THE PEOPLE - Adrienne and Bill are, simply, good people. Although our arrival was late, Adrienne joyfully met us and welcomed us with open arms and two polite puppies (who are actually full grown, calm dogs). Adrienne and Bill struck a perfect balance between being great conversationalists/local guides and allowing us to do our own thing and enjoy our privacy. We were in town for Jazzfest and they provided great insider info on music, food, and transportation The fresh coffee every morning wasn't bad either.

THE PLACE - Adrienne has written up a nice history of the house and past occupants which I enjoyed reading as I lay in bed the first night, surrounded by many great books, records, and a summer breeze through the screen door. Almost every square inch of this beautiful house is filled with interesting art, music, architecture, and energy.

We could have spent many more hours just hanging around the house, sitting on the porches (the private one just off the Library or the common front porch. However, the garden district neighborhood is lovely to stroll through on your way to Magazine St., St. Charles St., Commander's Palace, the LaFayette cemetery, and MORE ... a couple recommendations are Ignatius Eatery (on Magazine St.) for $2 martinis and po boys and Atchafalaya (a block and a 1/2 off of Magazine) - the bloody mary bar alone was worth it and the duck hash was really good.

This house is in a perfectly centralized location to enjoy the city outside of the French Quarter, but it's also very convenient to get to the French Quarter, Frenchmen St, and other parts of the city. We took the trolley, buses, and even walked to the French Quarter one evening when we had the time.

Also, the whole neighborhood smells so sweet ... lush gardens, magnolia, and jasmine.

THE POOL - Coming from Boston after a long winter, I was very excited to take a dip in the pool. As the summer hadn't quite begun on New Orleans' terms, Adrienne made sure it was promptly cleaned so I could fully enjoy it. We spent more than a few hours sitting by the pool, strumming guitar, napping, drinking cider, and soaking up the sun while the dogs made sure we were welcome and protected.

I could write much more, but the bottom line is ... do it. You won't be disappointed.