ON the Beaten Path, New Orleans

I didn't really go off the beaten path. Sometimes you don't really want to in New Orleans. However, my advice (which I didn't follow when I was there) is to get off of Bourbon Street and the French Quarter at least for one day. There has to be more stuff in New Orleans than just the French Quarter! :)

The Cabildo - History museum- located on Jackson Square, The French Quarter. A lively historical museum which puts into context Louisiana’s complex mix of cultures. Also worth seeing is St Louis Cemetery No. 1 - Cemetery at 400 Basin St between Toulouse and St Louis st. This is an interesting eigheenth-century above-ground cemetery which includes the tomb of New Orleans’s 'Voodoo Queen' Marie Laveau. CAUTION: watch for undesirables who occasionally hide behind graves to rob tourists. Don't panic, just keep your eyes open. You are safe in a group. If you have time, see the Old US Mint Museum
( 400 Esplanade Av ) This includes shows a Jazz Museum with photos, and a jazz soundtrack, and a Mardi Gras exhibit . Also don't miss the St Charles Streetcar - Historic streetcar ( St. Charles ave , take a leisurely tram ride .

Jackson Square was named in honor of local hero Andrew
Jackson, who saved the city in the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812
The prominent position of the cathedral is fitting as the people of New Orleans
are predominantly Catholic. The cathedral is an active parish and is the place of worship for thousand of New Orleanians.
The cathedral that stands in the square today is actually the third structure to occupy the site.
The first church was destroyed by a hurricane in 1722.The second was destroyed by the fire of 1788 which consumed nearly every structure in the French Quarter.The construction of the church one sees today began soon after the devastating fire with funds donated by Don Almonaster.The church was designated a cathedral in 1793
In its long history, the Cabildo has served the city in many ways.From 1853 to 1910, the Cabildo housed the Supreme Court of Louisiana. Since 1911 the Cabildo has operated as the Louisana State Museum.

When preparing for a Warlocks show, one must gather the necessary musical instruments that can be carried. The Pranksters call to arms "Blow you horns and tap your tambourines" can be heard wafting through the late evening humidity, for New Orleans is always humid. In this case, a Kentwood waterbottle...

What are these Pranksters? Ken Kesey, Tim Leary...see the history project website.

And Further Rides Again? Well, the merry troupe hits Nawlins each year for Mardi Gras, and 'Stella' arises from the river's edge to carry itself in a wail through the Quarter, past the Cathedral, onward to the Indians preparing to march - 6am.

The architecture of French Quarter buildings can be amazing. And then the building next to it can be condemned! New Orleans' contrasts are aplenty, and the buildings are definitely an example.

PRESERVATION HALL: since the 1960s Jazz for purists is performed in there, but be aware: you have to wait and sit on the floor in a sticky, hot room.