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

Very often I find myself using words that are familiar but, if questioned as to their meaning, I really don’t have a tried-and-true answer. This applies to the adjective, “antebellum” – so here goes: Officially, the word antebellum can describe the time just before any war, but it’s usually used in reference to America’s “Civil War” – and comes from the Latin phrase “ante bellum, literally “before the war.”

I read recently that there are 16 states in the US that are considered “Southern” so I decided to see how many I’ve covered for Rathbone. The count comes in at six: Louisiana, Florida, Texas, Kentucky, Georgia and South Carolina (a few are still on the launch pad).

Can you believe it? Another summer is here and this means the Essence Music Festival is revving up again. It has been held in New Orleans since 1994. That is, except for 2006, when it was held in Houston, Texas due to Hurricane Katrina – an event that none of us will ever forget. 

We want you to pay attention and read this blog carefully. Why? This is a fun holiday that everyone can enjoy so we’ve gone out on a limb and found lots of things for you to see, do and eat – plus where to go in NOLA to watch a great fireworks display – but first, let’s have a short history lesson.

This is a must-see for you, your family and your friends. We’ll explore this historical site, but first let’s ask: What is it? Basically, it’s a series of commercial buildings that span six blocks in the French Quarter. That tells you right away it will be easy to find.

Have you ever wondered where the name “Satchmo” came from? Well, here’s your answer. When Louis Armstrong was a boy he sang on the street corners of New Orleans to earn money. Many youngsters earned spare change this way. In those days, no one had phonographs and radios had yet to be invented, so folks enjoyed the music.

I remember my first reaction when I saw the eclectic assortment of buildings and houses in New Orleans: I was absolutely stunned. At the time, I had never even heard of the description “shotgun houses.” And the balconies! Wow, each one was all fancied up with great-looking hanging plants! What a feast for the eyes!

Back in the day, the states known as “Southern” referred to territory below the Mason-Dixon line – a boundary beginning in southern New Jersey and extending west.

That changed during the Civil War when “The South” referred to states that seceded or withdrew from the Union and formed the Confederacy. Later on the U.S. Census Bureau defined the U.S. Southern region as these 16 states: THE SOUTH ATLANTIC: Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia; THE EAST SOUTH CENTRAL: Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee; THE WEST SOUTH CENTRAL: Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.

This is an invite to the denizens of two lovely Southern cities: Savannah and Charleston. We know that the lifestyle in both places is civilized and gracious. However, if you’re looking to spice things up a bit why not take a trip to The Big Easy.

I think we’re all intrigued by the idea of ghosts – it’s a topic that gets everyone’s attention – from the junior set all the way up to lively seniors. 

 I watch this famous race every year in May and have no logical reason why I do because: (1) I usually don’t know what horses are running (2) I don’t place bets on the outcome and (3) I pick my favorites based on their names. In other words, I pick horse winners the same way I choose paint colors – if it sounds great, it must be. Yeah, right. I once repainted a mirror frame four times. Obviously, this theory of mine doesn’t work – so let’s move on.

One of the best decisions I’ve made in recent months was to sign up for a subscription to the magazine Southern Living. I think it’s absolutely terrific. Why? Well, for one thing they love food and every issue has stories about Southern specialties plus mouth-watering recipes. For example, in the January 2019 issue they had a great article by Jennifer Justus titled The Super Bowl of Gumbo. Here are the highlights:

I’d like to say, “Kudos” to the 2019 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on this remarkable milestone that they plan to celebrate in style. For starters, the Festival is giving itself a special birthday present: an extra day added to each weekend. The 2019 Jazz Fest will expand to eight days at the Fair Grounds – starting with Thursday, April 25th. Both weekends of the festival will now run Thursday through Sunday: April 25-28 and May 2-5.

At the end of last year, I came across a fascinating piece in a copy of Lonely Planet dated “Winter 2018” (this was a magazine – I didn’t even know that such a thing existed). At any rate, it had an article in it with the title “Born by the River” by Kevin Perry. He recounts the road trip he took – on land – that FOLLOWED the Mississippi River.

So you’ve decided to visit New Orleans this spring or summer. To help you get started we’re giving you a few tips. Granted, this is a “boiled down” list – but it will start you thinking about how to get here and what to expect after you arrive.

I’ve always marveled at the longevity of some popular songs. Especially since some click with fans and some do not. It’s so elusive.

The annual break in the U.S. college year varies from school-to-school but, overall, it begins as early as Saturday, March 2nd and ends as late as Sunday, March 31st.

From mid-January and all through the month of February I wrote about the parades leading up to this annual event and the colorful history of Mardi Gras both in New Orleans and elsewhere. I’ve also dug up lots of info about where to drink, eat and have fun in New Orleans during your stay in The Crescent City. Be sure to check out all these blogs. Now we’re on to the month of March and new topics for the coming of spring and summer.

Let’s start by taking a quick look at the French Quarter itself. It’s the oldest area of New Orleans (founded by the French in 1718) and is also known as the Vieux Carré – a term meaning “Old Square.” This name was first used in the 1890s when the Quarter began to evolve into a tourist destination.

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.