We were attending the unveiling of Fredric Arnold’s sculpture, Lest We Forget: The Mission, at The National WWII Museum over the Memorial Day Weekend. Realizing that it was, at least, 15 years since we had last been there, we decided to stay a few days and reacquaint ourselves with the city.
This is the reason we traveled to New Orleans! “Lest We Forget: The Mission” is an amazing sculpture created by an amazing man! Fredric Arnold, not only an artist and aviator, was also an actor, entrepreneur and inventor of the aluminum folding chair!We were here for the exhibit’s unveiling. Check out the prior post (June 6, 2019) for details. But now, let’s take a look at New Orleans!!!First thing upon arrival was a stroll along the Riverwalk. The mighty Mississippi River pulled at our memory. We were last here to board the Delta Queen–that was a truly enthralling voyage–and we were eager to recapture the excitement of that visit!We don’t remember where the steamboats boarded back in the day, but today this is the cruise ship gangway at the Riverwalk.The nostalgic Algiers Ferry (operating since 1827) is also along the Riverwalk. Algiers Point is an historic neighborhood with village charm, cafes, pubs, and boutiques–all for only $2.00/ow. A short ride with great views of the city!And next to the ferry dock, you’ll also find the The New Orleans Aquarium at the foot of Canal Street.Deciding it was time for lunch, we headed over to Gordon Biersch for sustenance and a libation.They have an impressive in-house brewery.Rog ordered the sausage platter with mushroom spatzle accompanied by mustard and homemade pub sauce.Sandy chose Bavarian Pretzel with sausage skewers accompanied by cheese fondue and mustard.Rog’s afternoon libation was a Maibock Lager.Maibock is on tap.After a very nice lunch, we continued to the French Quarter, only a short stroll away.Bourbon Street is always a sight to behold!!!There’s a lot of charm; a lot of gritty; and some downright tacky in New Orleans. And you’ll find it all along Bourbon Street.But the architecture is noteworthy.The Musical Legends Park is cool. Live jazz everyday starting at 1:00 pm; Cafe Beignet at the back serving breakfast, lunch and dinner; cast bronze statues of New Orleans musical greats; and it’s right on Bourbon Street!!!Musical Legends Park is all about the music. Those tables are for listening, and the Cafe Beignet uses them for dining, also!!!But it’s Cafe du Monde we gravitate to for their famous beignets. The lines at the French Quarter cafe are long. But there are now “branches” around town. From experience, we know there are long lines there, too!! Good thing, we’d had our coffee and beignets earlier!!Continuing our trip down memory lane, we found our way over to Crescent City Books where I found a treasure trove of books by Frances Parkinson Keyes, a favorite author from my youth, who lived and wrote in New Orleans.From the bookstore, we crossed the street to the Roosevelt Hotel where, in 1949, a group of women stormed the Sazerac Bar (where women were only allowed on Mardi Gras Day) demanding the RIGHT to a stiff drink! They’ve been welcome and served ever since!!!We stroll Fulton Street….…..with a little diversion along the way…..…..and head back to Riverwalk.We were unfamiliar with the Riverwalk Outlet Mall. But once found, shopping ensued!!!We ended the day at Mulate’s Cajun Restaurant.This is a fun place with a great Zydeco Band.And a wonderful display of artwork by George Rodrigue!!!The food is pretty good also: Shrimp Platter with Mushroom rice and cole slaw.French Muffaletta with fries and slaw.Accompanied by Lucifer Beer.The next morning we take another quick look at the “Lest We Forget: The Mission” exhibit.We take a last look at the Robert E. Lee monument–of course, without the statue of Robert E Lee. Sometimes, history is ignored or re-written!!!We enjoy the view of the Mississippi River as we take off for home.This was a very moving and satisfying trip!!! Time to start planning the next one!!!
RovingRaconteurs.com 