Our look at a vibrant city or neighborhood.


New Orleans, LA

It’s Mardi Gras time in New Orleans! If you’re planning your first trip to New Orleans, you probably have a number of your must-see and must-do’s that you’ve heard about from friends (like Canal Street and Bourbon Street). But if you’re heading down with a pretty blank slate, read on for an assortment of ideas.

In keeping with the Mardi Gras theme, one fine vacation plan for New Orleans is to eat your way through the city. You won’t have to look hard (the nearest corner should work) to get your fill of legendary Cajun food. Do yourself a favor and sample crawfish, jambalaya, gumbo, po’boys, and red beans and rice. Or enjoy tasty dessert fares, like beignets and a cafe au lait from the well loved Cafe Du Monde. Clearly, pack your stretchy pants. When you’ve gained a size, then move on to local attractions (because the buildings aren’t going anywhere, but food gets cold). If you’re really into eating Southern delights, try a day class at the New Orleans School of Cooking.

So which attractions should you visit? Jump right into the hallowed jazz scene at Preservation Hall, a free, super cool venue in the French Quarter. If you’re keen on spotting a gator or leggy bird in the bayou, area tours like Airboat Adventures will take you close and get your heart racing, too. If you’d rather see gators from a distance, the Audubon Zoo has gators for you to admire. And not just green gators -- white gators, too!

If you’re looking for a laid back afternoon, it’s worth your time to explore the Garden District, full of gorgeous historic houses and mansions, either on foot or by trolley. Strolling around Tulane’s gorgeous campus is another fine way to spend an afternoon in the Garden District. Given the city’s storied planation past, ghost tours and cemetery tours are also popular in New Orleans. Get a group together and brave a tour of your choice. At the end of the day, consider a free trip across the Mississippi on the Algiers Ferry, offering spectacular night views of the city.

For classic New Orleans charm, lay your head to rest at Le Richelieu, a wonderful boutique in the French Quarter. If you’re looking for high quality and an extra attentive staff, you can’t go wrong with the JW Marriott New Orleans.

Current Happs

• Dreams Come True
• Vieux Carré Matinées
• Arts Market

Reliable Food

• Louisiana Bistro
  Definitely try the “Feed Me” option here. Tell the chef if you have any food allergies or preferences, and he’ll prepare delicious surprise courses for your table.
  
• Parkway Bakery & Tavern
  Long hailed for the best po’boys in the city. Try the roast beef, shrimp, or oyster. Or better yet, come back daily until you’ve had them all!