martine's gallery is.
Martine's most recent exhibit, by artist Christa Blackwood, was an interesting take on the male form juxtaposed against the glory of the American Southwest. The colors of each piece just made it for me. Surely whatever Martine's got happening next is not to be missed!
3. Neighborhood Walking Tours
Ok, so this isn't exactly a place, and I've never recommended tours before. However, my girls Christine and Krystal came in a few months back, and because it was Krystal's first visit to New Orleans, we decided to take two walking tours!
The first tour was a home tour of the Garden District.
The Garden District is considered one of the best-preserved collections of historic Greek Revival and Italianate mansions in the country, including lavish gardens and scenery. The streets bare the names of the nine muses of Greek mythology. Dubbed the “Garden District” for its English-style gardens featuring lush azaleas, magnolias and camellias, this neighborhood is noted for its astounding scenery. The Garden District walking tour covers everything from stories about the residents of these brilliant homes to details about the preservation.
Our second walking tour was the Tremé. Often overshadowed by its sister next door (the French Quarter), the Tremé is an eight-square-block neighborhood filled with nineteenth-century Creole cottages and Spanish-style mansions. It is where many traditions of New Orleans were truly born. History is fully alive in the Tremé. The brass bands, second lines, jazz funerals and Mardi Gras Indians parade through the streets as they always have, creating a pulse and experience that can be found no where else.
I've had so many of you ask for continued recommendations when visiting New Orleans and I surely hope this list serves you!
I'll be home (again!) at the end of this month for Jazz Fest, so keep following along on instagram to see more of the city I love so much!
Wanderfully yours,
Andi
*photos of the Roosevelt were provided by the property, a portion of the post was originally featured in my book "New Orleans Style."
