New Orleans offers good food, good
times, and things you never knew existed
from Bourbon Street to the Trench Quarter.W'alviins" offers By Steve Standridge
Capital Dines Staff reporter
tourists a unique cultural experience
The French Quarter of New Orleans is one of the most unique places in the
United States. Its signature narrow streets and famous architecture spark the imagi
nation. The hidden courtyards and balconies with wrought iron railings make it easy
to believe that the French Quarter has been a continuous residential neighborhood
since 1718.
Shops of every kind line the narrow streets. Fine art galleries, antiques, and
African art stores are just a few of the many shops on Royal Street and others. Almost
every block oilers traditional tourist faire.- These shops sell pretty much what one
would expect: shirts, shot glasses, postcards, and racks full of Mardi Gras beads.
Other shops specialize- in authentic New Orleans culture; specifically Cajun and
Creole food, music, and Voodoo.
Step through the doors of any
Voodoo shop in the French Quarter,
such as Marie Laveau's House of
Voodoo, and prepare to be mesmer
ized by a magical and sinister mix of
sights. If you need anything from the
realm of the supernatural, or if you
are just looking for an exotic sou
venir. the House of Voodoo has just
what you need. The front of the store
has some traditional souvenirs like
books about ghosts and haunted
houses, and alligator heads (yes, alli
gator heads). But there is a small side
room for the more serious shopper, where you can find everything you need to put a
curse on your enemies or wish fortune on your friends. This small, dark area of the store is
potions for every purpose.
For anyone who is a bit frightened by Voodoo, the French Quarter has plenty of less spooky history to see. To the west is Louis
Armstrong Park; to the south, Lafayette Square. The middle of the French Quarter holds the grand St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson
Square, and a monument to Joan of Arc. The mighty Mississippi River borders the city to the east. A trip to the waterfront is not
complete without visiting the famous French Market. The farmers market is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and offers a
truly eclectic mix of fresh fruits and vegetables and authentic Cajun food. One vendor offered 125 varieties of hot sauce. Others have
traditional southern sweets.
stocked full of Voodoo dolls, charms and