Churches and Cathedrals in Jean Lafitte

"This is where everyone in New Orleans (Catholic, Protestant or n/a) wants to be married and buried. The stately church reigns over Jackson Square with its three soaring spires and classically proportioned white façade. This building dates from 1849, but a church has been in this spot since 1724."

"Originally built in 1727, the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis is flanked by the historic Cabildo on one side and the Presbytère on the other. After the great fire of 1794, the original structure was rebuilt. The current structure was finished in 1850 and overlooks Jackson Square."

"– Every day from 830 am to 4 pm, you can tour the St Louis Cathedral for free. Self-guided brochures are available for a $1 donation, and Mass is at 12:05 pm daily."

"A few blocks from the French Quarter, St. Augustine has been the gravity center of the Tremé neighborhood since the 1840s. New Orleans’ large and vibrant community of free people of color was involved in the church from its beginnings. Often called “Creoles of color,” these property owners, artisans, businesspeople and professionals were several generations removed from slavery and sometimes were slave owners themselves."

"St. Augustine Catholic Church is the oldest African-American Catholic parish in the nation. It is located on Saint Claude Avenue near the French Quarter on the site of the old Claude Tremé plantation. The church is the location of the annual Jazz Mass that is held in conjunction with the Satchmo Festival, which pays homage to Louis Armstrong."

"Located on the corner of North Rampart Street, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church is the oldest house of worship in New Orleans. Originally named the Mortuary Chapel of St. Anthony of Padua, the place of worship was built in 1826 to serve as a burial church for the victims of yellow fever. The current name of the church was received in 1918."

"Built in 1851 by the Jesuits, this breathtaking, Moorish-inspired structure melds Islamic architecture with Christian and Jewish symbolism (including hundreds of Stars of David). Massive bronze doors, soaring Arabesque arches, stunning stained glass (featuring 18 stations of the cross), cast-iron pews and columns are among the church’s many architectural highlights. Of special note is the towering cupola, the marble statue of Mary (originally carved for Marie Amélie, queen of Louis Philippe of France, during the mid 1800s) located above the onion-domed high altar and two Venetian-glass mosaic shrines at the rear of the sanctuary."

"Mid City's Please-U-Restaurant, located at 1751 Saint Charles Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the diner, breakfast and brunch spot four stars out of 190 reviews. The restaurant serves classic Southern fare like red beans and rice with sausage, shrimp po'boys, fried catfish, as well as a large selection of traditional breakfast items like chicken and waffles, French toast, eggs, oatmeal and more."

"This not so cleanly greasy dive on St. Charles Avenue is known for their Greek specialties, including the greek omelet, and otherwise hot lunch and breakfasts at cheap prices."

"Paul Prudhomme, who opened K-Paul’s in the French Quarter with his wife, Kay, in 1979, fathered the Cajun food revolution, introduced the world to blackening as a cooking technique, and even ushered in a new era for Commander’s Palace, where he made a name for himself before K-Paul’s as the restaurant’s first non-European chef. Since Prudhomme died in 2015, the kitchen is run by his longtime collaborator and fellow Opelousas, Louisiana native, Paul Miller. The two met in the 1970s and Miller moved to New Orleans to work with Prudhomme at Commander’s."

"K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen is the pioneer New Orleans food place for Cajun cuisine. This New Orleans food place at Charters Street was started by late Louisiana Chef Paul Prudhomme. The famous chef invented the “blackening” seasoning process and started this upscale restaurant which served high-quality dishes, including Cajun and local cuisine."

"A Louisiana drum fillet is blackened in a cast-iron skillet and served with crabmeat-chipotle compote, potatoes and vegetables. Reservations recommended."

"Head out to the Lakefront area for views of Lake Pontchartrain from the Blue Crab’s downstairs bar or upstairs balcony. If you have a boat, no problem. Park it at their dock, and enjoy the views and entertainment."

"7900 Lakeshore Drive, (504) 284-2898; www.thebluecrabnola.com. Sauteed Louisiana crab claws are served in cream sauce with a cheese biscuit. Reservations accepted for large parties."

"126 Lake Drive, Covington, (985) 327-7111; 4801 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 889-1550; www.donsseafoodonline.com. Char-broiled Jacked-Up oysters are topped with bacon, jalapenos and pepper Jack cheese. Reservations accepted for large parties."

"A pork rib plate includes sauce, a roll and two sides such as coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, Caesar salad, barbecue beans or potato chips."

"Located in the center of City Park is NOMA, New Orleans Museum of Art which the building itself is beautiful holding a permanent fine art collection of over 40,000 pieces. We will be checking this out on our next trip as well!"

"Gracing the main entrance to City Park since 1911, this traditional fine-arts museum draws from classic Greek architecture, with several…"