In the past, you may have heard that New Orleans slows down a bit in the winter months. Well, the truth is: not much – there’s still plenty to do and see for visitors and those who like to have a good time. Let’s take a look.

YES, NOLA HAS A THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE

*You’ll hear great music at the Bayou Classic festivities*

It’s not like the Macy’s parade in New York, but it’s still a lot of fun. The Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Day Parade will roll through New Orleans from 3:30 pm to 6 pm. The parade starts at the Superdome and goes all the way down to the French Market. Both Grambling State and Southern University marching bands will be playing.

THE BAYOU CLASSIC: A COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAME

Come and enjoy the best time you’ll ever have at this annual tradition of fun and football by fans of the Tigers (Grambling: black/gold) and the Jaguars (Southern: blue/gold). What started out in 1974 – that’s 45 years ago – as a simple football game between two historically black universities has evolved into one of New Orleans biggest and most-anticipated sporting events. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving you’ll have a rip-roaring time at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome when the Tigers and the Jaguars go paw-to-paw. Take note: over the years, both teams have sent an astounding number of players on to the NFL and other football leagues.

HORSE RACING SEASON OPENS ON THANKSGIVING DAY

What’s happening at the nation’s third-oldest horse racing track? Well, the racing season officially opens on Thanksgiving Day at the Fair Grounds Race Course. And, you can count on getting a delicious Thanksgiving dinner if you make a reservation at the glass-enclosed clubhouse. Why not? This could be a totally new adventure! The 2019 season will run from Thanksgiving weekend to the end of March 2020.

*New Orleans Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots in action*

THE TREMÉ CREOLE GUMBO FESTIVAL

Here’s the good news: this is a FREE two-day event that’s held at the Louis Armstrong Park located at 701 N. Rampart Street in New Orleans from 11 am to 7:30 pm on Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 17, 2019. This is the best place on planet earth to sample a dozen different styles of gumbo.

A SYMBOL OF THE MELTING POT OF NEW ORLEANS

This is how we describe gumbo! This fest is a great place to sample a new gumbo – one you’ve never had before. But first, let’s take a look at gumbo versus jambalaya: gumbo is a rich, flavorful soup often served over rice while jambalaya is similar to Spanish paella.

Gumbo is usually described by what is used to thicken it: (1) okra, (2) filé powder – dried crushed leaves, or (3) a roux, or some combination of all three. You can choose from the following: (4) a spicy, seafood gumbo that calls for crabmeat, shrimp and sausage served over rice, (5) a hearty chicken gumbo with both roux and okra as thickeners, (6) turkey and the French andouille sausage gumbo and so on – the list is endless – but they all have one thing in common: they’ll satisfy your appetite AND your soul. We definitely expect to see you at the Gumbo Fest!

CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS FOR 2019

*At the Oaks: Nov. 29, 2019 until Jan. 1, 2020 – closed Christmas Eve (night) and New Year’s Eve (night)*

The dates for this year are November 29, 2019 to January 1, 2020 and the location is New Orleans City Park. We’re just giving you a “heads up” and a link to last year’s blog for this event – more coming in November. Stay tuned. CLICK HERE TO READ OUR 2018 BLOG ABOUT THE OAKS

Shaun Nelson-Henrick

Insiders Guide of things to do, eats and drinks in New Orleans

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