Once we got settled, had a bite to eat we headed out to explore and enjoy the French Quarter Music festival on its opening day. Festival continues until Sunday. Walking down through the city gave us a chance to see the wrought iron, French windows, hidden courtyards, wraparound porches and humble stoops that are hallmarks of New Orleans architecture.
We found our way down to the festival area which features five different stages spread around the river’s edge. It’s a continuous stream of musicians so you can wander from one stage to the next - and it is all FREE (our favorite word!). At each venue, the local restaurants have set up booths, so you can purchase some of their specialty dishes.
Speaking of specialty dishes, we did wander over to Café Du Monde to sample their famous ‘Beignets’ - a square piece of dough that, when deep fried forms a slightly doughy yet crispy pillow – which is then smothered with powdered sugar!! No wonder they say “Don’t count calories when you come to New Orleans”.
We ended our music day by listening to a Zydeco music band – a real lively group! Then we headed out in search of dinner. We settled on the Crescent City Brewhouse and sat on an upper outside balcony. From there we could hear music on the street and enjoy a great view. We tried a sampler tasting of their five house brews - Paul had a fried fresh oyster BLT sandwich, and Jane enjoyed a bowl of gumbo.
After dinner, we wandered up to Bourbon street – which now was closed to traffic and was wall to wall pedestrians. All the bars, restaurants have their doors open so the street is filled with music – and all the doormen who are trying to entice you to enter their establishment. Our battery ran out, so we will get pictures on another night. A short cab ride brought us back to our gated park and right to our site.
Today we are off to Ponchatrain RV park and then will head back to the French Quarter for more music and food.
were you able to drag Paul off the brewery balcony? :-)
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