April 8th post; Get Ready For a Mardi Gras Party…

Last post I brought you guys somewhere that was nearly on the other side of the world, today I am deciding to stay a little more local which would be within the United States, that is the famous New Orleans. New Orleans is located in Louisiana on the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. It is a city known for its outrageous nightlife, live music scene and cuisine that represents African, French and American culture. The historic heart of the city is the French Quarter, known for its Spanish and French architecture and vibrant nightlife occurs on Bourbon Street. The French colonists founded New Orleans in 1718 and was the largest city in the American South from the Antebellum Period to after World War 2. The city is extremely vulnerable to flooding due to high rainfall, low elevation and poor drainage. New Orleans is a relatively very warm place so if you are looking to visit not during the hottest months I suggest traveling in March, April, May, September, October and November. There are numerous transportation options such as streetcars (preferable for traveling downtown), buses, ferries, taxis and even bicycling. Even though New Orleans is a city environment and that may not be preferable to everyone, there is also some nature exhibits not too far from the central city, there is definitely something for everyone.

I would 100% recommend staying at a hotel in the French Quarter because then you are really in the heart of all the nightlife, bars and great restaurants. A renowned restaurant in the area that many tourists attend is in the French market called Cafe Du Monde, which is famous for their cafe au lait and beignets. A bunch of New Orleans dishes I would make sure to try before leaving are gumbo, jambalaya, etouffee and red beans and rice( a Louis Armstrong favorite). For a more historical route of your trip I suggest checking out The Historic New Orleans Collection, New Orleans Museum of Art and close to the Treme community check out the New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park and New Orleans African American Museum. For nature lovers there is the Audubon Nature Institute which consists of Audubon Park and zoo and home to gardens which include Longue Vue House and Gardens and New Orleans Botanical Garden. Mardi Gras is a huge festival that is celebrated on the last Tuesday before the Christian season of Lent . There are also a bunch of music festivals held there including New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Voodoo Experience and Essence Music Festival. New Orleans is such a diverse area to visit with many things to do no matter who you are traveling with. I hope I get to go there soon in this lifetime and I hope you all do too.