French Market
1008 N. Peters St., New Orleans, LA 70116
https://frenchmarket.org/
### The Fabulous French Market District
Since 1791, the historic French Market has remained a symbol of pride and progress for the people of New Orleans. Embracing the culture of the Crescent City, the French Market offers visitors, especially LGBTQ + travelers the entire New Orleans experience from the entertainment and cuisine to the architecture and shopping. There are many things to see and do in this downtown area located inside the French Quarter; but here are five highlights that we believe will make your visit more memorable.
1. Take A Powder. Many people powder their noses, but in NOLA, we powder our tastebuds with world renowned beignets lightly (or sometimes heavily) dusted with powdered sugar. No visit to the French Market is complete without stopping for a delicious order of beignets and Cafe au Lait at Cafe Du Monde. Open 24 hours, Cafe Du Monde has been enjoyed by locals and visitors alike since 1862.
2. Park it. Take in the beauty of the city strolling the banks of the mighty Mississippi River at Crescent Park, a 1.4 mile, 20 acre urban linear park along the riverfront. Just steps outside the French Quarter, this public space provides breathtaking views of New Orleans, native landscaping, bike paths, a dog run and multi-use pavilions for all to enjoy. It is a ideal spot for a po-boy picnic!
3. Strike A Pose. Take a selfie from the most photographed location in the city of New Orleans at Washington Artillery Park, which has recently been renamed Oscar Dunn Park. Dunn was elected in 1868 during reconstruction and has the distinction of not only being the first elected black Lt. Governor of Louisiana but also in the country at that time. From this historic vantage point, people have the best views of Jackson Square, the St. Louis Cathedral and the Mississippi River.
4. Dancing in the Street. Our culture is said to bubble up from the street. New Orleans embraces our artists and the French Market is an excellent place to find some amazing street performers. Check out bands, break dancers, magicians and so many others in the Oscar Dunn amphitheater located directly across from Jackson Square and next door to Cafe Du Monde.
5. Shop Til You Drop. The French Market District is a shopper’s paradise. From the shops at the Upper Pontalba and the Colonnade to the vendors at the Farmer’s/Flea Market, locals and visitors alike are able to get apparel & accessories, gifts, home goods, souvenirs, tours, art, culinary treats, confections and a whole lot more.
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### Fall Spotlight:
Hey Boo. Get ready for ghosts and goblins aplenty on Saturday, October 23rd from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for the French Market’s Annual Boo Carre celebration. There will be kids’ activities, live music in Dutch Alley and trick-or-treating throughout the French Market District, with the day culminating in a spooky Second Line at 3:15 p.m. This event is free and open to the public; costumes highly encouraged for all ages.
To find out more information on the French Market, go to http://www.frenchmarket.org/.