A Day in Tremé-NOLA Neighborhood Travel
Photo:Cory Doctorow
One of the best things about travelling to a new place is finding sweet spots outside of the “norm.” While the French Quarter is a must visit, there is more that New Orleans has to offer beyond Bourbon St. Introduce yourself to Tremé, the neighborhood Rathbone Mansions is proud to call home. Tremé starts where French Quarter ends (just north of the tourist staple), and is one of the oldest neighborhoods in New Orleans. Want to plan a day in Tremé? We can help with that!
Picture this: waking up in your comfortable suite here at Rathbone Mansions and stepping out onto your balcony deciding what to do first. Breakfast is calling, and Tremé has wonderful spots. Swing by Fatma’s Cozy Corner-just a few streets over, serving standard breakfast items, they offer lunch as well since they’re open from 7:30 am to 3pm. Or try local favorite Tremé Coffeehouse, a funky little place in the heart of Tremé, open for breakfast 7am-2pm. If you find you’d like a little stroll through town before grabbing a bite, you can wander down to Backatown Coffee Parlour, open from 8am-3pm. “Backatown” is actually a historical nickname for the Tremé area to separate it from the “front” area French Quarter. You’ll find everything in Tremé has a bit of great history to it!
So, you’re full and fed, now what? Well let’s feed your brain with historic Tremé! Explore rich neighborhood history at Backstreet Cultural Museum, featuring exhibits covering New Orleans African and Indian American history, music, clothing, and tradition. Another great experience is the New Orleans African American Museum, offering different options for guided tours, and a special “Tremé Experience” tour which includes lunch. If you’re looking to stick close by, down near us here at Rathbone Mansions will be the Free People of Color Museum. Located in a historic Greek Revival style property (just like us!), this museum is beautifully decorated and offers detailed history of the many cultures here in Tremé.
All that learning will get your appetite up, so here’s some local options for lunch, dinner, and drinks. Highly recommended by staff and guests here at Rathbone Mansions (and super close to our property) is Lil Dizzy’s Café. Homestyle authentic New Orleans food, cooked and served by the loveliest locals. Tell all your friends that you ate at famous Willie Mae’s Scotch House, a definite Tremé hotspot. Or you can chow down at Dooky Chase-don’t let the name sway you, this is a well-respected and artfully decorated Creole restaurant. Just looking to grab a drink? Hit up Little People’s Place, right around the corner from Rathbone Mansions! Dive bar with a cozy local feel, and a great fish fry every Friday.
With so much to offer, this historic neighborhood is a wonder to explore. Sleep at Rathbone Mansions, but don’t sleep on Tremé, come enjoy!