new orleans
One of our first trips out of California was a drive across the states to New Orleans (and thence to Florida and Jamaica).
New Orleans is a most fascinating city steeped in a history of influences from Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and beyond. It is a brilliant mosaic of culture, food and music. You'll find brimming bowls of gumbo and late nights in jazz clubs. Wander through historic neighborhoods such as the French Quarter (The Vieux Carre), Arts District, the business district, and the old neighborhoods of Algiers or Treme.
Hop public transportation and visit Mid-City, the heart of New Orleans, the area where locals come when they want to remember what makes this city the generous, pleasure-loving, hard-boiled town that it is. Stop by any neighborhood eaterie here for memorable meals. Take time to visit Esplanande Ridge, home to Creole upper classes in the 19th Century, now a gallery of 19th and early 20th century residential architecture. The oak-lined boulevard and surrounding neighborhoods, with proximity to both City Park and Bayou St. John have excellent examples of historic housing.
Mid-city showcases the spirit of a true neighborhood as defined by that unique measure of camaraderie found only in this city: It has its own Mardi Gras parading society. The Krewe of Mid-City, founded in 1933 by a group of area businessmen, is the fifth oldest Carnival marching organization in New Orleans.
New Orleans is also known for its year-round tantalizing festivals throughout the year.
We did all the requisite tourist things, including getting lost while trying to find a classic old New Orleans restaurant -- never found the restaurant and turned back when an Armadillo crossed the road in front of us.
Highlights included
- The Steamboat Natchez cruise up the Mississippi river.
- Cocktail Walking Tour: Find out the places you must go! These are fun: We've joined pub crawls in San Francisco and Dublin, Ireland and we've learned to monitor our imbibing so we have fun without having hangovers. This one goes through the French Quarter's famous bars and restaurants from the Sazerac and Pimm's Cup to the Hurricane and Hand Grenade while you'll hear stories of the unique concoctions made famous in New Orleans and the characters that brought them to life.
For the kids . . .
Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude