New Orleans is a mecca for music, food and culture.   Surprisingly, much of what New Orleans has to offer is outside of the French Quarter.  On a recent trip to New Orleans I ventured out of the French Quarter, shopped at boutique stores, listened to great music and ate delicious food.

Uptown:

If your pocket book needs a rest take a trolley ride up St. Charles St. and spend some time checking out the beautiful architecture.  The homes and buildings on St. Charles St. are magnificent in their size and history.  If architecture isn’t up your alley, visit Audubon park and enjoy a nice walk or run around the park.  Audubon park is also located across the street from the New Orleans Zoo.

Frenchmen St. 

Technically located in the French Quarter, Frenchmen St. is quite removed from the obnoxiousness of Bourbon St.  It’s described as a place where the “locals” hang out and I can see why.  The atmosphere is light, food is great and the music is exactly what you would expect to hear in a place known as the “Birthplace of Jazz”. 

Visit Three Muses if you’re looking for great music.  Although closed on Tuesdays, every other night of the week they offer an intimate setting that produces wonderful sounds of Jazz that fill the street outside the Tavern.  Get there early enough to find a table and enjoy some of their eclectic cuisine.  The Lobster Egg Rolls and Lamb Sliders were especially to-die-for.