Hollygrove: A Deep Dive into New Orleans’ Vibrant Quarter

New Orleans’ Hollygrove neighborhood, home to around 5,000 residents, exemplifies the city’s multifaceted cultural identity. This tight-knit community has a storied past and a promising future.

TL;DR

• Hollygrove’s unique cultural and historical significance within New Orleans.
• Highlighting current attractions, activities, and dining experiences in the neighborhood.
• Practical tips for exploring Hollygrove effectively and supporting local businesses.

Historical Context of Hollygrove

Hollygrove’s roots stretch back to the early 20th century when it was a rural area on the outskirts of New Orleans. As the city expanded, it transformed into a residential neighborhood, attracting diverse working-class families. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 left many homes and businesses devastated, but the resilient spirit of Hollygrove’s residents prevailed. Post-hurricane, the neighborhood underwent remarkable revitalization, with new housing developments, community gardens, and cultural initiatives taking root. Today, Hollygrove serves as a testament to its residents’ strength and determination, becoming a model for community-driven urban renewal while still facing some challenges.

Geographical and Cultural Landscape

Situated in the 17th Ward, Hollygrove is bounded by Earhart Boulevard to the south, Carrollton Avenue to the east, the Jefferson Parish line to the west, and the New Orleans Country Club to the north. Its location offers easy access to other parts of the city, including the French Quarter and Central Business District.

Hollygrove’s vibrant cultural scene is a defining feature. The neighborhood is home to a thriving music community, drawing inspiration from New Orleans’ rich musical heritage, ranging from jazz and blues to hip-hop and bounce. The culinary landscape is equally diverse, blending traditional New Orleans fare with innovative pop-up restaurants, like Filipino-inspired soul food and artisanal sno-balls.

Current Attractions in Hollygrove

Hollygrove offers a wide range of attractions for visitors and residents. The Hollygrove Market and Farm, a community-driven urban agriculture project, provides fresh, locally-grown produce and hosts workshops and events. The Hollygrove Arts Center offers classes, workshops, and exhibitions showcasing local artists’ work. Other notable attractions include the Carrollton Hollygrove Senior Center, providing services and recreational activities for older adults, and the proposed Hollygrove Greenline, a linear park and trail system connecting the neighborhood to other parts of the city.

Local Cuisine and Dining Experiences

Hollygrove’s dining scene reflects the neighborhood’s diverse cultural influences. Fowlmouth, a pop-up restaurant, serves Filipino-inspired soul food dishes like chicken adobo and lumpia. Chance in Hell SnoBalls offers unique sno-ball flavors like dill pickle and chocolate matzo toffee, using homemade ingredients. For classic New Orleans cuisine, Dunbar’s Creole Cuisine on Earhart Boulevard has been a neighborhood institution since the 1980s, serving hearty portions of gumbo, red beans and rice, and fried seafood.

Address: 7834 Earhart Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70125

Phone: (504) 488-6582

Hours: Monday-Saturday 11AM-7PM

Community and Lifestyle

A strong sense of community permeates Hollygrove, with residents taking pride in their homes and looking out for one another, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Several community organizations work to improve residents’ quality of life, like the Hollygrove Neighbors Association and the Hollygrove Growers, promoting sustainable agriculture and food justice through community gardens and education.

Transportation and Accessibility

Hollygrove is well-connected to other parts of New Orleans via several public transportation options, including RTA bus lines like the 27-Louisiana and 28-Martin Luther King routes. For drivers, the neighborhood is easily accessible via major thoroughfares like Earhart Boulevard and Carrollton Avenue, with ample street parking. While some areas may present challenges for individuals with mobility issues, efforts like the Hollygrove Greenline project aim to improve accessibility throughout the neighborhood.

Events and Entertainment

Hollygrove hosts a vibrant calendar of events and entertainment throughout the year. The annual Hollygrove Festival celebrates the neighborhood’s culture and heritage with live music, food vendors, art exhibits, and family-friendly activities. Other popular events include the Hollygrove Night Market, showcasing local artisans and food producers, and the Hollygrove Community Bike Ride, a guided tour of historic sites and cultural landmarks. For live music, the intimate Carrollton Station on Willow Street hosts regular performances spanning genres like jazz, blues, rock, and folk.

Safety and Travel Tips

As with any urban neighborhood, visitors to Hollygrove should exercise common sense and take basic safety precautions. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables. When exploring on foot, be mindful of uneven sidewalks and potholes, and wear comfortable shoes, staying hydrated during hot summer months. Don’t hesitate to ask locals for advice if unsure about a particular area or have safety concerns.

Supporting Local Businesses

One of the best ways to experience Hollygrove is by supporting its local businesses and entrepreneurs, from pop-up restaurants and artisanal shops to community markets and cultural centers. By patronizing these businesses, visitors can help sustain the local economy and contribute to the neighborhood’s ongoing revitalization. Many of these enterprises are owned and operated by Hollygrove residents who take pride in sharing their skills and talents with the community.

• Hollygrove Market and Farm: 8301 Olive St, New Orleans, LA 70118. Open Tuesday-Friday 10AM-6PM, Saturday 10AM-4PM. Offers fresh, locally-grown produce, as well as workshops and events.
• Fowlmouth: Pop-up location varies. Check social media for updates. Serves Filipino-inspired soul food, with dishes ranging from $8-$15.
• Chance in Hell SnoBalls: 3317 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70117. Open seasonally, typically from March to October. Offers a wide range of unique sno-ball flavors, with prices starting at $3.
• Dunbar’s Creole Cuisine: 7834 Earhart Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70125. Open Monday-Saturday 11AM-7PM. Serves classic New Orleans dishes like gumbo, red beans and rice, and fried seafood, with entrees ranging from $10-$20.

By exploring Hollygrove’s vibrant cultural landscape, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for the neighborhood’s history, resilience, and ongoing transformation. Whether a lifelong resident or first-time visitor, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in this dynamic and welcoming community.