Description: I’m a sucker for a boat ride, especially when it’s free. Put that boat on the Mighty Mississippi, and it’s really hard to pass up. I’ve done this on my last two trips to New Orleans, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite things to do: head down to the ferry dock at the foot of Canal Street, and take the free ride across the river to Algiers, the town on the lower/southern/eastern bank that’s nearly as old as New Orleans itself (founded in 1719).
There are two ferries that leave from this dock, one that heads downriver to Algiers and the other upriver to Gretna (so it’s worth making sure you’re on the right boat). The ferries carry both automobiles and foot/bike traffic, both only cars pay a toll. The lowest deck is open to accommodate those vehicles, but I think it’s the best place to ride. It’s the only place where you can ride outside, and it’s close to the river. Chances are a pelican or two will be trailing the boat, or checking it out as it leaves or approaches the dock.
The ride isn’t long, but provides a nice view of central New Orleans and the French Quarter, with St. Louis Cathedral easily visible. You also get a little small look downriver, where more of the business part of the Mississippi is located.
The dock at Algiers is newer and nicer than its Canal Street partner. Right outside is a statue of Louis Armstrong that kicks off a Jazz History walk that heads back upstream atop the river’s bluff. It’s done by the New Orleans Jazz Historical Park (whose headquarters are in the French Market across the river), and the tour can be accessed by cell phone.
Across the street is the Dry Dock Inn, a great place for lunch. It’s a real neighborhood place that bills itself as ‘Mardi Gras Headquarters’. A few tables are out front on the sidewalk, and right inside the door is a small bar that nearly feels like an addition to the long seating area on the left. A few round tops are up front, with larger table in the back. The walls are covered with pictures, photos, newspaper clippings, trophies and other local memorabilia. The menu looks like it hasn’t been touched in ages, and that’s just fine. A full range of po-boys is available, as well as burgers, fries and other basic New Orleans dishes. The servers like to talk as they fly around, and like everyone else in the city these days, they wanna talk football.
I think I’ve had the roast beef po-boy on each trip here, and there’s probably no reason to change. But everyone I’ve come here with loved what they ordered. After a few minutes of silence, my wife finally said "This is probably the best BLT I’ve ever had."
It’s an easy lunch trip: the ferry leaves Canal Street on the hour and half-hour, and returns from Algiers at quarter after the hour and quarter to. It makes a nice addition to a day in the French Quarter, and I understand that Algiers itself is worth exploring, although I have yet to do that.
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