Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
16
CARROLLTON: OLD-TIME CHARM WITH
FUNKY FEEL
BOUNDARIES:
St. Charles Ave., S. Carrollton Ave., Oak St., Dublin St.
DISTANCE:
1.54 miles
PARKING:
Free parking on St. Charles, metered parking on Carrollton
PUBLIC TRANSIT:
St. Charles Ave. Streetcar
The Carrollton neighborhood has a rich and fascinating history dating back to the mid-18th
century, when, as the town of Carrollton, it was the seat of Jefferson Parish. Carrollton was
annexed by New Orleans in 1874, but remnants of the old days remain—including the
pillared structure that once housed the town's courthouse but which has been home to sev-
eral schools ever since.
With its majestic oak trees, streetcar line, and quaint commercial districts, the neighbor-
hood still has a folksy, small-town feel. Yet in spite of its many transformations over the
years, it is one of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods. Much of the credit goes to the re-
vitalization of Oak Street, a funky street with old-time charm. On Oak, you'll find galleries,
restaurants, cafés, secondhand stores, and the like. In 2010,
O, The Oprah Magazine
named
the street as one of its “100 Things That Are (Actually) Getting Better.”
These days, Oak Street is synonymous with po'boys, the ubiquitous sandwich that's as
popular in New Orleans as cheesesteaks are in Philly. You won't find any famous po'boy
shops on Oak (though you can get a heavenly roast beef at Jacques-Imo's), but every
November, the street shuts down for the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival. With more than 30
vendors serving such po'boys as shrimp and crabmeat, barbecued oyster, drunken pig, and
brisket with blue cheese, dieting—or maybe even fasting—the week before is highly advis-
able!
•
Begin at the corner of St. Charles Avenue and South Carrollton Avenue in
front of Cooter Brown's, a popular dive sports bar with an impressive oyster
bar and beer selection. Cross St. Charles, but be extra-careful, as this is one of
the area's busiest intersections.
•
Continue two blocks on Carrollton to the stretch between Hampson and
Maple Streets. Dating back to the 1850s, the building to your right once
served as the courthouse for the town of Carrollton. It has also been home to
several schools, including John McDonogh No. 23 School, Benjamin Franklin
