Summer Travel Destinations: The City of New Orleans

When most people think of New Orleans, Mardi Gras in February comes to mind. That is a great party to be sure, but there is far more to this Cajun town than Bourbon Street. My husband and I travel all over the world on business and found ourselves in New Orleans for about 3 months last summer, so we had plenty of time to explore this wonderful Gulf city. Let me tell ya, it exceeded my expectations. New Orleans is a great summer travel destination for families and singles alike.

A lot of folks have taken New Orleans off their travel radar since Katrina hit 2 years ago. Reports that the area is still a mess t this day are not unfounded. The residents have indeed been left pretty much to fend for themselves. However, the business areas are back up to speed, and all the tourist traps are running. My husband ensured that the Cruise Ships returned last fall... which was our purpose for this trip. So even though many residential areas still look like a war zone, please do add New Orleans into your travel plans. You will find more than enough to keep you mired in fun, and they need the tourist trade to survive.

Let's get Bourbon Street out of the way first, shall we? During the day, this street is fairly calm and perfectly fine to bring your children. Aside from all the bars that come alive at night, there are numerous fantastic tourist shops in the infamous French Quarter district of New Orleans. I especially liked the one dedicated to voodoo. They even had a shrine or two set up on the walls with signs to please not touch. At night the place just starts hoppin' no matter what time of year you are here. Do stop in to the Absinthe. This is a way cool bar with business cards and what have you dotting the walls from years and years ago. The architecture alone in this area will keep you ooohing and ahhhing for days on end.

Adjacent to the French Quarter area is the French Market area. If you are on a budget, or just love the hustle & bustle of huge flea markets, do stop in here. This is where you will find the best deals of all time on schlocky tourist junk. I was in heaven and spent many days returning to this veritable treasure trove of wonders. You can find everything here from t-shirts to jewelry to clothing to voodoo dolls, and everything in between you can possibly imagine. The folks running the stalls are willing to wheel and deal, but please do remember that they are trying to rebuild their homes still and need your money to do so... so don't take too much advantage of their situation, aiiight?

Do eat at the French Market Cafe on the end there. They have some killer catfish, and you can sit outside under the canopy while listening to excellent live jazz and watch the tourists ogling. I mean New Orleans is a sensation for the senses and if you are into people watching like me, this is a great spot to camp for a bit.

If you want upscale Cajun food, Emeril has two restaurants in New Orleans. One here in the French Quarter area and one in the Warehouse Arts District by the Cruise Port. Just ask a local. They can direct you easily. You won't lack for food choices here though. There are great restaurants everywhere you look. Just be sure to stop into Cafe Du Monde at least once to sample their outstanding Beignets.

If you are into gambling, check out Harrah's Casino by the port. There are enough bell's and whistles in this casino to keep anyone happy for at least an hour or two. It isn't my favorite casino in the world, but it is well located and has lots of games.

If you get tired of walking, head over to Jackson Square and jump on one of the carriages for a great tour of New Orleans and a few ghost stories to boot. Good Old Days Carriage Tours is a nice way to wile away 30 minutes or so in the comfort of their nicely padded mule-drawn carriages, or go for the longer tour with Royal Carriages. The longer tour encompasses the French Quarter and everything else the shorter tour does, but also includes a stop at the infamous St. Louis Cemetery where you can leave an offering on the tomb of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau.

There are oodles of great historical places to stay while in New Orleans, but if you want things more modern and familiar then book a room at Staybridge Suites. This hotel is very well located right by the port, the casino, shopping, dining, and just a few blocks away from the French Quarter. the rooms here are equipped with kitchens so you can save a bit by cooking a few meals during your stay.

For family fun, be sure to check out the Audubon Aquarium and IMAX theater right there at the port. We had heard that this Aquarium had lost quite a few of their exhibits because of Hurricane Katrina, but if that is the case, they have done a wonderful job of rebuilding. There are still a few small exhibits still being worked on, but all of their main draws are back in action. It is wheel-chair accessible and is just a really good time for all age groups.

Audubon also owns the Zoo and you can get there easily on their own river boat. The ride to the zoo is a tourist trip with plenty of narration on the history and landmarks along the river. This is a really cool zoo with lots of great exhibits. Plan to spend a day here. You can combine it all with one 2-day ticket to the Zoo, the river cruise, the IMAX theater, and the Aquarium at very affordable pricing.

If you like local artists, then you will be busy for quite awhile if you head back over to where you caught that carriage ride at Jackson Square. On the weekends this park is ringed with local artwork, and it is fantastic. Be sure to bring lots of cash and a huge suitcase for this stroll.

Do keep your eyes and ears open for a Jazz Funeral while you are in New Orleans. I know, it sounds morbid at first, but it is a celebration that you will only get to see here. They make a party of it with all kinds of folks trailing behind jazz musicians on the walk to the cemetery. They are not happy the person died, mind you, but prefer to celebrate the deceased life rather than mourn their death. It is quite something to see and take part in. Outsiders are more than welcome to join in.

If you are looking for relaxation, hire a fishing boat. My husband loved this excursion into the Gulf waters and even brought back a huge red-fish for me to fry up in our suite. It is a little pricey, but well worth it.

Even though large parts of the New Orleans area is still in dire need of repair, please do add them into your summer travel plans. They need the tourist dollars, and you will absolutely get your money's worth here. New Orleans is a great vacation destination for the whole family.