alder-hotel-uptown-new-orleans-staying-fit-uptown-new-orleans

Staying Fit in Uptown New Orleans


Staying active and keeping fit could be a challenge while you’re traveling, especially in a city that loves to eat, drink and party. Whether you’re here on business or for pleasure, however, there are a few great options near the hotel to help you stay in shape.

If you need a yoga fix, both Wild Lotus Yoga (4842 Perrier St.) and Live Oak Yoga (6113 Magazine St.) are not far from the hotel. Interested in finding a gym? Uptown Fitness (4834 Pitt St.) and Anytime Fitness (4600 Freret St.) are good options (Anytime Fitness is a five-minute walk away from the hotel; ask the concierge for directions).

We’re a pet-friendly hotel, and you and your dog will enjoy the urban oasis of the historic Audubon Park (6500 Magazine St.). It has a 1.8-mile jogging path, tennis courts, riding stables, soccer fields, plus an area behind the Audubon Zoo and along the Mississippi River called The Fly that is great for walking.

For biking, whether you’d prefer to strike out on your own or be guided in a group, download the city bike map to help you navigate. The bike-sharing system called Blue Bikes has a few hubs in the area (find them on the map on the company website). For bike rentals Uptown, try Mike the Bike Guy (4411 Magazine St.), within cycling distance to Audubon Park, St. Charles Avenue, and the campuses of Tulane and Loyola universities. Arts District Bikes (1121 Margaret Pl.) offers night rides (rentals and guided).

You can also always go for a leisurely swim in our sparkling pool!

Essential Stops and Sights Along the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar Route

Essential Stops and Sights Along the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar Route

St. Charles Avenue Streetcar by Sharon Mollerus on flickr

Essential Stops and Sights Along the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar Route

There’s a way to see New Orleans’ Uptown, Garden District, Carrollton, and Central Business District (CBD) neighborhoods that are historically accurate, affordable, and entertaining. It’s called the St. Charles Avenue streetcar, and a ride costs $1.25. Best of all, the streetcar stop is less than a mile away from the Alder Hotel — about a 15-minute walk. Here’s what to know before you go and which destinations are worth a visit, organized by street addresses as you head further from Uptown and then downtown.

Streetcar Facts

Stroll to the intersection of St. Charles Avenue and Cadiz streets, where the streetcar stops. If you want to head downtown, stand on the riverside (south) of St. Charles Avenue. If you are heading further Uptown, stand on the lakeside (north) of St. Charles Avenue. Have exact change — $1.25 for a one-way ride, or $3 for a Jazzy Pass, which gives you unlimited rides for the day.

Pay the driver and settle into a vintage mahogany bench. St. Charles Avenue streetcars are not air-conditioned and are not wheelchair accessible, although that will change soon (the city’s other lines using red, not green, streetcars are wheelchair accessible, by the way).

To make a stop, simply pull the horizontal cord running across your window to signal to the driver that you want to get off. Ideally, you should exit using the rear doors, but this recommendation is often ignored by locals and visitors alike.

Stop 1: Audubon Park (6500 Magazine St.)

Begin your streetcar adventure by heading further Uptown to Audubon Park. You should see the live oak trees, running paths, lakes, and playground equipment from the streetcar, but if not, just pull the cord when you hit Calhoun Street. Take a stroll through the 350-acre public park, where New Orleanians have come to relax since 1898. At the very rear of the park lies the Audubon Zoo. The elephants, tigers, white alligators, monkeys, and other animals make a visit to this beautifully landscaped zoo a must.

Stop 2: Tulane and Loyola Universities (6363-6823 St. Charles Ave.)

You’ll spot the campuses of Tulane and Loyola universities right across Audubon Park. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places, Tulane University’s campus occupies more than 110 acres and extends north to S. Claiborne Avenue through Freret and Willow streets. From the Italian Renaissance to Mid-Century Modern, the campus boasts many styles and is known for its large live oak trees.

Loyola’s sprawling main campus also faces St. Charles Avenue and Audubon Park. Marquette Hall is the oldest campus building and is the iconic image of the university you’ll probably recognize the most. Both campuses deserve a walkthrough thanks to their architectural significance and well-landscaped grounds.

Stop 3: Newcomb Art Museum (6823 St. Charles Ave.)

This museum sits on Tulane University’s campus, and it is free and open to the public. Past and present exhibitions have focused on works by contemporary abstractionists and contributions by women artists in the multi-disciplinary fields spanning art and design. Be sure you have a map handy, and check hours before you go.

Stop 4: The Camellia Grill (626 Carrollton Ave.)

By this time, you’ve probably worked up an appetite. Head further Uptown, to the Riverbend area, and hop off at the Camellia Grill, a classic diner where white-jacketed staff members serve up delicacies ranging from grilled pecan pie to cheeseburgers and cherry-chocolate slushies. There may be a line of Tulane students, tourists, and locals waiting for a seat, but it’s well worth the delay. Get in line and find out why Camellia Grill has been an institution since 1946.

Stop 5: Ogden Museum of Southern Art (925 Camp St.)

To get to the Ogden, also get off at Harmony Circle. You’ll find this museum a block away on Camp Street, which runs parallel to St. Charles Avenue. The Ogden puts a spotlight on the visual arts and culture of the American South, holding some of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Southern art in the U.S. The museum was founded in 1999 with donations of more than 600 works from New Orleans businessman Roger H. Ogden’s private collection and has grown since to include more than 4,000 works.

Stop 6: Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) (900 Camp St.)

The CAC is a must-stop and a Warehouse District staple, with an impressive roster of events ranging from world-class visual arts exhibitions to performing arts shows. There’s always something cooking up at this vibrant cultural hub: art camps, workshops, avant-garde music shows, and much more. The building, a historic 1905 warehouse located between Andrew Higgins Drive and St. Joseph Street one block from Lee Circle, is a sight to behold. Inside, it’s a 30,000-square-foot dazzling maze of sunlit open spaces, site-specific art installations, theaters, studios, and an atrium.

If you happen to be here in August, the CAC hosts a massive and popular White Linen Night on the month’s first Saturday. The first Saturday in October is reserved for another important art happening, Art for Art’ Sake. The CAC’s party calendar is full year-round, however, with the venue hosting everything from world-renowned jazz musicians to burlesque to beloved Louisiana acts like Lost Bayou Ramblers.

Stop 7: Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar (4338 St. Charles Ave.)

You can’t miss the imposing building on the corner of St. Charles and Napoleon Avenues, so hop right off for some seafood-centric Creole fare with some of the best views of St. Charles Avenue in the city (and some prime parade-watching spots if you’re here during Mardi Gras). The decor has a lot going for itself too: gigantic windows, a 32-foot zinc bar imported from France, vintage wood floors and beadboard ceilings salvaged from the New Orleans’ long-gone landmarks, antique French dining chairs, oversize wall mirrors, and porch and patio seating.

The menu is Louisiana classics, from po-boys to whatever fresh catch is swimming in the Gulf. Take advantage of the popular happy hour and a full-service oyster bar: deals on raw oysters, washed down with Superior’s signature frozen pomegranate mojito.

Stop 8: The Avenue Pub (1732 St Charles Ave.)

This iconic Lower Garden District pub boasts fireplaces, tin ceilings, a balcony overlooking St. Charles Avenue, a pool table, and sidewalk and patio seating. Under new ownership since 2022, the pub churns out quality grub and features a ton of craft beer.

Stop 9: Herbsaint (701 St. Charles Ave.)

James Beard Award winner Chef Donald Link’s wildly popular restaurant predates Katrina and remains the flagship of the Link Restaurant Group (which runs several businesses including Peche, Cochon, and La Boulangerie). Herbsaint has been and continues to be on many “Best Restaurants” lists for reasons that will become clear as soon as you dig into its crispy goat, or shrimp and fish ceviche — or anything. The menu is best described as French-Southern, with some Italian influences (evident in the presence of housemade gnocchi and spaghetti), with a spotlight on local, seasonal produce and sustainably sourced seafood and meats.

Herbsaint offers a great view of St. Charles Avenue and outdoor seating. Ask the knowledgeable staff for pairing recommendations from the restaurant’s eclectic wine list.

Stop 10: Desi Vega’s Steakhouse (628 St. Charles Ave.)

Desi Vega’s Steakhouse is an elegant, high-ceilinged space with street views and lots of room. It’s located inside the Lafayette Hotel, a French Regency-style 1916 landmark overlooking Lafayette Square. The menu is classic ribeye and filet mignon, seafood, and sides, but with local touches like Andouille and crawfish mac ‘n’ cheese named after Freddie McAfee, a former New Orleans Saints player. Two full bars flank the staircase at Desi Vega, with a daily happy hour.

Spot 11: Gallier Hall (545 St. Charles Ave.)

This historic Greek Revival building overlooks the charming Lafayette Square in New Orleans’ Central Business District (CBD) and has a colorful past. Built in 1845–53, it used to house the City Hall, hosted many events during the Reconstruction and Huey Long eras, and is still in use today. Such important New Orleans figures as Jefferson Davis, General Beauregard, and, most recently, the local R&B legend Ernie K-Doe lay in state in Gallier Hall. It also remains a focal point of the Uptown Mardi Gras parades.

The building is considered to be one of the finest works of architect James Gallier, standing three stories tall and featuring Tuckahoe marble and two rows of fluted Ionic columns. Inside, Gallier Hall is a treasure trove of grand ballrooms full of paintings, antique frames and mirrors, clocks, Steinway pianos, and dozens of chandeliers. A large-scale renovation has been completed in March 2018 as part of the city’s tricentennial celebration, refurbishing the period details and installing a state-of-the-art A/V system.

Stop 12: Luke (333 St. Charles Ave.)

Luke joins an impressive roster of CBD’s notable restaurants with its prime location and brasserie vibe. Executive Chef Erick Loos helms the kitchen, and his French/German menu has a Creole flavor and highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients that come from the Gulf and local farms in dishes like stuffed Gulf oysters, Creole seafood, and sausage gumbo. The elegant dining space contains a raw bar, and you can get raw oysters for a bargain during Luke’s happy hour. Other highlights are Luke’s massive burger and its famous French 75 as well as other bartender-created specialty cocktails.

Well, there you have it. From there, you can walk or take the streetcar down to Canal Street to kick off a night in the French Quarter, or ride back Uptown and call it a night. Either way, you’ll have gotten in a full day of sightseeing, eating, and drinking.

Uptown-New-Orleans-On-a-Budget

Exploring Uptown New Orleans on a Budget

You don’t have to drop serious cash anywhere in New Orleans to have a great time, and Uptown is no exception. You can still eat really well and get around for a little over a dollar to see some astonishingly beautiful sights. Here are our budget-friendly recommendations near the hotel.

Free parking from Alder

Alder offers complimentary self-parking in the parking lot directly across the street from the hotel — take full advantage as street parking in the area is limited, and commercial parking lots could be pricey.

The sightseeing

For just $1.25 per ride, hop on the historic streetcar that runs along St. Charles Avenue. It can take you all the way to Canal Street (the French Quarter is just across the street), and to the Riverbend in the opposite direction. Many visitors use this opportunity to soak up some incredible views of the stately mansions and live oak trees the Garden District and Uptown are famous for. If you plan to hop on and off the streetcar, you can buy one-, three-, or five-day Jazzy passes online. We also highly recommend taking a (free) self-guided walking tour.

Next,  enjoy the urban oasis of the historic Audubon Park. This 350-acre public park, where New Orleanians have come to relax since 1898, has a 1.8-mile jogging path, tennis courts, riding stables, soccer fields, plus an area behind the Audubon Zoo and along the Mississippi River called The Fly that is great for walking.

For under $25, you can also hit the historic Audubon Zoo located at the rear of the park (you can save money by buying tickets online). The elephants, tigers, white alligators, monkeys, and other animals make a visit to this beautifully landscaped zoo a must.

While you’re in the area, why not walk through the grounds of two historic universities, located next to each other? You’ll spot the campuses of Tulane and Loyola universities right across Audubon Park. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places, Tulane University’s campus occupies more than 110 acres and extends north to S. Claiborne Avenue through Freret and Willow streets. From Italian Renaissance to Mid-Century Modern, the campus boasts many styles and is known for its large live oak trees.

Loyola’s sprawling main campus also faces St. Charles Avenue and Audubon Park. Marquette Hall is the oldest campus building and is the iconic image of the university you’ll probably recognize the most. Both campuses absolutely deserve a walkthrough thanks to their architectural significance and lush grounds.

Also, take note: The Newcomb Art Museum on Tulane University’s campus is free and open to the public. Past and present exhibitions have focused on works by contemporary women abstractionists and other contributions by women artists in the multi-disciplinary fields spanning art and design.

Eating and drinking

For a well-priced breakfast, head to the Riverbend area, and hop off at The Camellia Grill (626 S. Carrollton Ave.), a classic diner where white-jacketed staff members serve up cheeseburgers, grilled pecan pie, and cherry-chocolate slushies. Get in line and find out why The Camellia Grill has been an institution since 1946.

Need a caffeine fix? Mojo Coffee House (4700 Freret St.) is a cozy, welcoming hangout where you can grab small-batch roasted coffee and a vegan muffin, and connect to wi-fi.

For lunch, grab a cheese plate or a sandwich from St. James Cheese Company, and sit outside for some people-watching. Dat Dog’s both Uptown locations (3336 Magazine Street near Louisiana Avenue and 5030 Freret Street near Soniat Street) have dog-friendly outdoor seating, great for people-watching too. The very affordable Dat Dog dishes out a wide variety of meat, fish, vegan and veggie hot dogs, sausages, and other comfort food like burgers and chicken. The dogs and the sausages come with a choice of more than 30 toppings.

We also recommend The Company Burger on Freret and Cadiz streets (4600 Freret St.) for its affordable menu of delicious burgers, fries and milkshakes. The menu keeps it simple with the award-winning lamb, turkey, and beef burgers, plus sides, shakes, and cocktails. The “not burger” options are also kept simple: hot dogs, and grilled cheese and fried chicken sandwiches.

Guy’s Po-Boys is a no-frills, budget-friendly, beloved local lunch staple since the early 1990s. It’s often voted among the top five po-boy shops in the city, if not the top. The fried shrimp po-boy is definitely among the best in the city.

Nomiya defines itself as a New Orleans ramen bar and sticks to it by serving the traditional, pork-based tonkotsu plus two more types of broth. The menu is simple: pick your broth and the toppings, and maybe supplement with edamame and pork buns. The mochi ice cream flavors rotate.

Coming from the people helming Commander’s Palace, including co-founder and owner Tory McPhail, the former executive chef at Commander’s, Picnic Provisions & Whiskey is a casual family-friendly spot serves comfort food cold and hot. Check out the mouthwatering hot fried chicken thighs along with a buttermilk biscuit and Cajun potato salad (crawfish boiled potatoes, sweet corn, chopped egg topped with crushed jalapeño Zapp’s chips). Eat indoors or outdoors, and bring your family and your pup.

A great on-the-go option on the bustling Magazine Street, Tal’s Hummus is a quick-service-style tiny spot that specializes in Israeli-inspired food such as falafel, hummus, pita sandwiches, platters, kebabs, salads, and more. It’s fresh, quick, delicious, and made to order.

The family-owned and wallet-friendly Sarita’s Grill (4520 Freret St.) is a good option for both dinner and lunch. This Mexican and Cuban popular eatery has a loyal local following, and you’ll understand why once you try Sarita’s fish tacos or housemade guacamole.

Taqueria Corona is a go-to for the whole family if you’re craving well-done classic Mexican food like tacos and burritos. The house margarita is a good deal, and tasty, too. This Uptown sit-down is popular for very good reasons and always seems to be packed, but the service is efficient, so you’ll be seated quickly. Taqueria Corona is not just our dinner recommendation, it’s a great pick for brunch and lunch as well.

Piccola Gelateria, a classic Italian gelateria with crepes and Italian flatbread sandwiches, can satisfy a craving for something sweet with over a dozen flavors of its small-batch, housemade gelato and sorbetto (and the crepes come in both savory and sweet options). Piccola Gelateria also sells its own, custom-blended, micro-roasted espresso.

For sipping on the budget, hit a happy hour at the James Beard Award winner Cure (4905 Freret St.) or Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar (4338 St. Charles Ave.). Sidle up to Superior’s 32-foot French zinc bar and enjoy raw oysters and Superior’s signature frozen pomegranate mojito.

Want to see some local music for a small cover? The venues we recommend in our guide to the 24-hour itinerary in Uptown New Orleans often have covers as low as $10, especially for their earlier shows, so check those out.

Happy exploring Uptown New Orleans on a budget! We promise you, it’s very doable.

breakfast near the alder hotel uptown new orleans

Where to Get Breakfast Near the Alder Hotel Uptown

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day… and that goes double when you’re vacationing in New Orleans. It offers both an opportunity to recover from the previous night and a chance to build a solid foundation for a busy day. And if you are not an early riser, and depending on how much time you have, breakfast can morph into a lingering brunch! Whether you’re looking to chow down on banana pancakes or sip a cold-pressed green juice, there’s a breakfast or brunch spot for you within a stone’s throw (or a short ride away) of your room at Alder Hotel Uptown.

Another Broken Egg Cafe (2917 Magazine Street)

This is a popular brunch destination on the bustling commercial corridor of Magazine Street with pancakes, brunch specialties like crab cake Benedict and eggs with crawfish and Andouille, signature omelets, and specialty spiked cold brews and Bloody Marys served in mason jars.

Bearcat Cafe (2521 Jena Street)

Less than a block off Freret Street and within walking distance of Ochsner Baptist Medical Center and the Tulane and Loyola University area, this full-service cafe offers lunch and breakfast plus sustainable coffee. The menu is mostly comfort food, divided into “Good Cat” and “Bad Cat” sections. The lighter fare is full of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options like vegan tofu scramble and house-made yogurt. The hearty “Bad Cat” offers items like traditional breakfast fare of the eggs-and-bacon variety, and Southern staples like shrimp and grits.

French Truck Coffee (4536 Dryades Street)

Sandwiches, toast, pastries, and the best iced cold-drip coffee New Orleans has to offer, all served in a high-ceilinged, Edison bulb-hung space — that’s what you’ll find at French Truck Coffee. There’s no better way to while away a morning than with an iced latte in hand.

Gracious Bakery + Cafe (4930 Prytania Street)

The award-winning Gracious Bakery + Cafe has another location Uptown, at 2854 St. Charles Avenue, on the corner of 6th Street in the Garden District. All baked goods and breakfast sandwiches are top-notch, and there are house-made granola and house-cured salmon bagels.

Humble Bagel (4716 Freret Street)

Humble Bagel’s creations are made in-house daily, from scratch, with just five ingredients, and in small batches (the proprietors are big on minimizing food waste and using locally sourced ingredients when possible). The place is open till 1 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, or until they sell out. The menu is kept simple — bagels, cream cheese, and breakfast combos like eggs, bacon, and lox — and it’s worth getting up early for.

La Boulangerie (4600 Magazine Street)

Tarts, scones, quiches, and muffins at this French bakery and cafe are almost too pretty to eat, and all menu items are hand-prepared according to traditional recipes. Sit at a sidewalk table with an almond croissant and a cafe au lait and feel like you’ve been transported to Paris.

Mojo Coffee House (4700 Freret Street)

Looking for a cozy, welcoming hangout where you can grab small-batch roasted coffee, a vegan muffin, and connect to wi-fi? Mojo Coffee House is the spot. You won’t find full kitchen service at this laid-back coffee house (the counter-service destination is more of a pastry-and-sandwich variety), but for those mornings when you just need caffeine and a quick bite, nothing beats Mojo.

Molly’s Rise and Shine (2338 Magazine Street)

The followup to nationally buzzed-about Turkey and the Wolf is also worth a visit. Only open Thursday through Monday, from 8 a.m. till 2 p.m., Molly’s serves a mean breakfast full of items like bagel bites, burritos, the star special, the Grand Slam McMuffin (pork patties, hashbrowns, onions, American cheese), but also lighter fare like the roasted carrot yogurt.

Piccola Gelateria (4500 Magazine Street)

In addition to small-batch, house-made gelato and sorbetto, this classic Italian-style gelato shop offers crepes (savory with meat, sweet with Nutella, and vegetarian). Piccola Gelateria sources local milk and cream, and sells its own, custom-blended, micro-roasted espresso. The place opens at noon and could serve well as a brunch destination.

Raw Republic (4528 Magazine Street)

Raw Republic’s cold-pressed, organic juices are a healthy way to kickstart your day. The bright, modern storefront offers smoothies, salads, cereal, and grab-and-go vegan fare, too. Though the storefront is tiny, a staircase leads to an upstairs room with balcony seating — perfect for people-watching while sipping your green juice.

Riccobono’s Panola Street Cafe (7801 Panola Street)

A bright, quaint daytime cafe best known for its hearty American breakfast. Since opening in 1998, Riccobono’s Panola Street Cafe has become a New Orleans fixture, known for some of the best breakfast in the city. Panola serves classics like Eggs Benedict, Crabcakes Benedict, and a host of specialty omelets from open to close (8 a.m. – 2 p.m.), along with hot-plate lunch specials every weekday.

Slim Goodies Diner (3322 Magazine Street)

An inexpensive local hangout with Southern staples and plenty of local color. Some of the house specialties are the inventively named slammers (different kinds of scrambles, from meaty to vegan, served with hash browns). The Creole Slammer, for instance, comes with a biscuit and crawfish etouffee. There’s also a lovely patio.

The Camellia Grill (626 S. Carrollton Avenue)

This legendary New Orleans diner has been serving hearty omelets and pecan pie since 1946. There will probably be a line, but it moves quickly, and you can get breakfast all day.

The High Hat Cafe (4500 Freret Street)

This casual neighborhood eatery on the corner of Freret and Jena streets specializes in the Mississippi Delta and Louisiana staples like catfish, Gulf seafood, and slow-roasted pork served along with a long cocktail menu. Pimento cheese is prominently featured in the house burger, specialty fries, and even deviled eggs. How about a Southern feast of catfish with hushpuppies, braised greens, and black-eyed peas for brunch? Or try the Gumbo Ya-Ya with sweet potato salad. You’ll feel like you’re in an old-fashioned diner, only with a full bar. The tall glass windows offer a prime opportunity to people-watch, too.

The Rook Cafe (4516 Freret Street)

The Rook, a quiet hangout popular with the locals, serves vegan pastries and locally roasted coffee. Free wi-fi and shelves lined with books and tabletop games are also a draw. The cozy coffee shop also hosts frequent gamers’ nights and pop-ups.

The Ruby Slipper Cafe (2802 Magazine Street)

This locally owned mini-chain is a must-go for heaping Southern staples like eggs cochon, shrimp and grits, and bacon praline pancakes. It’s got its award-winning formula down with generous portions, killer cocktails, upbeat and quick service, and a down-home vibe. Even if there’s a wait, it will be worth it.

Hopefully, this inspires you to go out and sample some local breakfast and brunch deliciousness near the Alder Hotel!

Stay in touch and save on rates and more at the Alder Hotel by signing up for our email list at https://alderhotel.com/email-offers/. If you find a lower rate on your Alder Hotel room at the time of booking, call 1.888.626.5861, and we will match that rate, too.

Shopping Near Alder Hotel Uptown

Shopping Near Alder Hotel Uptown New Orleans

Shopping Near Alder Hotel Uptown

What sets a unique boutique apart from the rest of the big-box stores and chains? It’s simple: a strong point of view. Fortunately, New Orleans is home to a diverse group of bold, creative personalities, and while many of them find their niches in music, food or art, some express themselves by curating shops like none you’ve ever seen.

Fortunately, Alder Hotel is just a short car ride (about a mile) from Magazine Street’s collection of shops. Nearby, bustling Freret Street is worth a visit as well. If you’re looking for the best places for shopping near Alder Hotel Uptown, check out these boutiques (arranged in chronological order) and find an excuse to leave with a fantastic, wearable souvenir — for a loved one or yourself.

Ashley Longshore

4537 Magazine St.

Join pop artist Ashley Longshore‘s legions of fans, which include 312,000-plus Instagram followers and clients like Blake Lively and Cher, when you visit her Uptown studio gallery. Longshore playfully skewers trophy wives, excess, designer labels, and celebrity in her work: butterfly-bedecked silhouettes of women, champagne bottles, renditions of media personalities like Anna Wintour, and sassy phrases. All in all, Longshore’s large-scale acrylic paintings mirror her personality: glittery, hilarious, and larger than life.

Babe

5007 Freret St.

Babe is one of very few retailers to open on the revitalized Freret Street corridor, which boasts a wealth of bars, restaurants and venues. While the nightlife is sparkling on the commercial stretch, the daytime shopping opportunities at this contemporary casual women’s boutique also are not to be missed. Find the perfect romper, chambray off-the-shoulder frock or statement jumpsuit at this bright and airy boutique (then wear it out on the town that night).

Bambi DeVille’s Vintage Clothing 

3017 Magazine St.

Bambi DeVille’s Vintage Clothing is a jewel box of a boutique. The vast collection spans the Edwardian and Victorian eras, extending to the artfully beaded gowns, birdcage veils, furs, Japanese kimonos, Bakelite accessories, crocheted cover-ups, and sherbet-hued 1950s prom dresses. Notably, the boutique also has men’s and children’s vintage clothing. Everything is curated to the tee, kept in pristine condition, and organized by era. The owner has been collecting museum-quality vintage pieces for decades and is a treasure trove of fashion knowledge.

Buffalo Exchange 

4119 Magazine St.

A trendy nationwide chain that buys, sells and trades vintage and used clothing and accessories for men and women, Buffalo Exchange is a reliable stop for gear ranging from designer evening dresses to basics to funky accessories. Located on a bustling stretch of Magazine Street and surrounded by boutiques and restaurants, Buffalo Exchange is popular among locals and visitors alike. Thanks to its affordability and proximity to the Loyola and Tulane campuses, it’s also frequented by college students.

Century Girl

2023 Magazine St.

This elegant vintage boutique showcases a carefully curated selection of rare and gorgeous vintage pieces spanning the decades including Jazz Age, many of them designer (think vintage Chanel earrings, Gatsby-esque rhinestone headbands, and bridal romantic lingerie of yesteryear). Everything is in pristine condition and impeccably presented.

Dirty Coast

1320 and 5415 Magazine St. 

Dirty Coast is a New Orleans-based T-shirt company that’s been around since 2004, outfitting the locals and the visitors alike in the NOLA-centric tees, hoodies and tanks, and coining the ubiquitous phrase “Be a New Orleanian Wherever You Are.” Besides T-shirts Dirty Coast is packed to the gills with coasters, bumper stickers, home goods, merch for kids, and lots and lots of all things Who Dat and Mardi Gras. In addition to its two Magazine Street locations, the company has an outpost at the Louis Armstrong International Airport.

Fleurty Girl

3137 Magazine St.

A successful vision of New Orleans-native Lauren Leblanc Haydel, Fleurty Girl was founded in 2009 and has since expanded to eight locations in Louisiana, including one Uptown, and the latest addition at the new North Terminal at the Louis Armstrong International Airport. The boutique T-shirt chain sells New Orleans-inspired apparel, accessories, home decor, and gifts. Fleurty Girl’s specialties are Who Dat shirts and “Shirts With Y’atitude” for men, women, kids, and even dogs — very New Orleans pride.

Funky Monkey

3127 Magazine St.

The affordable, quirky and locally owned Funky Monkey mixes new, used and vintage clothing and accessories for both men and women with costumes, trendy basics, and contemporary indie labels. Come Halloween or Mardi Gras this is your destination for seasonal gear like vintage ballgowns and costume jewelry.

Hemline

3310 Magazine St.

This is just one of many outposts of the popular French Quarter boutique. There are eight stores in Louisiana alone, including a popular location in the French Quarter. Owner Brigitte Holthausen built her style empire starting in New Orleans in the early 90s, eventually ending up with 30 locations throughout the South. Hemline excels at expertly curating a rotating collection of covetable fashion from premium brands, luxe to casual, including high-quality denim, cocktail dresses, and shoes and accessories.

Jeantherapy

5505 Magazine St.

This hip local chain is well stocked with enviable designer denim, plus things like graphic tees (JTees) for men, women, and kids. Think lots and lots of football-fan gear to represent your Saints/LSU pride. Jeantherapy has another location in metro New Orleans, at the Lakeside Mall.

Magazine Antique Mall

3017 Magazine St.

This sprawling indoor haven for antique and vintage shoppers is brimming with estate jewelry, vintage clothing, 70s tchotchkes, antique furniture, collectibles, and anything else you can dig out. It’s a 6,500 sq. ft. trifecta of a walk down memory lane, a bargain hunt, and a trip down the rabbit hole, all under one roof.

Magpie

4529 Magazine St.

Magpie is an absolute treasure trove of unique vintage items, from sparkling 1920s art deco engagement rings to the hallucinogenically colorful 1960s caftans. Prices are surprisingly affordable for vintage and antique items in such good condition, and the cozy, wood-floored shop is as inviting as a friend’s living room. Out-of-towners who fall in love with Magpie can shop the store’s Etsy page once they return home — a visit to this boutique is only the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

Miss Claudia’s Vintage Clothing & Costumes

4204 Magazine St.

Small but mighty, Miss Claudia’s is a goldmine filled with majorette boots, funky vintage costumes, wigs, dazzling accessories, and other everyday and festive essentials for your one-of-a-kind Halloween or Mardi Gras outfit. Follow the store on Instagram and see for yourself.

Perlis

6070 Magazine St.

Perlis has been going strong since 1939 as a family-run clothier in Southern Louisiana, now with four locations including Baton Rouge and the Jax Brewery in the French Quarter. If you have a hankering for southern-style clothing Perlis has you covered with designer brands and made-to-measure items. The company caters heavily to men, but you’ll also find lots of clothing for women and kids, plus Louisiana-themed gifts. One of the best-known collections by Perlis features a crawfish logo — where you’ll find the famous mudbug gracing shorts, shirts, polos, socks, and wallets — very Louisiana.

United Apparel Liquidators (UAL)

3306 Magazine St.

This small Southern chain has three locations in the New Orleans metro area (the others are in the French Quarter and Metairie), offering up to 90% off on past-season and overstock items obtained directly from high-end boutiques and department stores. They also work directly with designers to purchase their samples and overruns, so this is a great shop for one-of-a-kind pieces from designer brands at a fraction of the original price.

Victoria Boutique

5420 Magazine St.

Upscale, understated, and home to luxury designer brands, Victoria Boutique is the retail equivalent of Posh Spice. It’s the destination for New Orleans’ well-heeled crowd, boasting exclusive labels and high-end items. Shop at this gorgeous, sprawling boutique and you just may brush shoulders with a former Carnival queen. (You’ll feel like royalty.)

Guide: Navigating the Freret Neighborhood and Uptown New Orleans

New Orleans has a lot to offer, as does the Uptown Freret neighborhood where the Alder hotel is located. You’ve probably also done your homework and have your sightseeing, dining, and shopping options and preferences lined up. However, the idiosyncrasies of any city might throw off even a seasoned traveler. On top of that, online directions could be unreliable, transportation schedules confusing, and what looks like an easy 10-minute walk on the map might get you lost in an unfamiliar neighborhood.

That’s why we’d like to help you navigate the Freret neighborhood and beyond with comfort and confidence, to make your stay in Uptown New Orleans as pleasant as possible. Here’s our guide to your transportation options, our top recommendations for places to see, eat and shop within walking distance, as well as the options for when you’re looking for a workout or a little pampering, and more.

Transportation Options

Parking

The Alder Hotel offers free self-parking in the parking lot directly across the street. It’s relatively rare to find this amenity in New Orleans, so we hope you take advantage of it. There’s also street parking available near the hotel, but it might be limited depending on the time of year and day.

Streetcar

The historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar line is within walking distance, about 20 minutes away. The streetcar stops on every block of St. Charles Ave., running from every eight to 20 minutes, depending on the time of day and night (although please don’t quote us on that). The fare is $1.25 per person, and you can get passes ranging from one-day passes ($3) to month-long ($55).

Our preferred and therefore most recommended walking route from the hotel to catch the St. Charles Ave. streetcar is to:

  • Take a left at the hotel’s entrance
  • Take Magnolia St. toward Napoleon Ave.
  • Make a right at Napoleon Ave.
  • Walk down Napoleon Ave. for about 10 blocks until you arrive at St. Charles Ave.

Bus

Besides the streetcar, another public transportation option is getting around by bus. There are three lines that stop within walking distance, with the #15 Freret St. line being the closest:

  • #15 Freret and Cadiz streets
  • #16 at S. Claiborne Ave. and Cadiz St.
  • #28 at Napoleon Ave. and Magnolia St.

Walking

Our guests often ask if the area near the hotel is safe for walking, and it generally is. Plus, the hotel’s close proximity to the Ochsner Baptist sprawling medical campus means you get the advantage of dedicated security patrolling the area.

Getting to the hotel from the airport

You can get the shuttle service from the airport that will deliver you to our door, for $24.00 per person. Airport Shuttle Inc. is a minibus/van service located at baggage claim. To book your ride, click here.

Taxi service is also available at baggage claim, with the $36 flat rate for one or two passengers, and $15 per person if more than two passengers are riding.

Taxicab and ride-share services

The ride-share options in New Orleans include Uber and Lyft (you can download their apps at the links). There’s also a handful of taxicab services servicing the Uptown New Orleans neighborhood. We recommend:

  • United Cabs, Inc., (504) 522-9771
  • New Orleans Carriage Cab, (504) 207-7777
  • Coleman Cab, (504) 586-0222

Distance

If you are getting to places by car or public transportation:

  • French Quarter: 4.5 miles; a little under 20 minutes by car, depending on the traffic
  • Central Business District: 3 miles; 15 minutes by car, 20 by streetcar
  • Warehouse/Arts District: 2.8 miles; 10-15 minutes by car, 20 by public transportation

Fitness and Spa Services

Check out the 24/7 Anytime Fitness center (4600 Freret St.). It’s located 0.2 miles from the hotel, which takes about five minutes to walk. There is also a spa within walking distance, Spa Savoire Faire (5014 Freret St.). It’s a seven-minute walk, for 0.4 miles. Savoire Faire offers coupons for discounts on services. Guests can pick up a coupon from the Concierge at the front desk.

Pets

We are a pet-friendly New Orleans hotel. At The Alder Hotel, we welcome dogs and cats and look forward to hosting you and your pets when you stay in Uptown New Orleans. You can review our pet policy here. If you are traveling with large dogs (over 50 pounds) or would like supervision for your dog while you sightsee, we recommend Zeus’ Place (4601 Freret St.).

Top 10 Recommendations for Food and Drink Near the Alder Hotel

You’ll find more recommendations specifically for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and snoballs at the links below (see the “Eating and Drinking section), but here are our top 10:

Bearcat Cafe, 2521 Jena St.

Comfort food, vegan and gluten-free options.

Less than a block off Freret Street and within walking distance of Ochsner Baptist Medical Center and the Tulane and Loyola University area, this full-service cafe offers lunch and breakfast plus micro-sourced, sustainable coffee. The menu is mostly comfort food, divided into “Good Cat” and “Bad Cat” sections. The lighter fare is full of gluten-free and vegan options. The hearty “Bad Cat” offers items like pork chops, burgers, and shrimp BBQ pasta.

The High Hat Cafe, 4500 Freret St.

Louisiana cookin’, where catfish and Gulf seafood (and pimento!) are the stars. 

This casual neighborhood eatery specializes in the Mississippi Delta and Louisiana staples like catfish, Gulf seafood, and slow-roasted pork served along with a long cocktail menu. Pimento cheese is prominently featured in the house burger, specialty fries, and even deviled eggs.

Bar Frances, 4525 Freret St.

Wine pairings and small plates in a contemporary bistro setting.

This airy bistro, located in the thick of Freret Street’s shopping and dining scene, features a large selection of natural wines plus a seasonal menu of small plates. It also offers full breakfast/brunch and dinner menus.

The Company Burger, 4600 Freret St.

Award-winning burgers with sides, shakes, and cocktails.

We also recommend The Company Burger on Freret and Cadiz streets for its solid menu of delicious burgers, fries, and milkshakes. The menu keeps it simple with the award-winning lamb, turkey, and beef burgers, plus sides, shakes, and cocktails. The “not burger” options are also kept simple: hot dogs, grilled cheese, and fried chicken sandwiches.

Mojo Coffee House, 4700 Freret St.

A cozy, welcoming hangout where you can grab small-batch roasted coffee, and a vegan muffin and connect to wi-fi.

You won’t find full kitchen service at this laid-back coffee house (the counter-service destination is more of a pastry-and-sandwich place), but for those mornings when you just need caffeine and a quick bite, nothing beats Mojo.

Humble Bagel, 4716 Freret St.

Small-batch sustainably made bagels.

Humble Bagel’s creations are made in-house daily, from scratch, with just five ingredients, and in small batches (the proprietors are big on minimizing food waste and using locally sourced ingredients when possible). The place is open till 1 p.m. daily, or until they sell out. The menu is kept simple — bagels, cream cheese, and breakfast combos like eggs, bacon, and lox — and it’s worth getting up early for.

Cure, 4905 Freret St.

Dimly-lit, upscale lounge inside a former firehouse on Freret Street with craft cocktails and small plates.

A popular destination for cocktail lovers, Cure is a stylish, upscale lounge located inside a renovated firehouse. There you can sip your classic New Orleans cocktails surrounded by bottles of bourbons from around the world, including the hard-to-find, rare and reserve varieties. The well-reviewed menu offers a rotation of frequently changing cocktails made by seasoned mixologists along with small plates and bar snacks. If you’re coming in for lunch on a weekend, it would have to be on a later side, as Cure opens at 3 p.m.

Blaze Pizza, 5001 Freret St.

Signature and build-your-own pizzas plus salads in the 2,400 sq. ft. space.

This is the second New Orleans location for the Los Angeles-based, LeBron James-backed chain. (The first one opened in 2015 on O’Keefe Avenue in the CBD.) This restaurant is located on Robert Street and Freret near Dat Dog. It’s open till midnight Sun.-Thu., and till 2 a.m. Fri.-Sat. The menu is straightforward, featuring signature pizzas with some vegetarian options, and lots of kid-friendly toppings if you want to BYO pizza.

Dat Dog, 5030 Freret St.

Affordable comfort food includes meat, fish, vegan, and veggie hot dogs and sausages with more than 30 toppings. Dog-friendly outdoor seating.

Dat Dog’s both Uptown locations (3336 Magazine Street near Louisiana Avenue and 5030 Freret Street near Soniat Street) have dog-friendly outdoor seating, great for people-watching too. At its Freret Street location, the affordable Dat Dog dishes out a wide variety of meat, fish, vegan and veggie hot dogs, sausages, and other kid-friendly comfort food like burgers and chicken. The dogs and the sausages come with a choice of more than 30 toppings.

Mint Modern Vietnamese Bistro & Bar, 5100 Freret St.

Vietnamese classics with modern twists in the bustling corner location in the Freret Street corridor.

Mint’s streamlined menu is modern indeed, packed with specialty rolls, several varieties of pho, banh mi, and a kimchi burger. One of the unusual specialty cocktails is Fishy Surprise, which is made with whiskey, Drambuie, grapefruit juice, and fish sauce.

If you want to keep exploring, here’s our collection of resources, from the fun things you can do as a couple, or with your dog, plus where to get the best breakfast, find a comfy co-working spot nearby, and much more.

Local Attractions & Things to Do

Things to Do in New Orleans: Year-At-A-Glance

Alder Hotel’s Top 12 Reasons to Stay in the Freret Neighborhood of Uptown New Orleans

Your Itinerary: 24-Hours in Uptown New Orleans

Our Neighborhood — Most Popular Attractions Near the Alder Hotel

Architectural Landmarks — Uptown New Orleans

Things to Do on Loyola and Tulane Campuses – Alder Hotel Uptown New Orleans

Essential Stops and Sights Along the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar Route

A Night on Freret Street

Rainy Day Fun Near the Alder Hotel

Eating and Drinking Near the Alder Hotel

10 Dishes That Define New Orleans and Where to Try Them Uptown

New Orleans Food Bucket List, Uptown Edition

Where to Get Breakfast Near the Alder Hotel Uptown

Where to Find Snoballs near the Alder Hotel in Uptown New Orleans

Coffee, Brunch, Lunch, and Co-Working Near the Alder Hotel Uptown New Orleans

Late Night Eats Uptown New Orleans

Shopping Uptown

Shopping Near Alder Hotel Uptown

Shopping the Freret Market

Edible Souvenirs From New Orleans

Family-Friendly Uptown

Uptown New Orleans: A Family-Friendly Itinerary

Romantic Uptown

Fun for Couples in Uptown New Orleans

Dog-Friendly Uptown

Fun with Fido in Uptown New Orleans

Fit Uptown

Staying Fit in Uptown New Orleans

Uptown on a Budget

Exploring Uptown New Orleans on a Budget

car

Our Neighborhood — Most Popular Attractions Near the Alder Hotel

There’s plenty to explore around the Alder Hotel, even on foot. Mostly, this area of the city is heavily residential, with late 19th-century houses and small commercial properties drowning in lush greenery. The grand mansions under the canopies of live oaks of St. Charles Avenue are a few blocks away, and so is the shopping and dining strip of Magazine Street.

One of the main attractions in the neighborhood is Freret Street, named after an antebellum New Orleans mayor. The stately mansions mix with the historic shotguns, surrounding the thriving eight-block corridor of Freret Street between Napoleon and Jefferson avenues. Due to the robust recovery and development efforts led by the locally-owned small businesses, developers, and the city administration, the street got an injection of much-needed business and renovation and is showing no signs of slowing down.

The neighborhood has its own monthly market and an annual festival, both held along Freret Street’s commercial strip. It even has its own Carnival krewe, Krewe of Freret, which parades during Mardi Gras and hosts a summer stroll.

Just walking down the Freret Street corridor will bring you to the top-notch (and some of the most diverse) shopping and entertainment destinations. Of course, there’s plenty to eat and drink there as well. In the morning, hit up the dim and cozy Mojo Coffee House or the Rook Cafe for vegan pastries and locally roasted coffee.

Need something more substantial first thing in the morning? The fun, upbeat Slim Goodies Diner on Magazine Street won’t steer you wrong with its inventively named slammers (different kinds of scrambles, from meaty to vegan, served with hash browns). Another inexpensive option is The Camellia Grill, a legendary Carrollton Avenue diner that’s been serving hearty omelets and pecan pie since 1946. There will probably be a line, but it moves quickly, and you can get breakfast all day.

Molly’s Rise and Shine on Magazine Street, the followup to nationally buzzed-about Turkey and the Wolf, is also worth a visit. Its menu is full of items like bagel bites, burritos, the star special, the Grand Slam McMuffin (pork patties, hashbrowns, onions, American cheese), but also lighter fare like the roasted carrot yogurt.

A bright, quaint daytime cafe best known for its hearty American breakfast, Riccobono’s Panola Street Cafe is yet another option. Since opening in 1998, Riccobono’s Panola Street Cafe has become a New Orleans fixture, known for some of the best breakfast in the city. Panola serves classics like Eggs Benedict, Crabcakes Benedict, and a host of specialty omelets from open to close (8 a.m. – 2 p.m.), along with hot-plate lunch specials every weekday.

For lunch, try alligator sausage at the affordable Dat Dog, or have a craft cocktail at Cure and a glass of award-winning wine at Bar Frances come happy hour. Any time of day, catfish is the star of the menu of the Louisiana-meets-the-Delta High Hat Cafe. Also, check out Mint Modern Vietnamese Bistro & Bar for several varieties of pho, banh mi, or a kimchi burger (we love this place!).

Guy’s Po-Boys has been a beloved local lunch staple since the early 1990s. It’s often voted among the top five po-boy shops in the city, if not the top. The fried shrimp po-boy is definitely among the best in the city. A great on-the-go lunch option on the bustling Magazine Street, Tal’s Hummus is a quick-service-style tiny spot that specializes in Israeli-inspired food such as falafel, hummus, pita sandwiches, platters, kebabs, salads, and more. It’s fresh, quick, delicious, and made fresh to order.

At least two more Magazine Street lunch options among the post-pandemic newcomers we can recommend are the ramen bar Nomiya and Picnic Provisions & Whiskey, a family- and dog-friendly indoor/outdoor, casual spot from the people helming Commander’s Palace, including co-founder and owner Tory McPhail, the former executive chef at Commander’s.

Dinner options abound, too. Our top recommendations include Appoline or Bistro Daisy for their romantic settings and high-end Southern/French cuisine, the iconic Casamento’s for oysters and other types of local seafood, chef Alon Shaya’s Saba or the family-friend Misa for elevated Middle Eastern cuisine, and the ever popular Taqueria Corona for great margaritas and family-style classic Mexican food.

The very photogenic St. Charles Avenue is probably best seen out of its historic streetcar, which you can ride for all of $1.25 from the CBD/downtown all the way upriver (exact change required, or get passes online). The street has retained a good number of historically significant 19th-century mansions, and you’ll find a lot of them in the Garden District section of Uptown.

St. Charles Avenue hosts one of the best collections of historic houses in the South, including the “Wedding Cake House” (5807 St. Charles Ave.), the 1896 Colonial Revival home with lots of Victorian splendor to offer; the “Anthemion” (4631 St. Charles Ave.), which used to house the Japanese consulate; the “Smith House” (4534 St. Charles Ave.), built in 1906 for the president of the New Orleans Cotton Exchange, William Smith; the “Elms Mansion” (3029 St. Charles Ave.), an 1869 architectural wonder; and the “Diocesan” (2265 St. Charles Ave.), designed and built by the prominent local architect James Gallier.

Another St. Charles Avenue gem that deserves a mention is the Milton H. Latter Memorial Library, a restored neo-Italianate limestone mansion built in 1907 for a wealthy merchant, Mark Isaacs. Inside, you’ll find the original ceiling frescoes and murals, and the well-preserved formal rooms on the first two floors.

Heading into Carrolton and toward the Mississippi River, the imposing facades and sprawling balconies become generously mixed with the more modest but still well-preserved shotguns and thriving local businesses, including some of the best bars and restaurants in the city.

Of course, don’t miss the magnificent Audubon Park which contains the Audubon Zoo and faces the historic campuses of Tulane and Loyola universities. Both boast an architectural mix of styles of the 19th century and modern, with the backdrop of large live oaks.

Just like Freret Street’s revitalized strip, the 13 blocks of Magazine Street are meant to be walked. It’s the main commercial artery that the Garden District and Uptown share, and it’s crammed with restaurants, bars, sidewalk cafes, and dozens of retail stores where you can buy local art, antiques, vintage clothing, funky costumes, and more. Get some locally made New Orleans-centric gear at Dirty Coast or Fleurty Girl, or satisfy your costuming and vintage needs at Funky Monkey and Miss Claudia’s Vintage Clothing & Costumes.

If you’d like a dozen raw oysters with your martini, head to the iconic Pascal’s Manale, where oysters are shucked right in front of you. For live music, the iconic Tipitina’s and the Maple Leaf Bar cannot be beaten, both a short ride away. There’s also something going on at Gasa Gasa, be it a movie screening, live music, or a krewe party.

Finally, no Uptown architectural tour is complete without hitting the above-ground Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 on Washington Avenue, in the heart of the Garden District. It’s the oldest of the seven city-operated cemeteries in New Orleans, with some interesting society tombs (the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Home For Destitute Orphan Boys among them) and over a thousand family tombs. The iconic cemetery has served as a popular backdrop for many music videos and movies over the years (Double Jeopardy, Dracula, etc.). Please note that as of December 2022, the cemetery is closed for maintenance and repairs.

And right across the street is the incomparable Commander’s Palace (elevated Creole fare), a slice of classic New Orleans, not to be missed.

Happy exploring near the Alder Hotel!

French Market

Guide to the New Orleans Art Markets

French Market

There are a few quality indoor and open-air art markets in New Orleans, so you have choices all year round in addition to all the great galleries in the French Quarter, Warehouse District, and on Magazine Street Uptown. Prices range from a few bucks to four digits, and the options are plentiful, from souvenir trinkets to unique local art. Whatever you’re on the hunt for, you can find a piece of art with your name on it at these New Orleans art markets.

Artists of Jackson Square

Where: 700 Chartres Street, Jackson Square, French Quarter

When: Open daily

Hours: 5:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Although technically not a market under any organization’s umbrella, the art lined along the fence and on the sidewalks of Jackson Square and the Pontalba buildings flanking it often rivals what you might find in a gallery on Julia Street. The loose, self-regulated colony of artists that, weather permitting, displays their original artwork day in and day out, is as essential to the scene as the historic buildings themselves. All vendors have a permit from the city, and quite a few of them have been selling in Jackson Square for decades. You’ll find them all year round, but more artists come out on weekends, in the evenings, and during big events like Mardi Gras.

Arts Market of New Orleans

Arts Market at City Park

Where: 8 Victory Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119 (City Park’s Goldring/Woldenberg Great Lawn) –

When: Second Saturday of every month

Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Arts Market at Marsalis Harmony Park

Where: 2299 Dublin St., New Orleans, LA 70118

When: Last Saturday of every month, except the December market, which occurs in advance of Christmas.

Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

LUNA Fête Arts Market

Where: The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Pedestrian Park (900 Convention Center Blvd.)

When: December 15 – 18, 2022

Hours: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

The Arts Market New Orleans is the Arts Council’s free, twice-monthly open-air, family-friendly monthly marketplace. All exhibited artwork is original and made by hand and created by a rotating roster of more than 300 juried regional artists, both local and from all over the Gulf Coast. You’ll find affordable paintings, photography, ceramics, and glasswork, plus everything from jewelry to soap. Food vendors and live music are also featured. The Arts Market also includes the annual Luna Fete.

French Market

Where: 700-1010 Decatur Street, French Quarter

When: Open daily

Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.               

This sprawling open-air mall was founded in 1791, which makes it the oldest continually operating public market in the country. You can spend hours strolling through this six-block market reminiscent of traditional European markets, from the daily flea market at the end of Esplanade Avenue, through the farmers market stalls, and all the down to Cafe du Monde on Decatur Street. Vendors offer their creations in all price ranges. Depending on the time of year you visit the French Market, you might walk into a festival taking place, and there’s a good chance you’ll be hearing live music on any given day.

Freret Market

Where: Freret and Napoleon Streets, Freret/Uptown

When: First Saturday of the month except for June, July and August, with two markets in December

Hours: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Freret Market was born in 2007 as part of the revitalization effort of the commercial corridor of Freret Street and has been impressively successful since. This open-air market combines the elements of art, food and flea markets, and features about 70 vendors offering everything from crepes to dog adoptions. The market also features special events, local restaurant and catering business pop-ups and food carts, and live music. Freret Street kicks it up with an annual festival held in the spring, with many participating vendors who are also market regulars.

Palace Market Frenchmen

Where: 619 Frenchmen Street, Marigny

When:  Open daily

Hours: Sunday – Wednesday 7 p.m. – midnight; Thursday – Saturday 7 p.m. – 1 a.m.

This open-air night market gets a lot of foot traffic thanks to its prime location on the historic Frenchmen Street in the Marigny, just steps from the French Quarter. It features a diverse rotating collection of over 80 local illustrators, painters, jewelers, sculptors, and more. If you want to bring home some handmade New Orleans-themed art, this is the place to get it.

Piety Market at Beanlandia

Where: 3300 Royal Street at Piety Street, Bywater

When: Second Saturday every month, with additional holiday markets throughout the year

Hours: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Piety Market returned to its original location after a few years of being held at the New Orleans Healing Center (it was then rebranded as Piety Market in Exile). The Old Ironworks on Piety Street in the Bywater is a 25,000-square-foot former furniture factory that has been reborn as Beanlandia, a community center and home to the Krewe of Red Beans. This bustling market is a must for local art, craft, vintage and flea market merch, and it also features live acoustic music and pop-up food.

SecondLine Arts & Antiques

Where: 1209 Decatur Street, French Quarter

When: Thursday – Sunday

Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Located on a busy block of Decatur Street not far from the French Market in the French Quarter, SecondLine Arts & Antiques gets a lot of foot traffic in its expansive indoor and outdoor spaces. The inside is crammed with funky, junkyard-type salvaged pieces of ironwork, signs and windows, and the more serious antiques. Right outside, the art and flea market is filled with furniture and tons of local art, all priced to move quickly.

Zele NOLA

Where: 2841 Magazine Street, Garden District

When: Open daily

Hours: Monday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday noon – 5 p.m.

Located on Magazine Street between 7th and 8th streets, this permanent indoor market features more than 100 shops under one roof. There you’ll find locally made art, clothing, crafts, home decor, and jewelry you can take home. The eclectic inventory is mostly handmade and maintains the green theme by featuring recycled and repurposed items.

Edible Souvenirs from New Orleans

Edible Souvenirs From New Orleans

Edible Souvenirs from New Orleans
Photo courtesy of Peychaud’s Bitters on Facebook

Southern Louisiana didn’t just spawn an entirely new musical form in jazz. It also engendered new cuisines — Creole and Cajun food — when Spanish, French, African, and Acadian influences melded. And although it’s easy to buy a CD or stream New Orleans music online, finding authentic Cajun or Creole cuisine outside parish lines can be a challenge. In fact, a lot of people say the only place to eat real Louisiana fare is in a local’s kitchen.

Fortunately, there is a variety of edible (and drinkable), travel-friendly souvenirs that will allow you to bring a taste of the Crescent City back home. Just be sure to carefully wrap and stash any liquids and sauces in your checked baggage, not your carry-on.

Aunt Sally’s Original Pralines

Where to buy: Aunt Sally’s Original Pralines, 810 Decatur St. (French Quarter); 750 St. Charles Ave. (Warehouse District); local gift stores.

Sweet and nutty, these handmade confections consist of fresh cream, cane sugar and Louisiana pecans. Just don’t call them pray-leens! It’s prah –leens.

A few stores throughout the Quarter sell high-quality pralines, but Aunt Sally’s, right by the French Market, has been doing it (right) for a long time. While there, stock up on houseware, cookbooks, Creole seasonings, Steen’s Cane Syrup, and other culinary souvenirs.

Beignet Mix and Coffee With Chicory

Where to buy: Café Du Monde, 800 Decatur St. at the French Market (or multiple locations)

You’ll find many locations throughout New Orleans of this iconic establishment, both the cafe and the gift shop outposts. Or go to the mothership on Decatur Street in the French Quarter, and get a plate of sugar-dusted beignets with a cup of chicory-laced cafe au lait while you shop and people-watch.

Cajun and Creole Seasoning

Where to buy: Local supermarkets, grocery stores, gift shops.

There’s plenty of authentic Cajun and Creole seasoning to recommend, and we’re only scratching the surface by mentioning Slap Ya Mama and Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning blend. Most local grocery stores and supermarkets also carry chef-driven, proprietary seasoning blends that showcase Louisiana flavors, like the late, great Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Magic seasonings and Emeril’s Essence Creole Seasoning.

Hand Grenade Drink Mix

Where to buy: Local stores and supermarkets; wine and liquor shops; the Tropical Isle outposts in the French Quarter.

Did you love this melon-flavored potent concoction while visiting New Orleans? You can take it home with you! Grab one of the few bottled varieties of the Hand Grenade’s secret recipe, and just add alcohol.

King Cake

Where to buy: Multiple locations, including local bakeries, grocery stores, and supermarkets.

If you’re here during the Carnival season, which is between January 6 (referred to as Epiphany, or Twelfth Night) and Ash Wednesday (the date varies each year), you can grab a King Cake to take with you on a plane or a car ride. Those festive Mardi Gras staples are pretty sturdy and should travel well. During Mardi Gras, they’re ubiquitous, ranging from mass-produced to works of art, at every price point. Better yet, many local businesses will also ship (Randazzo’s, Haydel’s Bakery, Gambino’s, and many more).

Olive salad

Where to buy: Central Grocery, 923 Decatur St.

It’s not just any olive salad in a jar. Those who have tasted Central Grocery’s muffuletta would understand that to even try to recreate this gem of a sandwich at home you would need the Lupo’s family Italian olive salad. (They also ship.) Now, finding the right bread for the muffuletta outside of Louisiana is another story.

Many a visitor had also been known to stash a muffuletta too, for the car or plane ride home (well, depending on how long it is). If you wrap it thoroughly it should travel well. Beats anything you’ll be offered on the plane food-wise anyway.

Pat O’Brien’s Hurricane Mix

Where to buy: Local stores; Pat O’Brien’s, 718 St. Peter St.; wine and liquor shops.

If you’re a fan of this drink, you can find the famous Pat O’Brien’s hurricane mix in many local grocery stores and at Pat O’Brien’s French Quarter outpost on St. Peter St. All you need to do is add ice and equal parts of rum and the mix.

Peychaud’s Bitters

Where to buy: Local supermarkets; grocery stores; wine and liquor shops.

Peychaud’s is an essential ingredient of a proper Sazerac. The aromatic bitters have notes of vanilla, nuts and anise.

Roux in a Jar

Where to buy: Local supermarkets and grocery stores.

Sure, you can make your own roux, but if you go for the ready-made to get you started, we (highly and subjectively) recommend Savoie’s Old Fashioned Dark Roux or Richard’S Cajun Style Roux (also dark).

Steen’s Cane Syrup

Where to buy: Local supermarkets; grocery stores; gift shops.

Steen’s is the only American producer of sweet and mild sugar cane syrup. Drizzle it over pancakes or mix it into cornbread dough for a taste of Louisiana.

Tabasco Hot Sauce

Where to buy: The French Market, 1008 N. Peters St.; local supermarkets; Tabasco Country Store, 537 St. Ann St.

These bottles dot tables worldwide, but the spicy, vinegar-based sauce is made only in Louisiana’s Avery Island — and has been produced by the McIlhenny family since 1868.

Zapp’s Potato Chips

Where to buy: Widely available in stores of any size, supermarkets, drugstores, etc.

Kettle-cooked in small batches, these thick-cut potato chips come in distinctly Louisiana flavors like Spicy Cajun Crawtators and Cajun Dill Gator Tator.

Zatarain’s New-Orleans-in-a-Box Mixes

Where to buy: Local supermarkets and grocery stores.

The local legend Zatarain’s has been packaging the flavors of the Crescent City in boxes of all-natural ingredients you can prepare at home since 1889 — like Gumbo, Jambalaya, and Red Beans & Rice. To jazz up your home cooking, also pick up some Crawfish, Shrimp & Crab Boil seasoning.

Get exclusive deals and discounts at our New Orleans hotel by signing up for our email list at https://alderhotel.com/email-offers/. Did you find a lower rate on your Alder Hotel room at the time of booking? Call us at 1.888.626.5861, and we’ll be happy to match that rate!

Uptown New Orleans

Fun for Couples in Uptown New Orleans

Uptown New Orleans

New Orleans is considered one of the most romantic destinations in the country, if not the world. It’s easy to have a great time on a date in practically any part of this city, but Uptown holds its own against, say, the French Quarter, by bringing its historic past as the “American sector” and its unique charm into the equation.

There you’ll find majestic mansions under the canopies of the centuries-old live oaks, charming, dimly lit restaurants, modern cafes, shopping for blocks, photogenic streetcars, and iconic bars with world-class live music pouring out on any given night. Impressing your loved one doesn’t need to break the bank, either. In New Orleans, even a morning stroll in the park could bring on the magic. Here are our suggestions for some fun activities for couples in Uptown New Orleans.

Breakfast

Whether you would prefer to linger with a cocktail or want to have a quick yet solid breakfast at a diner, Uptown has no shortage of high-to-low options. If you’re looking for an inexpensive local hangout with Southern staples and plenty of local color, the fun, upbeat Slim Goodies Diner on Magazine Street won’t steer you wrong with its inventively named slammers (different kinds of scrambles, from meaty to vegan, served with hash browns). The Creole Slammer, for instance, comes with a biscuit and crawfish etouffee.

Another inexpensive option is the Camellia Grill, a legendary Carrollton Avenue diner that’s been serving hearty omelets and pecan pie since 1946. There will probably be a line, but it moves quickly, and you can get breakfast all day.

If you are coffee-and-a-pastry-for-breakfast people, the incomparable Gracious Bakery + Cafe has two locations Uptown, at 2854 St. Charles Avenue on the corner of 6th Street in the Garden District, and at 4930 Prytania Street. All baked goods and breakfast sandwiches are top-notch, and there are house-made granola and house-cured salmon bagels.

Looking for a cozy, welcoming hangout where you can grab small-batch roasted coffee, and a vegan muffin, and connect to wi-fi? Mojo Coffee House is the spot. You won’t find full kitchen service at this laid-back coffee house but for caffeine and a quick bite, nothing beats Mojo. French Truck Coffee has the best iced cold-drip coffee New Orleans has to offer,  served in a high-ceilinged, Edison bulb-hung space.

Another excellent option is the beautiful La Boulangerie, a French bakery and cafe with all the menu items hand-prepared according to traditional recipes and sidewalk tables.

If you can swing an early breakfast, Molly’s Rise and Shine and Riccobono’s Panola Street Cafe  are both excellent choices.

Molly’s serves a mean breakfast full of items like bagel bites, burritos, the star special, the Grand Slam McMuffin (pork patties, hashbrowns, onions, American cheese), but also lighter fare like the roasted carrot yogurt. And, since opening in 1998, Riccobono’s Panola Street Cafe has become a New Orleans fixture, known for some of the best breakfast in the city. Both are open from 8 a.m. till 2 p.m.

St. Charles Streetcar

Not just a means of public transportation, the historic St. Charles Avenue line streetcar is on many visitors’ bucket lists because it’s the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world (since 1835). It will set you back $1.25 per person, and the route is as scenic as it gets, with the columned mansions surrounded by impressive gardens and wrought-iron fences. Take it either all the way from Canal Street to the end of the line by the River, or hop on and off along St. Charles Avenue to take in the sights.

Walking Tours

Spend some time taking in the extraordinary beauty of Uptown’s many architectural styles. Whether you prefer to explore on foot, by car or by bus, both self-guided and guided tours are available daily. You can just walk around the historic district spotting celebrity houses and marveling at the gardens, or hop on the streetcar to visit the historic Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. (Please note that as of Fall 2022 the cemetery is still temporarily closed for repairs.)

Audubon Park and The Fly

The streetcar also brings you right to the urban oasis of historic Audubon Park. Located near the picturesque campuses of Tulane and Loyola universities, Audubon Park is perfect for a stroll among the oaks and the lagoons, or a picnic (bring some bread to feed the ducks). The area behind the Audubon Zoo and along the Mississippi River, known as The Fly, is a lovely spot to simply sit and watch the boats go by.

Shopping

Magazine and Freret streets and St. Charles Avenue are all commercial hubs with block after block of shopping destinations. Magazine Street in particular is worth (an easy walk) for about 10 blocks, which are packed with sidewalk cafes, galleries, antique stores, vintage boutiques, and funky local costume stores. Get some locally made New Orleans-centric gear at Dirty Coast or Fleurty Girl, or satisfy your costuming and vintage needs at Funky Monkey and Miss Claudia’s Vintage Clothing & Costumes.

Lunch and Dinner

Uptown has many cozy, romantic spots for either a lingering lunch or a romantic dinner date. La Crepe Nanou, located on the corner of Robert and Prytania Streets, is an intimate French bistro with a fantastic selection of sweet and savory crepes and a wine list to complement them. It’s consistently voted as the “most romantic” on various lists for its ambiance. Another small, French-Italian bistro, Lilette, boasts a heated patio, cozy booths and a sophisticated, sharable menu. Patois puts a local spin on mussels, grilled Gulf shrimp and southern staples like sweetbreads in a lovely, softly-lit setting.

You’ll find exposed brick, chandeliers and gleaming hardwood floors at Coquette, another sophisticated Magazine Street destination with a locally sourced menu and craft cocktails. Choose from the small and big plate menus, or put yourselves into the chef’s capable hands with a five-course blind tasting.

For authentic Sicilian cuisine head to Avo. The seasonal menu is bursting with seafood (try the charred octopus) and homemade pasta dishes. The interior is gorgeous, but see if you can score a table in the candlelit courtyard, perfect for a special occasion.

We also recommend both Apolline  and Bistro Daisy for their romantic settings. Set in a renovated double shotgun cottage, Apolline spotlights chef Michael Shelton’s creative use of local ingredients in modern Southern dishes like veal sweetbreads and crawfish bisque. Impress your date with some elevated dining, New Orleans style.

Bistro Daisy is a quaint eatery nestled in a charming cottage located in the heart of Uptown New Orleans. It’s been open since 2007 and is named after the owners Anton & Diane Schulte daughter. As the name suggests, it’s a bistro, with fresh, seasonal and often local ingredients on the French-leaning menu. Expect elevated takes on the Gulf fish, leg of duck confit, and bouillabaisse.

La Petite Grocery, the former 19th-century neighborhood grocery, was beautifully transformed by owner-chefs Justin Devillier in 2010. A 2016 James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: South, Devillier puts his creative spin on traditional New Orleans cuisine with dishes like blue crab beignets and shellfish stew.

Two more good date spots are the Misa (lovely patio) and Alon Shaya’s Saba. Both are located on Magazine Street and feature Middle Eastern cuisine.

Last but not the least, you haven’t gotten a taste of classic romantic New Orleans if you haven’t visited Pascal’s Manale Restaurant. Watch the oysters getting shucked in front of you in this dark-paneled, elegant space with a martini in hand, and maybe stay for dinner to sample Pascal’s legendary BBQ shrimp and veal Picatta.

A Movie

Few things are more romantic than catching a classic movie in a century-old theater, especially on a rainy day. Prytania Theatre is the oldest theater in the city and the only single-screen one left in Louisiana. Inside, you’ll find plush red seats and a tiny coffee stand with excellent gelato and espresso. Prytania screens the classics like Citizen Cane and Casablanca regularly, and cult classics at midnight.

Happy Hour

Pizza Domenica on Magazine Street offers excellent wine and draft beer lists as well as half off its wood-fired pizzas (some of the best in New Orleans) daily, 3-5 p.m. If you’d like to share some wine, head to Bar Frances on Freret Street, to sample its excellent selection during a generous happy hour.

Music

Dance the sultry night away at the iconic Tipitina’s, which has hosted everyone from world-famous acts in town for Jazz Fest to local brass bands and the Mardi Gras Indians. The Maple Leaf Bar, with its tin ceiling and a hopping dance floor, has live music every night at 10 p.m., including some of the best brass bands in the city every Tuesday. Don’t miss that.

Have fun being out and about!

Want some exclusive deals and discounts on your stay at the Alder Hotel? Sign up for our email list at https://alderhotel.com/email-offers/. And if you find a lower rate on your Alder Hotel room at the time of booking, call 1.888.626.5861, and we will match it!