New Orleans/Tremé



Tremé (pronounced "Treh-MAY"; historically Faubourg Tremé) is an old historically African-American and Créole neighborhood of New Orleans, just "back" (away from the Mississippi River) from the French Quarter.

The Tremé is famous for its music, and has some attractions, music venues, and small inexpensive hotels.

Understand
The neighborhood has a rich Créole and African American history, as one of the oldest such districts in the country.

Like most downtown inner-city New Orleans neighborhoods during the late 1800s through the early 1900s, it was integrated with French Créoles; not by White Americans. Present day Tremé is still integrated and its residents are still mostly Créole and African American, the homes are valued between $150,000 and $700,000. Residents of Tremé are working professionals, artists, musicians, community leaders, entrepreneurs and activists. There is much pride associated with having a Tremé address.

By car
A car is quite a good way to make your way around the Tremé if you intend to venture any further than the cemetery, Louis Armstrong Park, and the few sights just east of the park—getting to the specific restaurants is a pain without one, and it's not the safest part of town after dark to hang out waiting for buses or take long walks. Even for most of the B&Bs, having a car is going to be a big help. Parking is in ample supply.

By bus
Bus 91 is a handy route if you are staying on the Esplanade, as it will take you down Esplanade to the border of the Quarter on Rampart, and on to the CBD. Weekends see pretty limited service, only every hour from 6AM to around 10PM, but on weekdays it's every half hour from 6AM-11PM. Buses 57 and 88 also run from the CBD along Rampart, with the ever handy route 88 going east to Marigny, Bywater, and on the Lower 9th Ward, and 57 going to Marigny and then up all the way on to the University of New Orleans.

Buses 51,52,62, and 64 all run through the center of the Tremé along Claiborne to the Canal St in the west, and then the length of I-10 throughout central New Orleans to the east.

Bus 84 is a handy and relatively frequent (by New Orleans standards) bus running the full length of Broad St through Midtown

By taxi
Taxis work great on the way in, but getting one on the way out can be tough.

Do

 * Mardi Gras Henriette Delille Street (formerly St. Claude Street) in front of the Backstreet Cultural Museum (see above) is a popular gathering place during New Orleans Mardi Gras -- on Lundi Gras ("Fat Monday", the day before Mardi Gras Day) the "Red Beans & Rice Parade", and on Mardi Gras Day brass bands, troupes of Mardi Gras Indians, and various costumed revelers make a stop here.
 * Mardi Gras Henriette Delille Street (formerly St. Claude Street) in front of the Backstreet Cultural Museum (see above) is a popular gathering place during New Orleans Mardi Gras -- on Lundi Gras ("Fat Monday", the day before Mardi Gras Day) the "Red Beans & Rice Parade", and on Mardi Gras Day brass bands, troupes of Mardi Gras Indians, and various costumed revelers make a stop here.

Drink
Candlelight Lounge; see above at "Live Music". Drinks served even when there isn't live music going on.

Sleep
The historic Esplanade Ave corridor is lined with beautiful mansions, several of which house beautiful bed and breakfasts (and plenty of others which still lie sadly in disrepair post-Katrina). They are some of the highest rated inns (by guests) in the city, and you are likely to have a great time there. But be aware that the Esplanade is not the safest street in the city after dark, so enjoy the pretty walk along the busy street in the day to the French Quarter and Marigny, take a cab back after dark.



Stay safe
Tremé is a neighborhood to be mindful about rather than avoided completely. Informed visitors can visit interesting attractions. Still, it is a good idea to dress down, do not display expensive jewelry or video-cameras in this economically compromised neighborhood.

Know where you are going and you can walk to the attractions which are just a block or so from the French Quarter or along Esplanade Ave during the day time. Since Katrina has rendered portions of the area relatively sparsely inhabited—the boarded up houses are not a result of blight, they are a result of natural disaster. Regardless, it is not recommended taking random long walks, at nighttime, through the neighborhood, especially in the areas furthest from the French Quarter, and those closest to the Iberville housing projects (west of St Louis Park and south of I-10).

Those who live in major metropolises, such as New York City for instance, would be less inclined to feeling "fearful" in this historic neighborhood. But, as with any place that is new to one, common sense as opposed to fear, is always the advantage. Keep in mind also that New Orleanians as a people, are exTremély hospitable and helpful.

Daytime events with many people around such as "jazz funerals" at Saint Augustine Church or outdoor concerts at Armstrong Park are very safe.