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Hottest Hell Tours - Burning Bright and Hot
As its name suggests, this company is all about superlatives: Owner Bond Ruggles explains how she’s going about redefining the New Orleans walking tour industry.
– by Kim Ranjbar
The Sad Demise of the Ursuline Chaplains’ Cottage
A diminutive Spanish Colonial cottage demolished in 1917 played a major role in the development of French Quarter historic preservation. This is the first in a new FQJ series, “Preservation Chronicles.”
– by James G. Derbes
Otis Fennell: Mayor of Frenchmen Street
What began in 1978 as the first gay bookstore in the South is still thriving as Frenchmen Art & Books thanks to four nurturing owners – including the late Otis Fennell.
– by Frank Perez
French Quarter Festival 2024
The 2024 French Quarter Festival played, sang and danced its way through four glorious days of sunshine to the delight of visitors and locals alike.
- photos by Scott Saltzman, Melanie Cole and Gregg Martel
Three Decades of Activism, One New Riverfront Park
Unrelenting advocacy over two wharf sites scores what appears to be a win for New Orleans residents while helping protect two of the most fragile neighborhoods in the country: the French Quarter and Faubourg Marigny.
– by Frank Perez
An Open Love Letter to French Quarter Residents
A journalist turned buggy driver reflects on the people who live in his unusual workplace - a combination historic museum, adult amusement park, and a residential neighborhood.
– by Mark Orfila
No Storage? No Problem: Decluttering for Historic Homes
Occasional Wife founder Kay Morrison and two of her veteran organizers share favorite pointers for simplifying life in historic homes.
– by Bethany Ewald Bultman
One Neighborhood, One Day, Four Parades: French Quarter Easter 2024
The day starts early with a small celebration of Ostara, the ancient goddess of renewal, followed in quick succession by the Historic French Quarter Easter Parade, the French Quarter Easter Parade (formerly the Chris Owens Easter Parade) and ending with the rollicking Gay Easter Parade – leaving the city needing some post-holiday renewal.
- photos by Melanie Cole and Ellis Anderson
French Quarter Easter 2024: Best Bonnets
Each year, more French Quarter parade-goers costume in theme and this year’s Easter Day marathon of parades was no exception. We captured some of our favorite Easter regalia and announce our first FQJ Most Original Bonnet! You’ll find our album of Easter parade pics here.
- photos by Ellis Anderson and Melanie Cole
Chef Eric Cook at Saint John: Semper Fidelis
A special ops Marine, itinerant cook, truck driver and cowboy: The youthful journeys of this award-winning chef shaped a man who’s still undaunted by challenges – and always up for a new adventure.
– by Kim Ranjbar and Ellis Anderson
Downtown Irish Club Parade 2024
The luck of the Irish prevailed and the persistent rains stopped before the shenanigans of this annual parade began.
- photos by Melanie Cole
The 52nd Annual St. Joseph’s Day Parade
With a gigantic rolling St. Joseph’s Day altar, reigning beauties, local dancing clubs and groups of tuxedo-clad men exchanging paper carnations and garters for kisses, the Italian-American St. Joseph’s Day Society has delighted more than five decades of parade-goers.
- photos by Melanie Cole
Danny Barker Fest + St. Joseph’s Celebration
Folks attending the three-day Danny Barker Banjo & Guitar Festival at the Jazz Museum this year had the happy option of popping over to the adjacent French Market on Saturday for a St. Joseph’s Day Celebration.
- photos by Melanie Cole and Ellis Anderson
Rhythm Meets Roses at the Historic BK House
A music-loving French Quarter newcomer becomes the ultimate good neighbor when he sponsors a new concert series for the house museum next door.
– by Ellis Anderson
The Irish Cultural Museum: St. Patrick’s Day Everyday
French Quarter visitors and locals alike can savor history, coffee – and of course, a large variety of Irish whiskeys – at this Emerald Isle oasis.
– by Dean M. Shapiro
Louisiana Lens: Through Light and Time
A lavish new volume by John H. Lawrence celebrates an extraordinary collection of Louisiana images and the photographers who created them.
– by John S. Sledge
French Market Memories: My Last Sip at Morning Call
On the eve of Morning Call’s closing fifty years ago, a young writer joins a crowd of locals lining up to pay their respects - and savor one final cup of coffee.
– by Bethany Ewald Bultman
The Société Des Champs Elysée: At the Crossroads
This Social Aid and Pleasure club focuses on the “social aid” part of their name, working year-round to feed the homeless and hungry.
– by Kim Ranjbar and Ellis Anderson
“For Today:” A Conversation With Poet Carolyn Hembree
The award-winning poet talks about her new book, a vivid and evocative collection that explores the power of memory and the complex web of family ties.
– by Skye Jackson
Mardi Gras Day 2024: Lower Quarter style
Personally, our favorite Mardi Gras perspective takes place in the lower French Quarter and Marigny neighborhoods, the location of our journal’s office. on Mardi Gras day, the entire lower Quarter becomes a wildly spinning kaleidoscope of color and good cheer. The better and more inventive the costume, the higher one’s status for the day.
- photos by Ellis Anderson