Frenchmen Street, New Orleans

The music of New Orleans is a big part of the culture of the city. The French Quarter is the heart of the city and where restaurants, hotels and jazz clubs can be found. The six by thirteen block area contains shopping, museums and many attractions that welcome visitors and locals. Frenchmen Street is a two block long piece on the boundary of the French Quarter that caters to more locals than tourists.

Frenchmen Street is within walking distance of the famous Bourbon Street. However, the glitz and music that over flow the rest of the French Quarter is not as evident here. The establishments on Frenchmen Street are open seven days a week and showcase many different musicians.

While the main music that is played in New Orleans is jazz, Frenchmen Street offers a wider variety of melodies. Latin, reggae and blues take the spotlight when visiting this street. There are only plain wood signs to lead people to the clubs on Frenchmen Street. They total approximately twelve clubs with live musical performances.

The drinks in this part of New Orleans aren't as expensive as elsewhere in the French Quarter. Most of the time there is no cover charge to get into the clubs. The places on Frenchmen Street all have tip jars that people are asked to fill. Sometimes this is the only money the performers will get for their appearance at a club.

Traveling to or from Frenchmen Street is relatively easy as this is one of the few places where taxis keep up a steady flow of traffic. They run during peak hours and it only takes a few minutes to find one.

When visiting Frenchmen Street visitors are close to the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood. Because of the proximity to this area there are numerous places to eat. Restaurants like Adolfo's that serve Italian and Seafood, and the Marigny Brasserie which features Cajun, Creole and Louisiana fare are some of the more well known establishments on Frenchmen Street. There is also the Cafy Rose Nicaud that is a coffeehouse that serves the famous New Orleans Po-Boy. She was a slave that was the first coffee vendor in the city. She was able to pay for her freedom through the profits that she made from her establishment. This restaurant is close to many of the jazz clubs on the street.

There is a bed and breakfast on Frenchmen Street called the Suite Jazz on Frenchmen. They offer the charm and hospitality that New Orleans is well known for. This establishment is right in the center of this music arena. While this bed and breakfast offers the comforts of home they also have modern technologies available. High speed internet and data ports are in the rooms. Parking is free and there is a bar, room service and in room entertainment. Pets are welcome to stay at the all suites.

The prices are reasonable and the music is first rate when visitors explore Frenchmen Street, one of New Orleans best kept secrets.