Historic New Orleans Hotel, Steps From the French Quarter
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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.

 

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The Beat Goes On With J’Ouvert

Let’s take one last look at where and how Mardi Gras is celebrated on planet earth. Rio de Janeiro hosts the biggest bash in the world and has been putting on a lavish, five-day festival of parades, music and dancing since 1723. Venice, Italy is known for its elaborate masquerade balls that feature gorgeous masks, black tie for men and long gowns in rich fabrics for the ladies. New Orleans goes over-the-top with two weeks of street parades that include spectacular floats, costumes, masks and ends with black-tie balls full of music and merriment. Nice, France honors its Carnaval de Nice by enjoying the spectacular “Festival of Flowers” – an age-old tradition and floral extravaganza that Henri Matisse painted in 1923. Trinidad and Tobago are two islands at the epicenter of Mardi Gras in the Caribbean where Calypso and Soca are the most popular forms of music played during Mardi Gras. This leads us to a description of J’Ouvert an early morning street party held in several Caribbean islands.

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Let’s Go to the Audubon Zoo

This zoo is inside Audubon Park, a lovely riverside spot with 1.8 miles of multi-use paved trail unfurling beneath a shady canopy of live oaks. It covers 58 acres and is home to 2,000 animals. You and your family can see the entire zoo in three to four hours – but we would suggest an entire day to experience both the zoo AND the park. Behind the zoo is The Fly, the waterfront section where people toss Frisbees and chill out.

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The Gay Scene in New Orleans

According to legend, the famous Southern playwright, Tennessee Williams once said, “America has only three cities: New York, San Francisco and New Orleans. All the rest are Cleveland.” Having lived in New York and San Francisco while only visiting New Orleans – I’m inclined to agree with him. Of course, he had a great flair for making dramatic statements – both on paper and in-person – so that has to be entered into the equation. I think a lot of people would agree with Williams, but many would also disagree.

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How to Travel Happier: 10 Tips

Since you’re planning to visit our fair city we know you’re someone who loves to travel – no matter where you live: north, south, east or west in the United States and beyond. For this reason I was delighted to come across an ENTIRE ISSUE of AFAR magazine, 10/19 that celebrated their 10th anniversary and explored the subject of happier traveling.

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What Happens in New Orleans in May?

NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL: It’s springtime in NOLA so the weather is very pleasant. This year, the May festivities start on Sunday, May 3rd with Jazz Fest. Wait a minute – the word “start” is not quite correct. Actually it’s the LAST DAY of this event because in 2020 Jazz Fest starts on Thursday, April 23rd and ends Sunday, April 26th – then picks up again a week later on Thursday, April 30th to end on Sunday, May 3rd. This event is held at the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, the third-largest racetrack in the country, which is at 1751 Gentilly Boulevard in New Orleans.

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