Places livelavalora Wants to Go

The oldest Black-owned bookstore in New Orleans was started by a substitute teacher on a mission.

Chef Lisa Nelson serves up sensational doubles, jerk chicken, and other Trinidadian staples.

Both the cocktails and the dive bar vibes are immaculate at this Mid-City watering hole.

First opened in 1939, this legendary performance venue was a haven for Black musicians including Ray Charles and Little Richard.

The last surviving bastion of the Baquet restaurant empire serves up superb soul food.

Since 1929, this institution has been serving one of the most celebrated po’ boys in New Orleans.

This free sculpture garden is home to over 90 artworks and installations from artists around the world.

The neighborhood surrounding the memorial was the epicenter of the AIDS epidemic in Louisiana.

Rise early for Kaitlin Guerin’s coveted sweet and savory pastries.

A building that was once a general store, a speakeasy, and a newspaper office now holds a small gallery filled with New Orleans photography.

Fully ignoring any conventions of fine dining, chef Peter Vazquez turns out some of the best meals in the city in takeaway containers.

This dollhouse-sized art museum features creations from local artists.

In a city famous for its cemeteries, it's no wonder these are easy to overlook—they clock in at just a few inches tall.

This city block-long devotional site, a replica of a famous site in France, is dedicated to the patron saint of grandmothers, mothers, and educators.

Come for the 14-foot-long taxidermy alligator. Stay for the mini costumed gators shooting pool.

Inside this art and oddity-filled shop, a small room filled with secrets.

Colorful, cheeky signs spill out of legendary New Orleans folk artist Dr. Bob's Bywater studio warning you to "Be Nice—Or Leave."

The beautiful, fruit-covered facade hints at this building's former life.

Anne Rice, one of the most influential writers in gothic literature, is buried alongside her husband in a New Orleans cemetery.

An abandoned warehouse turned art sanctuary in New Orleans.

The first patented shaved-ice machine heralded a snowy wonderland of iced treats at a favorite New Orleans summer shack.

Professional and amateur dioramas, taxidermy, and oddities all located in an attic above a gallery.

The only home of the famous French impressionist painter open to the public is now a museum and bed and breakfast.

Taxidermied cartoon heads, unseen illustrations, and famous characters all reside in this small gallery space.