New Orleans

New Orleans, though devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, is a thriving cultural mecca with great live music, arts, and food. To fully embrace the vibe of New Orleans, check out a Bed & Breakfast, like Auld Sweet Olive – where you stay in a gorgeous New Orleans-themed rooms on a historic property, not far from the French Quarter. Staying at a B&B is also a great way to meet friendly people and get recommendations on places to check out. The New Orleans Streetcars are a wonderful way to get around the city. Driving in New Orleans is not bad, but parking is tough to find and can be expensive. The Streetcar costs $1.25 or $5 for all day, which is a good deal. The Riverfront line goes along the Mississippi River and and the French Market, which has a farmer’s market, a flea market, and plenty of art shops to find souvenirs. A trip to New Orleans is not complete without a stroll around the beautiful French Quarter to admire the architecture and sample the cuisine. Walk down the famous Bourbon street, grab a Hurricane (a New Orleans cocktail specialty) at any of the walk-up bars and continue on your way, go people watching, or stop for lunch at celebrity chef, Emeril’s restaurant, NOLA. Lunch at NOLA is great because the restaurant is less busy than dinner-time, and you can get a 3-course lunch for $20. The best local flavors are Cajun and Creole, especially seafood. Crawfish, gumbo and jambalaya are some of the many specialties of New Orleans. Not far from Bourbon street is Jackson Square, which features a large statue of Andrew Jackson on a horse and the picturesque St. Louis Cathedral and its pristine gardens. St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in continuous operation in the United States. Horse-drawn carriages are available in front of Jackson Square for a ride around town. Along the square, artists set up street shops selling art work, often with jazz or New Orleans themes. Across the street from Jackson Square is Cafe du Monde, a 24-hour cafe that sells primarily cafe au lait (coffee with milk) and beignets – French donuts covered in powdered sugar – a great snack any time of day. Finally, to gain a perspective on the destruction Hurricane Katrina has caused in the city, take a drive around the Lower Ninth Ward in St. Bernard Parish, where much of the damage occurred The unique charm and spirit of New Orleans has carried on through the recovery of the city, making it a great place to experience.