Destinations

Laissez les Bon Temps Roulez

Let the good times roll in New Orleans!

A signature element of New Orleans’ architecture is the balcony–almost every house has one and many have two! The city is famous for its liberal use of wrought iron railings to decorate these essential gathering spots.

©iStockphoto.com/Steve Sucsy

Really, where do you begin with the Big Easy? The storied city with its French influence is famous for one of the biggest celebrations in the world: Mardis Gras. For many, that image of a bead- and beer-filled Bourbon Street is so vivid that it can be hard to envision anything else. Yet, New Orleans is about much more than a few festive weekends in late winter. It is a place rich in history, unique culinary traditions, cultural diversity, and a certain charm that just can’t be found anywhere else.

The landfall of Hurricane Katrina dealt the city a harsh blow from which it has yet to fully recover. Frustratingly, the low-lying parts of the city remain devastated. However, the older part of town near the Mississippi River rests on higher ground and so it was less affected by the hurricane and subsequent flooding. This older area includes the French Quarter, the Garden District, and Uptown. Rest assured, a trip to New Orleans will not disappoint those looking for beautiful architecture, sophisticated shopping, extraordinary dining, down-home friendliness, and a joie de vivre that is unmatched.

New Orleans is sometimes referred to as “the city that care forgot.” The food, the music, and the culture are focused on slowing down and enjoying life, rather than subscribing to the workaholic lifestyle that seems to have overtaken much of the rest of our country.

Come on Down and Stay Awhile

One of the best ways to experience the city’s culture and history is to stay in one of the historic hotels or bed and breakfasts. The Columns Hotel on St. Charles Avenue is a wonderful choice. This elegant, 20-room affair owned by Claire and Jacques Creppel makes guests feel like they are on a movie set–and indeed it has been just that on several occasions. Built in 1883 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s one of the finest remaining examples of turn-of-the-century Louisiana architecture.

If you wish to be even more in the thick of things, the Royal Sonesta Hotel sits right on the famous Bourbon Street, and The St. Louis Hotel is less than a block away on Bienville Street in the French Quarter. The St. Louis has secluded rooms and a spacious tropical courtyard perfect for wedding receptions, while the Royal Sonesta has expansive balconies from which onlookers can view the throngs of people that flow down the Rue Bourbon each night. Staying at either puts you within walking distance of a smorgasbord of bars, restaurants, and storied New Orleans attractions, including the Aquarium of the Americas, the St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square, the French Market, and Harrah’s casino.

If you’re looking for accommodations that are a bit more remote, head to beautiful Oak Alley Plantation out the Great River Road in Vacherie, Louisiana. It’s nearly an hour from the city, but the 25-acre expanse is a vacation unto itself, with secluded cottages and on-site meals. The grounds were first restored in 1925, and they have been kept in pristine condition ever since.

Have It Creole

A visit to New Orleans would not be complete without a thorough exploration of the area’s unique culinary style. From Café du Monde’s famous beignets–delightful breakfast pastries covered in powdered sugar–to seafood or chicken gumbo and jambalaya, the deliciously different tastes of New Orleans’ cuisine delight even the most discriminating palates.

If an historic and distinctive dining experience is the goal for the evening, look no further than the French Quarter’s Court of Two Sisters. Named for the sisters born in the mid-19th century who kept a high-fashion shop at the Royal Street address, the restaurant offers fine dining on the French Quarter’s largest patio. Enjoy a delicious brunch accompanied by live jazz music any day of the week.

A more rustic experience can be found at the Acme Oyster House, a must-visit destination for its delectable char-grilled, butter-soaked, or raw freshly shucked oysters. Bring your appetite and leave your diet behind as you sample dishes at any number of famous dining experiences, including Gallatoire’s, Antoines, Brennans (for breakfast) and Tipitina’s to mention only a few.

Facing the Music

The truth that New Orleans has yet to recover from Katrina’s attack is devastatingly evident in the ninth ward and in some neighborhoods on Lake Pontchartrain, but that doesn’t mean the city has lost its luster. The tourist areas are in full swing and the locals are still ready to share their unique zest for good times with friends and strangers alike.

An encouraging testament to the rebuilding process is Musicians’ Village, which spans several blocks in the ninth ward. Rebuilt by Habitat for Humanity, the Village provides housing for some of New Orleans’ struggling musicians. Any visit to the French Quarter will show how important the jazz culture is to New Orleans. Music can be heard on almost every street corner, and many places are dedicated to it. Make time to visit Preservation Hall on St. Peter or Maison Bourbon on Bourbon Street. Nightly jazz concerts are held at both venues. Many well-known bars, such as Pat O’Brien’s, present their own brand of music and an abundance of libations to enhance the evening.

If you think Redskins fans take their team seriously, you haven’t seen anything until you catch a game at the beautifully restored Louisiana Superdome. You will be amazed to see and hear the entire city explode in support of their New Orleans Saints. The team’s success last fall brought a much-needed spirit and pride back to the citizens of New Orleans, who can’t imagine living anywhere else.

So don’t wait to take that trip to the city of New Orleans. You’ll have the time of your life, and you’ll be giving back to a city that needs help, a city that refuses to let an accident of nature deprive it of its shine, a city where the good times still keep rolling.