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ie ay #3 | The street musicians are disappearing from Bourbon Street. Dickie Brennan’s (best steaks in North America), Tableau (excellent Drum fish almandine), Jimmy J's Café (best Po’ Boys in N’Awlins) and the Chophouse on Magazine Street. Be adventurous and try some real Creole or Cajun food in any of the hundreds of eateries in the area. For the culturists | would recommend the Loui- siana Museum, next to the Cathedral in Jackson Square. It gives an interesting and concise history of how the area was settled by French, Germans and Canadians, as well as the historic contribution by the free people of colour, prior to the American takeover in the early 1800's. Abrand new museum, dedicated to the American contribution in World War II, is located on Magazine Street about 7 or 8 blocks from the French Quarter. A cluster of art gal- leries and smaller museums are found in the same area. If shopping is your thing the boutiques along Magazine Street in the warehouse district will help empty your pockets and if that is not enough, the Riverwalk mall will certainly help in the quest. If you still have a few dollars left you can visit Harrah's Casino, but note that smoking is permitted (it is in many restaurants, as well). Two other areas to visit are the Garden District (a 2 hour walking tour will be perfect and usually includes a visit toa cemetery, which is a unique and interesting experience in itself), and the great southern plantations. Oak Alley is a perfect example of an old American, sugar cane manor whereas the Laura estate is a great example of a restored Creole plantation. Laura was almost demolished a few years ago until the owners discovered the famous story of ‘Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby’ was written there, and consequently responsible for saving the place. The Garden district is filled with 200-year-old mansions protected by the historical society and owned by the wealthier crowd, including John Goodman, Sandra Bullock and Nicholas Cage (although the latter lost his when he declared bankruptcy a few years ago). New Orleans Cemeteries (as morbid as the subject may seem) offer a unique and different perspective on burying peo- ple. The lack of bedrock and a swampy water table make burial underground next to impossible, hence crypts above ground are the burial style of choice, complete with self-contained cre- mation technology. As | mentioned, a tour is necessary to get a good overview of this unique method of interment. Another interesting district or area is Frenchmen Street, known for its great food and unique music. The area is still un- discovered by the majority of tourists and is therefore frequent- ed by locals. Be careful not to venture too far out (when you get to Washington Square tur around, as it is not a safe area), as there are many homeless kids living on the outskirts of the area. Ariverboat cruise, a visit to Louis Armstrong Park and shop- ping at Saks (in the Weston Hotel) are also great activities, but most of all, eat some crawdads, sip on a hurricane and watch the people. If you haven't been, be sure to add N’Awlins to your bucket list. Follow Jonathan van Bilsen’s travel adventures at www. photosNtravel.com Join the fun.... Mardi Gras & Caribbean Cruise February 20, 2017-11 Nights on Equinox ee» ~~ ( today for more ~ information, marlin travel ir St., Port Perry * 905-985-2268 virginia.frew @marlintravel.ca 158 Ca: FOCUS - APRIL 2015 55