Travel Eye on New Orleans (Louisiana, USA)

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Overview:

New Orleans is proud of its well-known nickname, "Big Easy", because it so aptly describes the relaxed, hospitable attitude of this lovely city, steeped in history and intertwining cultures.

Today, New Orleans continues to flourish. It is one of the largest ports in the United States and in the world. Millions have been invested in development and renovation. Yet, with all its modern innovations, the city retains an Old World charm, carefully preserving its history, its reputation for world-famous jazz and outstanding cuisine, and its romantic Creole heritage.

Most visitors to New Orleans, begin their sightseeing at the French Quarter (Vieux Carre. This is the oldest part of the city:  a mix of clubs, souvenir shops, restaurants, voodoo vendors,  and beautiful homes. Some of the most attractive cast-iron balconies can be seen  along Royal Street.  Royal Street is known for its antique shops and art galleries. Bourbon Street and its cross streets house most of the tourist bars and clubs, but the place where most peope head for music in the French Quarter is in teh area around North Peters, Decatur and North Rampart streets.

Another French Quarter center of activity near the river. is Jackson Square, the hub of that area. It was built as a parade ground for the French Army and was later used by the Spanish, the Confederate and the U.S. armies for the same purpose.

This city suits everyone from jazz buffs, convention-goers and gourmets to families and antique-seekers. The party animals amongst us will have a field day (or night).

The accommodation here ranges from European-style guest houses to luxury hotels. If sleep is important to you, avoid accommodation on Bourbon Street. Many modern international chains are in the Central Business District.

Locality:

New Orleans can be found in the South United States, in the South East corner of the state of Louisiana (77 mls SE of the state capital, Baton Rouge. New Orleans international airport is in Kenner, 15 mls W). It is situated on flat land between the mighty Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain (110 mls inland from the Gulf of Mexico). It is the only major US city below sea level.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

The shopping here ranges from small malls in town to large Lakeside Center outside town. The French Market houses a host of speciality shops, food stalls and souvenirs and a neighbouring touristy flea market. .

During the daytime apart from the French Quarter, various riverboat rides, carriage rides, walking tours around the Garden District, cemeteries and French Quarter history. Various museums, including the New Orleans Museum of Art and Confederate Museum.

The nightlife here is host to the birthplace of jazz, this is a 24-hr town bursting with music. There are many clubs are in the French Quarter. Riverboats have evening dinner/jazz cruises. There is a Casino on Canal Street, as well as riverboat casinos floating on Lake Pontchartrain and Harvey Canal on the West Bank. Biggest bash in N America is Mardi Gras (February or March), followed closely by Jazz & Heritage Festival (Jazz Fest in April?May). Scores of other festivals.

This is one of the few spots in the US that has distinctive regional cuisines. French Creole and Cajun are the main specialities. Dishes include gumbo, beignets and po'boys. Restaurants range from holes-in-the-wall to sleek eateries. Eating in this city is not particularly cheap.