The Big Easy
What’s great about New Orleans?
As one of the oldest cities in America, New Orleans is a blend of old world romance and new world spoils. From the food to the traditions, this little city is sure to take a special place in your heart. As Henry Bradshaw Fearon said “To all men who’s desire only is to be rich and to live a short life, but a merry one, I have no hesitation in recommending New Orleans.” Forget your troubles and laugh a little or a lot. Don’t worry, we don’t judge.
New Orleans is called a melting pot for a reason. Gumbo is not only a signature dish here, which is a delicious hodgepodge of ingredients, but it is also a great metaphor for the diversity in the city’s residents, visitors, and cultural traditions.
Nightlife is spread out throughout the city so you can find great places to go out for drinks, music, and late-night food just about anywhere you are.
Local Customs:
Local customs primarily center around celebrating life in general, whether that be food, music, people or events in recent and distant history. The city throws lots of festivals and special events, such as Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and French Quarter Fest, throughout the year celebrating anything you can imagine.
Although it’s hot nearly year-round, the crowd remains pretty conservative in dressing. Don’t be surprised if you see men in full seersucker over the summer. And for your own sake, don’t flash at Mardi Gras. You might get arrested!
As mentioned earlier, food is life in New Orleans. Be sure to get all of the local delicacies like Doberge cake, bread pudding, and bananas fosters.
“Alright” is a way of greeting people, especially in passing. The conversation generally goes “Alright, Ms. Huntley” “Alright, Mr. Brown!” and you go on your way.
Most importantly, the city has no open-container law, which is why you see people walking around Bourbon with drinks in hand. This means if you’re ready to leave the bar you’re at, just ask for a “go-cup” and head off down the brick roads.
Where do the locals hang out?
Locals can be found hanging out just about anywhere in their favorite neighborhoods as each has its own charms. The Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods have more bohemian and artsy types. Uptown has more wealthy folks, college students and everyone in between. Mid-City also has a wealth of laid-back locals who enjoy their neighborhood bars.
New Orleanians are very proud of their neighborhoods. The easiest way to see the city is by either a hop-on-hop-off bus or the trolley. The hop-on-hop-off takes you to every point in the city worth seeing. The double decker bus allows you to see the unique homes in the Treme, Mid-City, and Garden District neighborhoods. Caribbean Sea turquoise and tangerine colored shotguns lead into immaculate 20-bedroom estates. Every corner offers drink you haven’t tired and a friend you haven’t met yet.
A perfect New Orleans day starts with a po-boy from the best, Adam’s Street Market. A true local favorite in the Uptown neighborhood, a po-boy Festival is held every fall to celebrate the sandwich. Get a fried shrimp or roast beef, depending on your taste, and a six-pack of Abita beer. Louisiana is very proud of the state staple – Abita Purple Haze. If you’re lucky enough to be there in spring, get yourself a refreshing Abita Strawberry, made with the sweetest Louisiana strawberries. Grab your goodies and a blanket and get to the Audubon Park. Rest in the shade of oaks, watch street cars go by, wave to the locals running.
