Dating back to the 19th century, Uptown represents a big area of New Orleans situated on the East bank of the Mississippi River. Major attractions are located in the Uptown New Orleans Historic District. Take the tour below and discover by yourself the best that Uptown has to offer.
1) Nuance/Louisiana Artisans Gallery
"Nuance" specializes in exhibiting quality handmade crafts made by Louisiana artists. It will amaze you with original handmade jewelry, ceramics, wild lamps and many other Louisiana works of art.
Image Courtesy of Nuance Glass
2) Fine Arts Gallery of New Orleans
Located on the Burdette street, Fine Arts Gallery of New Orleans focuses on Impressionism and Post-impressionist art. The gallery has a carefully chosen collection of works dating from the 17th to the 20th centuries, featuring both American and European artists.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and jeffschwartz
3) Maple Street Book Shop
This book store is one of the most popular in the city. You can find here not only the latest publications, but also an extensive collection of offprints on Louisiana and New Orleans. The shop organizes lots of meetings with the authors, and they have a very flexible discount policy.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Infrogmation
4) Audubon Park
The Audubon Park is a 340-acre oasis named after naturalist John James Audubon. It was designed by John Charles Olmstead and opened in 1898. Formerly a sugar plantation, owned by the first mayor of New Orleans, Etienne de Boré, the site was the location of the World’s Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition. It was also the location of a Union camp and hospital during the Civil War. The park is located between the Mississippi River and Saint Charles Street and is across the street from Tulane University and Loyola University.
There is something for every at the Audubon. The square is liberally lined with oak trees that offset the lush green grass beautifully. Visitors will enjoy the walking trails, lagoons, horse stable, tennis courts, and golf course. In addition, there is a stunning view of the nearby river. The clubhouse serves breakfast, lunch and tasty treats throughout the day and is open from 8 am until 5 pm.
Geese, ducks, and other wildlife are in abundance at the recreational area. The nearby Ochsner Island attracts a variety of birds, many of whom use the island as part of their migration route. Although the park lost its famous oak trees during Hurricane Katrina, it is one of the few locations in New Orleans that survived with minimal damage.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Chad Carson
5) The "Wedding Cake" House
One cannot visit New Orleans without seeing the historic and beautiful Wedding Cake House. This Victorian Gregorian mansion is located on Saint Charles Avenue, “the Jewel of America’s Grand Avenues.” Nicholas Burke, a grocer, hired William F. Krone to build it in 1896. The design firm Toleando and Rousch is responsible for the gorgeous look of the structure.
The residence, with its white exteriors and grandly decorated balconies, columns and cornices, resembles a cake covered in fondant and white frosting. Some of the decorations and embellishments resemble the piping that you would see on a cake. The house is particularly brilliant when viewed at night.
One of the most beautiful features is the beveled leaded glass front door. The abode was rebuilt after a fire in 1907 and recent restorative work improved the interiors and exteriors. The house remained the property of the Burke family until 1993 when it was sold to Rosalie and Nicholas Chisesi. Attorney Calvin Fayard, a major fund-raiser for the Democratic Party, is the current resident.
Although the dwelling is a private residence, and not available for tours, one can appreciate its beauty by viewing it as they walk by. This house takes the cake when it comes to exquisiteness and is, by far, one of the most beautiful homes in New Orleans.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and katedubya
6) Blue Frog Chocolates
Blue Frog Chocolates represents an unique shop which specializes in all sorts of eclectic and delicious chocolate candies. Besides the high quality of their products, the shop also offers holiday specials, like gift baskets, Mardi Gras chocolates, etc.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and KidCityNY.com
7) Audubon Zoo
Named after the world-famous naturalist, John James Audubon, the Audubon Zoo is a 58 acre zoological garden located in Uptown New Orleans on the Mississippi River side of Magazine Street. It opened in 1914 and is part of the Audubon Nature Institute.
Thousands of animals make the zoo their home. There are 2,000 animals and 350 species that visitors can enjoy. Gorillas, bears, monkeys, orangutans, elk, white tigers, and rare white alligators are just some of the things you will see when you visit. In addition, a swamp exhibit features animals native to Louisiana and an Embraceable Zoo allows children to play and interact with domestic animals. Other exhibits one can enjoy are the Sea Lions, the World of Primates, Jaguar Jungle, the White Tigers, the Rhinos, the Dragon's Lair, and Monkey Hill.
Children and adults alike will enjoy the Zoofari Cafe, the Swamp Train, the rock climbing wall, the Safari Simulator Ride, the animal-themed water park, and the Endangered Species Carousel. In addition, a gift store sells an assortment of zoo-themed items. They are open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm., and are closed the first Friday in May, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and Mardi Gras. The wildlife park is handicapped accessible.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Infrogmation