Louisiana is best known for New Orleans. Often referred to simply as “NOLA,” a vibrant and culturally rich city known for its unique blend of French, African, Spanish, and Creole influences.
New Orleans, founded in 1718 by French colonists, boasts a rich history shaped by its diverse cultural influences. Originally established as a French outpost, the city was ceded to Spain in 1763 before becoming part of the United States in 1803 through the Louisiana Purchase. Over the centuries, New Orleans has evolved into a melting pot of French, Spanish, African, and Creole cultures, which is reflected in its unique architecture, cuisine, and traditions.
The city’s vibrant history is celebrated through its lively festivals, historic neighborhoods, and enduring cultural heritage. New Orleans is also celebrated for its lively music scene, delicious cuisine, and distinctive architecture.
The Same
The first time we all (Adults) had visited Louisiana it was a stop on a Caribbean cruise to New Orleans and hit up the cities main attractions. Lets be honest if you are just there to party, one full day is just about right.
We both did go back again. The Family chose to stay in New Orleans but ventured outside the city to avoid the urban bustle as they often do. The Dinks immersed themselves in the city, spending as much time there as possible. Both groups explored the iconic French Quarter and indulged in delicious Creole and Cajun dishes, savoring the unique flavors of New Orleans cuisine.
French Quarter
The French Quarter, also known as Vieux Carré, is the historic heart of New Orleans, Louisiana, and one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. Steeped in history, culture, and charm, the French Quarter is a vibrant and lively district known for its cobblestone streets, colorful architecture, and lively atmosphere. Including iconic landmarks like the St. Louis Cathedral, Bourbon Street, and vibrant street musicians. The city is famous for its annual Mardi Gras celebration, a colorful and festive event that attracts people from around the world.
- Jackson Square: The focal point of the French Quarter, Jackson Square is a historic park surrounded by notable landmarks such as St. Louis Cathedral, the Presbytère, and the Cabildo. It’s a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.
- Bourbon Street: Famous for its vibrant nightlife, Bourbon Street is lined with bars, jazz clubs, restaurants, and souvenir shops. It’s a bustling thoroughfare known for its lively atmosphere and colorful characters. It also has distinctive architecture, characterized by wrought-iron balconies, Creole cottages, and elegant townhouses. Walking tours offer opportunities to admire the neighborhood’s historic buildings and learn about its rich architectural heritage.
- French Market: Located near the riverfront, the French Market is one of the oldest public markets in the United States. Visitors can explore a variety of stalls selling local produce, crafts, souvenirs, and street food.
- Preservation Hall: A revered institution in the world of jazz, Preservation Hall hosts nightly performances by traditional jazz bands. It’s a must-visit for music lovers looking to experience the authentic sounds of New Orleans jazz.
Local Cuisine
New Orleans boasts a vibrant and eclectic culinary scene that reflects its rich cultural heritage and diverse influences. Creole and Cajun cuisine are integral parts of New Orleans’ culinary identity, offering a flavorful blend of French, African, Spanish, and Native American influences. As always we both try to indulge as much as possible. I am not sure you can go wrong anywhere they are served.
- Beignets: Deep-fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar, beignets are a quintessential New Orleans treat often enjoyed with a café au lait. They are a legacy of the city’s French heritage and a beloved snack any time of day.
- We always stop at Cafe Du Mond, famous for their beignets; although you can find them almost anywhere.
- Gumbo: A hearty stew that blends West African, French, and Native American culinary traditions. It typically includes a rich broth, meat (such as chicken, sausage, or seafood), vegetables, and spices, served over rice.
- Jambalaya: A Creole and Cajun dish made with rice, meat (often sausage and chicken or seafood), vegetables, and seasoned with spices. It’s a flavorful one-pot meal that reflects the region’s Spanish, French, and African roots.
- Po’boys: A staple of New Orleans’ sandwich culture, po’boys are overstuffed sandwiches served on French bread with fillings like fried seafood (shrimp, oysters, or catfish) or roast beef, dressed with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayonnaise.
- Crawfish Etouffee: A savory dish featuring crawfish tails smothered in a thick roux-based sauce with onions, celery, bell peppers, and Cajun spices, served over rice. It’s a true taste of Louisiana’s Cajun cuisine.
- Red Beans and Rice: A traditional Monday meal in New Orleans, red beans and rice is a comforting dish made with red beans cooked with onions, bell peppers, and Cajun spices, served over rice.
- Muffuletta: A hearty sandwich on a round sesame bread loaf, filled with layers of Italian meats (such as salami, ham, and mortadella), cheese, and olive salad. It’s a classic example of the city’s Italian influence.
The DINKs
In addition, to the cruise visit, I had also visited Nola for Mardi Gras when my 24th birthday happen to fall on Fat Tuesday and spent 3 days leading up to celebrating. It was far too much. So this time we decided to go the weekend before the “big event” when you can still see many of the festivities. We really enjoyed the smaller crowd and were able to bring our dog out around town with us.
Mardi Gras Parades
Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a vibrant celebration renowned for its grand parades and festive spirit. The city comes alive with a series of spectacular parades organized by various krewes, each bringing its own flair and tradition to the Carnival season.
From the opulent floats of Endymion to the historic charm of Zulu, these parades showcase the rich cultural tapestry of New Orleans. Whether you’re marveling at the elaborate costumes, catching beads and trinkets, or enjoying the lively atmosphere, Mardi Gras parades offer an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of this iconic celebration.
Barkus Parade
Barkus Parade is a Mardi Gras-themed parade held in New Orleans, specifically designed for dogs and their owners. It’s a playful and pet-friendly event where participants dress up their dogs in creative costumes, and the parade features various dog-centric floats and entertainment. The parade typically takes place in the French Quarter and is a fun and lighthearted addition to the city’s Mardi Gras celebrations. While we were not actually in the parade, our dog absolutely loved watching all the other dogs go by.
Sports
With its passionate fan base, state-of-the-art venues, and reputation for hosting unforgettable sporting spectacles, New Orleans continues to be a premier destination for sports enthusiasts from around the world. In addition to having the New Orleans Saints (NFL), the New Orleans Pelicans (NBA) and the New Orleans Baby Cakes (Minor League Baseball), the city has hosted special events like the NBA Allstar Game, the NCAA Final Four and will host an upcoming big game for the NFL. We can tell you from experience, the city is a great host.
Famous Bars & Drinks
New Orleans is renowned for its vibrant bar scene and classic cocktails. Here’s a some notable bars in the city and their signature drinks:
- Pat O’Brien’s: An iconic New Orleans establishment located on Bourbon Street, Pat O’Brien’s is famous for its lively atmosphere and historic charm.
- The Hurricane cocktail is Pat O’Brien’s signature drink. It’s a fruity, potent concoction made with rum, fruit juices, and a splash of grenadine, often served in a curved glass.
- Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar: Known as one of the oldest bars in the U.S., Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar is located in a historic building with a unique ambiance.
- The bar is famous for its Voodoo Juice, a powerful blend of rum, fruit juices, and a secret ingredient. They also serve classic cocktails like the Sazerac.
- Tropical Isle Bar: Located on Bourbon Street, Tropical Isle is known for its lively environment and famous drinks.
- The Hand Grenade is their signature drink. This potent green cocktail combines various liquors with fruit flavors and is served in a distinctive grenade-shaped glass.
- Old Absinthe House: A historic bar with a reputation for its extensive absinthe selection and classic New Orleans charm.
- The Absinthe Drip is the Old Absinthe House’s specialty, a traditional preparation method involving water dripping over a sugar cube into a glass of absinthe. They also serve the classic Sazerac.
- Gordon Biersch Brewery: Gordon Biersch Brewery is a well-known brewpub offering a range of house-brewed beers and a hearty menu. It isn’t really famous but we try to hit up local breweries where ever we go.
Live jazz music
Live jazz music can be enjoyed at various venues throughout the city, solidifying New Orleans’ reputation as the birthplace of jazz. From intimate jazz clubs to lively music halls, the city offers a vibrant and diverse jazz scene that attracts music lovers from around the world.
The Family
As a family, we were on a mid-west road trip and stopped in New Orleans. We wanted to limit our time in the big city so we spent the day on a swamp tour then had dinner & walked around the city.
Gater Tour
Louisiana is known for its abundant wetlands and bayous, making it a great place for alligator tours. Visitors can experience up-close encounters with these fascinating reptiles in their natural habitat. We took a tour of a near New Orleans. The main attraction is the opportunity to see American alligators in their natural habitat, but we did see other wildlife such as turtles, birds, and possibly snakes. The kids enjoyed the airboat allowing for an intimate and close-up view of the swamp’s natural beauty. The experienced guides provided insights into the local ecology, wildlife, and history of the region.
Summary
In New Orleans, the DINKs and the Family each experienced the city’s vibrant atmosphere in their own way. The DINKs enjoyed the lively French Quarter with its festive Barkus Parade, sports events, and live jazz, immersing themselves in the city’s energetic nightlife. In contrast, the Family explored the bayous on a gator tour, appreciating the natural beauty and wildlife of Louisiana, while also savoring local cuisine and strolling through the French Quarter. Both approaches highlight New Orleans’ blend of cultural vibrancy, rich history, and unique natural experiences, making it a city with something for everyone.
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