The Big Easy

By Rashida Hiba
Rashidahiba@excapethematrix.com

 

I love the New Orleans mystique. The American/French/Spanish/Creole/Cajun/African gumbo of cultures gives way to a distinct city culture and distinguishes New Orleans as “America’s Most Interesting City.” New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA) is the type of place where you can “ball on a budget.” On a recent trip to NOLA I rediscovered its charm, the resilience of its people, and the soul of this amazing city.

No Car Needed

Shuttle service from Louis Armstrong Airport to downtown NOLA and the French Quarter will run you about $13 on a shared van and $26 roundtrip. Just make sure to call one day in advance to make a reservation for hotel pick up and drop off at the airport. Once you’re in the city, travel by foot to fully experience the NOLA charm. Since the city is pretty small, places of interest are often close to each other. This city is full of distractions; so between the street performers, funeral marches and “second lines”, the fabulous shopping, and the breathtaking architecture, you’ll hardly notice you’ve walked very far at all.

To venture out of the main tourist hubs, try a taxi cab. These rides are usually quite inexpensive and safe options for out- of- town visitors. For those of you who are adventurous, try a ride on one of New Orleans historic streetcars. While some streetcar service has been disrupted due to Hurricane Katrina, the Canal Street and Riverfront Lines are open and (currently) free to the public. This popular and historic mode of transportation is unique to New Orleans (the streetcar predates the trolley) and is also handicap accessible.

Hotel, Motel, Holiday Inn

There are more than 100 hotels in New Orleans sited on the New Orleans Official Tourism website, www.neworleansonline.com, and the options are unlimited. Whether you choose to stay in a hostel, bed and breakfast, historic inn or hotel, you will surely experience “southern hospitality” at its best. For a great location, excellent service and top quality accommodations, try the Hotel Monteleone (www.hotelmonteleone.com).  This hotel is walking distance from the heart of Bourbon Street and close to everything “happening” in the Quarter. The hotel’s onsite spa, Spa Aria, is a treat for the weary traveler. They offer everything from massages to glycolic peels, and all things in between, and have a reputation for offering the best facials in the city! The staff is absolutely wonderful and the concierge can help you design a stay that caters to your every need.

Haute Cuisine

New Orleans is known for its fabulous cuisine, especially its Cajun, Creole and French fare. If you travel to New Orleans, be sure to try all its famed dishes such as crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, seafood gumbo, and king cake (at Mardi Gras). A trip to the Court of Two Sisters (my personal favorite) is a must if you’re interested in trying the best of Louisiana cooking. This restaurant has an amazing jazz brunch (offered daily) that has become a Sunday tradition for my travel buddies and I when visiting the “N-O.”  I absolutely love the Cajun/ Creole cuisine, its romantic ambiance and I’m still dreaming about there grits and biscuits.

You can’t leave New Orleans without enjoying the “breakfast of champions,” cafe au lait and beignets from the one and only Café Du Monde (located in the famous Jackson Square). Beignets, the French version of a donut, are small fritters covered in powdered sugar. Beignets are dangerous because they melt in your mouth.

Shop Till You Drop

For a high-end shopping experience, try the Shops at Canal Place, home to Gucci, Kenneth Cole, Saks Fifth Avenue, and BCBG Max Azria, Adrienne Vitadinni, and Coach. While at the Shops, make sure to stop by Francesca’s Collections to check out their wide selection of unusual pieces of fashion jewelry. The Riverwalk Marketplace (walking distance to the convention center) offers visitors a broad range of shops and is housed right on the Mississippi River. The French Quarter is also home of great boutique shopping especially in Jackson Square. For the young woman in you, visit Violets II (for fly handbags and the latest in teen fashion) on St. Ann’s near Decatur St.

Cultural Clash

Besides the famous Jackson Square, there are plenty of places to visit to get your fix of learning and culture. Post- Hurricane Katrina tours are plentiful and offer tourists a bird’s eye view of the devastation of the earth-shattering storm while also helping to financially support rebuilding efforts of the city. Make sure you check to see if the tour company is donating any proceeds to the city’s efforts. To learn more about African American culture in the city, take a tour of the African American Museum and make sure to visit Congo Square, a historic gathering place for enslaved and free Africans in New Orleans. While you’re at it visit one of the many top-notch universities in the area such as Dillard University, Xavier University, University of New Orleans and Tulane University.

Before you leave check the local papers for jazz funerals (a must see).  The House of Blues New Orleans (Decatur Street) for live shows and fly parties or Dream New Orleans to hear the latest in hip hop, R&B,  weekly spoken word performances, and more.

Make sure to hit the famous Bourbon Street, the cities biggest distraction. Stop by the various bars and clubs for a few shots and a cut-loose, funky, good time. There are a plethora of jazz clubs and live bands playing on Bourbon Street every night and there’s something for everyone’s listening pleasure. On Bourbon Street anything can happen, so much like Vegas, obey the rules and say “what happens in NOLA, stays in NOLA.”

Overall, New Orleans, Louisiana remains one of America’s greatest treasures. Visit soon because your support will help the city to return to prominence. You’re sure to have a memorable and exciting time while there. Hopefully, you’ll grow to love NOLA as much as I have.

 

Bye, Be-Be