The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

Lately I noticed that many books and movies about vampires, play sooner or later in New Orleans. I also saw some people mentioning New Orleans in their profiles or journals.

Why is that city so imporant? Is there a special energy field or something? Or is it just made up?

Not so much as an energy spot, but great as a good story line. New Orleans has a bunch of good 'ol character. Lots of History and culture. Really can't beat it.

I have a section in my profile on 'New Orleans Vampire history 101'.

New Orleans is well-known for its vast beliefs in the supernatural- it has very much to do with our culture- people from so many different places and religions- and founded by Europeans who were experiencing the Vampiric accounts of the times, most of which was unfounded.

All the old world stories of people being buried with their heads and feet cut off so they would not rise again... all these practices were brought straight over here to a community of voodoo and other supernatural and metaphysical practices that were considered demonic in those times.

From there on out it has been a breeding ground for amazing stories and factual accounts as well. People come here for freedom to believe and be what they want spiritually speaking. It is a magical, mystical, kick-ass spot on the map. We live and breathe the art that purports to control or forecast natural events.

Ann Rice also made it famous by creating her stories within it :)

very well put ImagesinWords i do remember hearing something about alot of voodoo practice out of new orleans, never really read up on it though...

Im glad that MzMadneZz mentioned Ann Rice. I love her and her stories. And it seems in one way or another, she made sure that her characters made it to New Orleans.

It's very sacred place is why they use it and also just to start for the american vampires go figure

New Orleans has been a haven for vampire wannabies and Anne Rice's "fans." It's now called, Vampire Central. (Last time, I checked.)

Sad to think, that's happening.

there are alot of theories on new orleans.. lol but that voodoo thing was on the news but that was before the hurricane hit it..

but, Anne Rice was infused with the lore of it by growing up here- she just took it and ran with it- creating come cool fiction from her surroundings.

once again very well put :-D

i think its just because theres such a huge vampire history to new orleans thanks to anne rice

For people that do not live here- Anne Rice is the first thing to come to mind... I love her, think she's great, I know she's made Vampires and New Orleans a 'marriage' with the popularity- but even if she never existed, our Vampire history would be VERY rich. She wrote a lot about it because she grew up here with the stories herself.

If you ever come to NOLA- take a Vampire Tour in the French Quarter and hear the history yourself.

there was vampyre history in new orleans before anne rice....

It's more of a rumor thing, I believe. Sort of like with Romania. The more publicity a place gets for that kind of thing, the more people's attentions are mainly drawn to it. I really don't think it's all that great, especially after Katrina. Alot of it's charm went down with the waters.

i never paid any attentiont to that... hmmm... very good to know

GOOD WAY TO VIEW IT IW...^.^
I SEE IT AS A MIX BETWEEN FICTION AND LOOK AT THE LOCATION. BAYOUS...IT MAKES A GOOD SETTING FOR ANY STORY

I do agree that Ann Rice had some part in drawing attention to it. But, I've talked with people who live there or close to it. They've all said that the "magic" of the place has always been there.
Someone (sorry I forgot who) mentioned it has to do with the city's history. If anything I would say thats probablly the closest to fact we'll ever know regarding Vamps and New Orleans.

New Orleans is well known for all the little supernatural things that are supposed to be there. Ghosts, vampires, witches, the sort. So, inevtiably, when a vampire or ghost or witch is mentioned, you also hear a little bit about New Orleans.

Speaking of New Orleans, how well do vampire do with salt water and alligators? The vast energy force in New Orleans was called Katrina.

I went a few years back. It was around 2002. I was dissapointed, NOLA went downhill from when I had gone before in 98. The Goth scene had gone to shit, everything vampire related was just done up for the tourists. I didn't find any houses or anything. It just felt like it had sold out or something.
The place is a vampire's city though, it will drain the life out of you. I had to leave or I would've died there.
Savannah GA, on the other hand had some interesting vibes. Dark, spooky in it's own right, and interesting stories.

They always mention it during documentaries and books

Shane5096667: Apparently the Vamps and the saltwater and gators get along just fine. We've had a large abundance of energy well before the big kat.
Don't be a naieve fuktard.

bravo Maiden ;)

So true that a vacation will give you nothing, unless you have it in you to tap into what is real, if you can't sense what New Orleans truly is on your own- it could never be explained.

I don't know if it been said, but down in orlean voodoo is big and the swamps make up for a lot of mystery. So many believe that we have a vast population of vampire down there.

like mentiond befor New Orleans is rich with VooDoo an magic, the belife is very strong in the super-naturel there

Thank you Images. ;)

Kabal: You are right.

And might I add the swamps not only add quite a bit of mystery but deep within the heart of the swamp, it's also some of the most beautiful scenery one could possibly see. its along the same lines of what alot of others would consider "beautiful" such as the mountains, or forrests, or vast open fields of nothing but greenery.

The swamps make up a good bit of this south, they are my (personal) pride and joy. The swamps, mainly, are exactly what makes me most proud to be here where I am...in the midst of it all. And non-the-less it is also in the midst of the swamps where some voodoo was practiced.

I would not trade these swamps for anything, not mountain nor river or valley.

Dont really know much about new orleans being associated with vamps....just a huge ass flood :p

The first thing that comes to mind for me when I hear New Orleans is the voodoo community I've read and heard about. I watched some special a while back on the history channel (I believe) and it just seems like a fascinating place.

I'll admit, when I think of Vampires and New Orleans, Ann Rice comes to mind for me as well. I'd love to dig further into the history of the city and see where the lore all really started.

I'd also like to visit one of the above ground cemetaries. Just an odd fascination of mine that i have...

but there may not be many stories for a while, what with the destruction of the poor town. or perhaps that will be woven into the new stories - new orleans being rebuilt, and the vampires playing an integral role in the city's new era... hmmm...

I guess you have to blame Anne Rice.

lol FangMeBaby, I'll write her a mail :P but she is not the only one who uses New Orleans for vampire stories. My fav author Sherilyn Kenyon has most of her stories playing in new orleans too, thats actually how i got to it all :)

I have to say I have been to new orleans and have been in the south for awhile and yes savannah is divine...go to a bed and breakfast or stay at a nice small inn and you will love the atmosphere.
However ...new orleans just stole my heart.
I didn't stay in the french quarter. I stayed at the ponchartrain hotel...with anne rice in mind and really spent and got to know some garden district old timers.
One man came out and just opened the house to us. I was also stalking Trent Reznor..lol because he still lived there at the time. But we tried to stay out of the touristy side and really get to flow with the old time 2 generation /3rd generation natives that I had come to be aquainted with and it was just great to be in spots where history not just of vampires and of witches but of voodoo great...Marie Laveau etc. I thought the energy was there
and for the real energy and pulse one had to not look in the expected places.

Much of the South has a wonderful, haunted history. It would be impossible to quantify them all.

New Orleans does seem to have a special history of its own that is most likely attributed to its "voodoo" culture.

This is just opinion on my part, but I feel that the draw to New Orleans comes from the following:

1. Strong spiritual and haunted history in the area.

2. Anne Rice's use and popularization of the area.

3. New Orleans has always been a huge party town.


Again, just my opinion.

Heh... I want to go there.. someday... when everything is rebuilt... Their still doing Mardi Gras which is causing great .... well .... contraversy... ^^ I think they should... but others think that it's like not the time to be partying... I think they should because it units people and would show people how strong they reall are - shrugs- Just meh..

Ok here's the story on New Orleans.

1. Voodoo took place south of New Orleans. Most of it on plantations near the gulf. New Orleans was nearby, 30 to 100 miles, and was trying to protect there people. They made laws forbidding the practice of voodoo and the raising of zombies (still a law).

2. Anne Rice, as much as I love her books, based her stories there because of the history, the beautiful arcitecture, and the fact that she lives there. Sad to say, many "fans" take the idea of vamps in New Orleans too far.

3. As far as an energy spot, it very much is. Unfortunately, the energy it sends is more of a drunken energy than anything else. If you want to party, this is the place.

So now, if you think New Orleans is anything more than a city of culture, beauty, and history, you might not want to drink any more hurricanes till you sober up.

Two words for ya
Anne Rice

She lives there. She likes to write character is areas she knows. Some of her earlyer works take place in NYC. Why? because she was there when she wrote them.

No sir, it was not New York City- she moved to San Francisco in her early adult years.

To people who know nothing about New Orleans, their answer about the popularity between vampires and New Orleans will always be 'Anne Rice', but it was very popular here before her. Where do you think her inspiration and influence came from? Our local folklore, that's where.

There are a few people on this website who actually live here and can give the real answers to this question. If Anne Rice (and she's great) is all you know- please enlighten yourself. But then again, when you don't live somewhere- there's only so much you will know. There's plenty local culture and traditions we have here that most of you have never heard of, and probably never will.

I agree. Anne Rice is a lot of people's choice when it comes to New Orleans. The only difference is that she made it more known to the rest of the world. I lived there for 5 years. I've seen all the tourist traps throughout the FQ, the wards, and west bank. However, she is the reason it all came to light as much as it has. I've also seen and heard a lot of the rest of the culture. New Orleans is a mysterious and wonderful city, but I can't recall a movie having vampires in New Orleans before Anne Rice. Although, if there is one, I'd like to know.

I would think it would be the history. Alot of Dark arts practiced there. A place of solace.

I have read a lot of books that are based on the sub culture and the history of New Orleans. I love it all and the fact that Anne Rice based a lot of her books surroundings there is another reason I love them so much what better place than New Orleans with its long history of Voodoo, Magic,Vampires, Ghost and Goblins to set up a vampire story. A person that was part of my life for several years was from the bayou of louisiana and spent a great deal of time in New Orleans he told me many of the stories of Vampires there that he was told growing up his whole life and they are fasinating and have been told for several generations. The place just overflows with magistical power and charm that seems to pull people in to it. Why wouldn't a vampire want to be there it is the perfect place where old world and new collide to make the perfect blend. One can thrive in the city amongst the masses or stay quietly sheltered with in the shadows and still feed off the energy that pulses through the heart of it. I truly believe it will be that once again someday too when all is healed and rebuilt.

I guess my post earlier upset some people. I was not trying to disrespect all who are there in NOLA, but I don't think it warrented me being called a "wanna be". Sorry, I was born this way. And I don't have to drink blood, wear black all the time and be depressed to be a vampire.

And as far as groups being secretive, try Virginia. We're here, but you won't find us unless we want you to.

Now that I'm done with that rant. What I did love about NOLA was the energy of the place. The History of Voodoo and the continuing practice is awesome, and beautiful at the same time. I'd love to go back some day when I have more time and $$$.

well New Orleans is where the french vampires came to when they came to america...i love it there and feel alot of vampire history there

Maybe oneday I will get out of Australia and see good OLD New Orleans for myself.

As far as the Vampire Tours go, I would agree that if anyone decides to go to New Orleans, take the tour. It is very interesting and full of history. However, being that I used to work for them, not everything told is truth. Otherwise, I believe it a wise choice if given the opportunity. Also I might suggest the Ghost Tour as well. Both of them are excellent.

The Haunted History tours are great. Just dont forget the swamp tours either. haha

I spent a lot of time writing basically an essay on 'New Orleans Vampire History 101' on my profile a while back. I do talk a lot about the history and how it came to NOLA. If anyone cares to give it a read, please stop by.

well even better would be if i get a tour with you as tour guide, imagesinwords ;) If i ever make it to New Orleans :)

thanks to everybody for all your thoughts and comments :)

If you forget about Anne Rice for a moment and think about New Orleans and the state itself,the French owned rights to the land and founded the state,before it was a stateThe French have many beliefs in the supernatural,they brough with them,vampire lore and myth.New Orleans is still bathed in the past and history there is amazing.

Yes Sir, DarkWolfMan :)

Also, much of what I know came from taking Vampire Tours and plantation tours here :) And then buying lots of local books at Jazz Fest. I am a New Orleans enthusiast, and I couldn't be any more giddy about the place that I live.

Well, Anne Rice prolly has some reasons. But then again, people were like TOO much absorbed with it.

if my new orleans people know otherwise..do tell...but Anne Rice no longer lives in the orleans house..the doll shop closed and so did the online store.
When we went I believe she was either in the process of selling or doing something with one of the properties as well...perhaps it had to do with not living or not being able to remain there so soon after death of her husband.

My beautiful trent reznor who lived blocks away from her doesn't live there either...

anyway Anne Rice's son had done the move to california after his first book ...decided to stay out west ...and from most of the things I have heard that is where she is as well...but
will check out info to double check on all my sources!
like I said my *natives* may know otherwise.

And moved to California to live with her son Christopher 2 years ago- she sold most of her properties, but still keeps 2- I think. I know she still has property here.

I have taken pictures of her properties, beautiful places I would have loved to have purchased- but alas, no lottery winnings or big inheritances in my direction.

Well it could be because it's a port, a lot of the old haven's are, New York, Prague, London......... plenty of people who wont necessarly be missed if vanish?

Maybe

*sit's quitely and wait's to be poked*

That and there easy to get in and out of, the ship's and lack of daylight etc

*sit's queitly again*

like imagine said it has a lot to do with the surroundings and magickal aspect, not to mention the diverse history there. Anne Rice was raised there and has included folklore that she grew up with into her stories. Voodoo is very popular there and that add to the mysteries. But vampire folklore there in new orleans has been a subject of conversation for a long time.

Imagine sais it best, if you don't live there, you can't possibly understand it. New Orleansis almost like a city in another country. And when night falls, it looks even more so. New Orleans is a city of magick and wonders. I think we should all forget Anne Rice and focus on the city and history itself. Not forget her totally but instead focus on the city, not her books.

*HIGHFIVES NOMAD* Thank you. I think the problem with our culture is so many tend to turn to anne rice as if she manifested vampirism into reality. New Orleans I have never been there, I have never lived there..one of the places on my top list that I want to investigate. I love culture, Andi love learnig about culture.. I firmly believe that if anne rice were to get on this site she would say that New Orleans inlfuenced her..Not the other way around.

Actually, I'll take this one step further. For kat and anyone else that would like to become a little more educated in this matter, short of going to New Orleans, I suggest taking a look into imagesinwords profile. She has a lot of insight in this subject and a lot of truth on the matter.

okay all i can say i know is that Anne Rice lives there and that she bases her books there

Actually she lives in California and please read images profile. Look into the history of New Orleans. We are online and a search is just a click away.

New Orleans is a beautiful place, filled with frangrant flowers and mysterious dark streets. Such a place woud be hard for a vampire(real or fake) to resist)....

New Orleans has this element of mystery, because there is a lot of culture from the city itself, and a lot of underground culture from Africa, including voodoo elements, that gives it a creepy undertone perfect for vampires.

Glad to see that you have mentioned New Orleans,It is rich in history for the New Orleans Voodoo/Hoodoo,as you know voodoo originated in Haiti,africa,it is not a religion it is a practice that is beginning to grow world wide,thanx to skeleton key,other movies that show the practice.I have some a story on my journal about the voodoo Queen.Go check it out sometime. Blessings,voodoo

If you've ever been there, especially to the French Quarter or the famos cemetaries, there is an energy there. At least there was for me and then the scenes in Interview or Lestat came to life...it was almost as if there were lots of night creaters lurking in the shadows at night. The place really feels haunted. If you haven't been there go, you will feel the vibe.

New Orleans has always been famous for its voodoo and supernatural stuff but I think Anne Rice is what kicked the whole thing off with the fact that She lives in New Orleans and most of her stories are based around them. Since then there has been a abundance of vampire stories being written in the same area, etc.

it is a very old state riddles with history and kagic and old pratices

Plus, New Orleans is a highly French related city, and of course, many love the idea of a French-American vampire...I do anyway...

Visiting New Orleans has always been a dream for me. The mystic aura it has is magnificent. It was so sad to see it being devoured by water. I hope they'll be able to stay strong and reconstruct the city so that many more generations can enjoy a truly wonderful magical city.

first off let me say from first hand view, there is alot of voodoo as i stated in earlier post its the voodoo capital of the world, second alot of stuff goes on done here or well rather did, there really aint alot to nola now, take it from soemone who has been here since aug, was once a happening place, but now the violence is so bad there , its not worth going there enless u have a level 4 bullet proof vest till they rebuild it, everybody has a opinion but i have mine .

I watched something on the discovery channel or travel channel where there are a lot of vampires in New orleans. Witht he graves being above ground, since they are at sea level, that many people believe in the undead and their were many clubs that were for blood drinking and vampire socializing. Too bad the hurricanes had to hit.

Yes I often notice too that New Orleans is really the place to be writting about if your writting a vampire novel. I think it's probably because it has so much history to it and that's where a lot of the night life is too, almost like the City of Lost Angels I hear that place being brought up a lot as well.

New Orleans is the kind of city with a special feel. People there are aware of the darkness, and accept it. It's the type of atmosphere that invites darker souls, and creatures of the night.

new orleans is not made up it is a real place i would know im from there it is known as the vampire capital of the united states

It is such a lush sensual place.
A real place.
A french originated place instead of english or spanish.
And what about Voodoo and New Orleans?

as far as i understand new orleans is the frist place that vampires dwelled in the united states. i believe the reason for this was for easy hunting do to the population there. this made for easy hunting and therefore there is a certain energy there created by the vampires that dwelled there

i would have to agree with devilsdemons but with one addition that new orleans is not a made up place cause im from there i live on a street about 2 blocks from down town new orleans which i decator st. look it up and you will see that im not lying

That's right. Decatur St. three blocks from Bourbon St. and right against the Missippi river. For those of you that don't know, Decatur is where there are bars that the tourists don't conglamorate. It is also where the back side of Jackson Square is, of course the front is located on St. Charles. But it also has the Jax Brewery and the Cafe Du Monde. Great place to go.

I have been to New Orleans a number of occassions before Katrina, and the city is just mystical if you want to put it..There is a lot of energy there especially at night. The ppl that dwell there are so diverse. The cementaries are breathtaking. Anne Rice most definately gave definition to the city, after reading her books, I could truly go there and vision the streets, houses etc. The old parts of New Orleans, such as the gas night lamps, the spanish moss..Ohh I could go on for hours..A place I would always visit but never live..Anyway I think I changed the thread somewhat..Any, if anyone ever gets a chance to go..by all means do so.

new orleans is metioned in almost every one of anne rices books it is in the books "lestats" area.

i love her books but even a lot of books are written about vampires in new orleans it is mostly becasuse it would be a good hiding place with all the swapmps and old cemetarys

maybe they do hold the vampire ball there, i hope one day i can go

New Orleans is just a great place known for it's dipping into the supernatural amongst other things, that's why everyone uses it lol

New Orleans has been cited as the first City likely to succumb to increased pressure from global warming.

Within a generation, it could be almost entirely gone. I will try to find the story on it.