Like a pot of simmering gumbo, New Orleans is a delicious medley of up-tempo music, dazzling architecture and rich culinary influences. The city also is known for its legendary, larger-than-life celebrations—from festive Mardi Gras parties to high-spirited, second line parades. Add in an impressive list of museums (more than 45, including The National WWII Museum) and a renowned culinary scene, and there’s little doubt this Louisiana hot spot has more mojo than ever. Head uptown to stroll venerable St. Charles Avenue, past the grand antebellum mansions in the oak tree-lined Garden District. For another side of the Big Easy, hop a streetcar to the French Quarter to peek in the lush courtyards of the brick town-houses. Here, New Orleans jazz flows from street corners and music venues. Performed day and night, this toe-tapping combo of lively pianos and brassy horns is as easy to find as a string of Mardi Gras beads (especially during New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, April 24 to May 3, 2015). When it’s time to dine, few cities in the world can rival the sheer concentration of top-notch restaurants in New Orleans, many influenced by the city’s French, African and Spanish heritage. Culture Classic: In the 19th century, the Mississippi River bustled with paddle-wheel steamboats carrying passengers and cargo to and from faraway cities. Experience that colorful era with a cruise on a restored paddle-wheel riverboat, featuring lacquered cypress bars and the deep reds and greens popular in the 1800s. The top deck is ideal for enjoying views of the Big Easy while sipping a beverage and listening to live jazz.
Posted on: Sun, 02 Nov 2014 18:58:16 +0000
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