Monday, February 17, 2025

Jazz Brunch, Jazz Museum, and Bourbon Street

We had beignets in our hotel, then pastries at Sucre for breakfast, and walked down Bourbon Street by 9:30 in the morning.  It was mostly quiet, starting to come alive, with music playing here and there. We found Al Hirt’s statue in Musical Legends Park.  Besides being a trumpeter and band leader from New Orleans, he was the uncle of a good friend.  We walked over to St. Louis Cemetery #1, established in 1789, it is the oldest surviving cemetery in New Orleans, with all tombs above ground.  We shopped up and down the French Quarter, with Taylor looking for souvenirs.  We walked through Jackson Square, enjoying an art show and more music.  We happened to hear, then see a Second Line parade - celebrating a wedding, with brass band and guests following the bride and groom down the street, waving white handkerchiefs and swaying to the music.  We went to Antoine’s for brunch - delicious food and gracious service!  We went to the Jazz Museum - New Orleans is considered the birthplace of Jazz, and enjoyed the various displays and story boards.  We walked down the street to the French Market, where we shopped and had pralines, then back down Bourbon Street to our hotel, with music coming from every bar and restaurant along the way, and all along the street.  We ended our day in the hotel’s indoor pool and jacuzzi, then room service.  A fun day!