French Quarter Journal writers and photographers explore life in the country's quirkiest neighborhood during the COVID crisis.  Newest stories are at the top -scroll down for earlier entries. 

Learn more about FQJ's everyday mission:  We report on New Orleans' oldest neighborhood as a community - not a commodity.  Check out our home page for regular features.  

Books, bookstores, writing and reading:  historian Frank Perez contemplates the literary life in a neighborhood that's "a world of dreams and letters." 

- by Frank Perez

On the summer solstice, historian and writer Frank Perez reflects on the passage of time as his French Quarter neighborhood slowly reopens.  

- by Frank Perez

Saturday marked the beginning of Phase Two, in which bars not serving food could reopen at 25% capacity.  Stroll with us down Bourbon Street.

- by Ellis Anderson

As the nation writhes in turmoil, historian and writer Frank Perez looks through the lens of the past to ponder the French Quarter's future.

- by Frank Perez
- photos by Frank Perez and Ellis Anderson

A writer and French Quarter tour guide discovers a time-tested culture where small pleasures bring great satisfaction.

-  by Glennis Waterman

A sprinkling of restaurants and shops opened their doors for the first time in two months, welcoming a cautious vanguard of locals.  

- by Ellis Anderson 

A reminder if you're planning to visit:  Please be especially mindful of our hospitality workers, culture bearers, and residents. If you love the Quarter, show some love to our peeps.  You'll find guidelines to help protect them here.  

During the COVID shutdown, a seasoned group of French Quarter street performers create an online platform to raise money for fellow buskers in need.  

- by Reda Wigle

Leaving the French Quarter for the first time since the COVID shutdown, the writer's destination of choice?  The family tomb in Galliano. 

- by Frank Perez

The occasion was solemn, but the music lifted the spirits of all who were present:  The Treme-Lafitte Brass Band performed a traditional jazz funeral concert on May 12th for all lost to the coronavirus pandemic.  

- by Ellis Anderson

"Just because there's no festival doesn't mean the world can't look festive!"   Jazz Fest sign artist, Nan Parati, teams up with one of the city's savviest retailers, Lauren Haydel.  ​

- story by Reda Wigle 
- photos by Nina Cameron 

A grounded duo of travel bloggers cook up a hilarious shelter-in-place video series covering local history.  Fortunately, "local" for them is the French Quarter. 

​- by Reda Wigle 

"Dining out" has taken on a new meaning these days.  Four of our favorite French Quarter restaurants will help you do delectable at home:  Galatoire's, GW Fins, Italian Barrel and The Pelican Club.  

by Kim Ranjbar
- photos courtesy featured restaurants

After two months in French lockdown, FQJ's managing editor finds herself experiencing culture shock on her return to the states. 

- by Rheta Grimsley Johnson

Galleries may be closed and Jackson Square deserted, but artist Josh Wingerter spiced up the French Quarter and Marigny neighborhoods, using plywood as his canvas. 

- photos by Ellis Anderson

Fifth in the series of diary entries by writer/historian Frank Perez, this day finds him in his French Quarter home, dreaming of Paris. 
​
- by Frank Perez

New and newly-noticed homeless people spark memories of desperation and generosity in a former French Quarter street musician.  
 

- by Ellis Anderson

Fourth in the series of daily diary entries by French Quarter writer/historian Frank Perez, this piece covers unfortunate hair-cuts, making groceries, and graffiti scrubbing. 
​
- by Frank Perez

Mourning John Prine in France, where our managing editor's extended stay turned into an indefinite lock-down.  

- by Rheta Grimsley Johnson

A photo album:  The city's four Easter parades may have been cancelled, but that didn't stop Margarita Bergen and other New Orleanians from celebrating with style.