New Orleans

New Orleans has been chosen for this month for a number of reasons.  First of all, since this is the very beginning of the Destination of the Month column I figured it’s only appropriate to pick the place that inspired me to travel in the first place.  Secondly, this is one of the more interesting times to visit the area, with Mardi Gras gearing up and many other local festivities taking place.  Tourists flock from all over the world to participate in the celebrations.

The official “Mardi Gras,” or Fat Tuesday, is the day before Ash Wednesday, which is usually sometime during February or March, but celebrations begin as early as January 6th, with a masked ball held by the Twelth Night Revelers.  Parades begin about three weeks before Mardi Gras, with a spike in activity during the preceding weekend which lasts through Monday (known as “Lundi Gras”) and, of course, Tuesday.

There is far more to this city than Mardi Gras, however, and one who wishes to enjoy the city with less of a crowd, this season is best avoided all together.  As many of the aforementioned holidays imply, there is a strong religious element in the city.  About 36% of the population is Roman Catholic.  St Louis Cathedral stands proudly above Jackson Square and there seems to be a church on almost every city block.  Many stand right around the corner from bars, strip clubs, and various occult shops, which all have a place on the streets of New Orleans.

Tourists and shoppers sit side-by-side at Cafe du Monde while they enjoy their Beignets and Cafe au Lait.  The little cafe at the end of the French Market highlights the intersection of southern culture and historically strong French influences in both cuisine and architecture.  Other popular dishes in the area include Gumbo and Po’ Boys.

Jazz musicians and street performers represent the cities strong influence on the music and arts.  The New Orleans Jazz Festival helps keep this tradition alive.

Above ground tombs in New Orleans, 1916.

The occult has also found a home here.  Flocks of tourists make their way to the tomb of Marie Laveau or take one of the many vampire or ghost tours that wander the streets nightly.  Many movies, shows, or books, such as True Blood, and the books the show was based on, further this reputation, which surged in popularity during the Anne Rice craze of the 80′s and 90′s.  Above ground cemeteries and narrow alleyways also add to feeling of foreboding.

I visited New Orleans in 2000 when I was 14 years old and have been longing to return to this fascinating city ever since then.  When Disney released The Princess and the Frog, I was reminded of all the wonderful things I experienced there a decade ago, my mind was made up.  I will go back, it’s just a matter of when.

My visit was mostly confined to the French Quarter, with brief visits to the Garden District and one day trip to Oak Alley Plantation.  However, the surrounding area is also interesting and worth a visit.  There are many swamps, plantations, and famous battlefields from the Civil War era located within a few hours of the city.  These attractions make great day trips or weekend getaways.

Suggested Links:
Wikipedia: New Orleans

Wikitravel: New Orleans

TravellersPoint: New Orleans