Mardi Gras: The Columns Hotel

 The Columns Hotel on St. Charles is regal enough on her own but draped in neon bunting and uplights in purple, green, and gold, she is even more magical. I cannot wait to walk over and have a drink or two this Carnival season. The lush courtyard is so inviting on beautiful days.

Throw me a cocktail or two from The Columns.

2022 Mardi Gras Posts:

Friday Flashback {Mardi Gras 2021} |

Mardi Gras: It's Beginning to Look Like... |

Moon Over Acorn Cottage |

Mardi Gras: Acorn Cottage {Facade} |

Mardi Gras: Acorn Cottage {Night} |

Mardi Gras: Acorn Cottage {Crown} |

Mardi Gras: Acorn Cottage {Crowned Acorn} |

Mardi Gras: Acorn Cottage {Living Room} |

Mardi Gras: Acorn Cottage {Sunroom} |

Mardi Gras: Acorn Cottage {Dining Room} |

Mardi Gras: House Float {Bird House} |

Mardi Gras: House Float {Once Upon a Time} |

Mardi Gras: The Columns Hotel |

The Columns, y'all!

Cocktailing New Orleans {The Columns Hotel}

 Not far from the house is one of our favorite spots for cocktailing, The Columns Hotel, overlooking historic St. Charles Avenue. After undergoing an extensive renovation, the Columns Hotel is looking better than ever. There is no better spot for a cocktail or two then the front porch.

The Columns is no ordinary hotel. Built in 1893 as a private residence, it was converted into a boarding house during World War I. In 1953, a local family turned it into a hotel and the bar on the porch became a star. Listed on the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places, in 2019 it was sold to Jayson Seidman and his family. Now it’s time for the next chapter of this beloved setting. As locals, we love this hotel as much as you do, and we’re excited to keep it a family property with the attention and respect it deserves.

We’ve carefully restored the historic building and added a completely new garden, rooftop sundeck and a new cocktail bar. We also breathed new life into our public spaces, with a meticulous and modern restoration. The spirit and history of the architecture are the focus of grand rooms that are perfect for intimate gatherings or larger events. These new spaces, both inside and outside, were carefully created with hospitality and privacy in mind.

Columns Hotel, y'all!

Mardi Gras Mambo {House Float: Dino Gras on the Avenue ~ St. Charles Avenue}

 Dinosaurs are not my thing, but this grand mansion on St. Charles Avenue has a wonderful display of these prehistoric creatures. The Wedding Cake house as it is known because of the intricate details is the perfect backdrop for the display.

How many types can you name?

Have you made your trip down St. Charles Avenue yet? It is a must-see. Stat!

My 2021 Mardi Gras posts:

Acorn Cottage Facade | House Float {Coliseum & Chestnut} | House Float {Eleonore & Patton} | NolaBee Jester | House Float {6016 St. Charles Avenue} | House Float {Maison MASKquerade} | Circus House Float {5531 St. Charles Avenue} | House Float {St. Charles Avenue & Audubon Place} | House Float: Queen Jubilee {St. Charles Avenue & Fourth Street} | House Float {Krewe of Garden Party} | Acorn Cottage: Custom Mat | House Float: Spirit of Mardi Gras {806 Napoleon Avenue} | House Float: Acadiana Hay Ride {Euterpe & Constance Streets} | House Float: Butterflies of Winter {3801 Magazine Street} | House Float: Gogh Mardi Gras | House Float: Commander's Palace | House Float: Iberia Bank {St. Charles & Louisiana Avenues} | Acorn Cottage: In the Courtyard | House Float: Lights in Lakeview {Porteous & Memphis Streets} | House Float: Mask & Bead Garlands {Washinton Avenue} | House Float: Total Renovation {4901 Magazine Street} | House Float: Saint Dolly {St. Charles Avenue} | House Float: Mystic Krewe of Unicorns {St. Charles Avenue} | Acorn Cottage: King Zulu Cocktail | Acorn Cottage: Mardi Gras Placemats | House Float: Muses {4026 St. Charles Avenue} | House Float: Music {St. Charles Avenue & Octavia Street} | House Float: Dino Gras on the Avenue {St. Charles Avenue} |

Dino Gras, y'all!

Mardi Gras Mambo {House Float: St. Charles Avenue & Octavia Street}

 WOW!!! The large, musical characters on and in front of this St. Charles manse are quite impressive. Do you recognize any of these greats? I cannot wait to see the lights drapped on the fence at night. These house floats certainly are magnificent.

This house float is located at the corner of St. Charles Avenue and Octavia Street. You cannot miss this one. It is located next door to the already featured Mystic Krewe of Unicorns.

My 2021 Mardi Gras posts:

Acorn Cottage Facade | House Float {Coliseum & Chestnut} | House Float {Eleonore & Patton} | NolaBee Jester | House Float {6016 St. Charles Avenue} | House Float {Maison MASKquerade} | Circus House Float {5531 St. Charles Avenue} | House Float {St. Charles Avenue & Audubon Place} | House Float: Queen Jubilee {St. Charles Avenue & Fourth Street} | House Float {Krewe of Garden Party} | Acorn Cottage: Custom Mat | House Float: Spirit of Mardi Gras {806 Napoleon Avenue} | House Float: Acadiana Hay Ride {Euterpe & Constance Streets} | House Float: Butterflies of Winter {3801 Magazine Street} | House Float: Gogh Mardi Gras | House Float: Commander's Palace | House Float: Iberia Bank {St. Charles & Louisiana Avenues} | Acorn Cottage: In the Courtyard | House Float: Lights in Lakeview {Porteous & Memphis Streets} | House Float: Mask & Bead Garlands {Washinton Avenue} | House Float: Total Renovation {4901 Magazine Street} | House Float: Saint Dolly {St. Charles Avenue} | House Float: Mystic Krewe of Unicorns {St. Charles Avenue} | Acorn Cottage: King Zulu Cocktail | Acorn Cottage: Mardi Gras Placemats | House Float: Muses {4026 St. Charles Avenue} | House Float: Music {St. Charles Avenue & Octavia Street} |

Music on St. Charles Avenue, y'all!

It's Christmas Time {St. Charles Avenue & Uptown Lights}

 Last night, my sister, brother-in-law, and nephews took in some of the beautiful sights along St. Charles Avenue before dining at Ruth's Chris, a family favorite. Their favorite home is near the house and is illuminated with millions upon millions of white lights.

At the dismay of the nephews, I made them recreate an earlier photo in front of the beautiful display.

The other photos along the Avenue are from photographer David Mora. His photos always look better than mine. New Orleans is always magical during the holiday season.

And of course the Superdome!

2020 It's Christmas Time posts:

Acorn Cottage Facade | Chateau Lapeyre | Acorn Cottage Nightfall | Acorn Cottage Front Porch | Acorn Cottage Jingle Bells | Acorn Cottage Living Room | Acorn Cottage Sunroom | Christmas Memories: Ron and Colette | Acorn Cottage Dining Room | Acorn Cottage Den | Acorn Cottage Courtyard | Acorn Cottage Kitchen | Christmas Card | St. Charles Avenue Lights |

St. Charles Lights, y'all!

Walking Uptown {St. Charles Avenue}

One of my favorite St. Charles homes sits between Valence and Bordeaux Streets. It is absolutely breathtaking, and the yard is just as striking.

I am enjoying my morning walks Uptown this summer. I love getting the walks done early in the morning before it gets too hot.

More along my Uptown walks:

St. Charles Avenue between Upperline and Robert Streets | Milan Street |

Walking Uptown, y'all!

For Sale {4613 St. Charles Avenue}

One of my favorite homes on St. Charles Avenue is for sale. I wish I had an extra $2.3 million to make it mine. Sadly, someone else will have to love this home.

Years ago, I had the opportunity to tan next to this pool. I felt as though I had entered the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. The home belonged to a friend of a friend, and I remember stepping inside the walls. I'm certain my eyes were open as big as my head. I often wonder about the lives of the folks that live behind the walls of such majestic homes.

4613 St. Charles Avenue: click HERE !!!

Take a look at these amazing photos. The style of this home is impeccable.

4613 St. Charles Avenue, y'all!