Spanning the length of the French Quarter in New Orleans, Bourbon Street dates back to the early 1700s when the streets were first laid out. Perhaps one of the most famous names in New Orleans, Bourbon Street is well known for its all-night partying crowd, famous hotels, restaurants, strip clubs, gay bars and music.
   Named in honor of the French House of Bourbon, Rue Bourbon begins at Canal Street and roughly parallels the Mississippi River. Timid tourists and the curious find Bourbon Street fairly quiet during the day. With over 35,000 buildings listed on the National Register, visitors find the mix of New Orleans architecture most intriguing. Although not on Bourbon Street, the Soniat House (inset), considered one of the best hotels in the world, is an excellent example of French Quarter architecture. Two houses were built by Joseph Soniat in 1830, large enough to accommodate his family. Next door, his oldest son built even a larger home. Today, all three homes now make up the Soniat House hotel, detailed with spiral stair-cases, lush courtyards and upper balconies decorated with elaborate wrought iron railings. Guests are pampered with antique furnishings, goose-down pillows and Frette Egyptian bed linens. In the morning you may wake to the smell of homemade biscuits. Warm biscuits, slathered in strawberry jam, how can one resist?
   At night, Bourbon Street comes alive with neon lights, the smells of Cajun and Creole cuisine, and music in the air. Said to be the Birthplace of Jazz, visitors may hear the blues, jazz, rock, or acid jazz any night of the week. Recognized as the melting pot of music, it's no wonder New Orleans hosts a non-stop party.

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