Ah, New Orleans. Sure, there is Bourbon Street and the alcohol-infused drink "Hurricane," but there are so many other reasons why New Orleans is actually one of the best cities in the country — some of which only locals know. Unfortunately, I don't live in the beautiful city, but I did have the pleasure of visiting there after I turned 21. A few of the locals even let me in on a some secrets.
Don't believe me? Check out these reasons why New Orleans is one of the best cities:
1. The Food.
This is basically a given. Who doesn't love Southern cooking? Between fresh cornbread, crawfish tails, po' boys, fresh seafood and gumbo, New Orleans easily has some of the best food south of the Mason-Dixon line. Hell, I'm from Chicago, home of the best pizza in the country, and even I say New Orleans has some of the best food around.
2. The Drinks.
This is also a given. How could I not mention drinks when New Orleans is home to Bourbon Street? While I wasn't a personal fan of Hurricanes or Hand Grenades, there are myriad places that can mix up a mean cocktail. One of my personal favorite's was the Lavender Rita from The Grand Isle (a must-try for tequila drinkers).
3. The French Quarter.
Home to Bourbon Street, the French Market, cobblestone streets, Voodoo Priestess Marie Laveau's house, and some great food, the French Quarter is one of the most popular places in New Orleans. When you think New Orleans, you think the French Quarter. Artists galore and ready for a good time, the French Quarter is what makes New Orleans unique.
4. Cafe Du Monde.
Yes, Cafe Du Monde needed its own slot on the list. Famous for their piping-hot beignets, Cafe Du Monde is a staple in New Orleans (and in my heart). Fried sweet dough covered in mounds of powdered sugar? What's not to love? I even tried several different beignet places, and I'm sorry to say, but Cafe Du Monde takes the cake — er, beignet.
5. Frenchmen Street.
Sure, Bourbon Street is fun and all, but its lesser-known cousin, Frenchmen Street, is where the real fun happens. Filled with jazz clubs, bars, and even a night art market, Frenchmen Street is honestly the best place to go out. Instead of puking your guts out from one too many sugary drinks, try dancing your heart out to some awesome music on Frenchmen.
6. The Garden District.
Not only does the Garden District have dozens of beautiful homes, it also contains Commander's Palace (one of the most famous restaurant in New Orleans) and cute boutiques on Magazine Street. You can spend hours wandering around looking at the houses and scenery.
7. The Ghosts and Voodoo.
Named one of the most haunted cities in America, New Orleans supposedly contains ghosts, ghouls, voodoo, and even vampires. While I cannot attest to the latter, many of New Orleans' traditions are based in voodoo. Walk down nearly any street and you can find fortune tellers, voodoo shops, or ghost tours.
8. The World War II Museum.
While I was hesitant to spend my entire day at a museum while in New Orleans, I was not disappointed. Recently built and featuring several buildings, including an interactive portion, the museum was not only a learning experience but something I would do again. With artifacts, reenactments, and accounts, the museum is a moving experience.
9. The Second Line.
After visiting New Orleans, it is safe to say that I officially want to have my wedding there. The second line is a tradition wherein the bride, groom, wedding party, and live marching band walk down the streets in the French Quarter, celebrating on their way to the reception. It's fun and beautiful.
10. The Jazz.
Being the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans never has any shortage of music. Arguably my favorite part, besides the food, was seeing and hearing live music every street I walked down. My favorite performers were along Royal Street, complete with a clarinet and big band blues.
11. The People.
Everywhere we went, people were willing to talk to us and show us some southern hospitality. Whether it was telling us the best local places or offering a free drink at dinner, New Orleans was welcoming and warm and definitely a place I want to go back to.
