Royal Tours New Orleans Blog

Norma Wallace - A New Orleans Madam

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 22:35:56 GMT

N orma Wallace, a name that evokes intrigue and fascination, was a prominent figure in New Orleans during the early and mid-20th century. As a powerful and resourceful madam, she operated a network of brothels that thrived despite the constant threat of law enforcement. Beginning in 1920, she would operate brothels for the next 45 years, a span that has not been beaten in the history of New Orleans.

Norma first began working at Bertha Anderson’s house at 335 Dauphine. Bertha had worked under Josie Arlington and had opened her own house in the French Quarter before Storyville was closed.

But, Norma decided early on that she was not going to be a streetwalker herself. She was going to be a “landlady,” the woman who owned and operated the house. She made one final trip to Memphis to give it a go there. But, it wasn’t long before Norma was back in New Orleans and angling to open her own house.

Book your own private tour and learn more about the fascinating history of prostitution in New Orleans. Join Royal Tours New Orleans on our Red Light District History Tour .

Call us at 504-507-8333 or email us for tour details or to book your very own private tour in the French Quarter.

This is also a great way to learn insider secrets of the French Quarter from our resident guides.

Norma befriended - and later married - Peter Gulotta, and world champion bantam-weight boxer who fought under the name Pete Herman. Peter had left boxing as a wealthy man, and he invested a portion in a nightclub at the corner of Burgundy and Conti. He offered Norma use of the upstairs apartment. She brought in three girls, and she was now in operation on her own.

Following a split with Gulotta in 1928, Norma moved from the location over Gulotta’s bar to 410 Dauphine. She renovated the house, and filled it with antiques. She hired the best looking girls, dressed them in formal gowns, and claimed it was the nicest place in the French Quarter.

In the mid-1030s, Norma fell into a relationship with Sammy “Golfbag” Hunt, a notorious Chicago gangster with a violent streak. His nickname came from his habit of carrying his long guns in a golf bag. It is likely that Hunt provided the money to buy the property at 1026 Conti in 1938. Ironically, this house once belonged to E.J. Belloc, the photographer who produced nearly all of the surviving photographic documentation of Storyville. Norma would remain at this location until 1963.

New Orleans has always had a somewhat tolerant approach to prostitution and gambling. Occasionally, the social climate would change, and Norma would be forced to operate more secretly, more carefully.

While she was arrested a few times, she never spent more than a night in jail until a 1962 arrest for prostitution. It was after this arrest that she decided to sell the house on Conti.

Royal Tours New Orleans highly recommends Christine Wiltz's biography of Norma Wallace, The Last Madam .

To learn more about Norma Wallace and the fascinating history of prostitution in New Orleans, join Royal Tours New Orleans on our Red Light District History Tour . Call us at 504-507-8333 or email us for tour details or to book your very own private tour in the French Quarter.

Coolinary New Orleans 2021

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 13:30:03 GMT

Once again, it Coolinary month in New Orleans!

If you are visiting New Orleans this month, you have made an excellent choice. If not, despite the heat, August is a great month to plan a vacation to New Orleans and the French Quarter. Why? Because for the month of August, New Orleans has a real treat for you. Three words – COOLinary New Orleans…

Even if you are a local, August is a great time to be in New Orleans. For the entire month, COOLinary New Orleans celebrates the unique culinary traditions of New Orleans by featuring specially priced prix-fixe lunch, brunch, and dinner menus at a number of the city’s best restaurants. You can enjoy discounted dishes not only in the French Quarter’s finest restaurants such as Arnaud’s and Brennan's, but also at establishments all over New Orleans.

Here are just a few of our favorites:

Annunciation Restaurant - 1016 Annunciation St, Warehouse District

3 courses - $45

Try the Escargots Bordelaise, Gulf Fish Capri, and the Classic Cheesecake.

Galatoire’s - 209 Bourbon St, French Quarter

3 courses - $45

Do not miss the Tomato & Peach Salad, Grilled Petite Filet, and Key Lime Tart.

Muriel’s - 801 Chartres St, French Quarter

3 courses - $44.95

Muriel’s offers a full Coolinary menu this year. Try Fontana’s West End Turtle Soup or the Boudin Egg Roll, the Crispy Onion Salmon or Wood Grilled Pork Chop, and finish it off with White Chocolate Bread Pudding or Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée.

And, while you are visiting, be sure to join Royal Tours New Orleans for a private walking tour of the French Quarter. There is hardly a better way to walk off the Bananas Foster from Brennan’s than with a casual stroll around the French Quarter with one of our local guides. Call us at 504-507-8333 or email us for more information or to book a tour. After all, being on tour with Royal Tours is like having a new best friend in the French Quarter!

Why is New Orleans so Haunted?

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 19:03:37 GMT

Why is New Orleans so Haunted?

To understand why New Orleans is haunted, it’s important to understand the history of the land. The land which later became New Orleans formed around 2200 BC from the product of deposits from the Mississippi River. This delta actually became the home of Native Americans 1300 years before Bienville founded the city of New Orleans in 1718.

The Native Americans would come down to the New Orleans area during the fall. So, they’ve been congregating down here for centuries. Also, the Mississippi River is energy fueled from 31 states and 2 Canadian provinces. New Orleans is like a collecting point for all of it. Water holds energy and our city is surrounded by water. Our air is even full of thick humidity.

Many practitioners of Vodun will tell you that water seems to hold and constrain spiritual energy, and New Orleans is surrounded by water.

Plus, we suspect that just like many of our mortal visitors, the spirits just love New Orleans and don't want to leave! Combine all aspects and history of this location and you will begin to understand why our city is one of the most haunted cities in the world.

If you are in New Orleans on vacation, a great way enjoy time with both friends and family is to join Royal Tours New Orleans for a private and personalized tour of the French Quarter. Our popular French Quarter History Tour is always a hit as is the French Quarter Haunted Ghost Tour . And, don't forget our kid friendly Family Fun French Quarter Experience .

You will have exclusive use of our resident tour guide for the duration of your tour. There is no better way to walk off a delicious meal and gain insider secrets of the French Quarter and New Orleans than by joining Royal Tours New Orleans for a private walking tour. Call us at 504-507-8333 or email us to book, and you'll see why people say being on tour with Royal Tours New Orleans is like having a new best friend in the French Quarter.

2020 Réveillon Dinner in New Orleans

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 15:45:04 GMT

Réveillon Dinner in New Orleans

Over the past 30 years, the Réveillon dinner (pronounced ‘rĕ -vē -ŏn) has returned in popularity in New Orleans, reincarnating a centuries old tradition among the city’s French founders. Even the current COVID crisis won't stop New Orleans from doing one of the things it does best: Cooking.

W hat began as a family tradition enjoyed in the home following Christmas Eve Mass is now an extravaganza of excellent food and spirits offered by restaurants throughout New Orleans and available to anyone.

Derived from the French word for “awakening,” Reveillon originally was a meal served after midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. In preparation for Catholic service on Christmas Eve, many would fast all day and then feast on big, hearty meals following service.

With early New Orleans being predominately Catholic, nearly the entire community would participate in these ceremonies. Families would return from the late night service famished and set upon a feast prepared in advance and laid out on the table or sideboard at home.

A typical early Réveillon feast might look like a typical breakfast with egg dishes, breads and puddings, but could also include chicken and oyster gumbo, game pies, soups, souffles, turtle soup, and grillades of veal. Naturally, families would frequently follow these rich dishes with wines, brandy, lavish desserts, and coffee. It was not uncommon for the dinners to last to sunrise.

Royal Tours New Orleans has a Youtube channel now. Check out our mini-tours of the French Quarter without leaving your house.

Over time, the Réveillon tradition began to fade. But, the 1990s saw the re-awakening of the “awakening” dinner. Now, the Réveillon dinner is usually a prix-fixe menu offered by numerous restaurants throughout New Orleans. And, the event takes place not just on Christmas Eve, but through most of December. The best part is, you don’t have to wait for the late night Mass to end to enjoy it.

About twenty restaurants are participating in the 2020 Reveillon celebration. That is fewer than in most years, but we still have some delicious offerings. Here is a list of some of our favorite Réveillon dinners in the French Quarter and New Orleans.

Antoine’ s - 713 St Louis St

Réveillon dinner wouldn’t be complete without an offering from the original French Creole restaurant in the French Quarter. This year, Antoine’s is offering several dishes including Escargot en Croute, Alligator Bisque, Glazed Duck, and Holiday Meringue Glacée au Chocolat. $49

Arnaud’ s - 813 Bienville

The Réveillon dinner at Arnaud’s is something to experience. The three-course meal features Coquille St Jacques, Herb Crusted Black Drum, Duck Confit, and Chocolate Grand Marnier Crème Brûlée for $50.

Bayon a - 430 Dauphine St

Bayona is a gorgeous restaurant tucked away on Rue Dauphine. This year's Reveillon menu includes several fantastic selections including Blue Crab Orriechette, Duck Liver Pâté, Braised Berkshire Pork Della Ossa, Lamb Loin, several dessert offerings. $68

Boucherie - 8115 Jeannette St

Boucherie is one of our favorite uptown restaurants. Their three-course Reveillon menu includes Shrimp Bisque, Blackened Shrimp and Grit Cake, Coquilles St. Jacques, Grilled Wagyu Steak Frites, and Pan Seared Halibut. $50

The Bower - 1320 Magazine St

Another Uptown favorite of ours has a fantastic Reveillon menu for 2020. Select from Tuna Crudo, Roasted Parsnip Soup, Bibb Salad, Cioppino, Lamb Shoulder, Pappardelle Bolognese, and Lavender and Orange Blossom Shortbread Cookies. $54

Broussard’s – 819 Conti

Broussard’s is commemorating 100 years of fine dining in the French Quarter which makes it one of the youngest of our classic French Creole restaurants. Enjoy a four-course meal featuring Satsuma Cured Salmon, Lobster Bisque, Kumquat and Avocado Salad, Duck Breast L’satsuma, Lobster Gnocchi, and Meyer Lemon Pannacotta among other tasty offerings for a generously priced $49.

Commander's Palace - 1403 Washington Av

Just two blocks off St Charles on Washington Avenue in the heart of the Garden District sits a true New Orleans icon. Commander's Palace offers some real treats for the 2020 Reveillon four-course menu. Dishes include Gulf Oyster and Absinthe Soup, Blue Crab and Cavier Beignets, Bordeaux Braised Beef Short Rib, and Ginger Spiced "Christmas pudding." $90

Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse - 716 Iberville St

Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse is more than just a steakhouse. They prove it this year with a 2020 Reveillon menu that includes Corn and Crab Bisque, Seared Gulf Fish, Twin 4 oz Filets, and Eggnog Ice Cream. $55

Domenica - 123 Baronne St

Domenica is located just across Canal in the Roosevelt Hotel. Just the walk through the hotel lobby during Christmas time is worth the short walk out of the French Quarter. Domenica has some delicious 2020 Reveillon offerings which include Crispy Oysters, Risotto Agrumi E Bottarga, Duck Three Ways, and Pecan Tartufo. $50

Galatoire’s – 209 Bourbon St

Would it be possible to get through Réveillon without at least one meal at Galatoire’s? This year’s offerings include Shrimp Remoulade, Fried Oysters with Rockefeller Spinach, Turtle Soup Au Sherry, Fried Trout Amandine, Duck Leg Confit, Grilled Filet Mignon, and Apple Streusel Tartlets. $48 - $60.

Luke Restaurant - 333 St. Charles Av

Now, back into the Central Business District (CBD), just a few blocks over Canal on St Charles we arrive at Luke which offers a paired-down but satisfying Reveillon menu consisting of Hot Buttered Crab Claws, Grandmother's Turtle Soup, Mayhaw Glazed Ham Shank, and Bourbon Chocolate Pot de Creme. $60

Muriel’s – 801 Chartres

One of our French Quarter favorites offers a mouthwatering four-course “awakening” menu including Fried Oyster Chowder, Duck & Andouille Gumbo, Sweet Potato Gnocchi, Pan Seared Flounder, and Salted Caramel and Chocolate Torte. $58

Pelican Club - 312 Exchange Pl

The Pelican Club is a lovely restaurant on equally lovely Exchange Place alley. The Pelican Club is offering an expansive four-course Reveillon menu for 2020. Options include Turtle Soup with Aged Sherry, Vegan Carrot Coconut Ginger Soup, Escargots en Croute, New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp, Little Gem Lettuces Salad, Mushroom Ravioli, Jumbo Lump Crab and Shrimp Ravigote, Trio of Duckling, Panéed Gulf Fish with Jumbo Lump Crabmeat, Honey Glazed and Roasted Prime Pork Chop, Mustard and Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb, Louisiana Cioppino, White Chocolate Bread Pudding, Bourbon Pecan Pie, and Grand Marnier Creme Brulee. $49+

Tujague's - 823 Decatur St

Tujague's is another French Quarter mainstay offering a generous four-course Reveillon menu. Items include Smoked Shrimp Canapé with Choupique Caviar, Crispy Pork Belly, Roasted Beet and Satsuma Salad, Lobster Bisque, Turtle Soup Au Sherry, Braised Colorado Lamb Shank, Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast, Pan Roasted Veal Tenderloin, Golden Seafood Courtbouillon, and Egg Nog Crème Brulee. $54

With the current COVID crisis, we recommend that you contact the restaurant to confirm opening times and availability and that you ask about reservations considering there may be limited seating available.

If you are in New Orleans on vacation or visiting family for the holidays, a great way enjoy time with both friends and family is to join Royal Tours New Orleans for a private and personalized tour of the French Quarter. Our popular French Quarter History Tour is always a hit as is the French Quarter Haunted Ghost Tour . And, don't forget our kid friendly Family Fun French Quarter Experience .

You will have exclusive use of our resident tour guide for the duration of your tour. There is no better way to walk off a delicious Réveillon meal and gain insider secrets of the French Quarter and New Orleans than by joining Royal Tours New Orleans for a private walking tour. Call us at 504-507-8333 or email us to book, and you'll see why people say being on tour with Royal Tours New Orleans is like having a new best friend in the French Quarter.

Header image courtesy of Bayona.

Our Youtube Channel is live!

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 20:31:40 GMT

Royal Tours New Orleans has recently created its own Youtube channel . We will be using this channel to post mini-tours of the French Quarter and also to stream live tours.

But, here's where we need your help!

In order to stream live events through Youtube on a mobile device, we must have 1000 subscribers. So, please go to the Royal Tours New Orleans Youtube channel and subscribe to our page. Click the bell for notifications on newly published mini-tours and upcoming live videos tours of the French Quarter.

Imagine being able to join us for your own virtual tour of the French Quarter from your own home! Enjoy the sights and sounds of the French Quarter. Ask questions and engage with our tour guides live! It would be the next best thing to being there.

And, it is easy to do. Click this link to the Royal Tours Youtube channel , and then click the Subscribe button. That's it. Your In!

French Quarter Romeo Spikes

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 18:48:20 GMT

French Quarter Romeo Spikes

If you look closely at the architecture as you wander around the French Quarter, you might notice an interesting detail: Most of the columns under the numerous galleries in the French Quarter feature curly, spiky, or otherwise pointy ornamentation protruding out near the top of the poles. These pointy bits are called Romeo spikes, or Romeo catchers, and their name hints at their function: They're meant to keep young men from climbing up the column and getting frisky with the homeowner's daughter.

There is no better way to find out what's going on in New Orleans and the French Quarter than by joining Royal Tours New Orleans for a private tour of the French Quarter. More than just a tour, you will have private use of our resident guide and gain insider secrets for New Orleans and the French Quarter. Of course, there is no better way to enjoy the Halloween season than by joining Royal Tours for our popular Haunted Ghost History Tour of the French Quarter. Call us at 504-507-8333 or email us to book your private tour. You'll see why people say being on tour with Royal Tours is like having a new best friend in the French Quarter!

Interviews by BlondeVoyage901

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 19:44:55 GMT

For this blog post, we are doing something a bit different. Jordan Booth is an experienced international traveller who writes a blog entitled Blonde Voyage 901 . Through her blog, she provides numerous helpful articles on international travel destinations, how to deal with the challenges of international travel, and offers her services for finding and booking the most interesting and cost-effective travel deals.

For this entry in the Royal Tours New Orleans blog, Jordan is giving us the first of several articles in which she interviews members of her family who either live in New Orleans or travel here frequently and asks them for travel trips to the Crescent City.

My family has a deep love and connection with New Orleans. My dad went to Tulane and now has an apartment in the French Quarter, so all of my sisters and I go to New Orleans quite often and know our favorite places down there. This is going to be a little different, and really fun for me, because I’m going to interview my 3 sisters and our dad separately and ask them some questions about their favorite things to do in NOLA, their favorite stories from their trips to NOLA, some tips for your stay, and some of their pet peeves about tourists in NOLA. So this will be a series of Booth Family Tips for NOLA.

First up is DAD. His name is Graflin and he is 57 years old! He enjoys racquetball every Monday (we joke that if we get married or had our funeral on a Monday, he would ask us to move it for racquetball lol) and a nice cigar and scotch at his favorite local dive. He is a DJ and makes movie theater seats. His favorite thing about New Orleans is the art, the music, and the culture.

favorite creole restaurant: “oh man, that’s like picking my favorite daughter. If I’m going for a higher-end restaurant, I like Broussard’s and Galatoire’s . That’s not taking anything away from Antoine’s . Those are all fine dining, so you can’t walk in with your jeans and t-shirt. If you’re looking for some place where you can sort of walk in off the street, where you can get a good dish with traditional creole, go to Coop’s . They have an excellent shrimp or crawfish etouffee. And I hate saying Coop’s because it is not a big place, you can’t make reservations, and I don’t need more people going there, but it’s great. Another great place that serves traditional creole food is the Gumbo Shop . Get their Gumbo and their crab cakes.”

favorite bar: **A note first, my dad doesn’t drink except for a scotch or 2 each week with his cigar. We try to get him to drink margaritas or wine with us. He’ll taste a beer or a drink, but prefers his few scotches. “Depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. If you want a good place just to catch a drink, especially in the French Quarter, there are dozens of places to go. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, Old Absinthe House, Sylvain’s . Sylvain’s is near Jackson Square. It’s dark, cozy, and has a gorgeous courtyard. There’s also a cute little place right behind St. Louis Cathedral called Pirate’s Alley . They’ll serve you a nice glass of absinthe and do the whole presentation. I don’t drink too much, and if I’m drinking it’s with a cigar. So if that’s the case, I go to Cuban Creations where I’m having a cigar and, they have one of the most fantastic top shelf liquor selections in the French Quarter.”

favorite shop: “ Sweet Pea and Tulip is pretty cool. They’ve got a lot of unique stuff. And of course you can walk by all of the artists on Jackson Square and get some unique art. You can find some interesting stuff at the French Market if you can get past the t-shirt and sunglass vendors. Decatur and Royal St are just filled with little shops. Roux Royale is really cute and is a bit more kitchen-focused.”

favorite happy hour: “ Domenica Pizza Happy Hour in the Central Business District has some great discount pizzas.” They also have a build-your-own charcuterie board.“

favorite part of town: “I like different parts of town for different reasons. Primarily, of course, which will be a cliche but it’s true, but the French Quarter and the Garden District . Each has their own flavor. FQ is bustling, loud, touristy, all those things both good and bad. You can’t swing a cat over your head without hitting a bar or a restaurant. But taking a streetcar ride to the Garden District, things slow down and change. You can take a gorgeous walk through the homes, eat at Commander’s Palace (they have 25cent martinis during weekday lunches). A few blocks further off the streetcar line is Magazine St . Once you’re down on Magazine, you’re surrounded by shops and restaurants. If you feel like taking it down another notch, t ake the streetcar up to Audubon Park and Tulane . Take a picnic blanket and a snack and enjoy Audubon Park. You can also drive out Esplanade to City Park and New Orleans Museum of Art , and you can have a great day at NOMA and the Besthoff Sculpture Garden , which is right behind NOMA. And of course, if you get to that point and you need a break, they have a Cafe du Monde right by NOMA.

favorite coffee shop: “Getting a pretty good cup of coffee in the FQ is not difficult. CC’s Coffee Shop and PJ’s Coffee Shop are all over the place and are pretty good. BUT if I were to go for a cup of coffee, where I am going is Manolito , which is on Dumaine near Decatur. They make a fantastic Cuban Coffee. They aren’t a coffee shop. It’s a Cuban-themed bar and cafe. So don’t show up at 8am looking for a cup of coffee, because they ain’t open. But for a late night cup of coffee, they are the spot.”

favorite brunch: “There are a dozen places, especially around the FQ to grab brunch. The most popular is Ruby Slipper . They’ve got half a dozen locations between FQ, Central Business District, and Marigny. I also like Coterie , If you’re an early riser, Daisy Dukes has an early bird special which is CHEAP. Something like $5 for eggs, bacon, pancakes, the whole works. Over in Marigny, you’ve got Horns . In the CBD, you’ve got Ruby Slipper , up by Lafayette Square, you’ve got Cafe at the Square .

favorite non-touristy thing to do: “Well, typically what I tell non-tourists to do has become touristy. Which was to go to Frenchman St . Which is not great because it’s become too touristy now, but it’s still a great thing to do. You’ve also got the Art Garden and Art Market up there to do. But they have the best bands in the city.”

favorite museum: “I’m a big fan of NOMA . It’s a world class museum and it is fantastic. It’s an easy drive or uber from the FQ. Cabildo is interesting too. It focuses on the history of New Orleans. There are several locations of the Historic New Orleans Collection , go visit some of those. They have a new location on Royal, and if you have an interest in Louisiana history, those are fantastic places to visit. There is the Williams Research Center , they frequently have exhibits also on various topics.”

favorite NICE restaurant: “It’s hard to beat the big 5 in the FQ. Brennan’s, Broussard’s, Antoines, Arnaud’s, Galatoire’s . Each have a storied history and each have contributed to the cuisine we know and love. Banana Fosters was created at Brennan’s, for example. You’ve always gotta have these in the conversation. But you can also go outside the FQ. August in the CBD is great, you’ve got Peche in the CBD . Emeril has numerous locations in New Orleans. You also can’t forget Commander’s Palace in the Garden District. They have 25cent martinis during lunch. Antoine’s has a great lunch deal, too, and you can ask for a tour there. It’s the oldest of the french creole restaurants in NOLA. You’ve had presidents dine there and the history is fascinating.”

favorite dessert: “I love going over to Evangeline on Decatur by the fire station after dinner and getting a very simple brownie a la mode or pecan pie a la mode. It’s simple, nothing high end about it, but I love it.

favorite tip for tourists: “First of all, wear flats. Leave the high heels at home. Especially if you’re walking in the French Quarter. If you’re going to be riding the streetcar more than once, download the RTA Mobile Go app. You can buy the tickets on the app and it’s the easiest way to do it. And if anyone comes up to you and says “I bet I know where you got your shoes” **laughs** just keep walking.”

favorite gallery: “I like Galerie rue Royale . It’s on the corner of Royal and Toulouse. They’ve got Todd White, Marc Clauzade. But again, it’s almost like picking a favorite child. There are some really great galleries on Royal and Chartres.”

if you could only go to nola one more time, what would your ideal day be: I thought I about killed him with this question. “I’d get breakfast at Ruby Slipper at Magazine and Washington. And If I had to take the streetcar to get there, that would make it all the better. A morning stroll through the French Quarter and Washington Artillery Park. For lunch, I’d probably grab a bowl of gumbo at the Gumbo Shop. In the afternoon, I’d walk through the French Market and Latrobe Park, and visit some of the shops on lower Decatur. Then I’d walk over to the Cafe Vacherie on Dauphine and Toulouse and get a little ice cream in the mid-afternoon. They’ve got locally made ice cream. Probably in the late afternoon or evening, I’d enjoy a personal private tour from Royal Tours. Their private tours are much better than the big tours because it’s just you and the tour guides. It’s not 30-40 people. Dinner, boy here’s the problem. I’m going to dinner at Broussard’s and maybe get the gulf fish amandine or the pompano Pontchartrain. Then I’m going by Evangaline for a brownie and to Manolito for cuban coffee. Then ending my night at Cuban Creations with a scotch and a cigar. May try to squeeze in music on Frenchman, too.”

Jordan, thanks for the great blog post. If you need assistance in putting together an interesting travel itinerary, Jordan is a great resource. Again, you can find her at blondevoyage901.com .

Whether you are a first-time visitor to New Orleans or a French Quarter veteran, one of the best ways to gain insider secrets of the French Quarter is with a private and personalized tour of the French Quarter with Royal Tours New Orleans . We offer a variety of tours including the chilling Haunted Ghost Tour , the Red Light District Tour , and the popular French Quarter LGBT Tour .

You will have exclusive use of our resident tour guide for the duration of your private tour. Call us at 504-507-8333 or email us to book, and you'll see why people say being on tour with Royal Tours New Orleans is like having a new best friend in the French Quarter.

Official New Orleans Mardi Gras 2020 Schedule

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 05:29:43 GMT

Official New Orleans Mardi Gras 2020 Schedule

Twelfth Night has just passed, so you know what that means. Yes, carnival season is upon us! Once again, the Krewe of Joan of Arc has kicked off the festivities with their march through the French Quarter on January 6. Every week following with see Krewes, large and small, parade through various parts of the city bringing fun, joy, and beads - lots of beads - to the revelers all leading up to the big day - Fat Tuesday - Mardi Gras on Tuesday, February 25.

Most of the larger official krewes run their floats on the larger streets of New Orleans such as Canal, Magazine, St Charles, or St Claude. But, don’t ignore the smaller unofficial krewes that stream in from Marigny, Bywater, and Arabi into the French Quarter on Royal Street on Mardi Gras day.

Here is a list of the dates and locations for the official krewes running in Mardi Gras 2020. So, paint your face, fill your go-cup, and head out to grab a few beads.

Mardi Gras 2020 Parade Schedule

Monday, Jan. 6

Krewe of Joan of Arc , 7:00 p.m. — The parade begins at the corner of Bienville and N. Front Street. After a pause at the Joan of Arc statue to sing “Happy Birthday” the parade continues on Decatur to Washington Artillery Park (the sidewalk amphitheater across from Jackson Square) where it concludes with a king cake ceremony and disbands.

Société Des Champs Elysée , 7:30 p.m. — The Société Des Champs Elysée starts at North Rampart Street and Explanade Avenue, and proceeds southwest down North Rampart. The parade disbands on St Claude Ave. as it reaches Elysian Fields Ave.

Phunny Phorty Phellows , 7:00 p.m. — Forms and ends at Willow Streetcar Barn after riding the streetcar down Carrollton, St. Charles, around Lee Circle, to Canal, and the back up St. Charles to Carrollton.

Funky Uptown Krewe , follows — The Funky Uptown Krewe follows the Phunny Phorty Phellows on a streetcar at the Willow Streetcar Bar on S. Carrollton.

Saturday, Feb. 1

Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus , 7:00 p.m. — The 900-member Krewe of Chewbacchus starts at the corner of Royal Street and Homer Plessey Way and ends at St Claude and Poland.

Friday, Feb. 7

Krewe Bohème , 7:00 p.m. — Forms at Lost Love Lounge (2529 Dauphine St.) and disbands at Conti and N Rampart streets.

Saturday, Feb. 8

Krewe du Vieux , 6:30 p.m. — The Krewe du Vieux Parade Route begins on the corner of Chartres St. and Marigny St. and disbands on Toulouse between Chartres and Decatur.

krewedelusion , follows — Starts on the corner of Franklin Ave. and Royal Street. It ends on N Robertson at The Candlelight Lounge for the Bedlam Ball.

Sunday, Feb. 9

‘tit Rex , 4:30 p.m. — Forms at St. Roch Tavern (1200 St. Roch) and Marais Street and disbands at Allways Lounge on St. Claude Avenue at Marigny Street.

Friday, Feb. 14

Krewe of Cork , 3:00 p.m. — Forms at 613 Royal Street and disbands at the Royal Sonesta Hotel Conti Street entrance.

Krewe of Oshun , 6:00 p.m. — Forms at Napoleon Avenue and Magazine Street and ends at the intersection of Tchoupitoulas Street and Poydras Street.

Krewe of Cleopatra , 6:30 p.m. — This all-female krewe forms at Jefferson Avenue and Magazine Street and disbands at Poydras and Tchoupitoulas Streets.

Krewe of Alla , follows — Begins at Napoleon Avenue and Tchoupitoulas Street and ends at Tchoupitoulas Street and Poydras Street.

Saturday, Feb. 15

Krewe of Pontchartrain , 12:00 p.m. — Forms at Napoleon Avenue and Tchoupitoulas Street and disbands at Poydras and Tchoupitoulas streets.

Krewe of Choctaw , follows — Forms at Napoleon Avenue and Tchoupitoulas Street and disbands at Poydras and Tchoupitoulas streets.

Krewe of Freret , follows — Forms at Napoleon Avenue and Tchoupitoulas Street and ends at Tchoupitoulas and Poydras Streets.

Krewe of Sparta , 5:30 p.m. — Forms at Jefferson Avenue and Magazine Street; disbands at Poydras and Tchoupitoulas streets.

Krewe of Pygmalion , follows — Forms at Jefferson Avenue and Magazine Street. It disbands at Poydras and Tchoupitoulas streets.

Sunday, Feb. 16

Krewe of Femme Fatale , 11:00 a.m. — Forms at Napoleon Avenue and Magazine Street and disbands at Poydras and Tchoupitoulas streets.

Krewe of Carrollton , follows — Begins at Jefferson Avenue and Magazine Street and disbands at Poydras and Tchoupitoulas streets.

Krewe of King Arthur , follows — Forms at Jefferson Avenue and Magazine Street and disbands at Poydras and Tchoupitoulas streets.

Krewe of Barkus , 2:00 p.m. — This dog-focused krewe forms at Armstrong Park (N Rampart and St Ann), winds its way through the French Quarter before making its way back to N Rampart at Orleans.

Wednesday, Feb. 19

Krewe of Druids , 6:15 p.m. — Forms at Jefferson Avenue and Magazine Street and disbands at Poydras and Tchoupitoulas streets.

Krewe of Nyx , 7 p.m. — Forms at Jefferson Avenue and Magazine Street and ends at Poydras and Tchoupitoulas streets.

Thursday, Feb. 20

Knights of Babylon , 5:00 p.m. — Forms at Napoleon Avenue and Magazine Street and disbands on Canal at Decatur Street.

Knights of Chaos , 5:45 p.m. — Forms at Napoleon Avenue and Magazine Street and disbands at Roosevelt Way and Canal Street.

Krewe of Muses , 6:00 p.m. — Forms at Jefferson Avenue and Magazine Street and disbands at Poydras and Tchoupitoulas Streets.

Friday, Feb. 21

Krewe of Bosom Buddies , 11:30 a.m. — Forms at St Louis and Bourbon Streets in the French Quarter and disbands at Bourbon and Conti streets.

Krewe of Hermes , 5:30 p.m. — Forms at Jefferson Avenue and Magazine Street and ends at Poydras and Tchoupitoulas streets.

Krewe d’Etat , 6:30 p.m. — Forms at Jefferson Avenue and Magazine Street and disbands at the Marriott Hotel on Canal Street.

Krewe of Morpheus , 7:00 p.m. — Forms at Jefferson Avenue and Magazine Street and ends at the intersection of Tchoupitoulas and Andrew Higgins Street.

Saturday, Feb. 22

Krewe of Iris , 11:00 a.m. — Forms at Napoleon Avenue and S Saratoga Street and disbands at Poydras and Tchoupitoulas Streets.

Krewe of Tucks , noon — Forms at Napoleon Avenue and Tchoupitoulas Street and disbands at Poydras and Tchoupitoulas Streets.

Krewe of Endymion , 4:15 p.m. — The super-krewe forms at City Park and Orleans Avenues and disbands at the Convention Center.

Sunday, Feb. 23

Krewe of Okeanos , 10:00 a.m. — Forms at Jefferson Avenue and Magazine Street and disbands at Poydras and Tchoupitoulas Streets.

Krewe of Mid-City , 11:00 a.m. — Forms at Jefferson Avenue and Magazine Street and disbands at Canal and Camp Streets.

Krewe of Thoth , 11:15 a.m. — Forms at Tchoupitoulas and State Streets and disbands at Poydras and Tchoupitoulas streets with a route designed to pass in front of several extended healthcare facilities.

Krewe of Bacchus , 5:15 p.m. — Forms at Tchoupitoulas Street and Napoleon Avenue and ends at Convention Center Boulevard and Calliope Street.

Monday, Feb. 24

Krewe of Proteus , 5:15 p.m. — Forms at Napoleon Avenue and Magazine Street and disbands at the Marriott Hotel on Canal Street.

Krewe of Orpheus , follows — Forms at Tchoupitoulas Street and Napoleon Avenue and ends at Convention Center Boulevard and Calliope Street.

Tuesday, Feb. 25 – The day you've been waiting for -MARDI GRAS DAY!

Krewe of Zulu , 8:00 a.m. — Forms at S Claiborne and Jackson Avenues and disbands at Broad Street and Orleans Avenue.

Krewe of Rex , 10:00 a.m. — Founded in 1872, this krewe starts at S Claiborne and Napoleon Avenues and ends at Canal and S Peters Streets.

Krewe of Elks Orleans , follows — Forms at S Claiborne and Napoleon Avenues and disbands at Elk Place and Tulane Avenue.

Krewe of Crescent City , follows — Forms at S Claiborne and Napoleon Avenues and disbands at Tulane Avenue and S Robertson Street.

Royal Tours New Orleans will be closed Monday, Feb 24 (Lundi Gras), Tuesday, Feb 25 (Mardi Gras), and Wednesday, Feb 26 (Ash Wednesday).

Best Late Night Eats in the French Quarter

Thu, 02 Jan 2020 23:56:07 GMT

Best Late Night Eats in the French Quarter

We keep strange hours in New Orleans and especially in the French Quarter. You may think of New York as the city that never sleeps. Well, neither does New Orleans. With 24 hours in a day, we have figured out how to fill most of them with a good time. So, after a late night of drinking, dancing, and partying, it’s easy to work up an appetite (and even easier to let your alcohol intake outpace your food intake).

After a night on Bourbon Street or Frenchman, where are the best places for a satisfying plate of food? And, when I say “late night” I’m not taking about 11 PM or midnight. C’mon, this isn’t amateur hour. I’m talking 1 AM or later.

Verti Marte

1201 Royal Street

Let’s start off with a place every local knows about. And the best part is, they are open 24 hours a day. Slip through the front door and walk to the food counter in the back. Po’ boys, sandwiches, entrees, sides - nearly anything you could want from a roasted half chicken, to dirty rice, to shrimp po’ boys. You could eat every meal here for a week and barely test their menu. The servings are generous, and the prices are fair. The downside is there is no inside seating and they are cash-only, so keep your AmEx in your pocket and grab your food to go.

Port of Call

838 Esplanade

http://portofcallnola.com

Port of Call barely makes the list since they are open only until 1 AM on Friday and Saturdays. But, for you amateur partiers that might just be late enough. Port of Call is best known for their ½-pound hamburgers and obscenely loaded baked potatoes. They make a strong case for having one of the best burgers in the French Quarter if not all of New Orleans. The place is popular, so be prepared for a line. Grab a spot at the bar (if you can get in the front door) and have a drink while waiting on a table.

Coop’s Place

1109 Decatur Street

http://www.coopsplace.net

Coop’s is another local favorite that barely makes the list due to it’s 1 AM closing time on Friday and Saturday. But, sometimes they hang around a bit later. You never know. If you weren’t a local, Coop’s is a place you would walk by a hundred times with nothing to tip you off that this was a special place other than the line that usually forms down Decatur. Their crab claws, shrimp Creole, rabbit and sausage jambalaya, and Chicken Tchoupitoulas are guaranteed to satisfy. The place is 21+ only, and they are particular about that.

Visiting New Orleans? In the French Quarter on vacation? A private tour with Royal Tours New Orleans is one of the best ways to gain insider secrets on favorite local spots from our local tour guides.

Clover Grill

900 Bourbon Street

https://www.clovergrill.com

Clover Grill, at the corner of Bourbon and Dumaine, has been a French Quarter mainstay since before I can remember. Opening in 1939, they have been serving their famous steamed burgers and some of the best breakfasts to party professionals and regular folks alike. And, they do it for a very rakish 24 hours a day. Not doing the walk of shame off Bourbon Street until 6 AM? Heh, no worries. They understand. Clover Grill is there for you.

700 Club

700 Burgundy

http://700nola.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/SocialClub.woa

Why do we love 700 Club? Let us count the ways - Mac & Cheese Bites, Piggyback Fries, a very generously priced Bistro Burger, and an equally generous 4 AM closing time. What’s not to love?

Deja Vu

400 Dauphine Street

http://www.dejavunola.com

Ah! Another local favorite that doesn’t know the meaning of “closed.” Their entire menu including breakfast, burgers, steaks, and creole favorites such as gumbo and jambalaya are available 24 hours a day. This is another joint that won’t win you over on looks, but at 6 AM after a hard night of partying, Deja Vu will look beautiful.

Palm & Pine

308 N Rampart

https://www.palmandpinenola.com

The kitchen at Palm & Pine closes at 2 AM on Friday and Saturday, and up until that hour they are serving some delectable dishes. Where else would you find Chocolate Flan Napolitano, TX BBQ Shrimp, and a Yellowfin Tuna crudo at that hour? That’s right. Nowhere. Except Palm & Pine. Chase that fine dish with one of their Beer & Shots combos like Victoria & Peloton Mezcal. Hey, it’s only 2 AM. We still have time for shots. Don’t judge.

There you have it. Our favorite spots for late night (early morning) meals in the French Quarter. While it may surprise some of you professionals out there, all of these places are also open at more domesticated hours, so you don’t need to wait until the wee hours to drop in for a meal.

Whether you are a first-time visitor to New Orleans or a French Quarter veteran, one of the best ways to gain insider secrets of the French Quarter is with a private and personalized tour of the French Quarter with R oyal Tours New Orleans . We offer a variety of tours including the chilling Haunted Ghost Tour , the Red Light District Tour , and the popular French Quarter LGBT Tour .

You will have exclusive use of our resident tour guide for the duration of your private tour. Call us at 504-507-8333 or email us to book, and you'll see why people say being on tour with Royal Tours is like having a new best friend in the French Quarter.

Réveillon Dinner in New Orleans

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 00:06:26 GMT

Réveillon Dinner in New Orleans

Over the past 30 years, the Réveillon dinner (pronounced ‘rĕ -vē -ŏn) has returned in popularity in New Orleans, reincarnating a centuries old tradition among the city’s French founders. What began as a family tradition enjoyed in the home following Christmas Eve Mass is now an extravaganza of excellent food and spirits offered by restaurants throughout New Orleans and available to anyone.

Here is a list of some of our favorite Réveillon dinners being offered in the French Quarter and New Orleans.

Antoine’s – 713 St Louis St

Arnaud’s – 813 Bienville

Bistreaux at the Maison Dupuy – 1001 Toulouse St

We’ve always been a little partial to the Maison Dupuy Hotel, and their Bistreaux restaurant offers an enticing Réveillon menu featuring Crab Ravigote, Turtle Soup, Bronzed Lemonfish, and Tres Leches Cake for $54 or $80 with wine parings.

Broussard’s – 819 Conti

Broussard’s is nearing 100 years in operation which makes it one of the youngest of the classic French Quarter Creole restaurants. Enjoy a four-course meal featuring Port Poached Pear, Pork Rillette, Stuffed Duck Leg, Louisiana Oyster Fricassee, and Spiked Coffee Cake, among other tasty offerings for a generously priced $48.

Crescent City Brewhouse – 527 Decatur

Crescent City Brewhouse is most known for their crafted local brews, but they have a delicious Réveillon menu this year featuring Seafood and Andouille Gumbo, Baked Oysters, Redfish Noël, Christmas Duck, Creole Cream Cheesecake, and Bûche de Noël. Add their 4 beer sampler for a little lagniappe. $51

Galatoire’s – 209 Bourbon St

Would it be possible to get through Réveillon without at least one meal at Galatoire’s? This year’s offerings include Shrimp Remoulade, Turtle Soup, Fried Trout, Confit Duck Leg, Muscadine Sorbet, and Caramelized White Chocolate Pot de Crème. $45 - $60.

Muriel’s – 801 Chartres

One of our French Quarter favorites offers a mouthwatering “awakening” menu including Fried Oyster Chowder, Duck & Andouille Gumbo, Sweet Potato Gnocchi, Wood Grilled Venison, and Salted Caramel & Peanut Butter Torte. $55

NOLA Restaurant – 534 St Louis

Emeril’s NOLA Restaurant has a varied Réveillon menu with offerings including Citrus Poached Gulf Shrimp, Smoked Duck and Exotic Mushroom Gumbo, Andouille and Cornbread Stuffed Quail, Gulf Fish Court Bouillon, and Louisiana Satsuma Tart.

Restaurant R’Evolution - 777 Bienville

Restaurant R’Evolution is offering a small but well-selected Réveillon menu of Country Fried Veal Sweetbreads, Creole Bouillabaisse with andouille and Gulf seafood, Rabbit and Dumplings with Calabrian honey butter, and Café Brulot Crème Caramel for $85.

Tujague’s – 823 Decatur

As one of the oldest restaurants in New Orleans, Tujague’s brings its sense of history and tradition to a modern Réveillon dinner. Enjoy Shrimp & Tasso Vol-au-Vent, Lobster and Corn Bisque, Abita Amber BBQ Shrimp & Grits, Tournedos of Beef, Braised Colorado Lamb Shank, and Bananas Foster Bread Pudding. $54.

If you don’t mind a short walk out of the French Quarter, you can enjoy some of our other local favorites.

Domenica at The Roosevelt Hotel – 123 Baronne

The walk out of the French Quarter is worth it just for a view of the beautiful Roosevelt Hotel lobby. The Réveillon menu at Domenica will give you cause to stay for dinner. Treats include Louisiana Blue Crab, Truffle Gnocchi, Veal Ossobuco, and White Chocolate Tartufo. $60

Couvant at the Eliza Jane Hotel – 315 Magazine

Couvant always has a unique take on culinary matters, and their Réveillon menu is no different. Steak Tartare, Duck a l’Orange, and Bûche de Noël are among their tasty offerings. $69

If you are in New Orleans on vacation or visiting family for the holidays, a great way enjoy time with both friends and family is to join Royal Tours New Orleans for a private and personalized tour of the French Quarter. Our popular French Quarter History Tour is always a hit as is the French Quarter Haunted Ghost Tour . And, don't forget our kid friendly Family Fun French Quarter Experience .

You will have exclusive use of our resident tour guide for the duration of your tour. There is no better way to walk off a delicious Réveillon meal and gain insider secrets of the French Quarter and New Orleans than by joining Royal Tours for a private walking tour. Call us at 504-507-8333 or email us to book, and you'll see why people say being on tour with Royal Tours is like having a new best friend in the French Quarter.

Header image courtesy of Tujague's.

What to do in New Orleans for Halloween Night

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 05:00:00 GMT

What to do in New Orleans for Halloween Night

Halloween is a nearly month-long event in New Orleans. The creepy decorations seem to come out city-wide with the arrival of October. If you are visiting New Orleans, then you have seen the dozens of businesses and homes in the French Quarter that have been ghoulishly decorated in celebration of Halloween. On Bourbon Street, you will find more people in costume than out of costume making for one of the best shows around.

So, with only a few days left, here are a few of our “don’t miss” New Orleans favorites for Halloween.

The Mortuary Haunted House - 4800 Canal St

The Mortuary Haunted House comes by its name honestly. The building formerly housed a mortuary. Perhaps some of the ghouls walking around at night have already departed the physical realm.

New Orleans Nightmare - 319 Butterworth St

Numerous attractions at the location make this one of the most intense haunted houses in New Orleans.

Scout Island Scream Park - 1034 Harrison Av in City Park

This family friendly event is a collaboration between The Mortuary Haunted House and New Orleans City Park with numerous haunted attractions, fright zones, thrill rides and a scare-free zone for kids.

Ghost Manor - Magazine at Second Street

This 1892 Victorian house on Magazine Street features dozens of animated spectres that dance and fly between the house’s windows, all set to a spooky and sometimes humorous musical soundtrack. This local favorite is viewable free of charge. Just grab a spot on the sidewalk and enjoy the show.

Skeleton House - St Charles at State Street

Another local favorite is the Skeleton House on St Charles named for the dozens of humorous skeleton decorations covering the front lawn. Like Ghost manor, the Skeleton House is great fun for adults and kids, and it is easily accessible by the St Charles Streetcar line.

There is no better way to find out what's going on in New Orleans and the French Quarter than by joining Royal Tours New Orleans for a private tour of the French Quarter. More than just a tour, you will have private use of our resident guide and gain insider secrets for New Orleans and the French Quarter. Of course, there is no better way to enjoy the Halloween season than by joining Royal Tours for our popular Haunted Ghost Tour of the French Quarter. Call us at 504-507-8333 or email us to book your private tour. You'll see why people say being on tour with Royal Tours is like having a new best friend in the French Quarter!

Rose Nicaud and the History of French Market Coffee

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 05:00:00 GMT

Rose Nicaud and the History of French Market Coffee

Our New Orleans French Market coffee is probably world famous. People from all over the US and the world flock to the French Market and popular local establishments like Cafe du Monde and Morning Call for our delicious brew. “Cafe noir” or “Cafe au lait” were the common refrains from back in the day. But, do you know how it all got started? Well, it’s all related to the history of female entrepreneurialism in New Orleans and a slave named Rose Nicaud.

Most women, and men, pass into history without receiving public recognition for their work no matter how interesting their lives were or how important their contributions. And, the women who lived in early New Orleans were no different in that respect. What was different was that the French Code of Louisiana, unlike British law elsewhere, gave women the sole ownership and management of property they brought to a marriage or inherited as widows. Many women were therefore financially independent, and any women worked knowing that the proceeds from that work would be theirs, legally, instead of their husbands, or would remain theirs upon marriage.

Dozens of women in New Orleans operated small stores called “rabais” shops (rabais is French for discount) out of the front rooms of their homes. Some would offer dance or piano lessons, some would mend clothes. These store owners knew everything about everyone in their neighborhood and gave advice free of charge. Their names died along with the tradition of the “rabais” shops.

Rose Nicaud in the early 1800s is one example of a woman working in New Orleans. Rose had the idea of providing coffee to people going to and from Mass at St Louis Church. So, even though she was a slave, she was able to set up a portable coffee stand. Her coffee was so popular that not only did she inspire other women to set up coffee stands, she was able to make enough money to buy her freedom!

Join Royal Tours New Orleans for a leisurely stroll around the French Quarter with a private or small group history tour.

Soon there were dozens of small portable coffee stands. At each stand, there was a different brew and they were all managed by free women of color. From the inspiration of Rose Nicaud we now have the venerable tradition of public coffee houses like Cafe du Monde and Morning Call each serving that unique New Orleans brew.

Catherine Cole offers a marvelous firsthand account of the French Market and an account of Rose Nicaud in her 1916 book titled, The Story of the Old French Market :

Here, from the beginning, all the small cuisiniers set up on the black, cozy flagstones their braziers of charcoal and brewed over them that all but immortal decoction, fit to be bottled and sold as perfume from Araby the blest — French Market Coffee.

But here is a coffee stall, dropped down in this cozy corner for just such passers-by as we two.

“Why, nonsense! Have another cup!"

“Hurt you? Not a bit of it ! The market men drink it all day long — ten to fifteen cups a day. Sweet Angele and petite Doudouce would drink many cups at midnight, after the opera, and sleep like the babies they were, all through the soft summer night.

“This is French Market coffee, you must remember, not a bit like the ordinary coffee you have at home. They do say that in France and Austria there is coffee resembling French Market coffee. Of that I do not know. I only know there is only one real French Market coffee for me.”

Here is another coffee stand. Hear the familiar monotone, “Cafe noir” or “Cafe au lait!” Almost one is tempted at so short an interval to sense again that delicious coffee memory that has come down to us across the centuries.

Throughout the French Market, you could find stalls dedicated to various items: pastries, butchered meats, fish, poultry, cheeses, beans, etc. At the back would be stalls dedicated to serving meals. Cole continues:

Hereabout are most of the market eating Stalls. At some of them elaborate meals are served, while others are solely for the serving of French Market coffee and cakes.

Big, round furnaces stand on tripods and are filled with fires of charcoal. Over these, in skillets, women fry fish, cook oysters, or ham and eggs. In reserve are dishes of potato salad, corn beef, mutton (that may be the boys’ goat), and a mass called plum pudding. On a separate fire the coffee-pot steams.

And now for that farewell pot of coffee I promised you! This is the spot where we will get in it perfection!

Here, or hereabouts, “Old Rose,” whose memory is embalmed in the amber of many a song and picture and story, kept the most famous coffee stall of the old French Market. She was a little negress who had earned the money to buy her freedom from slavery. Her coffee was like the benediction that follows after prayer; or if you prefer it, like the benedictine after dinner.

It was something to see that black “Old Rose” pile the golden powder of ground French Market coffee into her French strainer — a heaping tablespoonful for each cup — and then when the pot was well heated, pour in just two tablespoonfuls, no more, of boiling water.

In ten minutes this had soaked the coffee, and then, half a cup at a time, the boiling water was poured on and allowed to drip slowly. The result would be coffee, black, clear and sparkling — ideal French Market coffee!

“What is it that you will have, madam?” Hark! Here comes the courtly old servitor. And then for fear we may not have understood him he repeats his question in musical French: “Que voules vous, Madame?”

“Shall it be black coffee, or coffee with milk? Cafe noir or cafe au lait?“

Imagine! The cafe au lait we now enjoy at various locations around the French Market owes its history to “Old Rose” Nicaud, a woman, a slave, who saw the need to offer coffee to parishioners going to and from Mass.

Want to know more about this history of women in New Orleans or the history of New Orleans and the French Quarter itself? There is no better way to do that than by joining Royal Tours New Orleans for the Red Light District Tour or the French Quarter History Tour . Join us for a leisurely stroll around the French Quarter with a private or small group tour.

You will have exclusive use of your French Quarter tour guide which will allow you to closely interact, ask questions, and gain insider knowledge of the French Quarter. After being on tour with Royal Tours , you see why people say being on tour with Royal Tours is like having a new best friend in the French Quarter!

Call us at 504-507-8333 or email us for tour details!

10 Best Ways To Beat the New Orleans Heat

Wed, 29 May 2019 05:00:00 GMT

10 Best Ways To Beat the New Orleans Heat

Whether you live here or are visiting on vacation, there is no getting around it: New Orleans is hot and humid in the Summer. And, if you are visiting from up North, the heat and humidity may seem especially cruel. And, no, we are not laughing at you. We feel it, too. But, Royal Tours New Orleans is always here to help. So, here are 10 things you can do to keep cool in the New Orleans heat.

2. FIND A SHADY SPOT IN JACKSON SQUARE – The French Quarter is a New Orleans bucket list for quite a few. But, it gets toasty in the Summer when the sun is beating down. That’s when you grab a bottle of water (or a cold beer!) and head to Jackson Square. The benches around the edge of the square are usually shaded from the sun by the Live Oaks. Statues dedicated to the Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter seasons are placed in each corner. It’s the perfect place to cool off and do a little people watching.

3. VISIT A MUSEUM – Museums are notorious for cranking the A/C, so why not take advantage? New Orleans is home to a number of world class museums, from the classic to the kooky. Here are a few of my faves:

Mardi Gras World – See colorful Mardi Gras props and floats being built up close, then try a slice of King Cake.

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum – A must see museum in the French Quarter. Make sure to time your visit to catch the daily tour.

The National WWII Museum – This is the second most popular museum in the US, and for good reason: it’s amazing. Planning on spending about half a day here (at least).

New Orleans Museum of Art – Enjoy the wide-ranging exhibits at this world class museum, then check out the sculpture garden and City Park when you’re done.

Visiting New Orleans? On vacation? A private tour with Royal Tours New Orleans is one of the best ways to gain insider secrets on favorite local spots from our local tour guides.

4. RIDE A STREETCAR – So you want to see the sights, but can’t bear to walk around in that New Orleans summer heat? Catch a streetcar. Riding a streetcar is one of the best ways to see the sights in New Orleans! So grab a seat by a window and enjoy the breeze (some streetcars are air conditioned and some aren’t). *Rides cost $1.25 each way ($2.50 round trip). Save yourself the trouble of digging up exact change though and download the RTA GoMobile app … a one day pass only costs $2.50, and it’s good for 24-hours (a total bargain!).

St. Charles Streetcar: ride this popular line through the Garden District and Uptown. Along the way, you’ll pass historic mansions, Tulane University, Loyola University, Audubon Park, and more. You’ll pass numerous places on St Charles to enjoy lunch, or you can hop off as the streetcar turns onto Carrolton and grab a bite at the famous Camelia Grill.

Canal Streetcar: passes through the Central Business District, Mid-City, and Bayou St. John, ending at City Park.

Riverfront Streetcar: runs along the edge of the French Quarter, passing by Woldenberg Park, the Aquarium of the Americas, Canal Place Mall, Harrah’s Casino, and the Riverwalk Marketplace, ending at the Convention Center in the CBD (which is near Mardi Gras World).

Rampart Streetcar: this is the newest NOLA streetcar. It runs from the Union Passenger Terminal to Elysian Fields Ave, passing by modern buildings, classic New Orleans architecture, and Louis Armstrong Park along the way. Get off at the end and explore the Faubourg Marigny and St. Roch neighborhoods.

5. VISIT VACHERIE FOR AN ICE CREAM – Stroll over to Vacherie Cafe (not the restaurant) at the corner of Dauphine and Toulouse and enjoy a couple of scoops. This delicious ice cream is hand-made by a local artisan.

8. START YOUR DAY EARLY…OR LATE – It’s almost inevitable that you’ll be uncomfortably hot when visiting New Orleans in the Summer. It doesn’t hurt to be a little strategic when planning your day, though. Plan your outdoor activities for the morning, late afternoon, or evening … basically anytime the sun won’t be directly overhead. And, walk on the shady side of the street. It seriously reduces the temperature by 10°, and the sun is not burning you. Remember, this is a 300-year-old city built in the swamps. You gotta learn a few tricks to deal with that summer swamp heat.

One of the best ways to enjoy the French Quarter is with a walking tour from Royal Tours New Orleans .

Our local guides will entertain you with some of the most fascinating stories and legends of the city’s founding and history. Join us for the entertaining French Quarter History Tour or the thrilling Haunted Ghost Tour .

Email us or call us at 504-507-8333 for more information or to book a tour. Remember, being on tour with Royal Tours New Orleans is like having a new best friend in the French Quarter.

New Orleans is the Most Romantic City in the Country

Tue, 21 May 2019 05:00:00 GMT

New Orleans is the Most Romantic City in the Country

Yes, we have made a bold claim there, and we know many of you will agree. But, for those of you who are not convinced, here are five romantic things you can do while visiting us in the French Quarter of New Orleans.

Take a leisurely stroll down the Moon Walk.

On one side, barges roll slowly by on the mighty Mississippi. On the other, you’ll find the St. Louis Cathedral standing tall and elegant in Jackson Square. Ahead, you will notice the impressive buildings in the New Orleans Central Business District. This is the Moon Walk, a paved promenade that’s part of the riverside Woldenberg Park at the edge of the French Quarter. It is by far one of New Orleans’ most romantic places to take a stroll, especially at sunset.

And, you will usually pass several street musicians playing a sax or guitar which only adds to the lovely ambience of Moon Walk.

Have drinks by candlelight.

A cocktail-based romantic rendezvous is another old standby that New Orleans does better than anywhere else. If this is your style, meet your sweetie in the Jackson Square and choose from a multitude of options such as Muriel’s or Sylvain. Many local bars and restaurants create unique in-house concoctions that you won’t find anywhere else.

Take a carriage ride around the French Quarter.

If you have had your fill of walking for the day, enjoy a ride on one of the famous carriages that line up in front of Jackson Square on Decatur Street. The carriages are actually pulled by mules which fare better in the sticky New Orleans heat than horses. Enjoy the sites and rest your feet.

Take a Haunted Ghost Tour.

What better way to get close to your sweetie than on an exciting ghost tour? I know a wonderful French Quarter tour company that will offer a 10% discount if you mention this blog. ��

Have your fortune told.

Is it true love? Find out by getting your cards read. You can find card and palm readers in Jackson Square late into the evening, or you can have a reading at places like Marie Laveaux‘s House of Voodoo, Voodoo Authentica, or Bottom of the Cup Tea Room.

Of course, there is hardly a better way to have a little romantic time than by joining Royal Tours New Orleans for a leisurely stroll around the French Quarter on one of our private or small group history tours. Our local guides will entertain you with some of the most fascinating stories and legends of the city’s founding and history. Join us for the entertaining French Quarter History Tour or the thrilling Haunted Ghost Tour .

Email us or call us at 504-507-8333 for more information or to book a tour. Remember, being on tour with Royal Tours New Orleans is like having a new best friend in the French Quarter.

Get your Galatoire’s Christmas Dinner Reservations!

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 06:00:00 GMT

Get your Galatoire’s Christmas Dinner Reservations!

For more than 100 years, Galatoire’s has had a “no reservation” policy for its first floor dining room, but twice a year, and only twice a year, the restaurant does make an exception . . .

A bidding paddle and table schematic: those are the two essential tools to have at Galatoire’s for each of its two table auctions. Hosted by the restaurant’s foundation , the restaurant auctions tables each year for the Friday before Christmas and the Friday before Mardi Gras. This year, the Christmas auction will be held on Dec 3.

In 2006, Galatoire’s started the live auction to benefit a variety of local charities (and later on its own foundation, in 2010) to provide support for local causes and cultural programs. Prior to the auction, people who wanted a table on this day, as well as the Friday before Mardi Gras, would pay men and women to wait in line to secure their spot inside since the restaurant does not take reservations in the main dining room.

The auctions, now in their 13th year, have funded deserving programs such as the Boys Hope Girls Hope of Greater New Orleans and the New Orleans Mission . This auction will provide support for VIALINK , The New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation , and the Galatoire Foundation .

“We are pleased to have this year’s auctions benefit such wonderful organizations,” Melvin Rodrigue, the restaurant’s foundation president, said in a press release. “VIALINK and The New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation provide vital services and assistance to our city.”

Reservations to the Christmas auction are available now. The evening begins with cocktails at 5:30 p.m., with the auction starting at 6:30 p.m. Entry is $50 per couple with a $25 donation for each additional guest. The Mardi Gras auction reservation ticket sale date will be announced in early 2019.

For the dinner auction tickets are available at galatoirechrismasauction2018.eventbrite.com/.Galatoires-bidding.

Of course, there is hardly a better way to walk off a fine meal than to join Royal Tours New Orleans for a leisurely stroll around the French Quarter on one of our private or small group history tours. Our local guides will entertain you with some of the most fascinating stories and legends of the city’s founding and history. Join us for the entertaining French Quarter History Tour or the thrilling Haunted Ghost Tour .

Email us or call us at 504-507-8333 for more information or to book a tour. Remember, being on tour with Royal Tours New Orleans is like having a new best friend in the French Quarter.

Images © Josh Brasted for Nola.com

COOLinary New Orleans

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 05:00:00 GMT

COOLinary New Orleans

How can you possible beat lunch at Oceana, Galatoire’s, Pascal’s Manale in the Garden District, or Boucherie in the Carrollton neighborhood, followed by dinner that evening at Brennan’s, The Pelican Club, Broussard’s, or Commander’s Palace?

The New Orleans Second Line

Thu, 14 Jun 2018 05:00:00 GMT

The New Orleans Second Line

New Orleans is a city filled with traditions, most of them centered on some excuse to have fun. Few are more fun than the Second Line. And, just as we don’t need much of an excuse to drop everything for a little fun, we don’t need much of an excuse to join a Second Line. So, join us for our tribute to the Second Line…

The Second Line is a tradition in New Orleans that reaches back into the early 19th Century with the emergence of the brass bands in New Orleans. As the brass bands would parade down the street performing their song of the day, others would naturally fall in behind to join along. It became impossible to resist dancing along and mimicking the energy and movements of the players and Grand Marshall.

To learn more about the exciting and vibrant French Quarter and New Orleans, join Royal Tours New Orleans for a personalized and private walking tour of the French Quarter.

Jazz legend Jelly Roll Morton once commented to Alan Lomax, “Those parades were really tremendous things, the drums would start off, the trumpets and trombones rolling into something like ‘Stars and Stripes’ or ‘The National Anthem’ and everybody would strut off down the street…”

A Second Line consists of brass band, sometimes a Grand Marshall to lead, and the people following. Second Line became best known from the ceremonies of the famous jazz funerals. Today, people have Second Lines for weddings or any number of events. For weddings, apart from a casket, the mourners and a cemetery visit, they carry many of the same traditions with them as they march down the streets usually in the French Quarter.

Ranging in size, level of organization, and traditions, second lines include a brass band, jubilant dancing in the street, and members decked out in a wardrobe of brightly colored clothes and accessories. The point of Second Lines is to keep the energy alive, celebrating with loved ones and friends, and dancing in the street moving from block to block.

The term “second line parade” refers to all those who join in the excitement. The people who are part of the hosting organization are the “first line” of the parade.

If you are traveling to New Orleans, maybe you will be fortunate enough to see one. If not, host your own and watch strangers become friends for just a moment while dancing in the streets to some of the most upbeat, loud, and soulful music. There is no better recipe for joy than joining in on a New Orleans Second Line.

Interested in hosting your own Second Line? Go here for details. http://www.nola.com/living/index.ssf/2016/09/how_to_have_a_second-line_or_p.html

Looking for a truly unique experience in the French Quarter? Join Royal Tours New Orleans for a personalized and private walking tour of the French Quarter. We offer private and intimate tours of the French Quarter lead by our long term resident tour guides. You may choose our popular French Quarter History Tour , or tell us what you are interested in, and we will make sure you have the best tour experience possible. Our guides are long term residents of New Orleans and are immersed in its history and culture. We are not afraid to go off the beaten path. And remember, all of our tours are private. You and your group will have exclusive use of our guide for the duration of your tour. It will be like having a new best friend in the French Quarter! Email us or call us at 504-507-8333 to schedule your private tour.

Best Places To Enjoy A Cigar In The French Quarter

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 05:00:00 GMT

Best Places To Enjoy A Cigar In The French Quarter

If you are in New Orleans on vacation, then it's time to throw off the daily grind of life and enjoy the many pleasures of the French Quarter. Some visit to enjoy the rollicking fun of Bourbon Street. Many come to the French Quarter to immerse themselves in many of the finer offerings: the Royal Street galleries, a great meal from one of our nationally known French Creole restaurants, a fine wine. So, how about a great cigar to top it off? But, where to find a great cigar in the French Quarter, and where to enjoy it? Naturally, we have the answer to that…

To learn more about the exciting and vibrant French Quarter and New Orleans, join Royal Tours New Orlean s for a personalized and private walking tour of the French Quarter. There is no better way to learn about the places the locals know about than with our resident tour guides!

While they do not serve liquor on the premises, they welcome drinks off the street. So, bring your favorite beer, grab a stick from the Cigar Factory humidor, and have a seat with your friends near the front window. It is a real treat knowing that the cigar you are smoking was masterfully crafted on the work tables only a few feet from you by a true master cigar roller.

New Orleans Cigar Factory is located on Decatur between Conti and St Louis Streets.

Cuban Creations Cigar Bar – 533 Toulouse St

There are few places better suited for taking a mid-day break from the Royal Street galleries or an evening escape from the madness of Bourbon Street than Cuban Creations Cigar Bar. Formerly known as La Habana Hemingway, the new owners made improvements in every way, even where improvements would have not been thought possible.

Cuban Creations is one of the very few places in New Orleans with the necessary license to have a full bar and to allow smoking. They have a solid cigar selection with in-house rolls plus offerings from Davidoff, Padron, Alec Bradley, and others. But, we especially love them for having one of the best selections of top shelf liquors in the French Quarter.

Cuban Crafters is located on Toulouse, between Decatur and Chartres, just behind Cafe Maspero.

Actually, I think I’ll head there now. Save me a seat at the bar, and ask the bartender to have my Aberlour A’Bunadh ready. Neat, of course.

Our guides are long term residents of New Orleans and are immersed in its history and culture. We are not afraid to go off the beaten path. And remember, all of our tours are private. You and your group will have exclusive use of our guide for the duration of your tour. It will be like having a new best friend in the French Quarter! Email us or call us at 504-507-8333 to schedule your private tour.

New Orleans Gumbo!

Tue, 29 May 2018 05:00:00 GMT

New Orleans Gumbo!

Italians have minestrone. Americans have stew. We have gumbo! What is probably the greatest Creole contribution to American cuisine, gumbo has its roots in French, Native American, and west African cuisines. This means, of course, that gumbo ingredients can vary widely, but this is what you will usually find in the pot…

The name gumbo seems to come from a couple of sources. In west Africa, where most of the arriving African slaves originated, the dish that would contribute to Louisiana gumbo was named after one of the two main ingredients, okra. In west Africa it was called ki ngombo. Okra is still one of the few vegetables that is commonly present in gumbo.

Further, among the Choctaw, ground sassafras leaves, or filé, was called kombo. Many have heard of filé gumbo, having been popularized by the Hank Williams song and covered by numerous artists. Filé continues to be a common spice used in gumbo.

To learn more about the exciting and vibrant French Quarter and New Orleans, join Royal Tours New Orleans for a personalized and private walking tour of the French Quarter. Email us or call us at 504-507-8333.

To learn more about the exciting and vibrant French Quarter and New Orleans, join Royal Tours New Orleans for a personalized and private walking tour of the French Quarter. Lead by our long term resident tour guides, we offer numerous tours, including French Quarter History , the Red Light District Tour , and the LGBT History Tour . Our guides are also well-versed in the cuisine of New Orleans, so tell us what you are interested in and we will make sure you have the best tour experience possible. And remember, all of our tours are private. You and your group will have exclusive use of our guide for the duration of your tour. It will be like having a new best friend in the French Quarter! Email us or call us at 504-507-8333 to schedule your private tour.

Happy Birthday, New Orleans!

Mon, 07 May 2018 05:00:00 GMT

Happy Birthday, New Orleans!

One of the most vibrant cities in America has it roots in France, was once owned by Spain, and continues to this day to feel as European as it does American. Once known as La Nouvelle-Orleans, the City of New Orleans was founded in the Spring of 1718 at the direction of Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville. Bienville settled on the current location after having scouted the area since his arrival with his brother Iberville and a small band of explorers in late 1699.

Originally settling near present-day Biloxi, Mississippi, Bienville and his explorers began looking for other locations to expand the French empire at the behest of King Louis XIV. Bienville selected this site for several reasons: it was on relatively high ground and along a sharp bend in the Mississippi River which created a natural levee (the Quinipissa Indians, recognizing this fact, once had a village here), it was at an Indian trading route and portage between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain via Bayou St. John (that trading route became the basis for parts of Esplanade and Bayou Road), and it offered control of the Mississippi River at a safe distance from English and Spanish settlements.

The city was named in honor of then Regent of France, Philip II, Duke of Orleans, and it was intended from its founding to be an important colonial city for France, lending it control over trade through the Mississippi River. While John Law would soon try to sell New Orleans to Europeans as a veritable utopia in an effort to get them to move here, Pierre Francois Xavier de Charlevoix more accurately described it as a place of a hundred wretched hovels in a malarious wet thicket of willows and dwarf palmettos, infested by serpents and alligators. But, both he and the city’s second engineer, Adrien de Pauger, predicted great things for this fledgling city.

By 1722, Nouvelle-Orleans had replaced Biloxi as the capitol of French Louisiana.

Happy birthday, New Orleans. You’re looking pretty good for 300!

Join Royal Tours New Orleans for a personalized and private walking tour of the French Quarter to learn more about this exciting and vibrant city. Lead by our long term resident tour guides, we offer numerous tours, including French Quarter History , the Red Light District Tour focusing on the history of women in the French Quarter, and the LGBT History Tour . Or, tell us what you are interested in and we will make sure you have the best tour experience possible. And remember, all of our tours are private. You and your group will have exclusive use of our guide for the duration of your tour. It will be like having a new best friend in the French Quarter! Email us or call us at 504-507-8333 to schedule your private tour.

The Origins of New Orleans Voodoo

Mon, 12 Mar 2018 05:00:00 GMT

The Origins of New Orleans Voodoo

New Orleans Voodoo consists of various African beliefs that are mixed with Catholic elements. But, to understand New Orleans Voodoo, one must first understand the city and how its mix of influences – Catholic, Animist, French, Spanish, Caribbean, American – have combined to make it like no other place in the world.

The history of voodoo in New Orleans began with the arrival of slaves in the New World, most of them from the western “Slave Coast” area of Africa, notably from Dahomey, now Benin, Nigeria, and Congo. In Benin’s Fon language, vodun means “spirit,” an invisible, mysterious force that can intervene in human affairs.” But, the Congo practices are what form the major African influence on both Hoodoo (African American folk magic) and New Orleans Voodoo. The veneration of the dead, mojo hands, and homage to “Li Grand Zombi” can all be traced to Congo vodun traditions.

To learn more about the history of voodoo in New Orleans, join Royal Tours for a private tour of the French Quarter. Join an actual Vodun priest or priestess for an exclusive tour and learn the history of Voodoo in New Orleans and how it is practiced today. Email or call us at 504-507-8333 to book your private tour in the French Quarter.

Elements of voodoo spread from Haiti to New Orleans in the wake of the Haitian slave revolt (1791-1804) and enhanced the voodoo practices already alive in the city. The refugee plantation owners fled the Caribbean to Louisiana with their slave retinues which had previously toiled under such repressive circumstances that their African religion “had all but withered.” The arriving slaves who had already lived under French rule and Catholicism found themselves on familiar ground with the strong French and Catholic influence in New Orleans. In addition, oppression lessened somewhat with American rule, following the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, and with the influx of thousands of voodoo practitioners, soon “New Orleans began to hear the beat of the drum”.

Today, New Orleans voodoo has grown and is widely practiced in and around New Orleans. Many adherents will visit one of several reputed tombs of Marie Laveau in St Louis Cemetery #1 and leave gifts or small offerings of food or water.

Avoid the large impersonal group tours. Join Royal Tours for a private tour of the French Quarter. Email us or call us at 504-507-8333 for details. Being on tour with Royal Tours is like having a new best friend in the French Quarter.

Jean Lafitte’s Old Absinthe House

Thu, 08 Mar 2018 06:00:00 GMT

Jean Lafitte’s Old Absinthe House

The Old Absinthe House was originally built in 1807 to house an importing firm before expanding to include a saloon that boasted fine French Absinthes. It is the first bar to introduce Absinthe dripping fountains in the United States. But, it was also crucial to winning the final battle of the War of 1812.

Numerous legends surround the Old Absinthe Bar on Bourbon Street. It is said that during prohibition the proprietors had to move the business overnight, including the bar, when rumors spread that people in favor of the law banning the public sale of alcohol had plans to destroy it. However, the most famous legend of the Old Absinthe House involves a pirate, a President, and a round of drinks.

Legend has it that the Barataria pirate Jean Lafitte met with General Andrew Jackson over drinks at the Old Absinthe House to discuss the upcoming defense of New Orleans against the British in the battle known today as the Battle of New Orleans. Jackson agreed to pardon the pirate’s past offenses, along with those of his men, in exchange for fighting on behalf of the city. As it turns out, Lafitte and his group from the Barataria Bay knew the surrounding swamps like few others and were indispensable in defending New Orleans against the British attack. They fought honorably alongside American troops and together they defended the city from the approaching British troops.

Avoid the unpleasant crowds. Join Royal Tours for a private French Quarter tour. Email us or call us at 504-507-8333 to book a private tour of the French Quarter.

Absinthe has historically been a drink of choice for writers around the world which led a large number of American writers through the doors of the Old Absinthe House including Mark Twain and Walt Whitman. Aleister Crowley was quite fond of the place, remarking on its significance to the “spirit” of New Orleans: “Art is the soul of life and the Old Absinthe House is heart and soul of the old quarter of New Orleans.”

To learn more about the fascinating history of New Orleans and the French Quarter, join Royal Tours on one of its highly regarded private walking tours of the French Quarter. Your group will have a dedicated tour guide, exclusive to your group. Email us or call us at 504-507-8333 to book your private walking tour of the French Quarter. Find out why our customers say,

“Being on tour with Royal Tours is like having a new best friend in the French Quarter.”

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

Tue, 06 Mar 2018 06:00:00 GMT

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

In an age of having a Walgreen’s or CVS on nearly every street corner, it is odd to imagine a time before the ubiquitous licensed pharmacy. But, such a thing did not exist anywhere in the United States until Louis Joseph Dufilho, Jr. opened his pharmacy in New Orleans on Chartres Street in 1823. But, Dufilho sold not only the common medicines of the time. He also sold popular voodoo gris-gris potions.

To learn more about the fascinating history of New Orleans and the French Quarter, join Royal Tours New Orleans for one of its highly regarded private tours of the French Quarter. You will get the exclusive attention of one of our engaging local guides for the full length of the tour. We go at your pace and discuss the topics that interest you. Being on tour with Royal Tours is like having a new best friend in the French Quarter. Email us or call us at 504-507-8333 to book your private tour.

One of the museums earliest exhibits after opening in 1950 was called Acqua Vitale, and it told the history of alcohol in medicine. Even during Prohibition, pharmacists were allowed to have alcohol as medicine. People could get whiskey from the pharmacy with the right set of “ailments.” The exhibit also revealed how absinthe started out as medicinal and was the alcohol found in the original versions of Coke and 7-Up.

Of course, this was before the awareness of drug addiction. So, it was not unusual to see alcohol or cocaine in the pharmacist’s possession. For example, it was common in the 19th century to have tampons dipped in opium and belladonna to relieve menstrual cramps.

In 1855, Dufilho and his family returned to France, where he died the next year. The building and existing stock were purchased by a physician, James Dupas, who opened medical offices on the second floor. Dupas acted as both physician and pharmacist, filling his own prescriptions until 1865.

Today, museum guests can visit the first floor pharmacy along with Dupas’ second floor medical office which features seemingly crude instruments, early anesthetics, and other artifacts discovered in the building’s courtyard during a 1940s renovation to the building.

In New Orleans for vacation? Looking for something cool to do? Book a private and personal French Quarter tour with Royal Tours . Email us or call us at 504-507-8333 for details.

Robert de La Salle and the French Claim of Louisiana, Part 2

Thu, 18 Jan 2018 06:00:00 GMT

Robert de La Salle and the French Claim of Louisiana, Part 2

Mortally wounded, la Salle stayed alive long enough to be humiliated by his ‘friends’. He was stripped of all his clothing and jewelry and left to die where he fell, somewhere in present-day eastern Texas. He died one hour later. Yet, just five years prior, René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, had the admiration of the French king and the world in his hands.

When la Salle returned to Canada from France in 1678 with the full support of King Louis XIV and a title of nobility, he began preparing for his exploration of the “western parts of New France” and his descent down the Mississippi River by exploring the Great Lakes and the Illinois Valley. Having been handed a valuable monopoly in the trade of buffalo hides, la Salle commissioned the building of the Griffon, the first commercial sailing vessel on Lake Erie, which he hoped would pay for an expedition into the interior as far as the Mississippi. Using the Griffon, la Salle intended to transport furs back to Montreal, but the seven-cannon, 45-ton ship sank with its six crew members and a load of furs before he could make a profit.

Following the sinking of the Griffon, la Salle canoed down the western bank of Lake Michigan while his friend, Henri de Tonti, crossed the lower Michigan peninsula on foot. They rejoined forces on the Illinois River about 70 miles southwest of present-day Chicago where they built Fort Crevecoeur (Fort Broken Heart). This fort led to the development of present-day Peoria, Illinois. Here, la Salle commissioned the building of another ship under the direction of Tonti, but while la Salle was gone for supplies, the men mutinied, destroyed the fort, and exiled Tonti.

After several additional setbacks, la Salle and Tonti, in February, 1682, finally launched their canoes into the icy waters of the Mississippi. In addition to Tonti, la Salle’s party consisted of more than forty Europeans and Native Americans. While navigating the Mississippi, la Salle stopped to construct Fort Prudhomme which later became the site of Memphis, Tennessee.

With the assistance of Arkansas Indian guides, La Salle’s group finally reached the point at which the Mississippi River flowed into the Gulf of Mexico (near present-day Venice, Louisiana) where he buried an engraved plate and planted a post with the inscription “Louis the Great, King of France and of Navarre, Reigns Here, April 9, 1682.” The king would not learn of La Salle’s discovery until a year later. On April 10, without taking the opportunity to explore the Gulf Coast and the Mississippi’s intricate web of tributaries, La Salle began the return voyage up the river. Once back in Illinois, la Salle and Tonti built Fort Saint Louis at Starved Rock in Illinois. La Salle left Tonti in charge while he returned to France to plan his next exploration.

To learn more about the fascinating history of New Orleans and the French Quarter, join Royal Tours for a private walking tour of the French Quarter. Call us at 504-507-8333 or email us to book!

In 1854, historian Charles Gayarre wrote, “In 1684 he returned to France, and found himself famous. He, the poor boy, the ignoble by birth, for whom paternal tenderness had dreamed nothing higher than the honor of being a teacher in a seminary of Jesuits, was presented to Louis XIV amid all the splendors of his court! That Jupiter among the kings of the earth had a smile to bestow upon the humble subject who came to deposit at the foot of the throne the title-deeds of such broad domains. But that smile of royalty was destined to be the last smile of fortune. The favors which he then obtained bred nothing but reverses.”

King Louis XIV provided la Salle with a fleet of four vessels along with all the materials necessary to establish a colony, and la Salle again left his native country, but this time invested with high command and hoping perhaps to be the founder of an empire. But, as Gayarre recounts, la Salle’s fortunes began to turn. They left France on July 24, 1684, but La Salle soon found himself at odds with the officers and crew of the Joly, the ship on which la Salle sailed. La Salle refused to stop at Medeira, off the western coast of Africa, to resupply for the long trip across the Atlantic. The remaining distance across the Atlantic was undertaken in the heat of summer with very little water. To add to their difficulties, the Saint-Francois which was carrying food and supplies was captured by the Spanish. By the time they arrived at the French colony of St Domingue on Hispanola in the Caribbean, la Salle had lost more than 100 of his crew of 300 from desertion, disease, and death.

From Hispanola, la Salle set sail into the Gulf of Mexico with his three remaining ships in search of the mouth of the Mississippi River. But, whether due to navigation error, faulty maps, or the numerous false inlets which made finding the Mississippi River difficult, la Salle and his three ships sailed 500 miles west of their intended target to Matagorda Bay near present-day Houston, Texas. Convinced he was exactly where he wanted to be, la Salle sent the Belle and Amiable into what he was certain was the Mississippi River. While the Belle and Amiable were away, the Commander of the Joly, having reached the end of his contract, and set sail for France, leaving la Salle and his companions on shore.

When Belle and Amiable returned with their reports la Salle knew for certain that they were not on the Mississippi Delta. The two ships set out in search of the river, but the Amiable ran aground and was damaged beyond repair. Native pillagers swamped the abandoned ship, but la Salle was quick to take advantage. He stole their canoes, but lost several more men in an ensuing battle. What remained of the original band of adventurers set out once more on the Belle, now desperately searching for the Mississippi River.

Still convinced that the river was close by, la Salle set up Fort Saint Louis near present-day Victoria Texas with his remaining 36 colonists. From here, he would launch forays eastward attempting to locate the river he and Tonti had canoed down just a few years prior. By now, those few surviving colonists had survived incredible hardships: sickness, attacks, desertion. It was from this desperation that Pierre Duhaut conspired with a handful of men to kill La Salle while on their forth overland expedition in search of the Mississippi River on March 19, 1687.

Ironically, another member of the expedition killed Dehaut over a dispute about the allocation of supplies. The few remaining explorers, including one Henri Joutel, continued eastward, and finding the Mississippi River, they returned north to find Henri de Tonti. Keeping the true story to themselves, they told Tonti only that they had become separated from la Salle. Tonti, not knowing that he was, in fact, facing la Salle’s murderers, secured passage for them back to France. It was not until Joutel published his journals in 1713 that the truth of la Salle’s murder would be known.

La Salle’s Fort Saint Louis colony lasted only until 1688 when Native Americans killed the 20 remaining adults and took the children as captives. Tonti sent out search missions in 1689 when he learned of the settlers’ fate, but failed to find survivors. Tonti himself had undertaken an excursion down the Mississippi River into southern Louisiana in 1685 in search of his old friend, la Salle, hoping to meet him and his arriving colonists. Disappointed at finding no trace of la Salle, Tonti left a letter with the local Indians at the village of Bayagoulas along the Mississippi River near Lake Maurepas. Amazingly, this “speaking bark” was handed over to Bienville 14 years later when he began to explore the area. It was from the letter that Bienville gained confidence that his team had found the Mississippi River.

In 1995, La Salle’s ship Belle was found in Matagorda Bay and has since been the site of archaeological research. Most important to La Salle’s legacy though are the contributions he made to the increased knowledge of the Great Lakes region and the Mississippi Basin. His claiming of Louisiana for France has a significance that lasts to this day in terms of the physical layouts of the cities and the cultural practices of the people there.

Join Royal Tours for one of our fascinating private walking tours of the French Quarter, and you'll see why people say being on tour with Royal Tours is like having a new best friend in the French Quarter! Call us 504-507-8333 or email us to book your private French Quarter tour.

King Cake – A Mardi Gras Tradition

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 06:00:00 GMT

King Cake – A Mardi Gras Tradition

The tradition of king cake is hundreds of years old. King Cake is used to “celebrate the feast of Epiphany, the Christian holiday that celebrates the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child”. But, what is its origin, and what is its history in New Orleans? As with a lot of New Orleans history, the answer is shrouded in a bit of mystery. So, we went sleuthing…

The tradition of king cake is hundreds of years old. King Cake is used to “celebrate the feast of Epiphany, the Christian holiday that celebrates the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child”.

“The Magi” refers to the Three Wise Men, also known as the Three Kings.

The king cake tradition traveled across the globe and across centuries, it has taken many forms. From the southern French Brioche des Rois to the northern French version, Galette des rois, and Mexican version, Rosca De Reyes.

The King Cake tradition is thought to have been brought to New Orleans from France in 1870. A King Cake is an oval-shaped bakery delicacy, crossed between a coffee cake and a French pastry that is as rich in history as it is in flavor. It is decorated in royal colors of PURPLE which signifies “Justice,” GREEN for “Faith,” and GOLD for “Power.” These colors were chosen to resemble a jeweled crown honoring the Wise Men who visited the Christ Child on Epiphany. In the past such things as coins, beans, pecans, or peas were also hidden in each King Cake.

To learn more about the flavorful history of New Orleans and the French Quarter, join Royal Tours on your own private walking tour of the French Quarter. Our French Quarter History Tour is one of the cool things to do in New Orleans since you will gain insider secrets from our resident guides that others will miss out on. Call us at 504-507-8333 or send us an email .

But New Orleanians will tell you the king cake didn’t reach its potential until 1964 when Hurricane Betsy leveled a little donut shop in New Orleans by the name of Haydel’s Sunny Flake Bakery. When it was rebuilt by David Haydel and Dottie Freeland following the hurricane, the new bakery expanded their offerings to include their now-famous King Cake.

The recipe has had few changes since the 60s for fear of upsetting loyal local fans. The people of New Orleans will tell you that changing the recipe is “far more dangerous than any hurricane”.

The third generation of Haydels now protects the recipe. A recipe that in 2016, was used to make over 75,000 king cakes.

But, not so fast. Many locals will point to Manny Randazzo King Cakes as the baker who popularized the King Cake. In 1965 Manuel Sr., along with his father and brothers, opened the renowned Randazzo’s HiLan Bakery in Chalmette, Louisiana. And since 1995, they have devoted their entire operation to the baking of their popular King Cake.

Manny Randazzo King Cakes claim that they are the ones with the original recipe in New Orleans. No matter which, both bakeries have been running since the 60s and they both make a fantastic King Cake. If you are from out of town or out of the country, they will ship the cake to your location. You can't go wrong ordering from either.

These days, after liability, the baby is no longer placed in the cake but outside of it. Once delivered to your address, have someone place the baby in it and then spin the King Cake around before serving.

During Mardi Gras, the King Cake is as common at parties as beer is on Bourbon Street. Once sliced, each person looks to see if their piece contains the “baby.” If you are the one to find the baby you’re named “King” for a day and bound by custom to host the next party and provide the King Cake.

Mardi Gras Day has a movable date and may occur on any Tuesday from February 3rd to March 9th. It is always the day before Ash Wednesday, and always falls 46 days before Easter.

Join Royal Tours for a private walking tour of the French Quarter, and you'll see why people say being on tour with Royal Tours is like having a new best friend in the French Quarter! Call us at 504-507-8333 or email us for tour details.

Robert de La Salle and the French Claim of Louisiana, Part 1

Tue, 24 Oct 2017 05:00:00 GMT

Robert de La Salle and the French Claim of Louisiana, Part 1

Rene-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, first feasted his eyes on the Mississippi River in January, 1682. His companions were forty soldiers, three monks, and the Chevalier de Tonti. La Salle had received the education of a Jesuit and had been destined to the cloister and to become a tutor of children in the seminary of that order. But, he had a will, and a passion, and an intellect that would drive him to become an explorer.

Though born poor, he desired to be noble and rich; obscure, he desired to be famous. So, he obeyed the impulse of his ambition and crossed the Atlantic, landing in Canada in 1673. Once in the New World, La Salle’s mind seemed to expand, his conceptions became more vivid, and his eloquence became more persuasive.

Brought into contact with Count Frontenac, the governor of Canada, La Salle told him of his views and projects for the aggrandizement of France and suggested to him the grand plan of connecting the St. Lawrence with the Mississippi by an uninterrupted chain of forts. “From the information which I have been able to collect,” La Salle said to the Count, “I think I may affirm that the Mississippi draws its source somewhere in the vicinity of the Celestial Empire, and that France will be not only the mistress of all the territory between the St. Lawrence and the Mississippi, but will command the trade of China, flowing down the new and mighty channel which I shall open to the Gulf of Mexico.”

To learn more about the fascinating history of New Orleans and the French Quarter, join Royal Tours for a private French Quarter History Tour . This is a great way to gain insider secrets on the French Quarter while on vacation in New Orleans.

Count Frontenac was mightily seduced by the grandness of La Salle’s plan, but he feared incurring such an expense and so referred La Salle to the court of France for approval. Returning to France with a letter of introduction from Count Frontenac, La Salle was introduced to Prince de Conti who was immediately fired by La Salle’s enthusiasm. Through Prince de Conti, La Salle obtained from King Louis XIV not only an immense concession of land but was provided all the powers and privileges needed to carry out his plans of discovery.

In 1678, La Salle re-crossed the Atlantic with his new partner, the Chevalier de Tonti, who, as an officer, had served with distinction in many a war, and who afterward became famous among the Indians for the iron hand which replaced his own which he had lost in battle. La Salle soon stood once again in Quebec and began the execution of his projects. But, over the next four years, La Salle and Tonti would face sunken ships, mutinous soldiers, burning forts, and Indian friends turned foe.

In February, 1682, La Salle and Tonti finally launched their canoes into the icy waters of the Mississippi. In addition to Tonti, la Salle’s party consisted of more than forty Europeans and Native Americans. While navigating the Mississippi, la Salle stopped to construct Fort Prudhomme which later became the site of Memphis, Tennessee.

Royal Tours New Orleans offers private walking tours of the French Quarter. There is no better introduction to the French Quarter than a private tour from Royal Tours . Joins us and you'll see why being on tour with Royal Tours is like having a new best friend in the French Quarter. Call us at 504-507-8333 or email us for details.

Happy Birthday Marie Laveau

Mon, 11 Sep 2017 05:00:00 GMT

Happy Birthday Marie Laveau

The actual date of Marie Laveau’s birth has been up for dispute for many years. But, a baptismal certificate found in an unpublished book in the archives of the Archdiocese of New Orleans seems to have the answer.

There are few figures in New Orleans history that are shrouded in more mystery and misinformation that Marie Laveau. Even to this day, Laveau is a controversial figure with often conflicting information surrounding her birth, life, and death.

Some of the confusion comes from an obituary that stated she was 98 years old when she died in 1881, and this was long accepted as fact. However, a baptismal certificate found in an untranslated and unpublished book in the archives of the Archdiocese of New Orleans by an LSU researcher has Marie Laveau born as a “free mulatto girl child” on September 10, 1801.

The document confirms that a six-day old Marie Laveau was baptized by Pere Antoine (Pere Antonio de Sedella) on September 16, 1801. Her mother, Marguerite d’Arcantel, was a freed mullato slave. Her father, Charles Laveau, was a free man of color who had become wealthy as a real estate speculator, money lender, and slave trader.

She grew up in her grandmother’s modest cottage on St Ann in Faubourg Treme. We all know that Marie would go on to become the city’s most well-known practitioner of Voodoo. Yet, she also maintained a close relationship with Pere Antoine who presided over Marie’s marriage to Jacques Paris, a free man of color of French and African descent.

Despite, or perhaps due to, the mystery surrounding Marie Laveau, she remains one of the most asked-about figures in New Orleans history. She continues to be surrounded by legend and lore.

To learn more about Marie Laveau, join Royal Tours New Orleans for our private French Quarter History Tour , and to visit her burial tomb, join us for the St Louis Cemetery #1 Tour . Our private tours are the perfect opportunity for you and a small group of family or friends to tour the French Quarter and learn insider secrets with your own private guide. Call us at 504-507-8333 or email us to book!

Gallatin Street, The Home of New Orleans Vice

Fri, 25 Aug 2017 05:00:00 GMT

Gallatin Street, The Home of New Orleans Vice

People visit New Orleans and the French Quarter from all over the world, and one of the common sites to visit while in the French Quarter is the open-air French Market near the Mississippi River and just down-river from Cafe du Monde. Yet, few people realize that this area was once home to organized crime and pre-Storyville prostitution in New Orleans.

From the 1820s to the 1880s, a two-block stretch called Gallatin Street, which sheltered some of the most dangerous criminals, prostitutes, and street gangs in New Orleans, was considered the most violent place in the country. A local newspaper, the New Orleans States, once reported in 1925 that it was the “toughest two city blocks of all the waterfronts of the world.”

Throughout the 19th century, the Port of New Orleans was one of the busiest in the country. In addition to the vast amount of goods that passed through the port, close to half a million immigrants came through the port in the 20 years prior to the Civil War, and many of them didn’t make it past Gallatin Street. Its location immediately adjacent to the river made it a prime spot for sailors looking for housing, drink, and entertainment. And, the Port of New Orleans during this time was never empty, which provided a constant flow of men and women through Gallatin Street’s infamous boarding houses, brothels, and saloons.

Its location so close to the river and wharves also made it undesirable to nearly all except to the newly-arrived and poor immigrant families. With limited opportunities, many of the immigrant women turned to prostitution. An 1858 study into the sex industry by William Sanger found that after women entered the sex trade, they often died within four years. He also found that at least fifty percent of prostitutes had sexually transmitted diseases. Recurring ads in New Orleans’ newspapers during that period featured “cures” and remedies from sexually transmitted diseases.

Join Royal Tours for your own private walking tour of the French Quarter. Call 504-507-8333 or email us for details.

If the women sex workers didn’t die of disease, they often died from violence at the hands of drunken patrons or angry bar owners. But, the women weren’t always the victims. Sometimes they were the aggressors. In 1859, three prostitutes were charged with larceny after stealing from a patron of Archy Murphy’s brothel. Another woman, Mary Jane Jackson, was known for her hot-headed temper which often lead to her assaulting her customers. She was described as “a husky, full-bodied strumpet” with a “mop of flaming red hair,” which lead to her famously being known as Bricktop.

During her career as a prostitute in New Orleans she killed four men and stabbed many others. She clubbed one man to death in 1856 for calling her a whore and stabbed another, known as Long Charley (almost seven feet tall), with a specially designed knife which had been made to her own design; it had a heavy five-inch blade at each end, with a center grip handsomely mounted in German silver. With this fearsome weapon clutched in her fist, she could slash, cut, and stab in any direction without changing the position of the knife in her hand.

Bar brawls were common, robberies in the many brothels and cribs were frequent, and murders were a daily occurrence. Gallatin Street was a place where full-grown men simply disappeared in the night, never to be seen again. It was considered so dangerous that to even walk down this street at night was risking your life.

All except the most corrupt of police avoided Gallatin Street. Understaffed and underpaid, the police officers often demanded favors from the prostitutes, demanded bribes, or worked with the local bar owners and criminals.

As the area steadily declined into the early 1900s, the Gallatin Street buildings were demolished to make way for the expansion of the French Market, and the street was renamed French Market Place in 1935.

To learn more about the history of prostitution in New Orleans, join Royal Tours New Orleans for our highly regarded private Red Light District Tour. You will learn about the fascinating history of prostitution in New Orleans along with some of the amazing stories of women such as Bridget Fury, Josie Arlington, Lulu White, and Bricktop, who blazed their own path in ways both good and bad. Call us at 504-507-8333 or email us to book your private tour!

Gayarre Place, A Forgotten Park on Esplanade

Wed, 16 Aug 2017 05:00:00 GMT

Gayarre Place, A Forgotten Park on Esplanade

On a little triangular spit of land bounded by Esplanade, Bayou Road, and North Tonti Street, just across the street from the Degas House, you will find Gayarre Place and this neo-classical tribute to Charles Gayarre. Who? Well, frankly, that was my reaction, too. So, off for a little research.

Charles Etienne Arthur Gayarre was born in 1805 to a Spanish and French Creole planter’s family in New Orleans. Notably, he was the grandson of Etienne de Bore´, who was was appointed in 1803 by the American Governor, William Claiborne, following the Louisiana Purchase to be the first mayor of New Orleans. But, Etienne de Bore´ is probably most known and appreciated for devising the process for creating granulated sugar from sugar cane. His innovation made sugar cane a very profitable commodity crop. Etienne de Bore´died in 1820 and was interred at St Louis Cemetery No 1.

Charles Gayarre was born on his grandfather’s plantation which was located on the Mississippi River near present-day Audobon Park and Tulane University. He moved to Philadelphia, PA to study law in 1826, and in 1830 he was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives. This was quickly followed by positions of Louisiana Attorney General in 1831, Presiding Judge of the City of New Orleans in 1833, and election as a Jackson Democrat to the United States Senate in 1834.

However, Gayarre resigned before taking his U.S. Senate seat citing poor health. For the next eight years, Gayarre traveled in Europe and collected historical material from the French and Spanish regarding the history of Louisiana. Many of the documents that he used were written by his ancestor, Esteban de Gayarre, a military officer who had arrived in Louisiana with the first Spanish Governor Antonio de Ulloa (see Spanish Rule of New Orleans).

Learn more about the fascinating history of New Orleans and the French Quarter with our French Quarter History Tour . Call Royal Tours to book your private tour! 504-507-8333 or email us .

Upon returning to the United States, he once again continued his career in politics with positions in the state House of Representatives and as Secretary of State of Louisiana. But, it was the historical works that he would become most known for beginning in 1846 with his Histoire de la Louisiane . He followed this with Romance of the History of Louisiana in 1848, Louisiana: its Colonial History and Romance in 1851, and the four volume A History of Louisiana in 1866, among others. In all, his books covered the history of Louisiana from its earliest settlement by Europeans to 1861.

Unfortunately, the plaque inlaid at Gayarre Place gives the visitor no clue regarding the purpose of the park or the history of its namesake. Further, the city has allowed the monument and park to become somewhat overgrown due to disregard.

To learn more about the history of New Orleans and the French Quarter, join Royal Tours New Orleans for our highly regarded French Quarter History Tour . This private tour will take you and your friends or family on a unique tour of the French Quarter where you will learn about the exciting history of our unique city and the colorful characters of its early years. Call us at 504-507-8333 or email us to book your private tour.

The Oldest Buildings in the French Quarter

Tue, 08 Aug 2017 05:00:00 GMT

The Oldest Buildings in the French Quarter

New Orleans was founded in 1718 by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, who, following disagreements with the chief engineer of the colony, Pierre Le Blond de La Tour, ordered an assistant engineer, Adrien de Pauger, to draw up plans for the new city in 1720. In 1721, Pauger drew up the eleven-by-seven block rectangle now known as the French Quarter or the Vieux Carré. Unfortunately, there are few buildings that date to that time due the Great Fire of 1788 and a subsequent fire in 1794. But, we still have many buildings that date back to the late 1700s. And, as you might expect in New Orleans, one is a bar…

Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop

This building located at the corner of Bourbon and St Philip Streets dates to 1722 and gets its name from the famous pirate who supposedly used the building to run some of his smuggling operations through. It now lays claim to being among the oldest buildings in the French Quarter and also to being the oldest continually operated bar in the US. The owner even refused to close during Katrina!

Madame John’s Legacy

The original structure on this site was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1788, but what makes this building notable is that it was rebuilt in the original French style as opposed to the more common Spanish style at the time. Recall that New Orleans was under Spanish rule from 1762 until just prior to the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. The house was once owned by Renato Beluche, a French immigrant and wigmaker, whose fifth son, Rene Beluche, would go on to be a compatriot of Jean Lafitte.

Booking a private tour with Royal Tours is like having a new best friend in the Quarter. Call us at 504-507-8333 or email us .

Ursuline Convent

Completed in 1751, the Ursuline Convent is designed in the French Colonial style. It has operated as a convent, a girl’s school, and as the archbishop’s residence. It is also the source of many stories of hauntings mainly due to the arrival of the Casket Girls. It barely survived the fires of 1788 and 1794, no doubt, due to the fervent prayers of the resident nuns.

St Louis Cathedral

The original church on this site was one of the first buildings erected in 1718 upon the founding of New Orleans. That building, like so many others, was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1788. The church was rebuilt and then expanded several times over the years. The current structure mostly dates to 1850, and is the most iconic building in New Orleans. The cathedral is open to the public during the day.

St Louis Cemetery No 1

The city’s most famous burial ground was established in 1789 after New Orleans underwent rebuilding from the 1788 fire. Replacing the earlier St Peter Cemetery in the French Quarter, St Louis Cemetery #1 once occupied an area much larger than its current footprint. The variety of mausoleums arrayed on cramped and meandering paths is an amazing sight to behold. It houses the second most visited grave site in the US, that of Marie Laveau, second only to Elvis Presley’s grave at Graceland in Memphis TN. It is also the resting place of many other notables including US Capitol Building architect Benjamin Latrobe, Homer Plessy of Plessy vs Ferguson fame, world chess champion Paul Murphy, and possibly even Delphine Lalaurie, the notoriously cruel slave owner and character in American Horror Story, Season 3. It was also featured in the movies The Cincinnati Kid and Easy Rider.

The Cabildo

Built in 1775 and restored after the 1788 fire, the Cabildo has had quite a varied history. Originally built as the seat of the Spanish colonial government in New Orleans during the period of Spanish rule, the building has also operated as the Spanish court house, a jail, the site of the Louisiana Supreme Court, and now as a museum. It was also the site of the Plessy vs Ferguson case prior to the U.S. Supreme Court hearing, and it was the site of the ceremonial signing of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

To learn more about the rich history and architecture of the French Quarter, join Royal Tours for our fascinating French Quarter History Tour. Call for large group discounts or book one of our highly regarded private tours for just you and your friends or family. We will tailor the tour to your interests, and you will have exclusive access to the guide for the duration of the tour. This is a great way to learn insider secrets of the French Quarter from our resident tour guides. Booking a private tour with Royal Tours is like having a new best friend in the Quarter. Call us at 504-507-8333 or email us .

The Bombshell Convention visits New Orleans!

Mon, 07 Aug 2017 05:00:00 GMT

The Bombshell Convention visits New Orleans!

Younique Cosmetics brought their Bombshell Convention to New Orleans this past weekend, and Royal Tours was very excited to have about 200 attendees join us for a combined French Quarter History , Haunted Ghost , and Red Light District Tour .

We all started off in beautiful Jackson Square and finished at May Baily’s (a former Brothel) at the Dauphine Orleans Hotel. Many thanks to the Dauphine Orleans and May Baily’s for their hospitality. The bartenders at May Baily’s actually created a new cocktail called the “Bombshell” in honor of our group. Thanks guys!

Whether you are a small group looking for our highly regarded private French Quarter tours or a larger convention group, Royal Tours would love to have the opportunity to show you around our beloved French Quarter. Call us at 504-507-8333 or send us an email for details or to book!

The Upstairs Lounge Fire – 2017 Anniversary

Fri, 23 Jun 2017 05:00:00 GMT

The Upstairs Lounge Fire – 2017 Anniversary

On June 24, 1973 I had to work at The Upstairs Lounge Fire.

After a great weekend with friends. I needed some extra money, so on I took on Sunday’s evening shift since we had a special on beers that evening, and I knew we would have a good crowd.

Rodger Nunez came in again and, as usual, acted a fool, being obnoxious and disrespectful. I had to kick him out.

The bar is packed like I knew it would be, and everyone is having a great time. Many of my friends were here, and we are settling in for another enjoyable night at the Upstairs Lounge. I see one of my friends has brought his mother. And, there’s Pastor Larson who ministers to the local gay community.

Around 8 PM, I hear people screaming. I look up from my bar and see flames and smoke at the front door. I see people begin to panic, so tell everyone I can to follow me out the emergency exit. Many of us run to the back door, but I soon realize people are also trying to get out through the windows. But, the windows are barred, and only a few manage to squeeze through. It’s an image I’ll never be able to get out of my head. Yeah, in hindsight I saved a few people, but 33 died that night. So, don’t call me a hero.

This June 24, 2017, remember the events that lead to LGBT rights that our friends enjoy today. You can learn more about this night and other events that lead to equality for all by booking with Royal Tours New Orleans . Join us for our LGBT History Tour. Call us at 504-507-8333 or email us and ask for a private tour of the French Quarter.

We again thank Royd Anderson for his work in the the documentary The Upstairs Lounge Fire .

Happy Birthday, Joan of Arc!

Tue, 03 Jan 2017 06:00:00 GMT

Happy Birthday, Joan of Arc!

If you are in New Orleans on Friday, January 6, we encourage you to join Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc for their 9th annual French Quarter walking parade in honor of Joan’s birthday, New Orleans’ French Quarter heritage, and Twelfth Night, featuring medieval costumes and revelry, handmade throws, and a mix of whimsy, quirky folk art, and genuine spirituality. We at Royal Tours are excited to support our dear friend, artist extraordinairre, and krewe member, Frances Swigart.

Josie Arlington: Storyville’s Most Infamous Madam

Thu, 13 Oct 2016 05:00:00 GMT

Josie Arlington: Storyville’s Most Infamous Madam

Josie Arlington sat wearily on her plush couch, lit a cigarette, and silently observed the crowd gathered in her parlor on a Saturday night. Standing around in the decorated room were the most powerful men in New Orleans high society – politicians, judges, lawyers, doctors, even a police commander or two. And she knew the money would be flowing into her coffers once again.

Most club owners would be ecstatic at such a large crowd, but not Josie Arlington. She dragged on her cigarette and bitterly whispered to herself, “What hypocrites.”

For she also knew that not one of these gentlemen would dare acknowledge her presence outside the secretive walls of the club that shared her name: “The Arlington.” For Josie was the most infamous Madam in the most scandalous district in New Orleans: Storyville.

Josie always said that life as a Madam chose her, she didn’t choose it. She was orphaned at age 4, and the only parents she knew were the nuns at St. Elizabeth’s Home who took her in. But their attempts to scare the fear of God in her over the years eventually drove her away – and straight onto the mean streets of New Orleans.

Now as crazy as New Orleans is these days, back in the 19th century it was downright brutal. Red light districts all over town, and while the trade was not officially accepted, it was always tolerated. Josie knew where the real money was to be made, and became a teenage prostitute under the control of an older lover.

To learn more about the madams of Storyville and the fascinating history of prostitution in New Orleans, join Royal Tours on our Red Light District History Tour. Call us at 504-507-8333 or email us for tour details or to book your very own private tour in the French Quarter. This is also a great way to learn insider secrets of the French Quarter from our resident guides.

Life as a prostitute destroyed many women in New Orleans, but not Josie Arlington. As the years went by, she gained quite a reputation as a tough, no-nonsense woman of the night. She even got into a legendary fistfight with a rival prostitute, biting off part of her lips and ears!

But Josie knew she couldn’t work as a prostitute forever, and to make a life for herself, she would have to take advantage of the very men who were taking advantage of her. She would have to become a Madam.

So Josie opened a bordello in one of the largest red light districts in New Orleans. The district was located along the Basin Street rail line, just a few blocks from the French Quarter. Despite her rowdy reputation, Josie wanted to clean up her image and open a refined establishment where true gentlemen could pay for the services of, as she put it, “amiable, foreign girls.”

While her brothel became quite successful, the city of New Orleans was about to make her richer that she could have imagined. For in 1897, the city leaders decided upon a bold experiment. Rather than fight vices like prostitution and gambling, they decided to control them by confining them to one supervised area – the exact district where Josie had set up shop.

The area was named Storyville, and it soon became an amusement park of sin. The densely packed neighborhood was filled with saloons and brothels. High class gentlemen and rogues alike staggered through the streets, fueled by exotic drugs and overpriced booze, listening to the sounds of jazz in between trysts with the endless collection of prostitutes.

And of all the bordellos in Storyville, the Arlington was among the largest and most lavish. Beautiful women in exotic European lingerie waited in the grand parlor for the most powerful men in New Orleans to walk through the door.

But while Josie reveled in her upper class status within the walls of Storyville, she soon found out she had a much different reputation within New Orleans high society. When she left the streets of Storyville on any given day, her male customers would suddenly look away when she passed them in the street. Some would grab the hands of their confused wives and dart to the other side of the street to avoid her approach.

Even when she bought a mansion in one of New Orleans’ most affluent neighborhoods, she was still an outcast to the high society women of New Orleans. She could hear them whispering and giggling behind her back when she came home at night. “I wonder how many of these ladies know that their husbands visit me on weekends,” she thought to herself. But she kept silent, her bitterness festering inside her.

In later years, Josie fell into ill health, and the piles of money she made at the Arlington began to seem meaningless. She began to fixate on her approaching death, and knew it would provide her one more opportunity to get back at those who shunned her. So she shocked New Orleans one more time by purchasing a plot in Metairie Cemetery, the most expensive and fashionable graveyard in town.

Josie eventually passed away at age 50. A few years later, Storyville itself was shut down by the U.S. Navy due to concern about the effect it was having on its young sailors stationed in New Orleans. The brothels and bars were leveled to build a housing project. There is hardly a sign today that Storyville ever existed.

But some believe that Josie Arlington stuck around long after the death of Storyville for one last bid for attention. In the years after Josie was buried, rumors began to spread about strange goings-on at her grave. Curiosity-seekers who visited the grave ran back to town claiming they saw the urns on top of the tomb burst into flames before their eyes! Others saw an eerie red glow coming from the tomb at night, as if the granite walls were burning like hot coals. Josie’s grave was soon nicknamed the “Flaming Tomb.”

Of course, the symbolism of a red light on Josie’s tomb was not lost on many. Another rumor spread that the statue of the young girl would bang on the door of Josie’s tomb, trying to get in. But Josie would never answer, since she had always claimed that no girl had ever lost her virginity at the Arlington.

To learn more about Josie Arlington, Storyville, and the fascinating history of prostitution in New Orleans, join Royal Tours New Orleans on our Red Light District History Tour. Call us at 504-507-8333 or email us for tour details or to book your very own private tour in the French Quarter.