New Orleans is without a doubt one of the finest North American destinations.  This city has it all; music, culinary delights, nightlife, history and most importantly a future.  The historic architecture and 18th century atmosphere surrounds you.  A week in New Orleans offers a great vacation with plenty to do for adventure seeking singles, women solo travelers, and the young at heart.   There is plenty to learn about growth, renewal and courage.

We do not need to dwell on the horror that befell this fine city 2 years ago.  Know that the people who have

returned are there whole heartedly to start fresh in the city that they know and love.  Although parts of the city are still in ruins, the people of this city are doing all they can to pull their lives and environment together.  The tourism industry is a-go, it needed to be pulled together for moral above all else.  The French Quarter is in full swing.  Come and see the transformation from the terrible images we all witnessed after Katrina.  Seeing the hard work the citizens of this amazing city have put into rebuilding this historic treasure is an inspiration.

When I went to New Orleans, my first thoughts were of music and food. I was not disappointed.  There are many places to visit where you can enjoy both.  One of my favorites was Arnaud’s – on rue Bienville in the French Quarter.  Here they offer terrific Cajun Creole dishes, my favorite was the soft shelled crab, and live music in the Jazz room.  A terrific place to have brunch.  But almost everywhere you look there is a restaurant offering delicious cuisine.  Arnaud’s is a very nice place, an excellent dining experience; but a jacket may be required.  Do not be intimidated by all of the restaurant choices.  Some times what looks like the oldest, most run down place will have amazing food.  We listened to a tour guide who knew all the places to go, and went to a place called Café Maspero where we enjoyed a great gumbo.

While in New Orleans it is essential to try a mouffaletta sandwich and a beignet.  There is so much to eat in the French Quarter, and I only had a week!

Jazz is synonymous with New Orleans.  It was the musicians who have brought the city back to life, many refusing to leave in the first place after Katrina.  Music wafts through the streets, in and out of doorways much to the delight of passerbys.  A wide variety of styles can be found anywhere, anytime.  For the more formal music lover you can visit places like Preservation Hall, which kept traditional jazz alive when its future seemed dim.  Jimmy Buffet’s Margarittaville, and Café Beignet are definitely worth a listen.  But you don’t have to go anywhere in particular to hear the music in this city.  It follows you around.  On almost every corner there are outstanding musicians playing zydeco, jazz  and every kind of music imaginable.  Why one of the great things to see are the families playing together, the kids tap dancing along.  The spirit of this city is easy to see.

While in the French Quarter though, you can’t help but see the voodoo influences. A cemetery tour is a must.   Tours are offered of Marie Laveau’s tomb (queen of voodoo).  St. Louis Cemetary #1 is a walking distance from the French Quarter; and worth a visit.  Both voodoo believers and non-believers alike can appreciate Laveau’s tomb with the offerings and X’s marked on the stone for her.  As the city was built below sea level, the dead are entombed in above ground crypts and mausoleums decorated sometimes lavishly with statues and sculptures so detailed that you truly forget that you are looking at graves.

Another tour that is a must is a swamp tour.  New Orleans is built on a swamp.  Just outside of town you can go for a flatbottom boat tour to see the alligators, nutrias, snakes and birds.  The Spanish moss is beautifully draped on the trees.  Such atmosphere.   River boat cruises on the Mississippi are very relaxing, or you can opt for a Casino boat, if you are looking for more excitement.

Everything can be found in New Orleans that makes for a great vacation.  You can relax and enjoy music and fine dining, or you can explore and experience the history and spirit of this great destination.  Daytime or nighttime you can always find something to truly enjoy.  The Mississippi river, the architecture, and the climate all add to the vacation experience.  I can totally understand why the people of New Orleans came back, I will too!