Outdoor Nola: Freret Market

I am one of the least outdoorsy people I know. I don’t camp, don’t fish, don’t hike (you get the picture!), but living in New Orleans I have found that there are many fabulous things to do outside at all times of the year. Soaking up the sun, drinking a cold Abita and listening to live local music is a magical combination and I’m a huge fan of being anywhere you can re-create this experience. There are the obvious outdoor things in NOLA to do such as Jazz Fest and parades at Mardi Gras, but I am going to uncover lesser-known, but equally as awesome outdoor activities in New Orleans and bring them to you from time to time: welcome to Outdoor Nola.

There are many fabulous things to do outside in New Orleans at all times of the year. While it has gotten a little chilly the past few weeks, that’s no excuse not to hop over to Freret Street on the first weekend of every month to attend the Freret Market. The Freret Market is a self-proclaimed “food, art, and flea” market which runs on the first Saturday of each month from 12 noon until 5pm on Freret Street near the Napoleon intersection. This unique market is a combination of farmers market-meets outdoor festival- meets local artwork-meets why don’t you adopt a dog while you’re there?

Freret Market always features live music on one or two stages, depending on the month . Three bands generally play at each stage, with a listing of who is playing at what time on the Market’s website. The stage by the main entrance has benches set up in front so you can sit, relax and enjoy the music and merriness for as long as you like. Food stands from restaurants around the city are set up along the borders of the market. You can get anything on a given day from fish tacos to bacon-wrapped hotdogs.

There are also a variety of beverages to choose from, including Abita beer in your own souvenir cup and the best homemade juices you’ve ever tasted. Various animal shelters also attend Freret Market and bring eligible pooches around to meet everyone-you never know when you’ll meet your next best friend!

In some ways, the Freret Market is an embodiment of what it means to live in New Orleans: it’s a whole jumbled mix of music, good food, good drinks, funky jewelry and art to buy, and you’re bound to run into about three people you know. (It is New Orleans, after all.) With everyone trying to buy local these days, there couldn’t be a better time to make going to Freret Market part of your monthly routine. I’ve gotten so many awesome gifts for others (and myself) there. Some of my favorites were: homemade candles, peachy salsa, personalized fleur-de lis wine glasses, New Orleans themed coasters and earrings made from Scrabble pieces- you never know what you’re going to find!

Next time you’re looking for an activity on a Saturday, and feel like supporting your New Orleans
neighbors, head on over to Freret Street. It’s always a good time! ! More information: http://
freretmarket.org/

*Photo Credit: Nicholas Peddle*

Harrison Avenue Marketplace expands into Gentilly and New Orleans East

Beacon of Hope Resource Center is proud to announce that Harrison Avenue Marketplace is being duplicated in Gentilly and in New Orleans East through partnerships with the Gentilly Fest Marketplace and the Renaissance Marketplace of Eastern New Orleans.

We established Harrison Avenue Marketplace, an ongoing outdoor market, featuring local restaurants, arts and crafts, family entertainment, and live music, which hosts 72 vendors and attracts over 3,000 attendees per event. Economic studies of the Harrison Avenue Marketplace by Marketumbrella.org and University of New Orleans show an approximate $3.6 million direct economic impact over a two year period, helping Lakeview area businesses attain pre-Katrina revenue. We hope to see similar or better results with these new Marketplaces.

The first Gentilly Fest Marketplace was held on June 5, 2009 at the Oak Park Shopping Center located at the corner of Paris Ave and Mirabeau Ave. It was a great success with over 1500 people and 65 venders. Beacon of Hope Resource Center had a booth, where 34 residents registered to volunteer and 17 work requests were turned in. Upcoming Gentilly Fest Marketplace dates are July 3, August 7, and September 4, 2009 from 4:00 P.M to 8:00 P.M. For more information, visit www.gentillyfest.org, or call the Gentilly Fest Marketplace Chair, Maria Mercedes Tio at 504.236.3806.

The first Renaissance Marketplace of Eastern New Orleans will be held at the Lowes at 5770 Read Blvd, on June 27, 2009 from 4:00 P.M to 8:00 P.M. It will also be held on July 25, August 22, September 26, October 24, and November 21, 2009.

We look forward to seeing you at these Marketplaces while Harrison Avenue Marketplace is on summer hiatus. Harrison Avenue Marketplace's Fall schedule starts on August 12, 2009 at 801 Harrison Avenue, from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. It will continue every 2nd Wednesday of the month, on September 19, October 14, November 11, and December 9, 2009.

Story found News from Beacon of Hope Resource Center
http://lakewoodbeacon.org/