Tidbits From Yesterday - Day 15

There are a few things I didn't mention yesterday that we gleaned from the City Tour. Mardi Gras is BIG - we all know that. There are a number of Mardi Gras flags, I liked the one below as it shows the green, gold, and purple equally. Green for FAITH, Gold for POWER, and purple for JUSTICE. Our driver told us that even if you see Bourbon Street as the spot for Mardi Gras the really best spot is on St. Charles Street. People bring their families, chairs, BBQs, and stay here for the festivities. This year Fat Tuesday falls on February 28, probably a good time to stay away from NOLA if you don't like crowds. St. Charles Street is part of the Garden District. There seven Municipal Districts in New Orleans, the three areas "Uptown" which are called the Garden District, Lafayette, and Carrollton.  The Garden District has the antebellum homes made from Cypress wood from the swam areas, why they have lasted so long. This Garden District used to be a sugar plantation owned by François Livaudais, eventually sold and subdivided and became what it is now. Carrollton Historic District is farthest from the French Quarter, borders the Mississippi River, and used to be a separate town until it was incorporated in 1833. Lafayette architecture is mostly mid-century Revival. There is a vibrant history surrounding the 7 Districts if you want to read about it here.  And lastly, I must mention Magazine Street – 6 miles of shopping! Not for me but can you believe 6 miles of boutiques and shops of all sorts?

If I think of more NOLA tidbits I will add them later!