It’s more than just Mardi Gras and bourbon in Nawlins. A steady mix of French, Spanish, Southern and West African cultures offers amazing food, gorgeous architecture, and a city spirit that just won’t stop.

A little history on the area: before the ol USA was united and well, free, the French dominated New Orleans and much of that surrounding area. Since the French and Brits were slightly at odds, we sought help of the French neighbors in the south to win the Revolutionary War. America had its’ independence but France and Britain were still glaring one another down. As their Napoleonic Wars began, France needed a little extra cash flow and offered America her glorious Louisiana Purchase. Fast forward, and we have the culture rich, very entertaining, infamous New Orleans.

JACKSON SQUARE: it’s right out of a fairytale novel especially since there is almost always a horse and carriage parked out front.

SWAMP TOURS: yes, you will get up close and personal with the gators.

BEIGNETS, GUMBO, GATOR and PO’BOYS: NOLA has some of the most delicious and most unique food in the country. Don’t miss out on the foodie experience surrounding you in New Orleans…

Best bets:

• Café du Monde: beignets are deep fried donuts, what else can I say to encourage you? Get an iced coffee too.
• Joey K’s: try the jambalaya, po’boys or red beans & rice.
• Coop’s Place: a hole in the wall serving delicious Cajun dishes
• Galatoire’s 33: if you need a little sophistication & of course, steak, right off Bourbon Street

TRANSPO: hop on a riverboat cruise for a true Mississippi River experience, cable car through the city to get a feel for the old and new neighborhoods of NOLA,

GARDEN DISTRICT: shopping on Magazine Street at the numerous boutiques, gawking at the gorgeous homes, & a walk through Lafayette Cemetery.

FRENCHMAN STREET: where the locals go for live jazz…the best spot, Old Absinthe House, the oldest bar in New Orleans and where you can take shots of straight absinthe (insert hangover here).

THE LEVEES: Since Katrina broke through, most people are aware of the fact that New Orleans is sitting down below sea level. The levees built around the city are meant to keep the changing water level balanced and prevent a swamp land from ensuing. It’s definitely worth a look at the levees while visiting NOLA.

GET YOUR VOODOO ON: go on a Voodoo tour, visit the Voodoo museum, go to a Voodoo shop, or even visit the House of Blues’ Voodoo Garden…

FESTIVALS: Obv, Mardi Gras. But if you’re in Nawlins, you can bet your bottom dollar there’s some kind of festival happening… Jazz Fest, Creole Tomato Festival, San Fermin Festival, Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival. You name it.

Best of the Bayou Festival

BOURBON STREET: hey, I have to say it. Is it really New Orleans without a little drunken debauchery on Bourbon? Mardi gras or not, this street is a party.

WHERE TO STAY:

• Splurge: Omni Royal Orleans Hotel ; Hotel Le Marais
• ULTIMATE Splurge: Soniat House
• Affordable: Place d’Armes Hotel

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