Travel Monday – New Orleans
Line BreakAuthor: Kathryn Frengs (350 Articles)
Travelfusion's Social Media Officer, I manage all of our online marketing and presence on Twitter, Facebook, our blog and more. I love my job!
Laissez les bons temps rouler! As a special request, today’s Travel Monday article will feature the boisterous and fun city of New Orleans, Louisiana. A city that now perhaps lives in infamy as the epicentre of 2005’s devastating Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans is a vibrant, exciting city that has much to offer both seasoned and those who are visiting for the first time.
Founded in 1718 by the French and named after the French city of Orléans, New Orleans certainly has had an interesting history that has made it what it is today. Influenced by many different cultures over the years, New Orleans definitely has its own unique and eclectic flavour in architecture, cuisine and music.
Usually, any first-time visit to New Orleans starts on the world-famous Bourbon Street. Known for its debauchery and crazy Mardi Gras parades, this is the place to be to observe the wacky and weird sides to the city. Bourbon Street is located in the middle of the French Quarter and the typical French style architecture can be observed here. Lined with kitschy souvenir shops and seemingly unending frozen daiquiri bars, a stroll around this street will show you the “stereotypical” tourist trap side of the city. Grab a drink and walk under the beautiful balconies teeming with revellers, and enjoy!
Photo credit: Rob Lee
Of course there’s much more to the French Quarter than Bourbon Street. I’ve seen some of the most beautiful little homes and had some of my best meals in the city just off of the main drags and on quieter side streets in this busy area. Take the time to explore – you won’t be disappointed!
My favourite area of New Orleans is perhaps off the beaten path a bit. Hop on one of the streetcars and head out on St. Charles Street to enjoy the beautiful Garden District. Towering trees and old southern mansions line the streets of this historic district that seems worlds away from the bustle of the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. Start the day with brunch at the popular Commander’s Palace or enjoy a drink outside on the lawn or front porch of the Columns Hotel Bar and watch the world go by. This quieter portion of the city offers a nice respite on a busy trip.
Photo credit: Mr. Littlehand
No post about New Orleans would be complete without special mention of the food and drinks that can be sampled there. For delicious and typical Louisiana brunch, head to Brennan’s on Rue Royale in the heart of the French Quarter. The banana flambée dessert is mouthwatering and I don’t think I’ve had a better breakfast in the south than the feast I enjoyed here the last time I was in town.
Photo credit: Ken Lund
Cafe du Monde is a New Orleans institution open 24 hours a day and a standard must-try for most visitors to the city. Stop for a café au lait and order of their famous beignets. A sinful dessert, beignets are fried dough covered in a thick blanket of powdered sugar. Though they’re not on any healthy eating plan, they are delicious and a New Orleans tradition.
Photo credit: Mr. Littlehand
Finally, another New Orleans tradition is the fruity “Hurricane” cocktail. Though it’s a rather unfortunate naming coincidence, these potent drinks have become synonymous with the party time atmosphere in the French Quarter. Made with rum and fruit juices, hurricanes are the specialty at Pat O’Brien’s located on Bourbon Street. At nighttime, this place is packed with people, so try an off-peak time if that’s not your cup of tea.
There’s so much more to say about New Orleans, such as a discussion of the vibrant jazz and blues scene, but special mention should be made to the resilience and courage of the people of the city.
With so much to see and do in New Orleans, a visit or two is the only way to truly appreciate the uniqueness of the area. Fly from London to New Orleans from £544 this summer to enjoy it for yourself!
Tags: Destinations, louisiana, new orleans, Photos, Travel Monday, United States
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