French Quarter
By: Hope Haren, Kaylianna Ritz, and Maria Fehlman
The French Quarter, known as "The Quarter" to locals, is the oldest neighborhood in the city of New Orleans. It was developed around the Vieux Carré, (meaning old square in English) a central square. Tourists and residents alike flock to this unique cultural hub and thriving community.
New Orleans Neighborhoods | French Quarter History
History:
The French Quarter was founded in 1718 and was originally settled by the French. To this day the French Quarter has more of an Italian/Spanish influence, since the Spanish took over the Quarter in 1766. Few buildings are left from when the Quarter was first founded because of two fires that took place in 1788 and 1794. However, many of the buildings seen today still date from before 1803, when New Orleans was acquired by the United States in the Louisiana Purchase. The French Quarter is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans.
Local Flavor:
Shopping
There is an abundance of unique boutique shops and treasure troves filled with books, antiques, clothing, and accessories. The French market is a well known place of commerce and a tourist attraction with cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Food/Dining
The French Quarter has everything from fine Cajun cuisines to Beignet-filled coffee shops
Antonie's
A Creole and Cajun cuisine, Anotinie's Restaurant is known for classic dining splendor. Started in 1840, this world-renowned restaurant has set the standard which helped give New Orleans it's reputation for being one of the greatest dining centers of the world.
Central Grocery's Muffuletta
Sicilian immigrants in the 1880s brought Italian cuisines to the New Orleans culture. Among these delicacies was the Muffuletta: a massive, delicious Italian cold-cut sandwich invented at Central Grocery. It is a signature New Orleans treat.
Cafe Du Monde
Cafe Du Monde is the original French Market coffee stand serving cafe au lait and beignets (French doughnuts). The beignet is also the state doughnut of Louisianna. It has become a New Orleans landmark, located near Jackson Square.
Attractions
Royal Street
Royal street is one of the French Quarter's refined and elegant boulevard filled with local art. It's many picturesque buildings and large iron lace balconies make it a major attraction as well as the world-class restaurants, gardens, fountains, and courtyards. The courtyards get lot of attention for their iconic charm unique architecture.
Jackson Square
Jackson Square earns it's name because of one of the bronze statues of Andrew Jackson located in the center of the square. The square is located in front of the St. Louis Cathedral and surrounded by many apartments, shops, and restaurants. Jackson Square is also the location of an open-air artist colony where artists can display their work and visitors can possibly have their portraits drawn.
Besthoff Sculpture Garden
New Orleans is also home to many historic houses, museums, gardens, and prestigious art galleries. Among these attractions include Besthoff Sculpture Garden. It is set among five acres full of priceless sculptures. This garden has both modern and contemporary famous sculptures which provide an exquisite opportunity for art lovers.
French Provincial (Instrumental)