The architectural "eye candy" of the French Quarter in New Orleans...

Last weekend, I enjoyed a "Girl's Getaway" to one of my favorite cities...

...New Orleans!   

I have true appreciation for a city that embraces its culture and history by preserving the original architectural integrity of the buildings within it.  As far as architecture goes, New Orleans is world famous for its vast array of unique architectural styles that directly reflect the city's multicultural heritage, history, and flavor.

I have visited New Orleans several times over the years and the ritual for my 1st morning there pretty much remains the same:   I rise extra early for a long morning walk alone down their gorgeous Mississippi Riverfront...  

I pop into the infamous Cafe du Monde for a to-go cup of chicory Cafe Au Lait and an order of fresh beignets... 

I then enter the French Quarter, nibble on my breakfast, and I get lost for a few hours. From Creole Cottages and Shotguns to Double-Gallery Houses, there is something beautiful, interesting, and impressive around every single corner!  New Orleans is a real estate lover's dream, particularly for those of us who are innately drawn to historic architecture.

Here is a peek at my early morning walk this year...

It never ceases to amaze me that despite the amount of times I have done this trek... I always mange to see something new?!  Gorgeous city, New Orleans is.

Just For Fun: A peek at a long weekend in New Orleans

I snuck away for a long girl's weekend to one of my favorites cities.

A teeny peek at some of the charm of New Orleans ...

 

 

 

 

Thank you for a fabulous weekend, Valerie and Heather!

Just for Fun: Architectural Eye Candy from a long weekend in New Orleans

I hope that everyone had a restful long holiday weekend! I just returned from a quick 4 days in New Orleans. While it is difficult to keep your eyes off the "street circus"- accurate description if you have ever been to NOLA- the architectural eye candy is what always catches MY eye!

A few of the images that I caught...

I snuck off to New Orleans for a couple of days...

A peek at the fun:

In honor of Mardi Gras...

...A few of the active listings in the surrounding area of the the historic downtown Soulard neighborhood of St. Louis seems appropriate as Soulard is also the host of the SECOND largest Mardi Gras celebration in the country!  See the 2012 St. Louis Mardi Gras event schedule HERE.

Established in 1836 by French Immigrants, modern day Soulard houses some of the most interesting architecture in St. Louis including the oldest existing farmer's market west of the Mississippi, Soulard Market.

Below are a handful of properties that are currently active in Soulard.  Click on the photo for the full MLS listing.  If curious about what else is available OR if desiring more information / a private showing of any of those listings seen here, email me at cnenonen@cbgundaker.com. =)

#1000 Allen Avenue (offered for $250,000):

#1211 Sidney Street (offered for $269,000):

#2315 Menard (offered for $279,000):

#902 Soulard (offered for $314,000):

#202 Victor (offered for $499,000):

A teeny peek at 3 days in New Orleans...

Steve and I just returned from sneaking in a couple of days in New Orleans, just like we did last year at this time.   Fun, fun, fun.   While the city is not for everyone, as the debauchery can dabble into the extremes, I always tell friends that you must visit NOLA at least once in your lifetime.

The energy is electric...

The Cajun-inspired cuisine is delectable (red beans and rice on Bourbon Street)......

The history is well- preserved and rich (interior of St. Louis Cathedral)...

And the people watching is never a bore, let's put it that way ;)...

New Orleans doesn't pretend to be something that it is not.  The city, plain and simple, is centered around a deeply-rooted culture based on tradition, history, heritage, indulgence, personal expression, and living life to the fullest. What is not to love about that? 

NOLA is bursting at the seams with talent and delicious experiences.  In fact, the energy is so palpable that you can't help but soak it in around every corner and behind every door...

Contagious, I tell you!

Scenes from a long Valentine's Day weekend in New Orleans...