Fairgrounds New Orleans, LA

The French-Creole nobleman and president of the Louisiana Senate from 1822-1823, Bernard de Marigny, was a fan of an English dice game called Hazard. In New Orleans, it was referred to as "Crapaud," which later became known as Craps. He founded the Fair Ground Race Course with Julius C. Branch and Henry A. Tayloe, bringing gambling to New Orleans. The first race was held in 1839 and lasted five days. The track officially opened in 1842. In addition to racing and slots, the Fair Grounds has concession stands, a clubhouse dining room, and "grab-and-go" slot eateries. Saint Louis Cemetery Number Three is also located in the neighborhood. It was the last of the Saint Louis Cemeteries, opening in 1854. The crypts are much more elaborate in this cemetery, with several marble tombs. Famous residents buried here include composer Paul Sarebresole and painter Ralston Crawford. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, or Jazz Fest, is held at the race track during the last weekend of April and the first weekend in May. This festival has taken place every year since 1970 and is one of the most popular events in New Orleans. In addition hosting live music, the event features food vendors, craft booths, parades, and art villages. Head to City Park, located just across the bayou, to visit the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Pan-American Stadium.

Along the neighborhood's southern border of Esplanade Avenue, you'll find several restaurants, many catering to race fans. Lola's serves authentic Spanish food -- with a Creole twist. Just down the street, Café Degas is an intimate French bistro that opened in 1980. The restaurant features an outdoor patio, where you can dine beneath pecan trees and enjoy scenic views of historic Esplanade Avenue. When you just want a terrific cup of coffee, a vegan snack, or a pastry, you want to go to Fair Grinds Coffeehouse. Fair Grinds Coffeehouse features 100 percent Fair Trade coffee. They are also farm-to-table, with their own farm in the Lower 9th Ward called ACORN Farm. Here, you'll find freshly-grown vegetables, salad greens, and herbs used for their drinks and teas. Other must-try restaurants along Esplanade Avenue include the Italian restaurant Nonna Mia, the Creole cuisine at Liuzza's by the Track, and the Half Shell Oyster Bar and Grill. Several other restaurants can be found along St. Bernard Avenue, including Mid City Seafood and Deli, Manchu Kitchen Chinese restaurant, and the Buttermilk Drop Bakery and Cafe for donuts and soul food.

New Orleans is a pedestrian-friendly city, and Fairgrounds is no different. In addition to quiet streets and ample sidewalks, there are several bus stops. For those who prefer to drive, I-610 borders the neighborhood on the north side, and the historic Esplanade Avenue is to the south. North Broad Street runs along the east side.

Stallings Gentilly Park features a public swimming pool, a playground, a basketball court, and a ball field. The tiny Fortier Park has a stone walking path and several seating areas in a tropical garden setting. Cross the bayou along Esplanade Avenue and you'll find City Park. This large park covers 1,300 acres and was established in 1854. It is one of the country's oldest urban parks. City Park contains the Botanical Garden, the Besthoff Sculpture Garden, the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, and some of the largest live oak trees in the world. The Grand Oak is roughly 800 years old. The park also offers walking and bicycling trails, two football stadiums, the Pepsi Tennis Center, an equestrian farm with horse riding lessons, an 18-hole golf course, Big Lake, Storyland, and the Museum of Art.

Living in Fairgrounds is slightly more expensive than the rest of the city by about seven percent. An apartment in Fairgrounds averages about $922, which is slightly higher than the national average of $890. Many Fairgrounds residents work in the tourism and service industries, while many others commute to other sections of New Orleans, such as the Central Business District, just over three miles southeast. Several colleges and universities are a short distance (often within bicycling range) of Fairgrounds, including Dillard University (roughly 1.3 miles away), the University of New Orleans (roughly four miles northeast), and Delgado Community College, about two miles away.

If you just want to run to the corner market for groceries, you'll find terrific stores in Fairgrounds. For a more intense shopping spree, you'll want to head three miles southeast to the French Quarter. Here, you'll find the historic French Market, which dates back to 1791, and the Shops at Canal Place. Canal Street features a variety of fantastic boutiques, gift stores, and specialty shops. Along the riverfront, you'll discover even more shops, as well as the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk.