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New Orleans Things to See
New Orleans is rich in history and lore. There are literally hundreds of interesting and educational things for both young and old to experience. Here are a few of our favorite places and things to see when visiting this magnificent city.
UPPER FRENCH QUARTER
Louisina Supreme Court- between Conti and St. Louis Streets. Erected in 1908, the Old New Orleans Court House was featured in the 1991 movie, JFK.
The Cabildo- is next to the St. Louis Cathedral. Named for the Spanish council that would meet here, this Spanish colonial-style building dates back to 1799 and now has a vast display of Louisiana history. You can purchase a 3-day pass for $10., that will get you into the Old Mint, the Presbytere, the 1850 house, and Cabildo.
Faulkner House- Faulkner wrote his first book here, Soldier's Pay. It's now the home of Faulkner House Books and Pirate's Alley Faulkner Society. 624 Pirate's Alley, (504/524-2940). Open daily 10am-6pm.
Hermann Grima House- has the only working 1830s Creole kitchen in the Quarter. Tours are given Monday through Saturday, 10am to 3:30pm. Cost; $5-$8. 820 St. Louis Street, (504/525-5661).
Jackson Brewery- three-section entertainment and more than 50 store shopping complex. Outside terraces overlook the mighty Mississippi River. Also inside you will find the New Orleans School of Cooking, Planet Hollywood, and the Hard Rock Cafe. 620 Decatur Street, (504/566-7245).
Jackson Square- Founded in 1850, this magnificent park with a huge statue of Andrew Jackson who led the battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812, was once a military marching ground and site of public executions. Open daily from 8am to 6pm.
Louis Armstrong Park- Walk along the many lagoons, converse with the locals at Congo Square, where African slaves and free persons of color would gather to speak in their native tongues and dance to their own music. Visit the Black Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Morris F.X. Jeff Municipal Auditorium. North Rampart Street.
Mus'ee Conti Wax Museum- Over 120 wax figures of Louisiana celebrities from both the past and the present. Gift shop. 917 Conti Street, (504/525-2605). Cost is $6.25. Open Monday through Saturday 10am till 5pm; Sunday, noon till 5pm.
St. Louis Cemeteries #1, #2, #3- #1 is located on the edge of the French Quarter, at Basin and Conti Streeets, it is the oldest cemetery in the city. If you ever watched the movie Easy Rider, you have seen some of the hauntingly beautiful family tombs and vaults here. #2 is just four blocks past the first, on Claiborn Avenue. Cemetery #3 is farther away at the end of Esplanade Avenue. Open daily to the public from 9am till 3pm.
Woldenberg Riverfront Park- A great place to stretch your feet and walk along the mighty Mississippi River from Canal Street to Jackson Square. Open weekdays from 6am till 10pm; weekends from 6am till midnight.
LOWER FRENCH QUARTER
French Market- is an historic four-block stretch of restaurants and shops. There are dozens of interesting things to see and do here. Stop at the French Market Tourist Center to get a better understanding of the going's on in the market.
Community Flea Market- Local merchants sell everything imaginable, browsing is free. Open daily from 7am till 7pm.
The Old Mint- This is where the Confederacy minted all their money during the Civil War. When the Union occupied New Orleans, Confederate soldiers were held here as prisoners. Today the mint is home to the New Orleans Jazz Collection where one can see jazz's great Louis Armstrong's first trumpet, and the Louisiana Historical Center, which houses many interesting artifacts. Located at Esplanade Avenue and Decatur Street, (504/568-6968).
Folklife and Visitor Center of the Jean Lafitte National Park- History tours of the French Quarter and Garden District are given free, daily. See exhibits on Louisiana's various ethnic groups and stroll the fields where the Battle of New Orleans was fought.
American Aquatic Gardens- Located in the Faubourg Marigny at 621 Elysian Fields, (504/944-0410) is open daily from 9am till 5pm.
FOOT OF CANAL STREET AND ALGIERS POINT
Aquarium of the Americas- offers the chance to see more than 7,000 aquatic creatures in 60 different displays that concentrate on four different water exhibits; the Mississippi River, the gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Reef, and the Amazon River Basin. Visit the gift shop and cafe.
Woldenburg Riverfront Park- surrounds the Aquarium of the America's, visitors get a great view of the Mississippi River and a chance to stretch.
Entergy IMAX Theater- Houses a five and a half story screen and a 11,500 watt sound system, shows nature and space films that will blow you away. Located together at the foot of Canal Street., (504/581-4629).
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