May 2022 - Embrace Southern States

Decatur Street, New Orleans: Colorful Architecture, Balconies, & Street Lamps.

How To Relax At Jackson Square In New Orleans

Here is a pictorial guide to my favorite ways to relax in and around the Jackson Square area of the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana. You can spend several leisurely hours in this one small section of the city. This is an awesome place to try to see and do everything. Or RELAX, do hardly anything, yet still take tons of great photos to help remember your day.

Beauty & Celebration Take Many Forms

Practically as soon as I step out of the vehicle, at the Jax Lot (corner of Decatur and Toulouse), I begin to shoot photos. The architecture of old buildings (many from the 1700’s) combines so well with balconies and the fancy ornamentation of the wrought iron.

Wrought Iron: Great View In The Vieux Carre

New Orleans celebrates everything. On this most recent visit, I spoke with folks enjoying reunions, honeymoons, graduations, and retirements. Perhaps you can figure out which special day it was when you spot the green shamrocks. Yes, the ones on the balcony above the horse-drawn carriage.

The Crescent City Always Creates Memories

Down by the River

The riverfront is a photo op where you can see either the City of New Orleans or the Steamboat Natchez. There are two sections of the riverfront park. Woldenberg was named for a funder, while Moonwalk was named for former mayor “Moon” Landrieu.

City Of New Orleans Sits On The Mississippi River

While at the river you may see a gate where hundred of padlocks have been attached. This spot is known as Love Wins. It is where happy couples pledge their everlasting love together. It may not be historic, but Love Wins is a beautiful spot for anyone who believes in romantic love.

Couple Pledge Their Love With Locks Then Throw Key In River

Works of Art

After you climb the stairs to see the cannon at Washington Artillery Park, you may wish to browse for souvenirs or local art. You have three choices; local indoor shops, the open-air French Market, or the art displayed all around the fencing of Jackson Square. How exciting to search for your special memento as you wonder which of the local artists already is, or may become, famous.

THIS! This Is A Classic Scene At Jackson Square!

Art Is Found Everywhere At Every Price Range

Take some time to consider the St. Louis Cathedral and the Andrew Jackson statue. Hopefully, you can put aside any religious or political issues long enough to appreciate that they are each a genuine work of art in their own way. Really stopping to take some mindfulness moments here at Jackson Square can be so very soothing on multiple levels. Listen to the sounds of the city, smell the newly mown lawn, watch the people who watch the artists who capture the joy of this place on canvas.

Colorful Characters

Call them weird, unexpected, bizarre, or fascinating… there is no shortage of colorful characters in this section of New Orleans.

Just One Of Many Characters At Jackson Square

You may spot a colorful character who is riding a bike, or playing an instrument, or is one of the many other types of street performers. Some seem to wear outlandish clothes for no reason, while others seek attention long enough to pass out literature for a favorite cause. And, of course, some are simply promoting the goods and services they want you to buy.

My Favorite Happy Ending

How many times have I been to New Orleans? SO, so many that I’ve lost count. But I can tell you this, my all-time favorite way to end a visit in the “Big Easy” is to sit leisurely eating fresh and hot beignets at Café du Monde. To me, life just does not get much better than that! I’ve stopped there with relatives or by myself. On this occasion I was with my best friend. We were having a wonderful time doing what everyone should do in New Orleans… and that is to take it easy and make very precious memories…and remember how to relax at Jackson Square in New Orleans!

ILOVENEWORLEANS ILOVENOLA ILOVENEWORLEANS ILOVENOLA

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Come with me on a pictorial discovery of details in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. This is one of my favorite small towns on the Gulf Coast. That is due in part to the tiny, yet important, little details which I gleefully discover each time I visit.

You are invited to notice these adorable details that help us see the bigger picture of why Ocean Springs is a great travel destination. Then all you have to do is decide when you want to go and which of these places you plan to see.

Marshall Park is located at 1001 Washington Avenue and was first opened to the public in 1911. I walked all around the block seeking just the perfect spot for this shot. Notice how the gazebo is “framed” by tree branches, flowers, benches, and …there on the left…can you even see the American flag? Such an inviting place to relax for a bit and simply appreciate a lovely day.

As you turn off Highway 90 onto Washington Avenue, think about why Ocean Springs is called City of Discovery. In the mid-1600’s this area was being explored by the French, Spanish, and English. The French built Fort Maurepas here in 1699, but noted that the area was prone to flooding. Those of us familiar with Camille and Katrina would tend to agree. By the way, in your search for details, did you happen to notice the yellow daffodil by this sign?

The bottle tree is a tradition brought from Africa and fairly common in the South as a way to capture bad spirits who would have ruined your garden! This one stands guard by the Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, which is housed in an historic L&N train depot. Love how the sun adds gleaming accent details to these bottles.

Fresh Market takes place downtown each Saturday morning. The vast variety of produce, food, flowers, and related items by local vendors is truly tremendous. I completely fell in love with Buff’s (candied) VooDoo Peppers, made in Gulfport only 17 miles away.

In Ocean Springs, life is calm and casual with plenty of time to leisurely stroll around the beautiful town to do a little shopping. Be sure to check out Hillyer House for gift ideas. Then a few doors down at French Kiss Pastries find desserts like the carrot cake or fresh fruit cake pictured above, love those layered details. They also have sandwiches, pastries, and gelato.

Three Anderson brothers (Walter, Mac, and Peter) started an art movement in 1928. Over the past nearly 100 years, other family members, friends, proteges, and admirers have helped to transform this once sleepy little town into a true art mecca. Ocean Springs is a fun and vibrant place due in large part to painters, potters, actors, and writers who find their inspiration here. By the way, the above example of Walter Anderson art is found in a rather unexpected room. Can you guess where it may be? Leave a Comment if you’d like more details!

Early morning sun shining on the water is just one of the details I look for at the harbor. Photos of shrimp boats and pleasure boats seem to just pop better in good light. Can you picture yourself here buying fresh seafood right off the boats?

The final stop I usually make in Ocean Springs is this lovely spot at the beach. I listen to the sound of the gulls and the waves coming to shore. I feel the warmth of the sun and the sand under my bare feet. As I take in the last sights, smells, and sounds… I think about how blessed and joyful I am to spend time here…then I wonder what fascinating details will be discovered… …next time!

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Helpful links for your trip to Ocean Springs, Mississippi: Chamber of Commerce http://oceanspringschamber.com/ Buff’s Voodoo Peppers https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070729623611 Hillyer House https://www.hillyerhouse.com/ French Kiss Pastries https://www.fkpastries.com/

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New Orleans: Relax At Jackson Square