Is it just me or is #biking now more accessible than ever? With #bikeshare programs available in most major cities around the world, bike rentals are now less and less needed. No bike share in New Orleans means that if you want to bike, you'll have to rent one. I warmly recommend Crescent City rental place for bikes. I like them because of the location (edge of French Quarters, right by St. Louis Cemetery No.1), environmental awareness (they recycle maps and lights), bikes (with character instead of branding), and friendly service. It will cost you about $35/day.
NOLA Biking
You don't necessarily have to rent bikes to see the Quarter. If you have couple of days in New Orleans, no reason not to be able to cover the same ground on foot. But if you're like me and only take weekend trips and enjoy a busy schedule, then bike is probably your best option.
French Quarter
The Quarter is National Historic Landmark that dates back to 18th century. In short, it's historic, beautiful, and quaint. There's nothing more enjoyable than strolling down the streets and admiring the architecture. It's also one of those place that are difficult to capture with the camera.
Example of French Quarter Architecture
French Quarter District, NOLA
NOLA for Literature Fans - French Quarter
I read Street Car Named Desire on the plane ride from Chicago to New Orleans. Really great play by Tennessee Williams which takes place in the French Quarter. The street car referenced in the play is St Charles line in NOLA, which is (almost) one of the characters in the book.
So of course, one of my first stops in NOLA was to visit the building in which the play took place and to yell out Stelllllaaa! Yes, I got some looks and I scared a tourist of two, but it was totally worth it.
So of course, one of my first stops in NOLA was to visit the building in which the play took place and to yell out Stelllllaaa! Yes, I got some looks and I scared a tourist of two, but it was totally worth it.
I Did my Best Acting out a Scene from Streetcar Named Desire: Stellaaaaa!
Another literary place to visit in French Quarter is William Faulkner's house, which is today Faulkner House Books. Be sure to pick up a book or two and support this beautiful, independent bookstore (where 27 year old Faulkner rented rooms in 1925). Like with most awesome bookstores, beware of the 'time trap': you walk in during daylight and by the time you walk out it's hours later and night. That is, if you're a bookie like me.
Find a Book from Local NOLA Author to Take Home as a Souvenir
To walk the steps of names such as Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, and Theodore Roosevelt, step into another historic landmark - the Old Absinthe House. It's really a dusty dive bar and yes you can get an absinthe cocktail here if you wish.
There are other French Quarter literary experiences that I haven't embarked upon yet. Those are left for my next trip to NOLA.
NOLA for Literature Fans - Garden District
While traversing on foot in the Quarter is easy, in order to visit other NOLA neighborhoods, you will need either a street car, cab, or a bike. I enjoyed biking from the Quarter to the Garden District.
On the way there I made a stop at popular and 'happening' Magazine street. From overpriced boutiques, specialty stores, and hip restaurants, there's something for everyone here.
The Garden District is popular for its architecture tour, featuring elaborate, show-offy, and wealthy residences.
For literature fans, stop #1 is the Garden District Book Shop, which is located inside a historic property called the Rink. Inside, you will notice that the district takes pride in local author's Anne Rice work.
Old Absinthe House sing on Bourbon Street
There are other French Quarter literary experiences that I haven't embarked upon yet. Those are left for my next trip to NOLA.
NOLA for Literature Fans - Garden District
While traversing on foot in the Quarter is easy, in order to visit other NOLA neighborhoods, you will need either a street car, cab, or a bike. I enjoyed biking from the Quarter to the Garden District.
On the way there I made a stop at popular and 'happening' Magazine street. From overpriced boutiques, specialty stores, and hip restaurants, there's something for everyone here.
Magazine Street, NOLA
The Garden District is popular for its architecture tour, featuring elaborate, show-offy, and wealthy residences.
For literature fans, stop #1 is the Garden District Book Shop, which is located inside a historic property called the Rink. Inside, you will notice that the district takes pride in local author's Anne Rice work.
Inside Garden District Book Shop
Anne Rice's vampire theme makes much more sense, when you realize she lived in proximity of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, which is another stop during Garden District architecture tour.
Anne Rice's Garden District House
The self-guided architecture tour can be found here. There are couple of celebrity houses listed, such as Sandra Bullock's house.
NOLA will continue in Part 4 - Dusty Beignet Fingers.
Sandra Bullock's Residence in Garden District, NOLA
NOLA will continue in Part 4 - Dusty Beignet Fingers.
