‘Merica Wednesday: 01 New Orleans, LA

Most people think travel has to be international. When we think of vacations we’re automatically drawn to the long trips to Paris, Rome, Tokyo, and all the other destinations we endlessly seek out. Most of the time, one hour into planning for our big adventure we realize 1.) we don’t have anyone to go with and 2.) we’re not willing to pay the cost (you should, it’s worth every penny). So you lock your travel dreams away to only going for your honeymoon and stay in Nobody Town, Montana. (No offense!) Advetureless. Little do you know, travel doesn’t always have to be an epic trek to another country. You don’t always need a passport. This section of the Lonely Wanderer will be dedicated to all of the fantastic trips you can take inside the U.S. The first installment of ‘Merica Wednesday will catalog the popular destination of New Orleans, Louisiana. So buckle up. No passport needed.

The “Big Easy” New Orleans, Louisiana is a popular city and cultural hub located just on the Mississippi River in southeast Louisiana. The huge melting pot city draws influences from the French, Native American, African, and Spanish cultures creating a unique breed aptly named Creole or Cajun.  New Orleans is known and revered for its rich history, cuisine, never ending nightlife, vibrant music, and show stopping festivals and celebrations. New Orleans is the perfect destination for some Gulf Coast fun!

Yearly, New Orleans ranks as one of the top ten most visited cities in the U.S. Visitors can find many attractions in the Big Easy like Magazine Street, the world-renowned French Quarter, Pontchartrain Hotel, and St. Charles Ave. The Big Easy also ranks as one of the best Spring Break locations boasting with stylish hotels, singles and bar scenes, antique and vintage shops, neighborhood restaurants, live music, and the worlds most interesting people watching. Not only is New Orleans considered a destination for “wild weekends” it is also ranked second in both friendly cites and gay friendly cities in the U.S.

The French Quarter, locally known as the Quarter (Vieux Carrè), houses popular bars, hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs. Bourbon Street, St Louis Cathedral, Perservation Hall, Jackson Square, and the popular French Market are all noteworthy tourist attractions. For a historic and natural visit one can also expect the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Audubon Institute, and City Park (with one of the world’s largest standing Oak trees) as a sure pleaser.

New Orleans is a pinnacle for many celebrations bringing in thousands of travelers every year. Mardi Gras (the Carnival), New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the Voodoo Eexperience, and the Essence Music Festival are the cities highest grossing. It’s unique music scene is sure to have you happy while bar hopping on Bourbon Street. It’s famous Creole and Cajun food is sure to spice your taste buds. Popular cuisine like po boy sandwiches, oysters, gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, crawfish, and the world famous pastry beignets will keep you full for your entire trip.

Flaunting cheap airfare and four star hotels as low as $70 dollars a night New Orleans is the perfect destination for an onslaught of fun or a weekend getaway. Go and walk the cobblestone streets marred with history. Dance to the once in a lifetime music of joy. Eat the cuisines of freedom and speak to the New Orleanians famous for their strength in the face of defeat. I dare you not to fall in love.

Have any of you ever visited New Orleans?

Let me know about your trip in the comments below!