New Orleans during Mardi Gras is a terrific experience: there’s lots to see and places to run to – BUT at some point you might want to take a break. Of course, this will be a pit stop. You’re not in the mood to waste time on a full-blown meal – just some strong, hot coffee with a delicious goodie that will get your energy level up and running again. We speak from experience so take a look at our list of coffee shops where you can grab a quick cuppa joe.
Read MoreNew 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.
I’m sure you’ve heard a lot about Mardi Gras in New Orleans. But did you know the first American Mardi Gras took place a whopping 320 years ago? French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville sailed into the Gulf of Mexico on March 3, 1699 and set up camp on the west bank of the Mississippi River, about 60 miles south of New Orleans. He named the site Point du Mardi Gras, in honor of the holiday that had been celebrated in Paris since the Middle Ages.
Read MoreThis is our second Mardi Gras blog. To see the first one CLICK HERE.
Read MoreAs you probably know, every year celebratory events start well before the official Mardi Gras day, which is Tuesday, March 5th this year. I’ve decided that, with this blog and the following one, we’ll do the heavy lifting and distill a lot of info into quick bites. This way, you can see what interests you at a glance.
Read MoreI can hear you say, “Who comes to New Orleans to go to a museum?” Good point. But on a day when it’s pouring rain or the temperature drops you may be in the mood for an indoor activity. Here are three fascinating spots in NOLA and one in NYC.
Read MoreWhen I started writing the New Orleans’ blogs in April 2018 (I’m up to #40 now) I decided that I would also include other spots in the South from time-to-time. Why? A very basic reason: I’m fascinated with the diversity and character of this part of the United States.
Read MoreThe Big Easy, which was founded in 1718, (or 300 years ago) was named for the Duke of Orleans. Right from the start, New Orleans viewed itself as a city apart from, or even superior to, other New World settlements. And, it has always been proud of its French heritage even after France cut this tie and sold Louisiana to America. The bottom line: New Orleans maintains a slew of French-influenced cultural and gastronomic traditions.
Read MoreSpending Christmas in New Orleans? Sure, why not? I was a little concerned when I started looking for info about this holiday: would there be enough action to warrant an entire 600-word blog? Not to worry. I found more than enough!
Read MoreTake time to CLICK HERE and read last week’s blog to refresh your memory. Now, we’re moving on to take a closer, more detailed look, at Frenchmen Street -- or, to repeat ourselves – the “local’s Bourbon Street” where the real New Orleanians go to drink and listen to music.
Read MoreYou’ve been working hard all year so why not treat yourself and a loved one to a pre-Xmas break from your everyday routine. You can relax, have fun, drink and eat or just enjoy yourself before diving back into the holiday rush. We’ve got a number of suggestions for must-sees – take a look
Read MoreWe’re at the tail end of November so Christmas will be here before you know it. Have you started your holiday shopping yet? Of course, you haven’t! My mother is the only person I’ve ever known who shopped for Xmas gifts in a sensible way: meaning with four kids she started buying as early as September. Of course, we all knew this, so the Great Hunt started the same month. Never found a thing. Mama was very clever.
Read MoreI’m taken with “catfish.” Why? Because I had never tasted any in my entire life until my husband Peter and I went on a Mississippi riverboat dinner cruise. The entrée was baked catfish in an almond crust. Initially, I was nervous about this, but I was won over in seconds. It was delicious! CLICK HERE to read more.
Read MoreThe title of this blog is from a song by Willie Nelson, a remarkable songwriter and singer who was born and raised in Texas. Like many celebrated Southerners he’s a bit of an eccentric, but this makes him even more likeable.
Read MoreI think everyone enjoys Christmas Eve because by this time all the shopping has been done (we hope), the gifts have been wrapped and now it’s almost time to see what goodies Santa is bringing on Christmas morning.
Read MoreIt’s November 1st, the day when cemeteries fill with crowds who pay their respects to their ancestors. But it’s by no means morbid or sad, as many people have picnics and parties. In fact, it wouldn’t be out of line for families to serve gumbo beside the family crypt.
Read MoreThis year is the 32nd anniversary of CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS in City Park (or New Orleans’ take on Christmas in America). This is one of the most spectacular holiday lights festivals in the country, with more than 165,000 visitors pouring into the Park to see hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights and spectacular light displays scattered throughout 25 acres of the Park, including the Botanical Garden, Storyland and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.
Read MoreOkay, here is one festival in New Orleans that you definitely DO NOT want to miss. (It all sounds so delicious – I can hardly contain myself while writing this blog.) Take note of the date right now: The 11th Annual Oak Street Po’Boy Festival will be on Sunday, November 11th, 2018 from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Read MoreThe “fringe concept” has been around a lot longer than any of us probably realize. The original fringe event was launched in 1947 (that’s 71 years ago). It began when eight theater companies (six Scottish and two English) appeared uninvited in Edinburgh and staged their own shows alongside the new Edinburgh International Festival.
Read MoreI recently read that “New Orleans is a city where you can smoke inside and drink outside.” That’s a fun quote that makes one laugh BUT it’s not entirely true anymore. Today, we’re going to focus on giving you as many useful tips as possible for your visit to the Big Easy.
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