Treme (pronounced "Trah-May";
(historically sometimes called Tremι or Faubourg
Tremι is an old historically African-American
neighborhood of New Orleans, just "back" (away from the Mississippi River)
from the French Quarter. Treme is famous for its music, and has some
attractions, music venues, and small inexpensive hotels.Security
Treme sometimes has a reputation as being "dangerous", especially by
people who never go there. Nonetheless, informed visitors can visit
interesting attractions. Dress down, do not display expensive jewelry or
video-cameras in this poor neighborhood. Know where you are going and you
can walk in to the attractions from the Quarter during the day time; those
visiting music venues at night may be more comfortable taking a cab. Daytime
events with many people around such as "jazz funerals" at Saint Augustine
Church or outdoor concerts at Armstrong Park are generally safe.
Attractions
Louis Armstrong Park includes historic Congo Square, and
statues of early jazz greats
Louis Armstrong and
Sidney Bechet. Within Armstrong Park are 3 important buildings:
Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts The
New Orleans Opera performs
here, along with various ballets and other traveling acts. The official
address is 801 N. Rampart, but it is actually located away from Rampart
towards the back of the park.
Municipal Auditorium 1201 Saint Peter Street: Old neoclassical
stone hall from c. 1930 is now overshadowed by newer venues in the Central
Business District like the Morial Convention Center and the Superdome, but
some events are still held here.
Perseverance Hall #3 in the Saint Claude entrance, is an old 19th
century dance hall, usually vacant, but sometimes used for music, exhibits,
and other events.
Other places of interest in Treme include:
Backstreet Museum
1116 St. Claude Ave: Costumes of "Mardi Gras Indians" and other artifacts of
Treme culture.
African American Museum: 1418 Governor Nicholls.
Louisiana Museum of African American History: 1210 Governor
Nicholls Street, in the historic St. Augustine Catholic Church complex. Open
Sat & Sun, 11 am to 5 pm; adult admission $3. tel 586-1919.
Saint Louis Cemetery #1 is on Basin Street a short walk from the
French Quarter. Local notables entombed here include 19th century Voodoo
Queen
Marie Laveau. It is not recommended to visit this cemetery alone, as
criminals are known to target vulnerable individual tourists. It can safely
be visited with tour groups; free ones are given by the park service in
addition to various pay tours. Incidentally, some of the best of New Orleans
History is heard during group touring. |
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Dine
Little Dizzy's 1500 Esplanade Avenue, at N. Robertson,
301-9704: Creole soul food, run by members of the Baquet family, locally
famous for great chefs and jazz musicians for generations.
Activities
Ernie K. Doe's Mother
In Law Lounge 1500 N. Claiborne (just below Espanade Avenue): now
run by the widow of 1960s R&B legend.
Joe's Cozy Corner 1523 Ursulines
Little People's Place on Barracks, in from Treme Street: tiny
crowded dive with good bands
Lodging
Penelope's Bed
& Breakfast 1211 Governor Nicholls tel 309-0177
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