Review: New Orleans: The Good & Not So Good

Updated 4/2021

New Orleans is a city of contrasts, some amazing, some ...well, not. Most of the positives, I expected as well as some of the negatives. However, I hadn’t counted on finding this one particular negative in any American city in these current times. To find out more, let’s explore the good, bad, ugly, and amazing New Orleans together.

Note: Due to Covid, it's best to check Louisiana Covid and the business's websites before visiting. Always wear your mask and social distance. Follow CDC advice.

The architecture is beautiful!

Some of the buildings are a mixture of styles and types, like a townhouse built in a Greek Revival Style. This is one of my favorite styles. With wide round columns and double galleries, these buildings are quite lovely.

Typical Creole style building in New Orleans

More common though, is the Creole style. It is a combination of styles seen in other cultures, Spanish, French, and Caribbean, and is very simple. Basically, it looks like a box with a lot of windows and long doors. Many of those in the French Quarter have added a gallery, which adds outdoor space for the resident and mega doses of character.

I could go on and on about the fascinating charm of New Orleans’ architecture, but many have beaten me to it. I’ll just leave it as that it was much more amazing than what I expected. Check out this tutorial for more information.

The smoke is choking me!

So, as I’m strolling around the French Quarter admiring the eclectic mixture of...just about everything, it hits me hard in the chest—cigarette smoke. I literally can’t breathe at times. There’s just so much of it! With so many cities, many in other countries, banning smoking in public places, I was surprised at how many people were still lighting up. My lungs are still recovering.

Yum, try some shrimp.

Cajun/Creole food is everywhere and is not to be missed. Smells of Gumbo, a rich soup of shrimp, crab, and andouille sausage, wafts through the Quarter like a snake pulling all into the abundant restaurants.

My favorite, though, was the jambalaya, which is a rice dish full of shrimp, andouille sausage, bell peppers, onions, and great Cajun seasonings. Yum!

Note: The Gumbo House is still open. Best to try takeout.

Maybe try something sweet!

Not shrimp, but a New Orleans' classic are the yummy, crispy beignets. These heavenly, rich, slightly heavy fried doughnuts are not to be missed.

Sit at a table in the historic Café Du Monde and enjoy the free music while munching on these hot delights showered with powdered sugar accompanied by their perfectly blended chicory coffee. Let the good times roll.

Note: Café Du Monde is still open.

Watch your step.

Beware the ground on which you walk, as there are two major issues to note. One is the result of the mere age of the city and Katrina. Even the sidewalks of the areas unaffected by Katrina were nearly unwalkable.

Secondly, consider that this is a city of “to-go-cups”. One can purchase a cup of most any libation, any time of day, and wander through the city. Just imagine how intoxicated a person would be after an entire day of walking around with never-ending cups of alcohol. Yikes! Continue to imagine the ugly picture of what ends up underfoot. It’s not pleasant.

Lace up your dancing shoes!

My oh my, do I love street music; and here, it is everywhere! Jackson Square is the place to be for those who love art, performers, and music. Everywhere we turned, we found something amazing to see and hear.

New Orleans is all-inclusive.

We have visited many progressive cities before. Nevertheless, New Orleans is one of the most open we’ve found. This city is Gay-friendly, multi-racial couple friendly...and just plain friendly. The locals are also some of the most friendly, kind, and polite people we’ve experienced. I just love the way they address others as “Baby” and “Darlin.” They also use the phrase, “I’ve got ya” quite a bit.

The people of New Orleans are lovely, warm, and welcoming. Care to visit? Share your experiences with us.

The Polite Traveler

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