Mid-City New Orleans, LA

Originally called "Back of Town" for its location behind New Orleans' natural levees, Mid-City has come a long way from its 19th-century roots as a soggy swampland. Pumping stations installed in the late 19th century helped fend off flooding and led to residential growth. Today, the neighborhood features one of New Orleans' largest historic districts, made up of shotgun houses and bungalows erected around the turn of the 20th century.

One of the city's earliest suburban neighborhoods, Mid-City exudes culture from every nook and cranny. Jazz legend Louis Armstrong was born here, and the iconic New Orleans streetcar allowed businessmen to travel straight down Canal Street from Mid-City to work in the French Quarter or the city's business district.

Mid-City suffered massive flooding in 2005 when the levee broke after Hurricane Katrina -- the water rose up to 8 feet in some places, threatening to destroy the neighborhood completely. Many residents never returned after the hurricane, but neighborhood recovery continues. Businesses and residential developments now fill the gaps left by the storm.

The neighborhood is home to several beautiful and historic cemeteries, including the Cypress Grove Cemetery and a Masonic cemetery dating back to 1865. Get there by taking the streetcar down to the end of Canal, then walk along the grounds and see the ornate above-ground tombs. New Orleans residents love their cemetery culture, and many businesses such as Bloody Mary's New Orleans offer tours divulging historical insights and spooky tidbits.

Mardi Gras takes over New Orleans in February and March, and Mid-City is no exception. Catch the Krewe of Endymion parade, one of the most lavish and popular of the season. The Krewe of Mid-City, founded in 1934, is the fifth-oldest krewe that parades each year, and it was the first krewe to feature animation on its floats.

Mid-City features a savory blend of Cajun and Creole cuisine, international food and traditional American breakfast. Wherever you go, know that a little bit of voodoo and a whole lot of soul go into creating every dish.

A local favorite since 1898, Mandina's in the old pink house on Canal Street started as a grocery store. After a few years as a pool hall, it became a restaurant. Over 100 years later, the same family still serves a mean shrimp remoulade alongside other Southern classics. Order the shrimp or oyster po'boy with a cup of turtle soup, and you'll be a regular before you know it. To cool off in the summer heat, nothing beats a Mandina's iced tea.

For breakfast, head over to Wakin' Bakin' on Banks Street and order the pancrepes, a light, fluffy version of pancakes. For something more savory, you can't go wrong with the grit bowl -- featuring grits, meat and their perfectly cooked eggs -- or the pig muffin. If you can't drag yourself out the front door in the morning, don't despair, as Wakin' Bakin' delivers.

Any New Orleans resident needs a good Southern BBQ go-to spot, and Mid-City locals are fortunate enough to have one within walking distance. Do not miss Blue Oak BBQ's brisket platter. As far as sides go, the garlic macaroni is a staple for regulars, but consider opting for the brussels sprouts -- they're the best in the city.

When the sun goes down, tourists might head to the French Quarter, but locals know better. Stay in Mid-City to avoid the insane crowds and overpriced drinks. For an awesome Bloody Mary, grab a seat at the bar at Twelve Mile Limit. The cheap drinks and friendly patrons make for a great evening out. If you're feeling fancy, Pearl WIne Co. is the place to be. Don't miss their $20 Monday night special, Martini and a Manicure. That's right, you can get your nails done while you sip a cocktail. Pearl Wine Co. is also a great spot to catch some live music.

Mid-City is right off Interstate 10, nestled between Highways 90 and 51, it is easy to get out of the neighborhood and on your way to a suburb or a different part of the city. Keep in mind, though, that traffic in New Orleans can be overwhelming even on a good day. It's a busy city with lots of one-way streets in disrepair, and finding on-street parking might be more of a hassle than it's worth. You'll find parking lots, but they can run upward of $50 for the evening, so be extremely vigilant.

The good news is that Mid-City is very walkable since it covers a relatively small space; you can get to the farmers' market or your favorite brunch spot easily on foot. A few bike lines and flat terrain make cycling a breeze as well. For longer trips, the city's public transit system works sufficiently. Hop on the Canal Streetcar to reach the French Quarter, City Park and the cemeteries, taking in the incredible New Orleans sights and sounds along the way. You can also take any of the seven bus lines that serve Mid-City.

If you need a taxi, call United Cabs or download the Nawlins Cab, Uber or Carriage Cab apps to book from your smartphone.

Serving as a hub for activity and culture in New Orleans, City Park sits right across City Park Avenue, which borders Mid-City on the north. While there is no charge to enter the grounds, City Park features many activities that usually do charge admission.

Stroll the trails in the 60-acre Couterie Forest, one of the best spots for bird-watching in the city. Exercisers can jog on either of two all-weather running tracks. Dogs should remain on a leash except while visiting City Bark, the park's off-leash area.

Take the whole family for a day of fun at the park. For $4 per person (admission is free for children 36 inches or under), enjoy the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park or Storyland Theme Park, complete with 25 life-sized fairy tale-themed sculptures. Challenge the kids to a game of miniature golf at City Putt, then rent a pedal boat and take a spin around Big Lake.

Older park visitors love the New Orleans Museum of Art and the park's Botanical Garden. Admission to NOMA costs $10 for adults, $6 for kids 7-17 and free for kids 6 and under. See sculptures and paintings by famous artists, and don't miss the visiting exhibits. Don't want to spend the extra cash? Skip the museum and visit the attached sculpture garden for free. The Botanical Garden ($4 for adults/free for kids 36 inches and under) features 12 acres of more than 2,000 plants.

In the fall, VooDoo Music Fest takes place at City Park and has hosted dozens of diverse musical acts, including Neil Young, Metallica, Weezer and 50 Cent. Countless other festivals grace the park grounds throughout the year as well.

Mid-City residents pay a little more for housing and other amenities than the rest of New Orleans, but their cost of living is right in line with the national average. One-bedroom apartments cost an average of $800 per month, while the average cost of living is only slightly higher than New Orleans.

Shopping in Mid-City can mean perusing antiques at the flea market or stocking up on essentials at Costco. For all its big-box stores, Mid-City maintains its eclectic Big Easy charm.

Vinyl lovers frequented Captain's Vinyl even when it was run out of the owner's living room. The place offers such quality stock, though, a brick-and-mortar store opened in mid-2014. Find everything from classic rock to punk to country, and keep an eye out for those rare bootlegs. Captain's Vinyl has it all, but come prepared -- they only take cash.

For homegrown produce and handmade items from local vendors, check out Swap Meet NOLA. This is a great place to purchase some local art at a reasonable price. Strolling through the rows of booths, you'll feel the love among the vendors, who work together to ensure success for everyone. If your Saturday is too full, get fresh groceries on Thursday at the Crescent City Farmers' Market.

Residents who want to work off some of those calories they eat at the irresistible local restaurants buy their workout attire at Louisiana Running Company. Employees offer personalized service, ensuring that all customers leave with shoes perfect for their feet and routines. LRC sponsors running and walking groups where members train for local races.