
Our look at a vibrant city or neighborhood.
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.
- 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!