If you ’ ve never been to New Orleans , you ’ ve missed one of America ’ s most spectacular cities , where history lives , jazz was born , music fills the streets , and the food and drinks are legendary . And if you have visited , you know what it means to miss New Orleans ( as the city ’ s native son Louis Armstrong sings so plaintively ). So , for first-timers or seasoned lovers of the Crescent City , here ’ s a quick guide to some of the best ways to get the most out of your next trip to NOLA .
DO
Believe it or not , there ’ s more to New Orleans than just devoting your days and nights to sublime food and delicious cocktails . Beautiful places like The National World War II Museum ( with its new Liberation Pavilion ) and the New Orleans Museum of Art and Sculpture Garden stand ready to fascinate for hours . At the same time , the Mississippi River awaits a sunny day with paddle-wheeler boat tours or a ride across the Big Muddy on the Algiers Ferry to see the city from a new perspective . Take in Jackson Square , the St . Louis Cathedral , the Jazz Museum , and more in the French Quarter , and check out the street murals that dot the Bywater . Uptown finds the ongoing levee mural project spearheaded by artist J . Pierre ; nearby is Tipitina ’ s , one of the most-loved music venues in town . The Maple Leaf is in Uptown , too , while Frenchmen Street in the Marigny is chockablock with great clubs , from The Spotted Cat to d . b . a ., The Blue Nile , and Snug Harbor .
FESTIVALS
New Orleanians love a good party , the city throws legendary annual bashes , with some that last for weeks , weekends , or simply one glorious day . This Catholic city kicks off its most significant celebration on January 6 , with Twelfth Night in January marking the beginning of Carnival season , culminating with Mardi Gras Day , Fat Tuesday , or the last day before Lent begins . Massive parades happen for weeks leading up to Mardi Gras , costume balls abound , and the city ’ s trees , balconies , and front porches are adorned with beads and much more . Carnival is primarily a family affair , with the whole town turning out to see the incredible parades go by .
Spring brings two of the city ’ s best music festivals , with early April bringing the French Quarter Festival , the completely free annual music festival that celebrates Louisiana musicians across 23 stages throughout the French Quarter . With music in every genre , it ’ s an incredible experience . To keep it the largest free music fest in America , attendees must buy food and drink inside the fest perimeters ; but , of course , some of NOLA ’ s best chefs present local food , so it ’ s a small price to pay for four whole days enjoying the best musicians in the world .
BY JENNY PETERS
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival follows , always held on the last weekend of April and the first weekend of May . JazzFest features 12 stages of music ’ s biggest stars , in genres that range from jazz , blues , gospel , and Cajun zydeco to rock , country , funk , rap , and hip-hop , always held on the NOLA racetrack . Expect world-class music , quirky costumes , decorated hats , umbrellas , and flags ( that identify your spot on the massive grass areas by the big stages ); be ready for hot sun and pouring rain — we advise packing sunscreen , plastic ponchos , and rubber rain boots . Trust us on those rain boots .
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