New Orleans Overview

If you’re looking to treat yourself to a truly amazing vacation, then consider going to New Orleans, Louisiana.  It’s not only famous for its outstanding cuisine but for being the birthplace of jazz, for hosting the biggest carnival in the country, for showcasing breathtaking architecture, for the best cultural events and for the most relaxed fun anywhere.  At the “big easy” as New Orleans is normally referred to, visitors get to enjoy the good life. 

New Orleans sits on the banks of the Mississippi River where travelers can take a cruise on board an authentic steamboat.  And with its fabulous hot summers and mild winters, scheduling a visit to this city should never be a problem. 

New Orleans boasts a rich heritage as it’s represented in the beauty of the historical landmarks and architecture.  It’s home of the original Creole town homes, characterized by their big courtyards and unique iron balconies.  The best place to see these is along the famed French Quarter.  And through the avenues of Saint Charles, visitors will be impressed by the magnificence of the pre-war plantations and mansions designed in Victorian and Colonial styles.   
But New Orleans hasn’t remained in the past.  Canal Street displays an array of contemporary high-rises befitting of any metropolis. 

New Orleans is the best city to enjoy live music.  Everywhere you go you’ll hear the sounds of jazz playing in small establishments as well as in elegant hotels.  There’s always a festival going on.  Mardi Gras for instance, is the queen of Carnivals bringing visitors from all corners of the globe.  And in the same category is the Jazz Festival, featuring diverse types of entertainment.  Dance in the streets to the sounds of blues, rhythm and rock’n’roll.  You won’t have a better time elsewhere.  Here music reigns supreme.      

And perhaps you’ve heard of Creole and Cajun food.  The gastronomy of this region is renowned world-wide.  Among the popular dishes are gumbo (seafood stew), jambalaya (seasoned rice with variety of sausages) and rice with red beans.  Seafood favorites include shucked oysters, shrimp Etouffe and boiled crawfish.   

New Orleans attractions are among the most interesting in the country.  They date from the French and Spanish colonial periods and are considered historical landmarks.  These include the Cabildo, where the Louisiana Purchase took place.  The museums are fun and educational establishments offering insight into the area’s history and traditions.  Travelers will also have the rare chance to witness out-of-the-ordinary cultural folklore.  Voodoo for instance has played a major role in city life as evidenced by the exhibits in the museum relating voodoo practices.     

New Orleans is also a perfect destination for shoppers.  Tourists who relish the thought of searching for treasures will find that the variety of antique shops is astounding.  And those who prefer to look for the trendiest will have nothing but compliments for the boutiques that line the “street of dreams” or the French Quarter.  

After visiting this southern U.S. city, you’ll agree that New Orleans is synonymous with fun.