New Orleans is most colorful and historic city.  The 44 th Super Bowl has everyone acutely excited, they are all united behind one team and hoping for a big win.  How ironic that it is against two New Orleans grown Indy players Reggie Wayne and Peyton Manning.  We have a new Mayor today!! Its like a fresh start.  To have the Superbowl, Saints, New Mayor, Pretty Day and Mardi Gras come together on one weekend in history is amazing.  So lets make some more history today.  Geaux Saints ! !

     The New Orleans Warehouse District is often a center of activity.  This night it was very quiet.  It was either late or everyone was at home.  The Warehouse District is full of hotels, restaurants, bars, condos, apartments, museums, conventions, a casino, art galleries, offices, Super Dome, New Orleans Arena and various entertainment venues.  There are a lot of things to do.  It is a vibrant and growing neighborhood in the center of New Orleans. 

       The founder of Ruth’s Chris Steak House was a native of South Louisiana.  Ruth Fertel, a single mother of two bought Chris’s Steak house in 1965 against the advice of her banker and long odds of success.  She knew nothing about running a restaurant at that time.  The steak house was later changed to Ruth’s Chris Steak  House with a real New Orleans flavor.  It became a household name in New Orleans and was very successful. The local steak house  began expanding to other cities and areas.  It eventually become a national chain.  Ruth died in 2002 with Ruth’s Steak House a public company at that time.

     The chain moved its headquarters to  Orlando after Hurricane Katrina rather than stay and rebuild.  It has never been the same since they left.  The restaurants are still here and are doing well.  Sorry they left town in such a hurry.

        Leftover’s from the World’s Fair that was in New Orleans in 1984. This was part of the wonder wall that was part of the art work of the 1984 exhibit.  This was the last World’s Fair in New Orleans.  The fair covered 80 acres in the Warehouse District.  It was not a success from a business stand point of view however people in New Orleans did enjoy it. 

     It was the start of New Orleans Convention Center and Warehouse District as we know it today.  The activity and growth since that time in 1984 could not have been imagined.  This part of the wall is on Loyola Ave. near Poydras.

       Its the colors that make you notice this New Orleans home !  It looks like it could have had some Caribbean influence as many early Louisiana plantations had.  It also looks like a double!  It also looks like a camelback home as well. 

       A New Orleans camelback is where a two story was added in the rear as an addition to make the home larger.  It is generally a couple of bedrooms up and a larger living area down.  In the late 1800’s homes were taxed on the height and width of the front of the home.  So to avoid taxes and have more room the “camelback” was invented.  In the late 1990’s you were taxed in many cases as to how well you knew the tax assessor !!

       After 44 Super Bowls, the New Orleans Saints are going to their first.  The  fans still remember the days of the bag heads after going 1-13 one year.  This is our first NFC Championship and the first trip.  The coverage of playing in the big game has been great for the city and mostly positive.  There are now thousands of people from all over now following the Saints.

     This is one of the better videos that captures the team and the city.

     Music in the Streets is the norm on Royal Street in the New Orleans French Quarter.  The streets are blocked off so the street musicians can practice their trade.   The people enjoy the music and can tip if they wish.  The better show that you put on the more that you will make.  They come in all shapes and sizes.

       Do you ever wonder why New Orleans has so many homes built with brick and most all have shutters?  Brick lasts and require little upkeep in the warm and humid climates.  Most were built before air conditioning and the flow of air through the homes was needed.  The shutters let the air circulate  while giving privacy and keeping the critters at bay.

       Now people just like shutters although many serve no useful purpose other to decorate the home.  Storm shutters however are making a comeback.

      The New Orleans Warehouse District is where old buildings have been converted into condos.  This was once a sausage factory and meat packing plant 100 years ago.  They have been converted into condos.  Many are becoming second homes for people staying here parts of the year.  Most of the units are historic and have been updated making them very pleasant spots.

     You are 7 blocks to the French Quarter.  You are 4 blocks to the Mississippi River and the Riverwalk.  You can walk to the Super Dome and the New Orleans Area.  You are 4 blocks to the Convention Center, World War II Museum, blocks to Harrah’s Casino and many world class places to eat.  An easy walk to catch the St. Charles Ave. street to Uptown and points beyond.  You can stay a weekend and never use the car.  Walk everywhere!!

      If you like historic homes you will love the New Orleans Garden District.  These home were the first Garden Suburbs as the Anglo Americans moved into new areas of New Orleans during the 1830’s to 1860’s time period.  The Garden District was a short street car ride to downtown.  The spacious yards and large homes with wrought iron fences, balconies, porches, columns, large windows and shutters were the norm.   One of the most common styles was the Greek Revival but this not the only style.

      The walk through the New Orleans Garden District is one of the best walks you will take in New Orleans or any other American city.  Walk for free!  Best time of year is the Spring when all kinds of plants and shrubs are blooming.  The weather is also perfect for walking, not too hot and never cold.