My boyfriend and I stayed for four nights -- it was my first time in New Orleans, but certainly not my last. I will most certainly circle back to the Marigny and to Kate's wonderful drama space (townhouse from the 1830s, highest ceilings anywhere) that was, at the same time, cozy and convenient. The pictures don't do it justice! Note that the guest apartment is a lovely little duplex with TWO balconies; we had a hard time deciding where to sit! Ample space in the dining/living area and the upstairs bedroom with a big walk-in closet and adjacent bath; everything spotlessly clean. Kate welcomed us before she had to leave on a business trip. Her business associates in the main house, where Kate lives and where she has her studio, were around and very friendly (and would have been helpful, had we needed help with anything), but the apartment is very much to the side of the main building and thus totally private.

The neighborhood is a wonderful mix of lovely old houses and large warehouse space, thanks to the proximity of the river front with its freight trains and loading docks. We loved the duality of neighborhood and industriousness, especially the long freight trains going by... And what richness of culture and dining options in walking distance! Even though the apartment's kitchen is well-equipped, we barely used it, there are so many fun options to eat out within blocks. Also in easy walking distance is all the great music on Frenchmen Street. We passed through the nearby French Quarter a lot rather than spending much time IN it...

Within blocks of Kate's house: Rent bicycles from A Bicycle Named Desire (bicycling seems the perfect way to get around pancake-flat New Orleans), have coffee at The Orange Couch on Royal, lunch at Press Street Station at NOCCA, and dinner at the phenomenal Franklin (all Kate's recommendations). Our special tip: take the bikes to venture out to Bacchanal in Bywater, easily our favorite feel-good spot in New Orleans, with happy, intelligent jazz every night and terrific food and wine in a very casual outdoor/indoor setting.

Thank you, Kate, for your generous, casual hospitality in a striking historical home, and for introducing us to your beautiful city with such great tips.