New Orleans
Frenchman Street
Frenchmen Street, might just be the most consistently musical stretch of asphalt in New Orleans. Its venues offer an array of live performances ranging from traditional jazz to blues to reggae and rock and are, themselves, famous, attracting audiences from all over the world.
Gumbo
The only thing more New Orleans than a dented pot of gumbo simmering on the back burner is arguing about the right way to make it. With a heritage claiming both French and West African roots, gumbo is a thick stew served over rice and made with a roux (a mixture of butter and flour) and a wide variety of ingredients such as celery, peppers, okra, onions chicken, sausage and/or seafood. With so many options, every family perfected its own treasured recipes, which leads to impassioned debate on which one is best. Gumbo is wildly available throughout New Orleans, but we recommend Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop or Dooky Chase’s.
Enjoy libations with a story!
A beer at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, a martini at the Carousel Bar, or a hurricane at Pat O’Brien’s – New Orleans’s celebrates history with the best cocktails.
The Garden District
With homes ranging from gleaming white and tiered like wedding cakes mansions to shot-gunned into long, narrow homes – the air’s opulent with the scent of jasmine and a slower, grander age. Take the St. Charles Streetcar from the French Quarter to the mansions and oak-lined streets of the historic Garden District.
National WWII Museum
The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world – why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today – so that all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn. To help ensure public safety and avoid crowds, timed ticket purchases will be required. It is strongly recommended that visitors pre-purchase Museum admission online in advance.
Bayou Swamp Boat and Plantation Tour
Venture out of New Orleans see the beasts of the Southern Louisiana Bayou! Explore the lush wetlands, have a chance to spot gators, and see one of the area's historic plantation homes.
Cemeteries
Burying the dead in a place built below sea level was a problem that faced the earliest residents of the French settlement that became New Orleans. The solution agreed upon, to entomb the departed in elaborate marble chambers above ground, created one of the city’s most lingering attractions: cemeteries that are both historic and hauntingly beautiful. Wander the purported resting places of voodoo queen Marie Laveau, musician Al Hirt and Civil War general P.G.T. Beauregard, all residents of what is known in New Orleans as the “Cities of the Dead”. You may consider taking a guided tour to hear the lore and backstories of those that reside in these “Cities of the Dead”!
Steamboat Natchez Cruise
Cruise the mighty Mississippi River on the historic Steamboat Natchez. Cruises include, Steam Engine Room visitation, calliope, live jazz and optional Creole food and local beverages.
Cool off with a “Sno-ball” dessert!
Dating back to the 1930s, the sno-ball is a customizable sweet made with a mound of fluffy shaved ice, flavored with sweet syrups and topped or stuffed with a number of mix-ins and add-ons. These chilly treats come in small, medium and large and range in price from $2-$6. Sno-ball stands and shops can be found in just about every neighborhood of New Orleans offering traditional snowballs and even a number of twisted creations.
Mardi Gras World
Blaine Kern traveled throughout Europe to apprentice under the world’s leading float and costume makers. During several trips to Italy, France, and Spain, Blaine became inspired by the extravagant concepts and animation that marked the European style of float building. He brought these ideas to New Orleans and developed the monumental scale and lavish ornamentation of today’s spectacular Mardi Gras floats. The tour allows you to see firsthand what it takes to bring Mardi Gras to life year after year. Walk through the hard work and extensive planning that goes into this grand event when you tour Blaine Kern Studios, an operating workshop that has created breathtaking floats for Mardi Gras and other parades around the world since 1947.