In the heart of the real Old New Orleans. In the Orleans Ave and Claiborne and Claiborne…read morearea....a couple of blocks from Dooky Chase. and Willie Mae's. If you are looking for local flavor, you must attend an event here. The renovations are beautiful and captures the essence of the theater back when I was a little girl going to see a movie with my 35 cents to get in and my dime for my pickle. Well this Mardi Gras day the Carver theater brought it to the neighborhood. DJ outside entertaining the crowd while we waited on Zulu. Bathroom facilities for the family to use to avoid running around the corner to Auntie Lynn house (lol). Lots of families gathered around the Carver dancing, singing and seeing people they had not seen since last Mardi Gras day. But there is more to it. You can host a private party there or use it t for meetings. It has a large stage to allow events with presentations or awards and ceremonies. Small rooms for intimate meetings as well. It has a libation area and you can cater events too. I am just happy to see an event hall in my old neighborhood

Stepping into the Carver Theater is like stepping into New Orleans history. I was so lucky that I…read morerecently had the opportunity to spend some time here, so I go to see all of the ins and outs of the renovation and, believe me, it is gorgeous. It feels like you are back in time when you are in this building. There is a main front room with a big floor and lots of space and a stage area that hosts performers, and in the back is a smaller area with a bar where small bands sometimes perform. As Helen said, they host all kinds of shows from stand up comedy to bounce nights and jazz performances. It's also a rentable event space that not a lot of people know about, so if you're looking to have a wedding reception in a unique place, this might be the spot for you.

I've been to Ashé for a few things but always leave feeling I need to spend more time there…read more Fashions, Afrikan art or jewelry on sale, art gallery and meeting place; this is a real cultural center. Although the website is wrong on Yelp, I try to keep up with the Events Page https://www.ashenola.org/events. The staff is kind and knowledgeable. There's street parking and a lot. Most recently I was there for an art exhibit: In the Spirit of Black. Excellent. Varied artists, traditional dance, community elders and installations at the Ashé Theatre. Ashe Cultural Center is a true gem for the community and visitor. Stop by, stay a while, learn love or buy something and donate!

What does community look like in your city? What does community engagement feel like in your city?…read moreWho actually represents for the "culture" we always speak of or hear of in popular music? Where do you find culture, art, and history in your city? The Ashe Cultural Arts Center is setting the bar high!!! A necessity and true gem for all to cherish. In my 12 days in the Big Easy, I had the opportunity to watch a documentary on the Loving v. Virginia case here as well as pay homage to Shakor White and his amazing artwork. I even took my students to his art gallery in the French Quarters. Thank you to Rachel and the welcoming staff for helping me sort through the boutique dresses and jewelry that I ultimately bought for my mother back home in Texas. Ashe is unapologetically black yet so open to everyone of all creeds. Spread love, it's the NOLA way!!!

The small theater that could! This space (really 2 small…read moretheaters across a courtyard from each other) is a lovely space to catch local theater. They have a decent selection of shows that highlight local talent. In December I saw a local interpretation of It's a Wonder Life, entitled It's a Wonderful Life, Y'all and resets the action to New Orleans with many local nods and jokes. The production creativity was great. The whole show was put on by 5 actors which was amazing. And the sets and props were standouts. The main theater holds over 300 seats and the Lagniappe theater is smaller. The night I was there, the theater was packed but still comfortable and the theater is fully accessible for those using wheelchairs. There was also a concession stand selling snacks and mulled wine. Definitely a fun spot to spend an evening.

Highly love the Rivertown Threater in Kenner. The staff was excellent during a wonderful play that…read moreBecky Allen had written in the past when all of a sudden one of the viewers had what was thought to be a seizure. The actors stopped immediately. Staff came in and helped people in the audience went outside to direct the ambulance and police. While another young lady ran to a local fire station within the block. Love this community and the place here are definitely worth it for a local flair of theater with a Broadway flair.

This place will leave a mark on my heart forever! It sits in a neighborhood in the lower 9th ward…read moreand gives the feel that you're visiting a home. If you're not careful you may pass it up because it's truly a house. Once inside we were greeted by a crew of women who advised that the museum consists of six rooms and we were free to explore each one. Nothing fancy but it was very touching and real. It was heartbreaking to see what the citizens of the 9th ward have gone thru over the years and still trying to overcome today. This museum brings light to so many things that you don't see on the news or read about on a daily. I truly have a deep appreciation for the residents of this great citizen and an extra appreciation for those in the 9th ward. This is a gem and a must see for everyone going to New Orleans and I even had the opportunity to leave comments on a book

The Lower Ninth Ward poses a conundrum. Its historic significance is obvious, and the devastation…read moreit experienced captivated the world's attention. However, the area is not a post-disaster theme park; it is indeed a mostly residential neighborhood that to the extent that it has been resettled is populated by locals. So what is the non-local who's interested in the history to do other than wander around vacant lots? Fortunately, this small museum offers one possible answer. A shotgun house packed full of pictures and videos documenting the pre- and post-Katrina history of the neighborhood, it is embedded in a residential area but gives a visitor something tangible to latch on to. It's not big, but it is free to wander, and I spent a decent amount of time thoroughly perusing everything. It certainly has an activist stance, and paints an interesting picture, including its discussion of the pluses and minuses of all the attention the place received following the hurricane. Additionally, it offers various educational programs for kids after it closes. This is a local endeavor; parking is strictly on the street, which is as haphazard as it is in much of the city, and you'll probably have to drive carefully by some kids playing pickup basketball on the way. But it makes for a great experience and offers what by all means seems to be the genuine local voice.

If you want to catch a glimpse of that new orleans magic behind the scenes and in the making, this…read moreis the place to go. This large space houses the krewe du vieux floats- salaciously decorated for the city's most adult themed parade. A great venue to rent too!

Touring the Garden District is an absolute must-do when visiting! We saw so many beautiful homes…read moreand learned a lot about the neighborhood and the history behind several of the houses with our tour guide. The beautiful architecture, the iron gates, and grand pillars were amazing! Every house was different. It was also fun seeing famous homes, including Sandra Bullock's, the house Peyton Manning and his family grew up in, and the house featured in one of Drake's music video. We know where Keke lives. :p Definitely be careful, there is quite a bit of uneven pavement, so wear comfortable shoes and watch your step.

I had been wanting to explore the fabled Garden District ever since Jamie W and I came to New…read moreOrleans the first time in 2010. We didn't have time back then, but we decided to spend an afternoon this time perusing the streets lined with ancient oak and magnolia trees. We ventured from our hotel close to Canal Street and took the vintage green St. Charles Avenue streetcar to the Washington Ave stop. What a perfect entry to this cloistered area of historic mansions. Our first stop was at The Rink, a low-key shopping center that was formerly an ice skating rink. It consists of upscale home and gift shops, a bakery coffee shop, and the welcoming Garden District Bookshop. We could only peek through the gate at Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 because it's been closed due to long-term repairs. We spent most of our time admiring the stately columned homes through opulently designed wrought iron fences on the residential blocks, whether they were Victorian, Greek Revival, or Queen Anne. It was just before Halloween when we visited, so some mansions were elaborately decorated. Strolling on eclectic Magazine Street was our last activity, and it was full of local novelty shops and hipster cafes. RELATED - Exploring New Orleans? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/kh-rxp4CKU

Some of the best unknown musicians in New Orleans play here. It is the real deal!…read moreStreet musicians from Royal St are the best!

I was so impressed with the Art Klub and everything they offer to local and visiting artists. They…read morehave everything from theater to recording studios to children's programs to affordable accommodations for visiting artists. Definitely one of New Orleans hidden jewels. I feel so fortunate to have stumbled upon it!!

Amazing venue. It's got a wonderful stage setup and audience section classily fit into the perfect…read morevibe of an old church. I saw a Macbeth inspired production here last weekend and was blown away. It's also right next to several cool options to go to post and pre show.

Enchanting setting for an unforgettable wedding! Textured and weathered the place has soul oozing…read moreout of every crack!