Artistic expression of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina across from the convention center where the Spring Orgill Hardware Show was hosted.
New Orleans… A culturally rich city filled with fantastic food! What more could you ask for in a host city for a hardware show??? We first experienced New Orleans in August 2015, at our first hardware show, and 10 years later, we have returned again for another visit to this wonderful city.
We have found that getting to show early helps us navigate the day (less crowded) and we can explore the city later in the afternoon .Early morning at Orgill Hardware Show… the exhibition floor is full of people getting ready to take it all in…Fun with friends! Eric and Chelsea explored the Orgill Hardware Show with us the first day of the show. Always lots to see!!! Million square feet of space in 2 days… We go in with a definite plan now at each show, finding those vendors we need to reach out to, make orders, then we can “shop” for new products that our customers will enjoy. Richard is checking out a new key machine at the show. We ordered a key machine and it will arrive sometime in April. Our Orgill Representative, Steve Foster is set to retire later this year. He has helped us navigate our first show as newbies, and we were thankful to have his expertise in year 10. We will miss him tremendously.
The 2025 Orgill hardware show marked our third trip to New Orleans. We accomplished a lot on our to do list! Now it was time to explore the city a bit. A few constants remain from each trip… beignets at Cafe DuMonde, Mardi Gras celebrations in February, and rich, vibrant culture exemplified everywhere you go, along with the AMAZING food. Sharing my unique photo journey from our recent travels, enjoy y’all!
Hot beignets, just can’t be beat!Always a sweet treat with music on the street Beignets are everywhere!
Mardi Gras celebrations were in full swing in late February. Homes were decorated with colorful Mardi Gras trees, colorful lights, and outdoor fence areas were lined with decorations to mark the celebrations.
Beads and a Bird Outdoor Fences were adorned with beads , a visual reminder of Mardi Gras in progress A Colorful Walk
A Somber Reminder along Bourbon Street…
This makeshift memorial on the corner of Bourbon Street was moved just two days after we arrived to a permanent museum location.
Security along the Mardi Gras parade path was noticeably tighter…
Heavy equipment trucks moving into place prior to the arrival of one of the Mardi Gras parades.
Mardi Gras Parade Highlights…
I loved all the colors!!!
We walked to many places during our trip, even though the cold weather and wind was significant… I quickly noticed that city sidewalks were a treasure trove of design… “judging a block by its cover”, literally by the manhole covers and drain covers. Here are just a few captures from New Orleans…
Can’t you just see the history in these old Church Doors??? Blockbuster And Wall Inspired Art
Good food always can be found in New Orleans, some places never disappoint us when we are there in New Orleans and we always make plans to return.
A new wonderful addition to our New Orleans lineup this year! We will go back! Turtle soup to start… Blackened fish with crabmeat sauce Chocolate flourless cakeThe line was out the door to wait for lunch!!! Menu boasts Sandwiches and unique salad options… best French fries in town!!! Sorry, no picture, I ate them all!!! 😂Our order reminder.., just too cute! Grand Isle… Our favorite place in New Orleans!!!! Never disappoints!!!Pan roasted chicken with mashed potatoes and mushrooms Cheesecake for dessert Wood fired gulf fish with creamy grits
Thanks for the memories!! Hope to see you again New Orleans!
FYI: New product arrivals from our shopping days at the New Orleans Hardware show are beginning to arrive! Stop by and shop today at Wilkes County Hardware.
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The Hardware Life - A wife's journey into the hardware business 