New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in our nation and is a combination between the Old World and modern times. There is a blend of several different cultures here. This is where American, European and Caribbean influences blend together to make New Orleans a colorful and vibrant city. Also known as the Big Easy it is home to jazz and the blues and spicy Cajun delicacies.
This is home to the delicious and ultimate Creole dish called gumbo. Gumbo is a spicy mix of ingredients that complement each other and is based on an African traditional soup. There are several variations of the thick soup. The main ingredients are local seafood, okra, Creole tomatoes, onions, garlic and green peppers. A variety of spices are added to the dish to give it its unique flavor.
There is so much to see and do here including walking, listening to music and eating. A beautiful place to just walk and browse through is the Uptown and the Garden District. The area is just simply beautiful and is something everyone should experience while visiting here. There are also a variety of historic churches to explore and admire here.
If you are into contemporary art you should visit the Contemporary Arts Center that was redesigned in the early 90’s. It is the foundation of the city’s young arts districts. They are always exhibiting influential and groundbreaking art by regional and international artists. The exhibits are always changing so you can see something new each time you visit. You can also see different forms of the arts here including theater, music concerts and performance art.
New Orleans is known for its celebrations and it parties, such as Mardi Gras, New Years, Jazz Fest and Halloween, just to name a few. If you are a history or architecture buff you will be amazed at all of the different styles and stories that make this city so unique. The best way to get a feel of this historic city is to take a walking tour. If you like visiting haunted houses or famous cemeteries you have come to the right place.
The Aquarium of the Americas has over 7,000 fish and other marine life. You can also watch sea otters at play. There is a rainforest exhibit and a sea lion pool outside the aquarium. This is a fascinating place for the entire family. You should also visit the Audubon Park which is the permanent home of over 2,000 animals and is rated one of the best zoos in the nation. It has a wide variety of exhibits including White Tigers, Komodo Dragon and Monkey Hill. There are also elephant and sea lion shows to entertain you.
New Orleans is a colorful and bustling city that has something to offer everyone. There is so much to do and see here you will have a hard decision deciding what to do first. This is a multi culture diverse city that is fun for all ages.