New Orleans Tour
A Brief Overview
When travelers want to go to an exotic spot within the continental U.S.A.,
they often think of Louisiana as a possibility. This fascinating locale,
on the delta of North America's greatest river, is a polyglot of cultures
surrounded by beautiful and dramatic scenery. Louisiana is the epicenter
where French, Spanish, Caribbean, African, British and Native American cultures
have met, melded and interacted for centuries. This melting pot is best
experienced through the inimitable combination of food and music. The capital
of Blues, Cajun cuisine and Mardi Gras -- it's hard to believe this is mainland
U.S.A.
New Orleans is situated in
the crescent carved by the Mississippi River, and the city, known
by names like The Big Easy, The City That Care Forgot, and of course,
the motto "Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez" (Let the Good Times
Roll), is endowed with a lightheartedness, which is contagious. The
central area is surprisingly compact and taxis are plentiful and reasonable,
so tune in to WWOZ 90.7 FM and cruise on down the road to the sounds
of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation. Or, if R&B
is your thing, try WYLD 98.5. Where to stay? The French Quarter and
the surrounding Garden District and Marigny are packed with guesthouses
in every price category--all of them atmospheric. Central New Orleans
is most enjoyed when walking and exploring the back streets and alleys-all
very reminiscent of Europe.
Dont Miss!
New Orleans City Park - where there is golf, boating / fishing,
tennis, botanical gardens, special events, family fun and more! Magazine
Street - a nationally known destination for home furnishings, both
old and new, with over 80 antique shops. Tours by Isabelle - offers
first class, small scale, multi-lingual tour operators. Dinner at
Antoines - Antoine's has given the dining world many famous dishes,
definitely a New Orleans' "Must do"! Riverwalk shopping
has 120 stores in the middle of downtown New Orleans.
The Historical French Quarter
The French Quarter, the oldest part of the city, was established in
1718 by the French as a military outpost. The Vieux Carré, as the
French Quarter is called, was decidedly a French settlement where the
inhabitants proudly embraced and celebrated their French heritage. The
Spanish acquired New Orleans in 1763, and the French settlers accepted
them without too much bloodshed. It was this melding of cultures along
with the African influence of the slave population, that gave birth to
Creole society. All was relatively calm until the Louisiana Purchase in
1803. Then a physical and spiritual separation was initiated with the
newly created Canal Street boundary. This perimeter further insulated
the French Quarter from the bustling city around it.
Eventually, the Creoles expanded beyond the Quarter, but remained isolated
from the boisterous American culture. Still, the French Quarter remained
the heart and soul of New Orleans - a quintessential European experience
with an old-world character. Today, the French Quarter is a world of narrow
streets and historic houses. Tropical flowers peek from hidden courtyards,
and aromas like garlic, onions, fresh-baked goods and coffee combine with
a cacophony of music, conversation, and laughter.
The Garden District
No locale embodies the history of the Southern nobility better than
the Garden District. Where the French Quarter is a lively melting pot,
the Garden District is affable and dignified -- an elegant remnant of
the past. Developed mainly between 1840 and 1900, the Garden District
runs from Magazine Street to St. Charles Avenue and from Jackson Avenue
to Louisiana Avenue. Its well-preserved mansions represent one of the
finest collections of historic manors in the South. Listed in the National
Register of Historic Places, the Garden District offers a dazzling tapestry
of architectural designs such as Antebellum, Greek Revival, Italianate,
and Victorian intertwined with a glorious profusion of blooming flowers
and lush foliage. To get the real feel of the Garden District, pick up
a walking tour map at the Visitor Center at 523 St. Ann, Jackson Square.
A nice way to see the Garden District is to make reservations at Commander's
Palace for lunch. Take the streetcar to the Garden District and walk to
Commanders.
Mardi Gras
The famed Mardi Gras celebrations begin in New Orleans on the 7 of
March each year. Be sure to check Lagniappe, the Entertainment Guide from
the Times Picayune newspaper for details. Anyone can visit a parade and
catch the "throws" - beads, doubloons, plastic cups and more,
which are tossed off the tractor-towed floats by masked riders. Everybody
gets into the act to see who can catch the most "stuff." The
throwing of trinkets to the crowds was started in the early 1870s by the
Twelfth Night Revelers, and is a time-honored tradition for young and
old alike. In 1884, Rex started using medallions instead of trinkets,
and today's doubloons represent these medallions. Doubloons are aluminum
and come in many different colors. They depict the parade theme on one
side and the Krewe's emblem on the other. And if you're lucky enough to
catch one, hold onto it -- they have become collectors' items. Mardi Gras
draws huge numbers to New Orleans for the Shrove Tuesday pre-Lenten festivities.
Make careful plans, and be certain such a trip is appropriate for all
members of the family. The excess craziness is legendary - which may or
may not be what travelers are seeking. Whether Mardi Gras is the right
time to visit or not, visitors will definitely find much to keep them
occupied, curious, well fed and entertained.!
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