OK, sure, when folks think about St. Patrick’s Day it brings to mind green shamrocks, green hats, or green beer! And of course… dear old Ireland. While ’tis true that I’d love to once again visit Ireland, sometimes I celebrate St. Paddy’s with a New Orleans flair.
Not to worry, though, if you didn’t make it to Ireland this year, or… ever, you probably already know that you can celebrate the wearing of the green anywhere. (Another great place…in the South…would be Savannah, Georgia, where the parade lasts for hours.) Do you have a special place where you love to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Do they have great food, great music, or a great parade? Tell us about that in your comments.
Today I am sharing with you a variety of adorable photos taken on St. Paddy’s Day around Jackson Square in New Orleans, Louisiana. Think of it as putting a French Quarter twist or a Cajun accent on the beloved Irish celebration.
My hope is that you will read this article out loud with your best Irish accent, then have a good laugh! THEN be a dear one to leave a Comment your favorite photo about St. Paddy’s with a New Orleans flair! That’s not really asking too much, is it? Now I wish you TOP O’ THE MORNING and MAY THE LUCK OF THE IRISH BE WITH YOU!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!