Once the "Wall Street of the Southwest," is one of the finest concentrations of 19th-century iron-front commercial buildings in the U.S. Lined with gaslights, now restored and readapted. The Strand features art galleries and studios, specialty shops, restaurants, pubs, delicatessens, historical exhibits, and even an old-fashioned candy factory within a 36-block area. Often site of annual city festivals, especially Dickens on The Strand each Dec. and Mardi Gras celebrations in early spring. National Historic Landmark District is on Strand and Mechanic sts. between 20th and 25th sts.