Little Woods - New Orleans, LA

Started in 1926, Little Woods is the product of the Lake Pontchartrain fishing camps of the early 20th century. Since the land was owned by the Levee Board, camp owners were able to live rent-free. The stretch of land featuring these camps was called “The Poor Man's Miami Beach.” Though these lakefront camps were common, the collection here lasted the longest, even surviving the 1998 Hurricane Georges.

Early jazz musicians played in clubs along this lakefront, giving Little Woods its artistic and musical history. Over time, Little Woods grew into an urbanized neighborhood, but there are still remnants of its past. The Fountain of the Four Winds, the once controversial commissioned sculpture by Enrique Alferez, can be found at the New Orleans Lakefront Airport.

There are no museums or annual arts events hosted in Little Woods, but residents here are only minutes from the French Quarter and other culturally rich areas of New Orleans.

Ethnic diversity and access to the canal make the culinary options in Little Woods rather impressive.

Clandestinely located within a strip mall next to a truck stop, Burritos Grill is a famed hidden treasure of the community. Genuinely authentic Mexican cuisine and a local seafood source make their shrimp dishes, including shrimp nachos and shrimp fajitas, some top picks from the menu. Every meal is made from scratch, with a focus on the freshness of the ingredients. Happy Hour starts at 2 p.m., serving a variety of beers, wines and cocktails, including six different types of margaritas in three different flavors. To top it all off, Burritos Grill's prices are lower than average within Little Woods, through the servings are gracious. Stop by for karaoke on Fridays.

You cannot take a trip to New Orleans without munching on its famously prepared seafood, and Castnet Seafood far surpasses the competition. Locally owned and patronized, Castnet Seafood showcases the wares of local fishermen in its meals, but because of this, prices and options may vary. This restaurant features crawfish, shrimp and oysters, and it is known for serving some of the most delicious ribs and po-boys in the New Orleans area. Its secluded location, proximity to Lake Pontchartrain and neighborhood fame make this the ideal place to experience local seafood and local flair.

Fine dining restaurant and lounge by day, Dish on Hayne later turns into a hot night spot known as Dish after Dark. This club-like environment works as a venue for popular DJs and live music, with a dress code that caters to more classy clientele. A popular dance spot, admission is typically free, although a cover charge may be required for live entertainment. Patrons must be 25 to enter. While Dish on Hayne offers its lounge and bar every night, Dish after Dark is a Friday and Saturday night affair only.

While public transportation is available through the Regional Transit Authority, you would be better off driving in Little Woods. The damage from Hurricane Katrina has limited the RTA's resources, damaged previous routes, and limited the bus line's efficiency. Without extensive funding and rebuilding, RTA prioritizes the best rebuilt neighborhoods. Though the RTA does stop and provide its services to Little Woods, brace yourself for a wait, and make sure to check the schedule beforehand. As long as you map out your trip and check the schedule located on the RTA website, your excursion on the RTA should run smoothly.

There are no cab companies located within Little Woods, but plenty are found in New Orleans traveling throughout the city. Uber has recently brought its ride-sharing service to New Orleans, providing trips from Orleans Parish and the Louis Armstrong International Airport.

Due to a lack of reliability on the RTA, and the high cost of traveling via taxicab or Uber, residents here prefer to travel by car. Public parking within Little Woods is free of charge. However, if you are planning a longer stay in Little Woods, grocery stores, restaurants and shopping areas rest closely within a mile of each other, making the area quite convenient for pedestrians and cyclists, though bike lanes are minimal.

Visitors and residents of Little Woods must also leave their neighborhood to experience the illustrious parks of New Orleans, but they don't have very far to travel.

Since 1898, the Audubon Park has exuded beauty through its ancient oaks, a jogging trail and a lagoon. A tennis court, playgrounds and soccer fields provide recreational outlets. This park does not cost anything to enjoy, and it includes a premier public golf course and a cafe. Monitored by the Audubon Nature Institute, this park neighbors the local zoo, aquarium, butterfly garden and insectarium and even an IMAX theater. Children and pets enjoy running around the green spaces, and the entire family can get exercise here. In fact, with so many options, the Audubon Park cannot be fully appreciated in a single day, making it the ideal spot to visit again and again.

City Park contains something for everyone: tennis courts, golf courses, walking, jogging, biking and an antique wooden carousel. The most famous landmark consists of the world's largest and oldest standing oak trees. Dating back nearly 800 years, these trees manifest unique characteristics of having withstood the test of time. Annually, City Park hosts the Celebration in the Oaks, one of the country's most elaborate holiday lights festival, where the oaks are adorned in holiday lights covering 25 acres. Don't forget to buy your ticket for this event in advance, as Celebration in the Oaks draws in over 160,000 admirers every year.

Little Woods consists of a varied demographic, housing both high-income families and those below the poverty level. While the cost of living matches that of the city's, this area's housing value sits at 8 percent lower than city average. Rental rates here are approximately 9 percent higher than in New Orleans, and a one-bedroom apartment costs an average of $850 per month.

A trip into the city via the RTA costs $1.25, and transfers are a quarter. However, considering the inconsistent bus schedule and roundabout routes, the $3 day pass is a good purchase. Gas prices here sit around 5 percent lower than the national average, while a pint of beer at a local bar costs approximately $5.

Little Woods is home to many shops and stores for locals to visit, though most within an around the neighborhood are chains. For all your computer-related disasters, go visit the folks at I.T. Technical Solutions Made Easy where they will fix up your technology in a jiffy. For those looking for an impressive well-rate baker, the Royal Cakery offers custom made cakes for any special occasion.

Truly unique and prime shopping can be found with a short trip to the French Quarter, a location which incorporates the history, charm and famed attributes of New Orleans. Venture into James H. Cohen and Sons, which spotlights antiquity through jewelry, weaponry and the largest and oldest coin collection in New Orleans. Marvel at an extensive collection of firearms and swords, maps dating as far back as the 1700s and ancient Greek and Roman currency. Stop by the city's most famous bookstore Faulkner House Books. Once rented to the Nobel Prize winning author himself, this building now houses new and used books. Rare and classic editions of books written by Faulkner and other historical writers rest within this literary haven.

Grocery shopping in Little Woods is generally done at the Save-a-Lot, which can be found a little south of the neighborhood. There is a CVS, Home Depot, and several Dollar Generals within a 10 minute drive.