New_Orleans

“A warm evening rain falls gently onto worn cobblestone streets and glimmers in gas lamp illumination. The smell of gumbo and crawfish boil permeates the air, mixing with the faint scent of absinthe and sweet cherry tobacco to create an intoxicating perfume, as unique and unforgettable as the Lady herself. A street car rumbles by, carrying its passengers further into the night, the staccato clickity-clack of its wheels creating a subtle drumming. A lone trumpet pierces through the sounds of merriment to accompany the beat, its bluesy cry carried along on the wings of the wind. Wrought iron works of art wrap the centuries-old French architecture, a Parisian paradise lost in a bygone era. Beneath the majesty of St. Louis Cathedral, the slight silhouette of a ghostly procession passes, the woeful cries of its mourners, defying long-gone foes by the cover of storm, delicately catch the ear. Some call it the Big Easy, others the Crescent City, I call it home. Oh, how I long for New Orleans.” “Lady” New Orleans has been a city of mystery since her birth, and continues to be a perfect destination for excitement, adventure, and, of course, relaxation. Whether one comes for the food, the music, the nightlife, the history, or the hauntings, they are never disappointed. There is a constant feeling of excitement in the air, and one never knows what they may find around any corner that they turn. All around the Vieux Carre there are wonders to behold and experiences to treasure. Just make sure that you arrive hungry! Derived from French, Haitian, and African origins, New Orleans eats are legendary. Flavorful and aromatic dishes, from spicy gumbos to jambalaya and crawfish, titillate the senses. The Acme Oyster and Seafood House on Rue Iberville offers a wide variety of traditional New Orleans-style delicacies, including the tastiest and most historical sandwich in the American South: the Po’ Boy. A monumental sandwich, the Po’ Boy came to be during the Great Depression. Many laymen at the time could barely afford to meet the needs of their families, and as they labored day to day, they often became sickly from malnutrition. Always a close-knit community, the proprietors of various restaurants and general stores came up with a solution to aid their fellow man… That solution was the Po’ Boy. Each evening at the close of their business, restaurateurs and store owners took everything that went unused, and starting with a baguette, constructed massive sandwiches which were distributed to the working men for as little as a penny. Today, Po’ Boy’s are still a wonderfully inexpensive treat, and if you want to try something new, why not order alligator on it' As you take a bite of this king of sandwiches, savor, as well, a bite of history itself. After taking on a Po’ Boy, you may want a drink or two to wash it down! New Orleans is known throughout the world for its night life, and people from all over the world flock to this party paradise for the amazing drinks, extraordinary music, and a big old dose of “Southern hospitality.” Although it is the “Birthplace of Jazz,” the French Quarter has a scene for everyone. You can relax with a stiff scotch and some sultry blues, or let your hair down with a little karaoke the world’s best happy hour… But if you seek an exceptionally unique experience, visit The Dungeon on Rue Toulouse. A two story establishment, The Dungeon has the most uniquely haunting atmosphere anyone could hope to find. Complete with a dungeon, hallways inlaid with human skulls, bathrooms hidden in the bookcase, and acid green Chartreuse, The Dungeon is definitely the place for anyone interested in drinking and freaking! However, maybe you are in the mood for a few spooks before hitting the spirits. What a perfect time to take a haunted tour! Steeped in the magics of Voodoo, New Orleans is said to have a soul herself, and ensconced within it, the souls of countless others, lost and forgotten, victims of countless tragedies. Guided tours are offered all over the French Quarter, and offer a glimpse into the “other” spirits of New Orleans. Knowledgeable guides will lead you through the history and the tragedy of the French Quarter, where everything from war to epidemics to fire has taken its toll. You may even find yourself face to face with the spirit of the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau or famous pirate Jean Lafitte! Creepy and informative, haunted tours are a great way to learn the history of the French Quarter, where lost souls tell the story of their lives… and deaths. Even the most skeptical of people cannot ignore the feeling that this amazing city is somehow “alive”. While it may not be the only reason for the Crescent City’s notoriety, this magical feeling is definitely a great point of interest, and is often the reason for many people’s continual return. With an unsurpassed blend of history and mystery, good food and good fun, the French Quarter is a destination unmatched for its charm, beauty, hospitality, and distinctive atmosphere. Whether you find yourself having beignets and chicory coffee at Café du Monde, wandering the famous Rue Bourbon, or searching out the spooky, you can be sure of a unique and unforgettable experience down in the Big Easy.