places to hit in New Orleans?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 10 Jun 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

deranged_walrus	10 Jun 2004
I did a search on this, but didn't find anything relevant... I'm going to New Orleans in August, right before getting back to school (groan, sigh, pout). I've looked up plenty of pagan stores, occult suppliers, etc to visit. What I'd love is for people who live/have been there to recommend places to go. Which stores outshine the others? Which particular spots are thrumming with magical energy? Where can I go to be properly spooked? The city has fascinated me since I was a child with its connections to magic, the supernatural, and most importantly: it's hybrid culture. I wanna experience it all. So come on, give me places!

Mojo	10 Jun 2004
Can't vouch for any stores or Tarot sites, but a must-do dining experience in the Camelia Grill. Take the Garden District streetcar going north off Canal Street until it makes the wide right turn and the diner is right across the street. It's an old fashioned 1940s style diner with linen napkin service and the best pecan pie you can find (other than what I make!) According to legend, all of the the waiter jobs are handed down from father to son. It's a unique NOLA experience in a city known for great food.

magpie9	10 Jun 2004
I've only been to New Orleans once, and for far too brief a time, but if i had it to do all over again I'd go see Marie Laveauxs' (spelling, ick) tomb, ant those great old above ground cemetaries...especially on a full-moon night...............bet it's purely spooky-pie......and memorable. :D

laura_borealis	10 Jun 2004
I don't remember if they had tarot decks or not, but I really liked this store in the French Quarter called Voodoo Authentica. They had a lot more stuff than what is on the website there. It looks like a tiny shop when you first go in, but rooms branch off and it kind of goes on and on -- "the further in you go, the bigger it gets." :) The store had a really nice energy, and the owner (Brandy) was very warm and sweet. Her mother was there, too, and she seemed like such a calm, wise woman. I felt like they were sincere people, not out to rake in tourist dollars. I bought some candles and I forget what all. One shop that I was very disappointed in was Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo, also in the French Quarter. It was crowded and smoky, and a lot of the merchandise was just junk. The clerk was pushing tarot readings (done by someone else, in a back room) but didn't seem to know what she was talking about. She also tried to push expensive voodoo dolls on me and in general, I just got a bad feeling from the place. Though it was interesting, because it's in a really really old house, which Marie Laveau's daughter (also called Marie Laveau) lived in. I saw the tomb of Marie Laveau also, in St. Louis #1 cemetary, which for me was a bit of a spiritual experience. I left offerings at her tomb and a few others... people leave all kinds of things, bits of broken mirror, cigarettes, coins, candles, dolls, little statues, flowers or shells... I left sticks of gum because that's what I had. :) The old cemetaries are amazing and spooky; if you like that kind of thing, don't miss them. There are tours, if you want a guide. Other stuff I recommend: cafe au lait and beignets (soooo yummy); definitely check out Jackson Square; watch for street performers; try to take in some local music; check out the wonderful architecture. Overrated, in my opinion: Bourbon Street. Very touristy and totally obnoxious. I envy you. I didn't have nearly enough time to poke around in when I was there. I hope you have fun! :)

hyatt	14 Jun 2004
I go to New Orleans a couple of times a year. It is hands down one of my favorite cities on earth! First off you must stay in the french quater anything will just not compare. staying there will give you the flavor. There are plenty of small inns that are cheap and right in the middle of it all. The night walking tours are worth your time. The last one I went on was of the ghosts and murders of new orleans and it was fantastic. The graveyard tours are wonderful too - I don't think you can do those on Sunday. Jackson Square is great. There are rows of people doing reading, selling paintings,playing music, etc. Personally I love Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo. It is my first stop. Ok, I admit that there is a really hot guy that works there that I always want to secretly steal glances of but other than that....the place has a nice feel to it. It is smokey with insense and an alter to Marie Laveau. There are readings in the back. I always get one while i am there. I have had ones that were crap and ones that sent chills down my spine. It all depends on the time you go and who reads for you. Try not to go get a reading on Friday or Saturday night and they will have more time for you and there will be less showmanship. I have read biographies on her and just love the store because of her rich history in new orleans. Go there - I know someone else said they didn't like it. But try it for yourself. I have never had anyone push a reading on me. I have had countless readings there and I have always had to beg for them and normally have had to come back because they are booked up. There is also a sister store to Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo. It is on another street and is called some with Rev. in it. I don't think it is as good. Perhaps the only other advice I have is not to eat on Burbon Street. Go a block or two in any direction and there is better, more authentic, and cheaper food. Oh, and certainly go to the french market in the mornings. At one time it only happened on the weekends but I think it happens daily now. I think - not for sure. You can find great jewelery, art, soaps,voodoo dolls, everything! Well worth your time! ENJOY! It is my most favorite place on this earth!

Rose	14 Jun 2004
I highly recommend the cemetery tour offered by the company called “Historic New Orleans Walking Tours.” Their tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, Congo Square, and a working voodoo temple is based on fact—and in this case fact was very entertaining. I think it runs everyday of the week including Sundays. Their nighttime ghost tour was also quite good. I also recommend doing Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 on your own. I also went to the Island of Salvation Botanica Voodoo temple which is run by Sallie Glassman, author of the Voodoo tarot. The staff at both Voodoo temples were really nice and informative. If you're interested you can ask to attend one of their ceremonies (I wasn't able to attend). I also enjoyed walking around the Garden District, which you can do in conjunction with Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. It’s mainly just looking at beautiful homes. Someone saw me looking at her home, started talking to me and actually invited me in. The Visitor Information Center in the French Quarter is good and can suggest self-guiding walking tours. If you’re a Anne Rice fan you can spend a few hours taking in the sights depicted in her books. The free outdoor entertainment in Jackson square is a treat also. Anyway I envy you. New Orleans is a great city. Enjoy! Rose

The places to hit in New Orleans? thread was originally posted on 10 Jun 2004 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.