Backatown Coffee Parlour, located at the very site of old Storyville, embodies the aura of the time where you could hear the sounds of Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, and King Oliver and meet folks from all walks of life. We strive to present Backatown as an authentic New Orleans gathering space that helps cultivate our neighborhoods through the fostering of ideas and conversations.
Storyville was the red-light district of New Orleans, Louisiana, from 1897 to 1917. It was established by municipal ordinance under the New Orleans City Council, to regulate prostitution. Sidney Story, a city alderman, wrote guidelines and legislation to control prostitution within the city.
Charity Hospital was one of two teaching hospitals which were part of the Medical Center of Louisiana at New Orleans (MCLNO), the other being University Hospital. Three weeks after the events of Hurricane Katrina, then Governor Kathleen Blanco said that Charity Hospital would not reopen as a functioning hospital. The Louisiana State University System, which owns the building, stated that it had no plans to reopen the hospital in its original location. It chose to incorporate Charity Hospital into the city's new medical center in the lower Mid-City neighborhood.[1] The new hospital completed in August 2015 was named University Medical Center New Orleans
For decades, that highway — an elevated stretch of Interstate 10 that runs above North Claiborne Avenue in the Tremé neighborhood — has been cast as a villain that robbed the historic African American community, taking many of its homes, businesses and a glorious strand of oak trees when it was built more than a half-century ago. Since then, generations have envisioned a day when it might be removed — or at least closed off to traffic — and the neighborhood restored to its former vibrancy. Now, the infrastructure bill sets aside federal funding to help neighborhoods like Tremé.
The Mardi Gras Museum is a contemporary celebration of the vast array of grassroots traditions of Mardi Gras. Come see the pageantry, fun, and creativity that only the Mardi Gras Museum can offer.
If I could give below a star, I would. I did everything correct on your website to purchase the ticket and put in this exact date. However, when I tried to reserve a spot on that date, I was told that there were no more seats available. And that I could purchase other tours. I was sent a text and unfortunately, all of those tours were three times the amount that I have paid on your site. That’s horrible customer service.
We booked this tour because we are always interested in seeing how the local people live and behind the scenes of tourist spots. With New Orleans there is so much to see especially with Katrina and Hollis was the perfect choice. He was born and raised in New Orleans and knows the city inside and out. He is an excellent guide and could answer all our questions. This tour was everything we hoped for an more. We loved it so much that we booked another tour with Hollis the next day! Your trip to New Orleans is not complete if you do not include tours with Hollis. It is the time we spent with Hollis that we will remember forever.
Hollis is an amazing guide and getting to experience Treme culture and history was an eye opening experience that I would recommend to anyone. Definitely the highlight of our trip. We enjoyed his tour so much on Saturday we booked a second line tour for Sunday. Once in a lifetime experience that I will talk about for years. Thank you Hollis.
This was a fantastic tour. Hollis knows New Orleans history and took us to places tourists never see. He shared the real New Orleans with us. It was the best tour of our entire stay. It was everything we hoped for and more. Call Hollis and see the real New Orleans!
The best tour of Tremé and the city! 10 out of 10 I recommend going on any tour with Hollis! Hollis is exceptionally knowledgeable in the historical landscape of the area. The tour took us to see murals created by local artist, displaying the rich cultural ancestry that has built New Orleans. The tour also took us through a lively community festival and shoe give away for school children. This tour was an eye-opening experience to the true New Orleans! Most importantly Hollis made us feel welcomed ans safe not as guests but as family! Note: Make sure to keep cash. Many of the establishments around the city discount for cash over using card.
Our tour guide, Hollis, is an absolute gem. So knowledgeable and immediately made my boyfriend and I feel at home. Personally if I'm booking a tour in a city I want it to be delivered by someone who comes from there and can give the real story of what took place there. Too often local stories and experiences are stolen or repackaged to be more marketable/digestible and the profits aren't benefiting the local community. When you book this tour just know youre getting the real and the money spent will directly benefit the community youre touring. The incorporation of audio from different documentaries and discovering some local food spots were just cherries on top. There are so many tours to choose from but this one took the cake for me. You won't regret booking!
Very interesting Tour with a guide who is dedicated to educating visitors about the Tremé community, its history and present situation. Definitely worth it!
Hollis was nothing short of amazing! We wanted a factual account from regarding New Orleans history from an African American perspective. He was so helpful in his recommendations.
This tour is the perfect way to get a glimpse of New Orleans beyond the typical tourist experience, and to learn about the overlooked history of the Treme post-Katrina from someone who lives the culture. You will learn so much!
The Treme’ Luxury tour was a great experience. Tremaine was an awesome tour guide. He is an ambassador for his neighborhood and overall his city. We got a chance to learn much about the growth, change, and development of the city. We would highly recommend his tour to other visitors/potential relocators to New Orleans.
Hollis is a very professional guide, and just a wonderful, warm person. We learned so much about Treme and about the history of Storyville, pre- and post-Katrina. We especially loved ending the tour at the Mardi Gras museum and seeing his costume, and learning about the traditions through his family and personal experience as king. I don’t think this experience could be replicated by anyone else. If you want a real taste of New Orleans, take a tour with Treme Luxury Experience. Five stars!
Perfect pace, perfect length. Great introduction to the history, and future, of Treme. We learned a lot and got to meet Kermit Ruffin! Keep teaching the youth!
I had an amazing time on the Storyville History Culture Tour, and it was perfect for the whole family! Our guide, who grew up in the Stuartville neighborhood, made the experience so fun and interesting. As we explored Storyville, we stopped at colorful murals that told cool stories about the neighborhood’s history. The guide shared fun facts and made everything easy to understand, which kept my kids engaged the whole time. The murals were bright and beautiful, showing off the pride and spirit of the community. To finish off the tour, we went to a super tasty local restaurant where we all enjoyed some of the best food in New Orleans. It was a great way to end the day! If you’re looking for an exciting and educational experience that the whole family can enjoy, I highly recommend this tour!
This was my family’s first time being in New Orleans and we wanted to tour the city, so we chose this experience. We had Hollis leading us and I have to say we couldn’t have had a better tour guide. He led us through the Treme region of town and taught us black history of the region that we would’ve never known. He also took amazing pictures and videos of us that enhanced the experience as well. If you want to learn authentic Black history of New Orleans, TLE is the way to go.
King Hollis is a fantastic tour guide! He is knowledgeable, personable and Treme’a own! I learned so much about the beautiful people and city of New Orleans. Well Done!
This was one of the highlights of my trip to NOLA. Hollis was extremely personable and knowledgeable about the history of the Treme community and the transition the community has experienced as a result of a variety of factors. It made me think about my own community and similar things happening across the nation.
On a cloudy rainy day today we got to meet Hollis. We weren’t able to walk the tour but he was gracious enough to drive us around in his car. When I say he took us through the best guided tour EVER!! He’s knowledge and experiences spoke to the history, culture and struggles of the city. We started with the Storyville area and heard about the rich history and how the community has drastically changed after Hurricane Katrina which coincidentally happened 19 years ago today. From there we traveled through parts of NOLA and to the Lower ninth Ward to see the area today and hear first hand about what happened and what’s occurring today. We ended this tour at one of Hollis’ favorite spots- Stuph’d for some great beignets. This tour that was supposed to only last an hour ended up lasting two hours and we are so much more enlightened after!! Don’t second guess., book with Hollis and you’ll learn so much more than the traditional tours. Thank you Hollis for the great experience and helping to cap off our trip and my birthday!!
I had such an amazing time! I felt like I had the most fun educational experience yet I truly thought tour were boring and lame but that quickly changed I was stunned at how much I enjoyed him. He felt less like a tour guide and more like a friend. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
We were looking forward to this tour but it was canceled the morning it was scheduled...we were disappointed.
Tour was AMAZING!!!!!! Hollis is AMAZING!!! Very knowledgeable. Do yourself a favor and book this tour!!!
The tour was amazing he had so much knowledge of the city. It wasn’t just a tour it was a history lesson I would recommend this tour to anyone coming to New Orleans
I loved the personal experience of having someone actually from the neighborhood and surrounding areas give history and insight into the community. Ending at a great resturaunt was perfection!
Hollis was amazing. Great details and information and dope personality. Definitely would do it again.
I had a great time learning about one of the most historic neighbourhoods in America, Treme. I was fortunate have the esteemed King Hollis as my tour guide. He is knowledgeable, kind and passionate about his hometown/ neighbourhood. He is truly an ambassador of the culture and the community. I was spoilt with a stop at Baby’s Snack Box to enjoy authentic local cuisine. A trip to New Orleans isn’t complete without a tour with King Hollis and of Treme.
It was wonderful to be able to walk around New Orleans with a great guide one of the kings! To celebrate my sister's birthday with some great seafood! I would recommend that you check it out!
Loved loved great tour great person great mannerisms great experience Very knowledgeable about the city and it'd great historical background
Our time with Hollis was time well spent. He was thorough, very informative and the experience was worth it!
This was the best tour I've ever taken! Hollis was great and very informative. He was warm and welcoming. We loved it
This tour was a combination of real talk with recommendations that actually support local. If you want to understand New Orleans, this is it .
King Hollis is the best! Great informative tour. This tour is a great and sobering experience about New Orleans and the changes that have been made since Katrina.
This tour was one of the best I have been on very informative ,colorful and we learned more about the rich history surrounding Nola and the tour guide was amazing thank you
Hollis was nothing short of amazing! His sense of pride in his community and culture was absolutely warming. Hollis was not only efficient and well informed, he was incredibly welcoming and accommodating. What was supposed to be an hour long tour turned into a fun, knowledge filled 2+ hour tour which ended with a stop at a (delicious) Black owned restaurant. My only regret is doing this tour on on my last day instead of my first. I look forward to visiting NOLA again, and will definitely be booking another of Hollis’s tours. It’s also worth mentioning that Hollis took the most amazing pictures of me! Thank you again Hollis for an amazing time!
Nice person to travel with if you want to know more about New Orleans’ culture, and if you’re foodie, he can give you great suggestions! New Orleans can be a good place to know more culture!
Hollis was great, he was raised in Treme and still has affection for the area. I love the fact that he understands the history of the 6th Ward. Excellent tour guide.
I had a great time. Our time spent with Hollis felt spending time with the cuzins. I would recommend to anyone. You will not be disappointed.
I loved learning about the beauty of New Orleans culture through Hollis! He is very involved & committed to his community. I learned so much & I’m glad I got to learn about our history here in New Orleans! Highly recommend! Don’t come to New Orleans without supporting local businesses & learning the culture!
Very friendly host! Loved the tour and informative culture walk. Loved murals. He takes great pics of you and your group
Loved Hollis he was very informative about the Treme and the community. Highly recommend you check him out.
The Best New Orleans Walking Tour, Great History Treme by Hollis, offers an immersive experience into the vibrant and rich history of one of America's most iconic cities. Led by the knowledgeable and charismatic guide, Hollis, this tour takes visitors on a journey through the historic neighborhood of Treme. Treme is widely recognized as the birthplace of jazz and is deeply rooted in African-American culture. As we walk through its streets, Hollis skillfully narrates tales of resilience and creativity that have shaped this community. From Congo Square, where enslaved Africans gathered to express their cultural heritage through music and dance, to the legendary Preservation Hall where jazz legends like Louis Armstrong once performed, every step on this tour is steeped in history. Hollis's passion for storytelling shines through as he recounts significant events such as Hurricane Katrina and its impact on Treme. He shares personal anecdotes from residents who lived through the devastation but refused to let their spirit be broken. This tour not only educates visitors about the past but also highlights how Treme has evolved into a thriving neighborhood today. The Best New Orleans Walking Tour, Great History Treme by Hollis is an excellent choice for those seeking a deeper understanding of New Orleans' cultural fabric. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with the city's past while exploring its present-day vibrancy. Whether you are a history buff or simply curious about this remarkable city, this tour will leave you with a newfound appreciation for Treme's enduring spirit.
Hollis, is a excellent tour guide. If you take this tour make sure you get him. He provides informative information about the Treme area. Thank you......
Hollis is an amazing tour guide who gives you a real look into the history and transformation of Treme, as a born-and-raised local himself. He is knowledgeable and great to talk with. We visited some great spots with drinks, food, art, and history. Highly recommend this tour! :)
Hollis didn’t cut corners on the history lesson from the perspective of the real people of Tremé. A must do experience.
Hollis was fabulous! Great history lesson with great seafood! Great experience with a great tour guide! I would highly recommend for everyone!
A awesome experience with a knowledgeable tour guide! The food and history was rich in culture and experience. A must see!!
This tour was very authentic. I appreciated getting the history of this city from a person that was born and raised here. Hollis is very knowledgeable
Great crab cakes at 8 assassin.hollis was awsome With his knowledge of treme. If you want to learn about new Orleans 6 ward get with him
Mr. Hollis was excellent! We really learned a lot about the history of Treme. We will definitely recommend Mr. Hollis and his tour company to everyone we know!
Excellent opportunity to see another side of New Orleans that is often missed when visiting New Orleans by tourist. This was an awesome experience in getting to see the damages both physically and mentally to the African American communities here. I would recommend this 100% for anyone visiting. My family truly enjoyed. Hollis is an excellent host and expert on the culture.
There’s so much to say and unpack about this amazing experience. Clearly 5 stars! Hollis thank you. The only experience was very educational.
My favorite part was that I was educated on the history of New Orleans. I loved seeing all the murals as well.
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