NEW ORLEANS: Marigny, Louis Armstrong Park & Dreamie Weenies

January 23, 2016 • Leave a Comment

TAKING IT EASY IN THE BIG EASY

It's still day 3 in New Orleans, and it's around noon, and it feels like it's 100 degrees outside, but what are you gonna do? We're in New Orleans - gotta make the most of it and walk in the heat and humidity, looking for shade wherever we go, and any place that's got air-conditioning!

YOU'VE GOTTA SEE...

MARIGNY
Ok so technically some of these photos are still within the French Quarter boundaries since some of these are on St. Ann Street, and the Marigny starts from the Esplanade to Press Street. But the houses all have that distinct look - smaller Shotgun Houses, and all are super brightly painted with detail.

But this cool neighbourhood is much less bawdy than the tourist-oriented Quarter. This funky, eclectic area is a treasure trove of beautiful architecture - some are bit shabby, but others are super nice. Each home has its own unique characteristics, from the intricate woodwork and carvings, to the colours and artwork of the facades, these houses are so much fun to look at. Even in the intense heat, we spent a couple of hours walking the streets here. If you like history and architecture, this is a great spot to see both!

The cute and colourful house of the Marigny neighbourhood

Gate to the backyard of a house in the Marigny area - the patience (and plenty of beer drinking) it must have took to do this!

Row after row of colorfully painted Shotgun Houses

Me and my doors again.... Me and my doors again....

The middle child, walking on the shady side of the street

Love the smaller homes in this area and I'm amazed by the fantastic restorations with incredible attention to detail

An annex of the Inn on St. Ann, will definitely look into this the next time I'm in NOLA!

Some houses could do with a little bit of fixing up, but I love the look of it like this

This area just oozes that old Creole New Orleans vibe

Don't expect absolutely spotless upkeep - that's all part the charm of the Marigny neighbourhood

A mix of shabby but interesting architecture

Of course - the ever-present Mardi Gras beads

YOU'VE GOTTA SEE...

LOUIS ARMSTRONG PARK
We do the walk all the way to North Rampart Street and get to Louis Armstrong Park that's on the northern edge of the French Quarter and at the beginning of the Treme-Lafitte area. We go through the large archway entrance on St. Ann Street into this small, but very pretty park that pays tribute to one of New Orleans' greatest jazz musicians, Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong. It's got several statues and memorials, including Satchmo himself, and jazz pioneer Sidney Bechet. The Mahalia Jackson Theatre of Performing Arts is also located in the park, as is the site of Congo Square - an area designated by French-Colonial law where African slaves were allowed to meet on Sundays. Congo Square was the place to meet, hang out, play music, dance or pray, and many believe that Congo Square is considered the birthplace of Jazz. An interesting area, with so much history.... as well as a peaceful break from the busy streets of NOLA.

Entrance to Louis Armstrong Park Entrance to Louis Armstrong Park

A great park, dedicated to a great local musician, and rightfully so!

Absolutely love the Brass Band Statue in Congo Square in Louis Armstrong Park

This particular piece of artwork is made with cast glass tiles

A beautiful man-made lake, bridges, memorials to great artists, and the Mahalia Jackson Theatre of the Arts is located here as well

Cool statues paying tribute to jazz greats

There's the man himself, Louis Armstrong

The man-made lake..or pond...whatever - it's cute!

Old Fire House in Louis Armstrong Park Old Fire House in Louis Armstrong Park

YOU'VE GOTTA EAT AT...

DREAMIE WEENIES
We leave the park and head back on St. Ann, and it's like a hundred degrees outside and everybody needs to pee. We pop into Dreamie Weenies with the intention of just grabbing some water and using the facilities, but the menu was looking too good to pass up - I know what you're thinking "You're in New Orleans and you're gonna eat at a hot dog joint?" - YES, the thought crossed my mind too, but you gotta know that NOLA is known for their corndogs and hot dogs, thanks to the creative Cajun/Creole toppings they pile on them. Plus it's been featured on You Gotta Eat Here! - so that pretty much sealed the deal. Great place, great service, great food (vegan options are available that don't taste like shit). Really great place for lunch, the weenies are HUGE... just saying!