by Tom Bastek
Last updated: 6:00 AM ET, Fri April 10, 2015
Photo courtesy of Thinkstock
We Say:
The Crescent City is a place known for its music, its cuisine and its culture. A little bit Voodoo, a little bit French, a whole lot of fun, New Orleans is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Rooted in the slave trade, Civil War and at one time coming under the rule of six different flags, The Big Easy has a little bit of everything for everyone. Since Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans has rebuilt and consistently increased their tourist population. There are many colleges and universities in the city, most famously, Tulane University located in the Garden District.
They Say:
A timeless city with a unique way of life, steeped in European traditions and Caribbean influences, New Orleans draws curious travelers to experience its rich heritage, history and culture. Follow the scent of gumbo floating out the kitchen window, wander down gas lit streets to the sounds of brass bands and blues guitars, let the romance of a hidden courtyard sweep you away. New Orleans is many things to many people - a home for the arts, a hub of innovation, an agent of inspiration. A historic city made new, it's ever changing with something to delight every visitor. - New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau
Weather:
Current Traffic:Google Traffic
Airport:Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
Public Transit:New Orleans Regional Transit Authority
Bikeshare: Awaiting government approval.
Walkability Score: 56 at Walk Score
Parking Options / Expense:ParkMe, Best Parking
Best Accommodations: (Expedia.com Higher Guest Rated)
Boutique: Hotel Le Marais
High End: Hyatt Regency New Orleans
High End: The Roosevelt New Orleans
Mid-Range: Le Pavillon Hotel
Bargain: Balcony Guest House
Foods to seek out:
Beignets - Café Du Monde - often imitated but never duplicated, and the coffee is good, too.
Po-Boys - Johnny's Po-Boys in the quarter, and Parasol's or Mahony's in the Garden District.
Crawfish Etouffee - Chartres House: New Orleans Cajun Restaurant & Bar is your go-to place for crawfish and they serve it up eight different delicious ways to prove it.
Known For:
1. Food - Jacques-Imo's - A Nawlin's institution with plenty of Creole food, they also make an out of this world Fried Chicken and don't miss the alligator sausage cheesecake.
2. Music - There is only one Preservation Hall, and they have been doing it since 1961
3. Architecture - Stroll down St. Charles Avenue and see one of the best collection of mansions in the country.
Sports Teams
NFL: New Orleans Saints
NBA: New Orleans Pelicans
MLB-AAA: New Orleans Zephyrs
Arena Football: New Orleans VooDoo
Cool attractions
Single
1. Get a real Hurricane at Pat O'Brien's.
2. Try your luck at Harrah's New Orleans.
3. Pick up a souvenir for someone special at Reverend Zombie's House of Voodoo.
Couple
1. Scare the pants off your spouse on a ghost tour with The Voodoo Bone Lady Haunted Tours.
2. Stroll the artisans and crafters of Jackson Square.
3. Have a nightcap at the Carousel Bar & Lounge in the Hotel Monteleone.
Family
1. Give the family a great history lesson at the The National WWII Museum.
2. Take a ride on any of the Street Cars.
3. Take a Jazz Dinner Cruise on the Creole Queen.
Nightlife
1. Jazz: Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro
2. 24 hours-a-day-bar: Alibi Bar
3. Three-Martini Lunch (ok it not technically nightlife): Commander's Palace 25¢ apiece.
New Orleans is:
Graphic via WorditOut.com
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