New Orleans is proud
of its well-known nickname, "Big Easy", because it so aptly
describes the relaxed, hospitable attitude of this lovely city,
steeped in history and intertwining cultures.
Today, New Orleans
continues to flourish. It is one of the largest ports in the United
States and in the world. Millions have been invested in development
and renovation. Yet, with all its modern innovations, the city
retains an Old World charm, carefully preserving its history, its
reputation for world-famous jazz and outstanding cuisine, and its
romantic Creole heritage
Most
visitors to New Orleans, begin their sightseeing at the French
Quarter (Vieux Carre. This is the oldest part of the city: a mix of
clubs, souvenir shops, restaurants, voodoo vendors, and beautiful
homes. Some of the most attractive cast-iron balconies can be seen
along Royal Street. Royal Street is known for its antique shops and
art galleries. Bourbon Street and its cross streets house most of
the tourist bars and clubs, but the place where most peope head for
music in the French Quarter is in teh area around North Peters,
Decatur and North Rampart streets.
Another French Quarter center of activity near the river. is Jackson
Square, the hub of that area. It was built as a parade ground for
the French Army and was later used by the Spanish, the Confederate
and the U.S. armies for the same purpose.
Take a break and
climb aboard
the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar (at the intersection of Carondelet
and Canal), which passes by the Garden District. This area is home
to beautiful 19th-century mansions that evoke the Old South. A
stroll around the Garden District with its quiet, oak-shaded
sidewalks is a welcome contrast to bustling Bourbon Street.
Among
New Orleans' peculiarities, and unexpectedly popular tourist stops,
are the cemeteries, which are aboveground because the city is well
below sea level. The whitewashed tombs look like tiny houses,
embellished with ornate ironwork and statues of lambs and angels.
The
Belle of Orleans, Harrah's New Orleans, and the Treasure Coast
Casino offer 24 hour gaming, live music, and live entertainment.
At
Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World you can watch artists preparing
floats for Mardi Gras at the workshops and warehouses of the world's
largest float builder. Towering figures of Caesar, Marilyn Monroe,
Elvis and Godzilla set the scene.. To get there, take the free ferry
at the foot of Canal Street. A free shuttle meets the ferry across
the river.
Two of
the best places to bike or run are Audubon Park, which has a bike
trail, and the peaceful streets of the Garden District. One of the
residents' favorite places to jog is along the streetcar lines. If
you do this, watch out for cars making quick turns on the short
cross streets.
Golf
is popular in New Orleans year-round. Visitors can play at a number
of public courses, including those in Audubon Park and City Park.
For boating and sailing, head over to Lake Pontchartrain.
From art galleries and museums to
professional sports, from the high life on Bourbon Street to
enchanting riverboat casinos, New Orleans offers every visitor
hundreds of entertaining and enjoyable attractions. No wonder New
Orleans is known throughout the world as a city where hospitality
never ends!
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