Algiers Point - New Orleans, LA

In 1719, the point across the river from New Orleans was used as the settlement's slaughterhouse. As a result, the colonists called it "Slaughterhouse Point." It was also where they kept their powder magazine -- away from the colony and on higher ground -- for safety reasons. This is commemorated by today's Powder Street. In 1805, Barholemy Duverje decided Algiers Point was the ideal place to build his plantation home, which he completed in 1812. Today, Delcazal Park sits where the plantation's chapel and graveyard used to be located.

In 1827, the Algiers/Canal Street Ferry began taking passengers across the river, allowing the village to grow larger. It is the oldest continuously-operating ferry in the nation. In 1895, a devastating fire destroyed several homes in the village, including the Duverje plantation home, which was serving as the courthouse at the time. The new courthouse was built in 1896 -- and the Romanesque building is considered a major neighborhood landmark.

The town of Algiers was annexed by New Orleans in 1870 and became the city's 15th Ward. In 1958, the Crescent City Connection (then called the Greater New Orleans Bridge) was constructed, spurring more growth of the neighborhood. Algiers continues to grow, with the historic Algiers Point the oldest section of the community.

To learn more about the history of the neighborhood, be sure to take a guided walking tour with Algiers Point Tours.

Separated from Downtown New Orleans by a bend in the river, Algiers Point became an independent village with an unshakable community bond. The neighborhood is filled with hidden gems like the Dry Dock Cafe. This neighborhood staple has been around since the early 1900s, serving up fantastic New Orleans and Creole food -- not to mention great beer. You'll find the Dry Dock Cafe on the corner of Delaronde and Bouny Streets. Home of the original "Toot Sweet" (breakfast in a to-go cup), Tout de Suite is an artsy corner cafe with an old-world ambiance and a unique (delicious!) menu.

Hop on the ferry and be whisked across the river to Canal Street, where you'll find a bevy of terrific restaurants in the French Quarter. The Cafe Du Monde, the Grand Isle, Drago's, and August -- a French restaurant owned by chef John Besh -- are all near the ferry terminal. After dinner, be sure to stick around for the legendary nightlife of New Orleans or cheer on the New Orleans Saints football team at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

The ferry is the most direct route to Downtown New Orleans and the popular French Quarter, and bus service is also available throughout the neighborhood. The ferry is free -- and a dollar for your car. The views from the ferry are fantastic, and well worth the trip. If you want to drive, the Crescent City Connection Bridge leads to the Central Business District. New Orleans is extremely pedestrian-friendly, and so is Algiers Point. Be sure to go walking and jogging on the 22-mile Mississippi River Trail, also called the Levee Path.

Once upon a time, the Delcazal Playground was the Duverje Plantation's chapel and burial ground; today, it is a picture-perfect park with a playground and benches. Confetti Park is small, pocket park with a bright, colorful play structure, ideal for younger children. Head across the river to Woldenberg Park, a popular riverfront park with jogging paths, amazing river views, docks, picnic spaces, and public artwork.

Even as New Orleans' "hidden gem," you shouldn't have any difficulty finding an Algiers Point apartment, but it won't be cheap. Apartments in Algiers Point rent for about $790, which is higher than the New Orleans average of $764. Homes in Algiers Point sell for about $246,000, slightly less than the New Orleans average of $262,000.

While it is possible to live, work, and play in Algiers Point with a wide selection of shops, restaurants, and businesses, many commute to New Orleans. Much of New Orleans' economy is service-based, with a variety of hotels, casinos, and museums. The Central Business District is home to the Fortune 500 company Entergy. It is also home to several banking headquarters, Reily Foods Company, the Consulates of Mexico and France, and Tidewater.

Algiers Point attracts a variety of artists and musicians, leading to a variety of terrific art galleries and studios. Be sure to visit the Rosetree Blown Glass Studio to see glassblowers at work. The studio has been in the neighborhood for more than 20 years -- owner and artist Mark Rosenbaum received Tulane University's first-ever MFA in glass. Get the little ones interested in art at the Mini Art Center, an art studio and gallery for children. The gallery is open to the public on Wednesday afternoons and on weekends (Saturday and Sunday).

Shopping in New Orleans is an experience you'll want to have as frequently as possible. Start at the Riverwalk, where you can watch boats cruising the river while you shop. The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk features stores like Cajun Kids, Fossil, Fat Tuesday, Life in the Big Easy, Coach, Carter's, Gymboree Outlet, Kay Jewelers Outlet, LOFT, American Eagle, Ann Taylor Loft, and dozens more.

You'll find amazing fresh, local seafood, Cajun spices, and more in the markets and grocery stores in Algiers Point. Be sure to stop into Rouses, John's Seafood, Opelousas Point Market, and the Algiers Point Grocery. The Old Algiers Harvest Fresh Market includes fresh produce, live music, and more. The farmers market is held every Friday afternoon, from 3-7 pm.