Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Follow Your Heart To The City Of New Orleans

By Michael Crane

It is hard to think of tourism in New Orleans after the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. But after almost 5 years the visitors have increased and who could blame them, French Quarter is one of the most traditional, mysteriously beautiful neighborhoods to visit for more than one reason. The food, the mood, the music are three major attractions that draws attention to the streets of French Quarter, prior know as Vieux Carr√ is one of the oldest locations in New Orleans. Founded by a Frenchman, the district as a whole is considered a National Historical Landmark that luckily had minimal damage caused by the natural disaster five years ago.

French Quarter district consists of great cuisines most popular obviously being the French, Creole, and Cajun. Most famous are the historical eateries that elevate dining in the city to the top of everyone's list- Galatoire's Arnaud's Commander's Palace in the Garden District, Broussard's and Antoine's are the originals. However, a few new places have been placed on top of the charts - Emeril's, Emeirl's Delmoncio, Emeril's NOLA and K-Paul's. And find affordable dining with great taste at Acme Oyster House, Casamento's and the Gumbo Shop. And for dessert, it is a must to take a stroll down to Cafe du Monde for beignets and smooth New Orleans style coffee with chicory and admire the French Quarter art.

These days, the music you would hear around French Quarter varies more than the food. Classic New Orleans jazz is still king at the Preservation Hall Jazz Band building on St. Peter Street that dates back to the War of 1812. Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton were both members of this elite band that's been drawing crowds since 1961. Today, the musicians are younger but the glorious New Orleans jazz they play here is as pure as ever. No drinks and no air conditioning keep some away, but they're missing the real thing, music-wise!

As a music genre, jazz takes precedence as the official sound of the city, however, other music genre artists such as Lenny Kravitz calls the city his hometown. As a result, newer, younger sounds co exists with traditional New Orleans sounds like from Louis Armstrong. It is also home for one of the most famous music festivals called The Annual Voodoo Experience Ritual held every October. The lineup for this year include Muse, Ozzy Ozbourne, Paul van Dyke, MGMT, Hot Chip and hottest rapper currently Drake, and many more!

The French Quarter was fortified from Hurricane Katrina since it is specifically the highest district of the metropolitan area. And its unique architecture like narrow roads, wrought iron balconies hanging over the streets, blind alleys and famously old buildings (in forms of narrow, tall, short or stout) that motivates exploration and approximations of when, who, and what became of those that once upon a time lived nearby. Many of these structures were formerly owned by wealthy plantation proprietors who loved their seasons inside the city. In the olden times, the French Quarter was shared by absinthe homes, brothels, gaming parlors, convents, tea shops, and trendy gown producers. And that is as nearby as one could get to French life-style as New Orleans imitated the style. And recent times you will discover that absinthe dens are occupied by bars and dressmakers are substituted by souvenir, mask and bead stores. However, you may still discover the famous cathedral which was the spiritual heart of the old city still situated on Jackson Square. As you calmly be seated and eat at your beignets at Cafe du Monde, you will have a crystal clear view of the church cathedral to study its beautiful architecture.

Maybe afterwards, a stroll past the cathedral would serve to burn off your indulgences and make your way down to Royal Street for a shopping spree and admire the European antiques that used to grace these houses. A block away from here is the Bourbon Street famous for its exciting line up of bars, adult entertainments and much more!

This is the city to put your feet to good use, every corner has a surprise of its own from undiscovered shops, cafe's, sheltered gardens to even the specter of another time - a bona fide New Orleans ghost. Exploring the town and its cemeteries after dark is highly advised against. If cemeteries are a must to be explored on your list then book yourself for a cemetery excursion or a ghost tour.

And if you're after famous locations then Decature street between Iberville street and Canal Street is a must visit! It is best you study the New Orleans Travel Guide to get a sense of the city and must-see sights and make the most of your holiday to New Orleans' French Quarter. At the same time as you're in vicinity of New Orleans, bear in mind that there certainly are countless choices for lodging accommodations, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, resorts and even beautiful Bluegreen timeshares. Love your holiday to New Orleans!

About the Author:

0 comments:

Post a Comment