I can’t imagine a more energized walk than a good old New Orleans second line. I happened upon one on historic Magazine Street and it was a real treat. It is cultural traditions like this that make this city so special.
Category Archives: New Orleans
Spring in New Orleans
Spring is the best time to be in New Orleans. The azaleas and magnolia trees are blooming and the oak trees become green and leafy again.
It’s also the best musical time of the year, with Jazz Fest and the French Quarter Fest providing tunes to suit every taste. This year’s New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival includes huge performers like Simon and Garfunkel and Aretha Franklin, nice complements to the always popular Aaron Neville, Trombone Shorty and a very long list of New Orleans favorites. Jazz Fest takes place over two weekends. This year, it runs April 23 – May 2. I’m looking forward to seeing the Gipsy Kings on April 30.
While you’re not at the ‘Fest, consider a stroll in the historic Garden District, a neighborhood rich with architecture. In fact, consider two strolls in the Garden District because it’s impossible to take it all in during a single visit. No matter how many times you walk through the neighborhood, you’re always going to be pleasantly surprised to discover something – whether it’s an interesting wrought iron fence, lush landscaping or impeccable architectural detail. The Garden District is accessible via the St. Charles Avenue streetcar from downtown or uptown. Walking tours are common. It’s bordered by St. Charles and Magazine, Jackson and Louisiana Avenues.
There are some great places to eat in the area too. Commander’s Palace makes for a memorable fine dining experience but you can also grab some good food on or near Magazine Street at more casual joints like Joey K’s, Cafe Rani, or Parasol’s to name just a few of many.
Filed under New Orleans
The World’s Biggest Free Party
You might see a costume or two on any given day in New Orleans but on Mardi Gras day, the streets of New Orleans are filled with colorful expressions of celebration. You name it: men dressed as women, women dressed as men, and everything in between. It’s a nice complement to the parades which stroll down a traditional route from uptown to downtown to mark the beginning of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday.
It is the ultimate people watching experience. You can walk from uptown New Orleans and the Garden District to downtown and the French Quarter to enjoy the sites.
If you’ve never made it to New Orleans for Fat Tuesday, don’t miss it. If you can’t take off from work, the weekend prior to Mardi Gras day is full of great parades – enormous pagents like Endymion on Saturday and Bacchus on Sunday night cap off a full lineup of daytime parades. Each have celebrity monarchs. No surprise that the New Orleans Saints were in the lead this year. Tom Benson was king of Endymion; Drew Brees was Bacchus and Coach Sean Payton led the Krewe of Orpheus on Monday night.
Mardi Gras is what you make it. It is a family event for those who bring the kids and the barbecue pit. It is a more mature escapade for those who prefer Bourbon Street. One thing is certain: it is a cultural display like nowhere else in the world.
Mardi Gras next year is March 8. Make your reservations now!
Filed under New Orleans, WorldsBestWalks
