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4 Ideas 4 the 4th

Steamboat Natchez photo by Kerri McCaffety. New Orleans' colors aren't just purple, green and gold – they’re red, white and blue.  While New Orleans was part of France until 1802, nobody knows how to celebrate Independence Day like we do – especially during America's 250th anniversary! Here’s what’s going on – and where fireworks are going off – around town. Uncle Sam Jam in Lafreniere Park, July 3 Celebrate America… Read More »

May Is for Music and Mom!

If, as T.S. Eliot wrote, “April is the cruelest month,” May in New Orleans makes up for it. Our swamps, gardens and event calendars are bursting with fun and celebrations of life. Here’s just some of what awaits you in New Orleans this month. Second Weekend of the Jazz and Heritage Festival (April 30-May 3) The second weekend of Jazz Fest is always wonderful and this year promises to be… Read More »

Why Is New Orleans Called the Big Easy?

The Crescent City. NOLA. N'Awlins, New Orleeeens. The Queen City of the South has many names and one that seems to have stuck–even though it makes locals cringe–is the Big Easy.  Believe it or not, the Big Easy moniker didn't start with the 1986 Dennis Quaid movie or even the 1970 James Conway crime novel the film was based on. Some say, it all began in the 1960s in a… Read More »

Celebrate Black History Month in New Orleans

  February isn't just Carnival time in New Orleans. It's Black History Month. We invite you to celebrate them both. New Orleans culture is African-American culture. We owe much of our food, music and architecture to the rich gumbo stirred and made richer by the black community. Here are some great ways to celebrate in and around New Orleans. Learn Mardi Gras Indian History on MardiGrasNewOrleans.com You don't have to go… Read More »

Top 5 Things To Do This Month Off the Parade Route

This year, Fat Tuesday falls on February 17th. You'll find a complete parade schedule here but we're doing more than throwing beads this month. Here are 5 things you can do when you're not on the parade route. 1. Go Golfing at Loft18 Play a round or two of simulated golf and munch on burgers, wings and other yummy things at Loft18 on Metairie Road. Don’t leave without sharing an… Read More »

Start the New Year in New Orleans

The holidays may be over but there’s still plenty of celebrating going on in the Crescent City, starting with the Allstate Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day. Then Carnival season kicks off on January 6th (Twelfth Night) with king cake parties and parades. Resolve to make a trip down here this year!  Here's what else is happening this month: Allstate Sugar Bowl - January 1 The Caesars Superdome will be… Read More »

Santa’s Must-Do List in New Orleans

Rudolph Guides Santa. Let Us Guide You. Whether you're a child or just feel like one during the holidays, festive fun awaits in New Orleans. Enjoy parades, traditional Réveillon dinners at your favorite restaurants, light displays, and the Fleur de Lis Drop at the stroke of midnight in the French Quarter on New Year's Eve. And as far as shopping goes, Santa’s most unique workshop is right here in New… Read More »

A New Orleans November

[caption id="attachment_1393" align="alignnone" width="270"] Photo: Bayou Bacchanal[/caption] November is one of our all-time favorite times to be in New Orleans. The weather is cool, the humidity is low, and there's nothing better than lounging in courtyards or on balconies sipping cocktails or getting in some holiday shopping in the French Quarter, the Arts/Warehouse District and Magazine Street. Below are some of our favorite things to do in New Orleans in November. Check out… Read More »

Missing October in New Orleans? Scary!

  Travel + Leisure Names New Orleans One of the 13 Best Places to Visit for Halloween Around the World. New Orleans is at her best in October. It’s perfect weather for a ghost or cemetery tour, plus we have a whole lineup of fun festivals planned, including the Krewe of Boo Parade, featuring floats from the world-renowned Kern Studios. Come celebrate everything from BBQ to Boo at the Zoo.… Read More »

Patio Planters Jazz Up the Quarter During Mardi Gras

The French Quarter is more than a top tourist destination. More than 3,000 people are proud to call it home. Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré, the non-profit behind beloved events such as Caroling in Jackson Square, has made it their mission to promote the neighborhood aspect of the French Quarter. To encourage community spirit, they sponsor decorating competitions at Halloween, Christmas and, yes, Mardi Gras. A committee of 6-10… Read More »