Historic New Orleans Hotel, Steps From the French Quarter
musicians.jpg

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

Rathbone Mansions Insiders Guide

With its unique, vibrant history, award winning chefs, craft cocktail bars, and party atmosphere, there's no wonder NOLA is consistently ranked one of the best cities to visit. We've got you covered with insiders' tips on the best places to visit, eat and drink during your stay. Click through our blog for suggestions, current events and truly experience New Orleans like a local.

New Orleans has a unique, vibrant history, award winning chefs, craft cocktails galore, and a low-key, Southern fun atmosphere. There's no wonder NOLA is consistently ranked one of the best US cities to visit.  We've got you covered with tips on locals' favorite spots to check out during your stay. Scroll through our blog for suggestions, current events and truly experience New Orleans like a local.

 

BOOK YOUR STAY WITH US NOW!

Let the NOLA Fests Begin

 

NEWS FLASH: JAZZ FEST FOR 2021 HAS BEEN CANCELLED

 

Please Note: To make sure that we don’t miss any deadlines we all work “way ahead” with our monthly schedule. Hence, our description of New Orleans’ wonderful Jazz Fess that takes place annually was written back in the day. Below you will find the blog that was created with the expectation that JAZZ FEST was going to take place as per usual. Not so!!!

 

THINK OF THIS BLOG AS A PREVIEW OF THINGS TO COME IN THE SPRING OF 2022

We’ve all been under lockdown for some time now so it feels good to get out and experience life as it used to be – or not. We’ll see what happens. For the month of October 2021 I will be touching on what you can do, see and enjoy in five blogs. I am purposely making them factual and right on the mark: lots of pertinent information fast – that’s my goal.

I. WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN OCTOBER?

You’ll find that The Big Easy has warm – but pleasant days in October. This is coupled with mild to cool nights. It is also the driest month of the year for our fair city.

Note: NoLA is home to more than 130 festivals and events throughout the year so we know how to treat our visitors.

Around the clock, every day, week and month we have fests and events going on. It’s all here: everything from festivals to music-and-dance shows plus comedies and performing arts. Let’s take a look.

FIRST: THE NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL: It goes from Friday, October 8th to Sunday, October 17th or said differently: October 8, 9, 10 and October 15, 16, 17, 2021,

II. WHAT IS JAZZ FEST?

Basically, it’s a 10-day cultural feast where hundreds of musicians, cooks and craftspeople welcome 400,000 visitors annually. It offers music on multiple stages, delicious Louisiana favorites in two food areas and talented crafts artisans who gladly describe and sell their work to attendees.

III. WHERE IS IT HELD?

It takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course – which is centrally located at 1751 Gentilly Boulevard – or 10 minutes from the French Quarter. The hours are 11 am until 6 pm.

IV. HOW DO WE GET THERE?

Gray Line Tours will operate regular round-trip transportation: THE JAZZ FEST EXPRESS – from three spots:

  • The Sheraton Hotel located at 500 Canal Street

  • The Steamboat Natchez Dock at Toulouse Street – or at the River and next to Jax Brewery

  • A City Park location at the Wisner Boulevard Lot – this is at Fillmore Boulevard or 5700 Wisner Boulevard (on Google maps). Hours: daily from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm  

Jazz Fest Express vehicles will use a special entrance to avoid traffic tie-ups and delays. This will bring attendees inside the gates of the festival. 

V. IS JAZZ THE ONLY MUSIC FEATURED?

No, no and no – you’ll find the music and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana or, to clarify: blues, R&B, gospel, Cajun, Afro-Caribbean, folk, Latin, rock, country, bluegrass – and everything in-between. Of course, there’s lots of jazz: both contemporary and traditional.

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? If you’re looking for a great place to stay during Jazz Fest keep in mind that we’re fairly close – or 1.34 miles from the Fair Grounds Race Course. In addition, we’re only 15 minutes from the French Quarter so you can visit that as well.

PLEASE CHECK THE WEB for any changes or additional information you may want to look into – we want you to have a great time when you visit us.

 
Rathbone Mansions