Last-Minute Essentials Near the Prince Conti Hotel


Photo courtesy of Matassa’s Market on Facebook

The French Quarter may be the crown jewel of New Orleans, a tourist mecca where the revelry never ends. But it’s also home to thousands of locals, who do what residents everywhere do: shop for groceries and do their laundry. Forgot your razor? Fancy a bottle of wine? You don’t have to wander far to find what you need, along with only-in-New-Orleans ambiance.

Rouses Market (701 Royal St.)

This family-owned supermarket chain puts a distinctly local spin on grocery store staples, from grab-and-go boiled crawfish (in season) to dozens of fiery hot sauces. Rouse’s also boasts an excellent selection of wine, beer and spirits, which you can pick up on the fly until 1 a.m.

Matassa’s Market (1001 Dauphine St.)

For more than 85 years, French Quarter residents have stocked up on staples like milk and TP at Matassa’s. But the real draw is their famous fried chicken and other hot-plate specials. The best part? This full-service grocery, deli and liquor store delivers to your door–for free!

Mary’s Ace Hardware Store (732 N. Rampart St.)

Chances are you won’t need a saw or a hammer. But Mary’s stocks lots of handy stuff for visitors, from bike-repair kits to umbrellas, and perks include free coffee and off-street parking. Venture “a step above” to the second-floor kitchen & bath emporium, where you’ll also find shelves laden with local gourmet foods.

Suds Dem Duds (1101 Bourbon St.)

Got a load of laundry to do? Fire up your laptop with free Wi-Fi while your clothes cycle through the coin-up machines. Or get the VIP service, and text 504-345-2828 for a pickup. Suds Dem Duds returns your clean, folded laundry the same day, and even ties a festive bow on top.

Walgreens (619 Decatur St.)

It’s got everything you’d expect at your own local Walgreens, including sunscreen essentials for tropical weather. But the Decatur St. branch is housed in an art deco building, complete with neon arches, and boasts a trove of New Orleans souvenirs like pralines and Cafe du Monde coffee, priced much lower than in Quarter tourist shops.

CVS (620 Decatur St.)

As in many cities, CVS is directly across the street from Walgreens, and stocks many of the same items as its competitor. But insiders also know CVS as one of the best places in town to score good deals on champagne, wine and spirits.

Getting Around as a Guest of the Prince Conti Hotel

You can pretty much walk to all of your destinations in the French Quarter from the hotel as the terrain is flat, the area is just 78 square blocks, and the street layout makes sense and is easy to navigate. The next best thing would be to bike or hail a pedicab (check out Blue Bikes). If you want to go outside the Quarter, try a cab or rideshare, or a streetcar.

Taxicab and ride-share services

The ride-share options in New Orleans include Uber and Lyft. We also recommend United Cabs, Inc. (504-522-9771). Use the United Cabs Passenger app to book.

Bus and streetcar

 The city buses run every 30 minutes on average on weekdays (less often on weekends) and have special schedules on holidays. It costs $1.25 one-way (a transfer costs 25 cents), and you can see the maps and the schedules here. To pay the fare on the bus, you must have exact change, but you can also buy passes via the GoMobile app, online, and at the ticket machines.

Another option is the Hop-On Hop-Off double-decker bus tours by City Sightseeing. They run every 30 minutes on a two-hour loop; the unlimited one-day pass is $39 for adults and $10 for kids under 12. To hop on the St. Charles Avenue streetcar, walk to Canal and Carondelet streets (directly across Canal from Bourbon St. in the French Quarter) and look for the iconic green car.

Eat, Drink, Work: Co-Working in the French Quarter


Photo Courtesy of The Bombay Club

Traveling purely for pleasure is delightful. But if you need to work remotely on the road, New Orleans is one of the best places on the planet to mix business with pleasure. Many charming spots in the Quarter near the Prince Conti are co-working meccas with blazing WiFi, where you can soak up local ambiance along with cafe au lait, craft cocktails, and gourmet New Orleans cuisine.

The Bombay Club (Prince Conti Hotel, 830 Conti St.)
You could work in your room at the Prince Conti. But what fun is that? Wander down to The Bombay Club during happy hour, and graze on $4 small bites like Pork Belly Tacos and Cajun Poutine while imbibing great specials on beer, wine and house cocktails. 4pm–7pm Mon–Fri; 3pm–7pm Sat–Sun. Contact restaurant for updates.

French Truck Coffee (217 Chartres St.)
Need a jolt of caffeine to get down to business? French Truck boasts some of the city’s best locally-roasted coffee, prepares espresso to perfection, and puts a unique spin on mocha with hints of cayenne and cinnamon. Contact restaurant for updates.

Kingfish (337 Chartres St. at Conti)
Known for its award-winning craft cocktails, the Kingish is another great happy hour co-working spot. Sip Prohibition Punch and other signature drinks for just $6, enjoy half-price beer and wine, and sample hearty $5 small-plate specials like Fried Boudin Balls and Chicken and Smoked Andouille Gumbo. Daily from 3:30-6pm. Contact restaurant for updates.

Envie Espresso Bar & Cafe (308 Decatur St.)
One of the few coffee shops in the city that serves shots of booze in their coffee, Envie has it all: steaming cups of java, scrumptious pastries and breakfasts, and a full-service bar.

The Top 10 Landmarks Near Our French Quarter Hotel

The Top 10 Landmarks Near Our French Quarter Hotel

When it comes to travel with a twist of magic and adventure, it doesn’t get much better than exploring the French Quarter on foot. It’s the heart and soul of New Orleans, a testament to its colorful past — a richly woven tapestry of different cultures, cuisines, musical notes, and its everlasting joie de vivre — still manifested ’round the clock in so many unique ways.

Whether you’re on a quest to sample a savory Creole dish, dance the night away to a brass band, stroll the streets to admire the exquisite wrought-iron architectural details, or take in an eclectic street performance — this one-of-a-kind place has them in spades and pretty much around every corner.

While it’s easy to come up with a longer list of must-see landmarks in a city this old and colorful, here are our top 10 recommendations, all located within walking distance from each other in the French Quarter. There’s only one exception — Frenchmen Street is located in Faubourg Marigny, right outside the French Quarter.

1. Jackson Square (751 Decatur Street)

This timeless landmark is located in the heart of French Quarter. Known since the 18th century as Place d’Armes, it was renamed in honor of Andrew Jackson following the 1815 Battle of New Orleans. Jackson’s bronze statue is the focal point of the square, surrounded by the lavish flora and facing the Mississippi River.

Jackson Square is also a host to the open-air artist market and performance space, with local art displayed along the fence. You can have your sketch done, dance to a brass band, or have your fortune told. Carriage rides are offered in front of the square. When you cross the street to the riverside, you’ll find the French Market, Cafe du Monde, and Shops at Jax Brewery.

2. St. Louis Cathedral (615 Pere Antoine Alley)

St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States. It stands between its two historic neighbors, the Cabildo and the Presbytere, overlooking Jackson Square and the block-long row of the Pontalba Buildings. St. Louis Cathedral is one of the most instantly recognizable buildings in the world, its famous steeples showing up on many a postcard and in quite a few films.

The Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis King of France was built in 1724 and had been rebuilt twice after a hurricane and a fire. It was dedicated in 1794 and has enjoyed an illustrious and eventful history. One of its most famous caretakers was Pere Antoine, a popular Capuchin priest who had been pastor of the Cathedral from 1785 to 1790 and again from 1795 to the time of his death in 1829.

You can check out the Cathedral’s stunning interior during its hours of operation, attend a mass or a music concert. If you’re just passing by, depending on time of day, you may get to hear its bell or witness an occasional wedding party spilling out of the Cathedral, followed by a second line.

3. The Cabildo and the Presbytere (701 & 751 Chartres St., Jackson Square)

General admission to either: $6

Did you know that the 1803 Louisiana Purchase was signed at the Cabildo? This historic building served as the seat of government during the Spanish colonial rule, and was built to replace the building claimed by the fire in 1794. Standing tall right next to St. Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo is now part of the Louisiana State Museum. It houses such precious artifacts as a painting of Marie Laveau by Frank Schneider; a self-portrait by Julien Hudson, an antebellum artist and free man of color; and Napoleon’s death mask, one of only four in the world.

On the other side of St. Louis cathedral is the Presbytere, built in 1791 in the style to match the Cabildo. It’s called “Presbytere” because it was built on the site of one, which served as a residence for Capuchin monks. The building served as a courthouse in the late 19th century and is now also part of the Louisiana State Museum, just like the Cabildo.

The Presbytere currently houses two permanent exhibits. The magnificent “Mardi Gras: It’s Carnival Time in Louisiana” tells the story of the Carnival traditions in Louisiana, including Cajun Courir de Mardi Gras, Zulu coconut throws, 19th century Rex ball costumes, and much more. “The Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond” exhibit documents the natural disaster, its aftermath, and the ongoing recovery with interactive displays and artifacts.

4. French Market (2 French Market Place)

French Market was founded in 1791 as a Native American trading post and has been operating continually since, making it the oldest public market in the country. Similar in structure to a traditional European market, this open-air mall covers roughly five blocks, from Cafe du Monde on Decatur St. across from Jackson Square to the daily flea market at the end of Esplanade Avenue. Many retail shops and restaurants surround it in every direction. The flea market area hosts dozens of local artisans, plus vendors from all over the world. You’ll find souvenirs, handmade masks and jewelry, t-shirts, music, and more.

French Market also includes a small pedestrian plaza on Dumaine and St. Phillip streets called Dutch Alley. The food stands at the Farmers Market Pavilion offer a slew of spices, produce and local food that is uniquely New Orleans — from pralines to oysters to the beignet mix or the hot sauce you’d want to take home. The Farmers Market also hosts an annual Creole Tomato Festival to celebrate its harvest.

5. The Riverfront (1 Toulouse Street)

You can access the mile-long riverfront very easily from the Jackson Square area. There you will find grassy Woldenberg Park and a walkway called the Moonwalk, named after the former New Orleans mayor Maurice “Moon” Landrieu.

The Woldenberg Park is a popular spot to watch the 4th of July fireworks. It also hosts one of the largest stages during the annual French Quarter Festival, which takes place in the spring.

Stroll along the Moonwalk to view public art, like the Holocaust Memorial, and to watch the boats go by. The riverwalk is also home to two popular family-friendly attractions, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and the Entergy IMAX Theater.

6. Bourbon Street, French Quarter

That much is true: Bourbon Street is home to one of the wildest nightly street parties in the country. It’s well known for its karaoke and burlesque clubs, bars that never seem to close, and crowds milling about round the clock. This endless party vibe makes Bourbon Street a great destination for your bachelor party, a girls’ night out, spring break, a couple’s getaway — and any other cause for celebration.

It is also one of the oldest streets in the country, a vivid example of Spanish colonial architecture dating back to 1798 and steeped in history, magic and legends. It’s also home to the city’s most iconic destinations like Galatoire’s and The Old Absinthe House. One of the best jazz clubs in the country, if not the world, also has a Bourbon Street address. Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub is located in a historic 1831 building and hosts live, traditional jazz performances nightly, attracting jazz aficionados from all over the globe.

7. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop (941 Bourbon Street)

This ancient, at least by North American standards, bar is housed in a Creole cottage on the corner of Bourbon and St. Philip streets. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop was built between 1722 and 1732, and it’s said to be the oldest structure used as a bar in the U.S. It’s also said to have been used by the infamous Lafitte Brothers, Jean and Pierre, as a base for their smuggling operation in Barataria, operating as a facade for the privateers. We won’t likely know the truth beyond the legend, but the bar is dripping in magic and history, making is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

8. Old Ursuline Convent (1100 Chartres Street)

$8 general admission

The Old Ursuline Convent was built in 1752, which makes it the oldest surviving example of the French colonial period in the country, circa Louis XV. The building has first served as a convent for the Ursuline nuns, and then, as centuries ticked on, it had been, at some point: a school, an archbishop’s and priests’ residence, archdiocesan offices/archives, and is now part of the Catholic Cultural Heritage Center of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Its museum is open for self-guided tours.

9. Royal Street, French Quarter

Only one block away, running parallel to Bourbon Street, Royal Street presents a very different scene — a mix of performance art, live music on the corners, eclectic art galleries, funky boutiques, and upscale antique shops. The French Quarter part of Royal Street stretches for 13 blocks, from Esplanade Avenue to Canal Street, and the stretch between St. Louis and St. Ann streets is a pedestrian mall closed to traffic from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

The scenic street is also known for its wrought-iron balconies and other charming architectural details and lush courtyards, including those featured by the street’s many restaurants. Consider having a cochon de lait in Cafe Amelie’s well-appointed courtyard, or Bananas Foster in Brennan’s stunning outdoor seating area.

Among the notable art galleries are Harouni, 933 Royal St., featuring the artist’s own work; and George Rodrique Studios, 730 Royal St., with his ubiquitous Blue Dog paintings on display.

As for shopping for antiques, from the exquisite chandeliers to rare 17th century furniture to fine art and jewelry, Royal Street also got you covered. M.S. Rau Antiques, 630 Royal St., for instance, is considered one of the best destinations in the world for antique shopping.

10. Frenchmen Street, Marigny

Frenchmen Street is a three-block area with one of the best and most densely packed live-music venues and restaurants in the city. It’s located in Faubourg Marigny, right next to the French Quarter, featuring more than 20 bars and clubs, plus a night art market, a smattering of diverse restaurants, and live music on street, especially at night. Jazz, brass, funk, DJs — you name it — and it’s playing on the corner somewhere on Frenchmen.

Some of the city’s best clubs are located on Frenchmen and offer live music seven nights a week, day and night. The Maison, for example, has three floors and a packed late-night show calendar, but also a lively Sunday jazz brunch. Dragon’s Den offers a diverse and eclectic mix of music on its two live music stages, plus the lure of a courtyard and a balcony for a more relaxed experience. Marigny Brasserie’s outdoor seating is as elegant as it is perfect for people-watching. Three Muses and Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro are the dinner-and-a-show kind of places that focus on Creole and regional cooking, and D.B.A.’s roster of the world-famous musicians who have played there is legendary.

For smaller venues and more intimate ambiance, you can try The Spotted Cat or the cozy, divey Apple Barrel. Finally, top off all the blues and funk with Adolfo’s Creole Italian cooking, from a tiny old-school restaurant directly above the Apple Barrel.

When you’re done with the hustle and the bustle of the French Quarter and the Marigny, come have a handcrafted cocktail at the Bombay Club or a bite to eat at Cafe Conti at the Prince Conti Hotel. Although it’s located in the heart of the historical French Quarter, just steps away from its most exciting sights and destinations, Prince Conti offers a quiet respite from it all, an oasis with an elegant yet relaxed vibe.

Celebrating Easter Sunday in the French Quarter

Celebrating Easter Sunday in the French Quarter

As a historically Catholic city, New Orleans takes Lent seriously. New Orleans also loves a good parade. Naturally, breaking the 40-plus days of fasting and the arrival of spring are great reasons to catch a parade, show off your bonnet, and feast on some Gulf seafood.

If you’re lucky enough to be staying in the French Quarter for Easter weekend, you can celebrate the end of Lent with three parades, Catholic masses, special Easter brunches, and an Easter Bonnet contest. Here’s a quick rundown of the things you can do on Easter Sunday, April 16, in the French Quarter.

The Parades

Three groups parade annually through the French Quarter and downtown on Easter Sunday. The Historic French Quarter Easter Parade leaves from Antoine’s Restaurant at 9:45 a.m. and proceeds to St. Louis Cathedral for 11 a.m. Mass. The riders, clad in their best Easter attire, ride in convertibles and carriages, handing out stuffed Easter bunnies, candy and other theme-appropriate throws along the way. After Mass the parade slowly weaves its way back to Antoine’s.

The French Quarter Easter Parade rolls at 1 p.m. from St. Louis and Royal streets. The one and only Chris Owens traditionally helms the parade as the Grand Duchess. Expect colorful floats, marching bands, whimsical bonnets, and plenty of throws.

The annual Gay Easter Parade celebrates the city’s LGBTQ community and benefits the Food for Friends charity. It starts at 4:30 p.m. on N. Rampart St. by the Armstrong Park arch and continues to St. Ann, Bourbon, and Esplanade. With stops at some bars along the way, the parade makes it back to N. Rampart for the after-party at GrandPre’s.

The Easter Bonnet Contest at Good Friends Bar at the corner of Dauphine and St. Ann streets is open to all participants, and spectators decide on the winners. A tall order every year, as the entries are often fabulous and wildly creative.

Brunch

What’s better than marking the end of Lent with a multi-course Cajun/Creole brunch? Many French Quarter restaurants offer a special Easter menu buffet-style or as a sit-down prix fixe option.

Since it’s a family tradition for many, reservations are highly recommended. (You can check the list of participating restaurants and make a reservation here.)

Here are our five top recommendations.

The Bombay Club (830 Conti St.; 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; a la carte menu)

Start your Easter Sunday right with a cocktail and Eggs Sardou in this elegant restaurant located at the back of the Prince Conti Hotel. The extensive Easter brunch menu runs the gamut from lighter fare like roasted beets and strawberry salad to the more substantial steak and eggs, and lamb grillades. Other options are traditional New Orleans: BBQ shrimp, shrimp and grits, pain perdu, and Croque Madame. Or try the “Heavenly” Hash: crispy boudin cake with poached egg.

Antoine’s (713 St. Louis St.; 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; $51 prix fixe)

Antoine’s holiday brunch menu will render you speechless with its baked oysters, Gulf shrimp with chef’s special Regua sauce, duck a l’Orange, and broiled Louisiana drum stuffed with crabmeat. Top it off with either pecan bread pudding or strawberry mousse. Brunch includes one complimentary Mimosa.

Arnaud’s (813 Bienville St.; Easter menu available all day; $55 prix fixe)

This four-course feast offers smoked duck, andouille and oyster gumbo for starters, and roasted leg of lamb among its three entree choices. Appetizer offerings include the signature Shrimp Arnaud: Gulf shrimp marinated in Creole remoulade. And how about Creole cream cheese peanut butter pie for dessert?

Red Fish Grill (115 Bourbon St.; 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.; prix fixe buffet: adults $59, children 12 and under $19, 6 and under free)

You’ll find a family-style Easter buffet with alligator sausage and seafood gumbo, crawfish etouffee, Creole potato salad, BBQ shrimp, oysters, pickled crawfish, and a carving station (just to name a few options). The kids’ buffet offers child-friendly versions of the above and a sundae bar.

Steamboat Natchez Easter Jazz Brunch Cruise (Toulouse St./boardwalk; 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m.; adults $44, children 6-12 $22, children 2-5 $9)

The two-hour Mississippi River cruise with live music by The Steamboat Stompers includes a buffet and reserved seating. Kids can meet the Easter Bunny aboard the steamboat!

Mass

Church services on Easter Sunday start early and continue throughout the day. You can see this year’s schedule for the city here. For a truly unique experience, consider a stroll to Jackson Square to hear the bells of St. Louis Cathedral and to mingle with the revelers in their Easter finery.

St. Louis Cathedral has mass that day at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and remains open between services. The majestic Our Lady of Guadalupe (411 N. Rampart St.) also offers Easter mass at 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. (in Spanish), and 6 p.m.

 

 

 

 

What to Do in the French Quarter in April

What to Do in the French Quarter in April

Don’t spread this around too much, but April might just be the best time to visit New Orleans. The city has recovered from its massive Mardi Gras hangover, crawfish season is in full, spicy swing and the weather is just about as perfect as it gets, with average highs hovering in the mid-70s. If that’s not incentive enough, April is a month jam-packed with music, food, parades, festivals…you know, all the stuff that makes New Orleans so New Orleans. Best of all? You don’t have to venture outside the French Quarter to enjoy the best the city has to offer, and many of these events don’t cost a dime. Just bring a sense of joie de vivre and let the good times roll.

Jazz in the Park Treme Crab Festival – April 1-2

Situated on Rampart Street, which forms the French Quarter’s northern boundary, Armstrong Park (901 N. Rampart St.) is a shady, sprawling urban park with water features and a statue tribute to Satchmo–and in April, it hosts the first annual Treme Crab Festival. You’ll find music by Rebirth Brass Band, Little Freddie King, Treme Brass Band and more at the free weekend events. And did we mention food? The festival is a tribute to the Louisiana’s most delicious saltwater crustacean. Enjoy crabs blended into dip by Chef Don Harding, boiled by Louisiana Direct Seafood, folded into ravioli by Voleo’s Seafood Restaurant…the list goes on.

French Quarter Festival – April 6-9

It’s the largest free music festival in the South, when more than 1,700 musicians take over 23 stages scattered throughout the Vieux Carre and commence to rock out. There’s a preponderance of jazz, zydeco, New Orleans funk, brass bands… pretty much every form of music native to Louisiana and the delta gets a chance to shine in front of more than 760,000 attendees. Wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes, because you’ll be doing a lot of walking from stage to stage (not to mention dancing).

Crescent City Classic – April 15

Yes, the Crescent City Classic is a 10k that attracts top athletes from around the world, but it’s so much more than a road race. Even if your idea of a workout is walking from Cafe du Monde to Pat O’ Brien’s, you owe it to yourself to check out the race, festival, music and people who have made the Crescent City Classic a New Orleans institution for 37 years. You can run, walk, dance or push a stroller down all or part of its scenic route, which loops from the Superdome, through the Quarter and up Esplanade before ending in a party in City Park. Or you can sit on the sidelines, cheer on the participants and ask yourself how it’s possible for so many people to run while drinking and wearing full costumes. Either way, the Crescent City Classic is a spectacle not to be missed.

Easter Parades – April 16

Easter is a time for celebration, chocolate bunnies and church services…but in New Orleans, it’s decidedly over the top. Wear your finest pastels, florals, seersucker and hats (the bigger the better) and you’ll fit right in at the city’s three Easter parades. They kick off at 9:45 a.m., when The Historic French Quarter Easter Parade rolls from Antoine’s Restaurant (713 St. Louis St.) to St. Louis Cathedral for 11 a.m. mass. After that, things take a turn for the campy with the Chris Owens French Quarter parade, which celebrates Bourbon Street’s reigning queen (and the hottest septuagenarian to rock sequined bodysuits since Cher). It rolls from Canal and Bourbon streets at 1 p.m. Finally, the Gay Easter Parade closes down the celebrations at 4:30, with floats, throws and dancers galore. Celebrate good times, come on!

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – April 28-May 7

If you’re coming to New Orleans during the last weekend in April, you probably already know about the granddaddy of all music festivals, Jazz Fest. From contemporary arena-filling rock stars (Kings of Leon Maroon 5) and rap gods (Snoop Dogg, Pitbull) to pop princesses (Meghan Trainor, Lorde) and living legends (Stevie Wonder, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), the festival covers every musical base as it takes over the Fair Grounds Race Course (1751 Gentilly Blvd.). And of course, there’s a hearty assortment of Louisiana acts at the stages. Don’t leave without feasting on food as well as music…crawfish bread, po-boys, muffalettas, boiled seafood, red beans and rice and more are all for sale. Pro tip: rent a bike to cruise right up to the gates–it’s an easy 3.4-mile ride–and wear rubber boots and a poncho if it rains. (You’ll thank us when the dirt race tracks turn to knee-deep mud.)

Shopping for Women Near the Prince Conti French Quarter Hotel

Shopping for Women Near the Prince Conti French Quarter Hotel
Photo courtesy of Bambi Deville’s Vintage Clothing New Orleans on Facebook

Shopping in New Orleans gives visitors another way to experience the city’s vibrancy. Clothing in the French Quarter runs the gamut of styles and this list of some of the area’s best women’s clothing shops reflects that. Whether you’re looking for vintage or contemporary, formal or casual, there’s something for everyone in the French Quarter.

Dirty Coast (713 Royal Street)

Dirty Coast offers casual New Orleans themed clothing and gifts for women and men. Their French Quarter location opened in 2016 “at the corner of Pirates Alley and Touchdown Jesus” (their description). Since 2002 the company has printed more than 250 local designs for t-shirts and posters that proclaim their love for New Orleans. Co-founder and designer Blake Haney was in Baton Rouge after Hurricane Katrina and created the company’s first design, a bumper sticker that said “Be a New Orleanian, Wherever You Are” and stuck 5,000 of them all over the city as soon as he could move back. Write ups in the Times Picayune and the New York Times followed. The company now has devotees around the globe, locals and visitors who want to celebrate how much they love New Orleans.

Bambi DeVille Vintage (818 Royal Street)

Bambi DeVille Engeran’s vintage clothing business grew out of a lifetime of collecting, inspired by her father’s antique and collectible business with a thirty year history on Royal Street. The shop features vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories from the turn of the 19th century into the 1980s, with dresses and casual wear for every occasion. There are vintage kimonos from Kyoto, mid-century Mardi Gras capes and headdresses, and thousands of pieces of Bakelite. Housed in a former private residence built in the 1920s, the space also features photography, fine art, stamps, and coins. The family’s history in the area and the building’s design make the shop an unforgettable New Orleans experience.

Trashy Diva, Lingerie Shop (712 Royal Street) Trashy Diva Clothing Boutique (537 Royal Street)

Trashy Diva started in 1996 as a traditional vintage clothing store and has expanded into five shops across New Orleans carrying vintage inspired clothing and lingerie with contemporary touches. There are two locations on Royal Street: a lingerie shop near the cathedral and a clothing boutique two blocks up. Trashy Diva’s lingerie shops offers custom fitted corsets, essential to the city’s burlesque community, as well as myriad other lacy undergarments. Many styles in the clothing boutique pay homage to the 1940s and 50s; bold Asian inspired prints and elegant florals decorate day dresses while evening options include velvet, bias cut gowns like something Audrey Hepburn might wear to Tiffany’s.

Hemline (609 Chartres Street)

Hemline is an elegant boutique with two locations in New Orleans. Their flagship store is located in the French Quarter and sells contemporary designers like Nanette Lepore, Tracy Reese, Amanda Uprichard, and Dolce Vita, among many others. Brigette Holthausen moved to New Orleans from Brazil at age 16 and started the business selling backpacks, sandals, and jewelry at the French Market, opening her shop on Chartres several years later.

UAL (United Apparel Liquidators) (512 Chartres Street)

UAL focuses on deeply discounted designer fashion. The inventory changes almost daily and the wide variety of merchandise in the store’s single room makes digging for the perfect look a lot of fun. Christian Louboutin heels, Kara Ross handbags, and Chloe blouses will fill the store one week, and next week that’s gone and Alexander Wang dresses occupy the racks along with Chanel and Valentino. Some of the pieces are sample items or marked as defective, so a careful eye makes for the best shopping experience.

All of these shops are in the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter, short blocks from the Prince Conti Hotel. Guests can enjoy first class accommodations as well as shopping that reflects the diversity of cultures and styles that make New Orleans unique.

Enjoy the Music at Satchmo SummerFest in New Orleans

One of the best things about New Orleans is the city’s undying passion for music. Music lovers come from near and far to experience New Orleans’ diverse music scene, that features a variety of musical artists and genres. Make your way down to New Orleans this summer and experience the city’s extravagant musical scene for yourself! This summer, the famous Satchmo SummerFest will be returning to the New Orleans August 5th-7th. Come enjoy fantastic live music and delicious local food and drink in Jackson Square at Satchmo SummerFest, and  take advantage of low summer rates and reserve your spot at one of the best hotels in New Orleans, the Prince Conti Hotel!

New Orleans French Quarter

Experience Foot-Tapping Music at Satchmo SummerFest

Satchmo SummerFest is New Orleans’ tribute to one of its most famous native sons, the beloved Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong on the centennial of his birth. This festival began back in 2001, and has since evolved into one of the top celebrations in the city. For many that attend this dynamic festival, if is the highland of the summer season! This festival includes live bands on two different stages, featuring some of New Orleans’ best musicians. Many of the musical artists performing will play their tributes to Louis Armstrong and his famous music. Some of the headliners at this New Orleans festival include the Preservation Hall Brass Band, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Bill Summers and Jazalsa, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, and several others. There will also be smaller indoor concerts and performances within the Louisiana State Museum’s Arsenal at 600 St. Peter Street.

satchmo fest

In addition to the vibrant outdoor music scene, this New Orleans festival would not be complete without plenty of delicious local food and drink. This festival offers some of New Orleans’ world-famous culinary delicacies for sale around the festival site, as well as refreshing beverages to keep you hydrated throughout the day. There are also several indoor events at Satchmo SummerFest, including inspiring seminars and lectures by musical authorities held at Le Petit Theatre, located across the street from The Cabildo and Jackson Square.

Shrimp From The Bombay Club in New Orleans

Looking for Hotels in New Orleans? Choose The Prince Conti Hotel

The charming Prince Conti Hotel is situated in the heart of the French Quarter, conveniently located close to numerous New Orleans attractions and destinations. When it comes to hotels in New Orleans, location is key. This hotel is located just minutes from Jackson Square, where Satchmo SummerFest will be taking place this coming August. You do not have to venture far to listen to live New Orleans music when you stay at the Prince Conti Hotel; Their restaurant, The Bombay Club, features great live music every night! The Prince Conti is a quick walk to Frenchman Street, where you will find tons of local bars and restaurants playing live music for all to enjoy. The hotel is also located near the Streetcar, which can take you to New Orleans’ Uptown to visit famous places for music like Tipitina’s and Le Bon Temps. If you are planning a trip to New Orleans this summer, be sure to check out the city’s unique music scene and book your reservation at one of the best hotels in New Orleans with great low room rates, the Prince Conti Hotel!

The Prince Conti Hotel in New Orleans, LA