As featured in Southern Views Magazine (January 2024) - soviewsmag.com
New Orleans is home to some of the best food, music, and culture you could find in the entire country. From Mardi Gras to Jazz Fest, there is nowhere like the Crescent City – a place where you can explore, indulge, and enjoy. Having spent my college years and then some living in NOLA, I’m here to share some of my favorites with you. And if you’ve never visited before, you’ll just have to book a trip and experience it for yourself.
New Orleans, often referred to as "The Big Easy," boasts a rich and diverse history that weaves together French, Spanish, African, and American influences. New Orleans became a hub for trade, attracting settlers from various backgrounds, contributing to its unique Creole culture. The city is renowned for its vibrant music scene, giving birth to jazz in the early 20th century.
With its strategic location along the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico, the city has a storied past that reflects the ebb and flow of several different colonial powers. Founded in 1718 by the French explorer Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, the city became a vital port and a melting pot of cultures. It thrived under French rule until the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, when it was transferred to the United States, ushering in an era of American expansion.
This blending of European, African, and American influences has shaped New Orleans into a unique cultural gem. The city's architecture showcases its diverse heritage, from the French Quarter's Creole townhouses, to the Spanish colonial-style buildings. And of course, one cannot delve into New Orleans' history without acknowledging its musical legacy. Jazz, born in the city's vibrant neighborhoods, resonates through its streets – reflecting the improvisational spirit that defines both the music and the city itself. Despite facing challenges like hurricanes and economic shifts, New Orleans remains a resilient and culturally-rich city, celebrated for its festivals, cuisine, and distinctive architecture.
Top 3 things to do in New Orleans
Mardi Gras
We couldn’t publish a New Orleans article without mentioning Mardi Gras. French for "Fat Tuesday," Mardi Gras has a history rooted in medieval Europe that has evolved into a vibrant celebration with a unique New Orleans twist. Its origins can be traced all the way back to ancient Roman and medieval European pagan festivals that marked the arrival of spring. These festivities were later incorporated into Christian traditions, leading to the establishment of Carnival, the period of revelry leading up to Lent.
In the context of New Orleans, Mardi Gras took on a distinctive character when French settlers brought the tradition to the region in the 17th century. The first recorded Mardi Gras celebration in Louisiana took place in 1699. Over the centuries, the festival evolved, influenced by various cultures and communities, including the Spanish and African diaspora. The modern rendition of Mardi Gras in New Orleans is known for its elaborate parades, colorful costumes, and lively street parties. Krewe organizations, each with their unique identities, play a central role in organizing the grand parades and events that define Mardi Gras today. The celebration has become an iconic symbol of the city's cultural vitality, drawing visitors from around the world to partake in the revelry and experience the spirit of the city at its most festive.
Jazz Fest
Another staple event on the New Orleans calendar, The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, commonly known as Jazz Fest, is an iconic celebration of music and culture that has been a vibrant part of the city's identity since its inception in 1970. It was created to showcase the rich musical heritage of New Orleans and provide a platform for both local and international artists. The festival typically takes place over two weekends in late April and early May, drawing music enthusiasts from around the world. The festival features a diverse lineup that actually goes beyond jazz, encompassing a wide range of musical genres such as blues, gospel, R&B, rock, and world music. It's renowned for its inclusive atmosphere, where both seasoned legends (you can catch the Rolling Stones this year) and emerging artists share the stage.
Beyond music, Jazz Fest celebrates the unique culture of New Orleans, including its distinctive cuisine and crafts. Attendees can savor delicious local dishes like gumbo and crawfish while enjoying the vibrant arts and crafts showcased at the festival.
Explore the French Quarter
We also can’t publish a NOLA travel guide and skip over the French Quarter, the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans. Be sure to spend a good amount of time strolling through these beautiful streets: exploring the antique shops on Royal Street, listening to jazz on Frenchmen Street, and of course checking out the notorious Bourbon Street. There are plenty of walking tours or carriage rides offered with excellent tour guides who can share with you the history of the city, its food, or even its ghosts (if that’s more your thing)!
Where to Stay
Hotel Monteleone
One of the most gorgeous hotels you could find in the States, Hotel Monteleone is a historic and luxurious landmark located in the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans. Opened in 1886, the hotel has a rich history and has been a cherished part of the city's hospitality scene for over a century. Planted in a prime location on Royal Street, the Monteleone is renowned for its timeless elegance and Southern charm. The hotel has been a destination for literary and cultural enthusiasts — a gathering place for famous writers like Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams. The Carousel Bar, a rotating bar on the ground floor, is a unique feature that adds to the hotel's allure. Guests can enjoy local live jazz while sipping on cocktails in this iconic setting. Hotelmonteleone.com
The Roosevelt Hotel
For a swanky stay downtown, check out the Roosevelt Hotel, conveniently located one block outside the French Quarter. This hotel opened back in 1923, and has been providing five-star stays ever since. Don’t miss the Sazerac Bar located on the first floor, where some of the best bartenders in the city will whip up an incredible cocktail (you obviously can’t leave without at least trying a Sazerac - a classic New Orleans libation). This bar has become a cherished part of the hotel, offering guests a classic and elegant setting to enjoy a variety of cocktails that go beyond the iconic Sazerac. Therooseveltneworleans.com
Pontchartrain Hotel
If you’d prefer to lay your head somewhere outside the hustle & bustle of the French Quarter, take a look into the Pontchartrain Hotel, another beautiful historic hotel located in the Garden District (and right in front of the streetcar on St. Charles Ave!). From luxurious rooms with all the amenities, to an incredible in-house restaurant (Jack Rose), you’ll assuredly be impressed with your stay here. Be sure to take the elevator up to Hot Tin for some of the best cocktails and views of downtown and the river that you can find in the city. Thepontchartrainhotel.com
Where to Eat & Drink
Café du Monde
Is a trip to New Orleans really complete without Café du Monde? Café du Monde is an iconic establishment in New Orleans' French Quarter and has been serving beignets and coffee since 1862. The café is renowned for its open-air atmosphere and traditional menu. Recognizable by its green and white striped awnings, the café is famous for serving beignets (deep-fried dough delights generously dusted with powdered sugar), alongside chicory coffee. A beloved landmark, Café du Monde provides a charming and bustling 24/7 atmosphere (literally - they’re open 24 hours a day, every day except Christmas) atmosphere, allowing patrons to immerse themselves in the flavors and culture of New Orleans while taking in the sights and sounds of this historic city. Cafedumonde.com
Parkway Bakery & Tavern
Another classic that’s been around since 1911, Parkway Tavern is a cherished institution known for its po'boy sandwiches. The menu features a wide range of po'boys to choose from, including roast beef, fried shrimp, and oysters. The casual and welcoming environment, coupled with the restaurant's commitment to preserving its classic recipes, makes Parkway Tavern a go-to destination for those eager to try an authentic staple of New Orleans cuisine. Parkwaypoorboys.com
Brennan’s
Brennan's, a historic restaurant in the French Quarter, has been a culinary institution since its opening in 1946 by Mr. Owen Brennan. Originally located on Bourbon Street, Brennan's gained prestige for its innovative Creole cuisine and its role in popularizing the New Orleans tradition of breakfast at fine dining restaurants. In 1956, Brennan's moved to its current location on Royal Street, where it underwent extensive renovations and became an elegant French Quarter landmark. The restaurant is particularly renowned for its iconic dessert, Bananas Foster, created in the 1950s by Chef Paul Blangé. This indulgent treat features ripe bananas sautéed in a rich sauce made with brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, banana liqueur, and dark rum. The dish is often flambéed tableside, creating a spectacular presentation as the flames flash over the sweet and sticky concoction, which is then served over vanilla ice cream. Over the years, Brennan's has maintained its reputation for exceptional dining experiences, combining classic Creole flavors with a refined ambiance, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a taste of New Orleans' culinary heritage. Brennansneworleans.com
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