New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, is full of culture, history and experiences like no other. From the famous French Quarter to authentic Creole/Cajun cuisine to haunted tours, New Orleans has something for everyone.
During the day, NOLA offers destination shopping in the French Market District. The French Market encompasses six blocks on the riverside of the Lower French Quarter. It includes over 20 unique retail shops, restaurants, cafes, a flea market and a farmers market. If shopping isn’t your thing, the French Market is also home to the Washington Artillery Park and New Place de France (home of the Joan of Arc Statue), as well as lots of public art and scenic walkways.
In the mood for a little art? You can also spend the afternoon strolling through the New Orleans Museum of Art, one the oldest fine art institutions in the United States. The NOMA hosts an impressive permanent collection of over 40,000 objects and the five-acre Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. Or wander through the Contemporary Arts Center in the middle of New Orleans Art District with its bold experiments in painting, theater, photography and more. Then visit the New Orleans African American Museum of Art, Culture and history located in the historic Faubourg Treme neighborhood. This museum is compromised of seven buildings and anchored by the gorgeous Treme Villa.
At night New Orleans comes alive! Walking along the legendary Bourbon Street with the music, bars and sights is an experience all on its own. Then venture down to Frenchmen Street, known as the locals’ version of Bourbon Street. Here you can take your pick of an amazing variety of venues and music – traditional jazz, blues, reggae and rock and roll. And no visit to NOLA is complete without a stop in Preservation Hall to soak up the jazz in historic venue.
Speaking of history, celebrating its Tricentennial in 2018, New Orleans is older than the country itself. Is it any wonder it is consider to be one of the most haunted cities in America? From the Bourbon Orleans Hotel to the Le Petit Theatre to Marie Laveau’s Tomb, there is no shortage of spine-tingling attractions and tours. If you’re worried about the spirits following you home, stop by a speak to a priestess at the Voodoo Spiritual Temple. She will be glad to help you out.