Don’t even think about leaving New Orleans without seeing…
When Covid-19 ends, we'll be celebrating big time in New Orleans and you're going to want to be a part of it. When that time comes, you know you’re going to see the Garden District from the St. Charles Streetcar, alligators on a swamp tour and some live jazz on Frenchmen Street. You’ll no doubt take a stroll down Bourbon, eat beignets on Decatur, and watch street musicians on Royal. But what about the little stuff? Here’s a short checklist of 5 things you won’t want to miss, and, since you’ll be staying in the Vieux Carré at one of the hotels from the French Quarter Collection, it won’t be hard to fit all into your schedule. Check out this list:
The inside of St. Louis Cathedral
Don’t just stand outside watching the fortune tellers and the jugglers! Go inside, sit quietly in one of the pews and take in the beauty and history all around you.
The leeches in the jar at the Pharmacy Museum
This old-time pharmacy is filled with fascinating memorabilia including a jar of leeches like those that were used for leech therapy back in the day. All together now, “Eeeeeew.” Check it out.
Fat’s Domino’s Steinways
Two of Fat’s beloved pianos sat under nine feet of water in his 9th Ward home after Hurricane Katrina. You can view one at the Katrina exhibit at the Presbytère and one that was restored thanks to generous funding from Paul McCartney and others at the Old U.S. Mint.
Napoleon’s Death Mask
In a city famous for masking, this one takes the cake! On the second floor of the Cabildo, in a room where the Louisiana Purchase was signed, sits a bronze mask under glass. The death mask is an exact mold of Napoleon’s face, made 40 hours after he died by his personal physician. So how did it end up in NOLA? When the doctor, one Francois Carlo Antommarchi, moved to New Orleans years after the emperor’s death, he brought the mask with him.
Tennessee Williams’ Favorite Table
They say the Pulitzer-winning playwright had a favorite table at Galatoire’s, one by the front main window. Ask one of the waiters to point it out and order one of Tennessee’s favorite drinks, either the Ramos Gin Fizz or the Brandy Alexander. In case you’re wondering, the playwright was also partial to Galatoire’s mustard greens with bacon fat.
