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

Before we zero in on New Orleans, let’s take a more global view of Mardi Gras. The Big Easy was the first city in the United States to celebrate this traditional event. Currently, it’s a major holiday in many cities and countries around the world – with each celebrating in its own way.  For example, in Venice the locals celebrate by wearing traditional masks while in Rio, it’s a national holiday, with two million revelers every year.  But no matter where Mardi Gras takes place there’s lots of music, dancing, partying and feasting.

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.

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.

This is our second Mardi Gras blog. To see the first one CLICK HERE.

As 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.

 I 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.

When 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.

The 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.

Spending 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!

Take 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.

You’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

We’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.

I’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.

The 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.

I 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. 

It’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.