Dateline: Bourbon Street, New Orleans. Yeah, yeah. I know what you’re thinking. Vomit, whiz, debauchery and vomit. Sure. Bourbon Street. I get it. But here’s the thing: the whole street is not like that. You’ve got to get past the Puke Belt, my friends, down to the east end of Bourbon, where things quiet down.

That’s where you’ll find Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, one of my Great Good Places of New Orleans. Locals dig it (when it’s not packed), tourists (who know enough to get out of the Puke Belt) know it, too.

When you’re down in New Orleans, stop by Lafitte’s. Grab a cold drink and cop one of the chairs outside on the sidewalk, facing Bourbon. I recommend sunset time. Watch the sky fade from blue to pink to black as the clouds cruise overhead like plastic shopping bags blowing over the rooftops. Then make the short hike over to Frenchmen Street and catch some local jazz. The odds are strong that you’ll have an excellent evening.

(“Laffite’s” is one of six new pieces I’m doing for the Great Good Places of New Orleans series, which I plan to have done in July. Prints available soon!)