A novel of family set in PROVENCE
Hidden New Orleans
10th January 2023
New Orleans is a city in Louisiana on the Mississippi River, near the Gulf of Mexico. Nicknamed the ‘Big Easy,’ it’s known for its round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live-music scene and spicy, singular cuisine reflecting its history as a melting pot of French, African and American cultures. Embodying its festive spirit is Mardi Gras, the late-winter carnival famed for raucous costumed parades and street parties.
As well as the main tourist attractions, there are also a large number of quieter ‘hidden’ places to explore.
First up is the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum. It is a unique treasure. The old apothecary has been transfixed into an 1823 museum frozen in time. On display, visitors will find a mix of old herbal remedies, including superstitious cures and early medicines. On the ground floor, you’ll be able to see antique, hand-blown surgical instruments and questionable potions compounded by Voodoo practitioners.
Here, you’ll learn all about New Orleans’ wayward medical practices, such as how no one was required to have official licensing in order to open their own pharmaceutical practice. This particular pharmacy has been around since 1816 and used by Louis J. Dufilho, Jr., America’s first licensed pharmacist.
Now something for those with a sweet tooth, Southern Candymakers. This hand-made 
candy boutique will draw you in with their famous fresh hot praline samples that they have been giving out since 1992. The Candymakers are known for their neighbourly approach and their dedication to the project.
Each piece of candy is specially moulded into a treat so rich, it has been given the Best Candy Award and dubbed one of the best in the U.S.A. They are rampant in New Orleans’ festivities and they offer exclusive candy boxes for businesses and special occasions.
Next the New Orleans Jazz Museum. The building that houses the Nola Jazz Museum has a fascinating history in itself. It previously served as the New Orleans Mint, pushing out silver and gold coins since the 1800s. Before Hurricane Katrina blasted through in 2005, it was simply the Louisiana State Museum.
However, it became rejuvenated in 2007 and fashioned into the New Orleans Jazz Museum to specifically celebrate The French Quarters’ role in the history of jazz music. Here you can learn all about the legends of this genre of music. It’s especially fun to visit during Jazz Fest, which takes place every year around April.
Fresh air beckons. Over 170 years old, one mile wide and three miles long comprising a total 
of 1,300 acres, New Orleans City Park is one of the most significant urban Parks in the country. It is located in the heart of the city and is the largest recreational area in the entire region. City Park is home to the largest collection of mature live oaks in the world, with some trees over 800 years old. The New Orleans City Park is 50% bigger than Central Park in New York, and one of the most visited inner city green spaces in the United States. As well as being just a space to wander and ponder, the Park has golf, tennis, and horse riding.
Who’s up for some urbexing (urban exploring)? Abandoned Jazzland is a theme park devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Too expensive to restore and not yet demolished, Abandoned Jazzland is slowly deteriorating. Muddy clowns, smashed mermaids, and Mardi Gras figures stuck in an apocalyptic freeze-frame are hard to resist for adventurous disaster tourists. The ruins of this amusement park have attracted many urban explorers, who follow the access road to the west of the park and trespass to experience a captivating walk through the devastated funland. If you decide to join them, please be warned that entry to the abandoned park is illegal – you enter at your own risk!
And finally, something to eat. In Latin America, Arepas are large, circular corn cakes that are
served sandwich-style and hot off the griddle. Maïs Arepas serves over-stuffed arepas with exciting and delicious ingredient combinations, including chorizo with puréed avocado and mozzarella or pulled pork with caramelized onions (all arepas are served alongside fried plantains). This friendly, cosy eatery is inspired by colourful Columbian culture. In addition to arepas, Mais Arepas serves fruity and eclectic South American drinks, such as dragon fruit cosmos and blood orange frutinis. Regulars at Mais Arepas suggest first-timers try the sampler plate with a trio-assortment of mini arepas. You’ll love it!
Enjoy your virtual tour of New Orleans! And get in the mood by visiting our curated list of ten great books set in the city.
Tony for the TripFiction team
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