The Big Easy, New Or'linz (Or-leenz), NOLA, and, of course, the Crescent City. A city that respectfully deserves many names because of its culture, music, food, and alluring atmosphere. Even the street names are a history lesson; each with its own tale. The captivating vibes in the air can be felt during a walk down each beautiful and eccentric street. The city has many stories to tell, and an unyielding sense of Southern hospitality.

I recently took a Friday-Monday trip with my husband because I have been anxious to visit once again. My previous trip was somber, yet melancholy in the same sense. It was two years post-Katrina; the city was still rebuilding its roots. Even so and only two years post-Katrina, the city was still remarkably alive. It proved to me that there are some places that even the strongest storms cannot break.

My recent trip came complete with new encounters. There were so many things I did not get to see or experience on my previous trip. The Garden District is just as majestic as it is known for. Bourbon Street is a "horse of many colors" (literally). Frenchman Street in the Marigny district; and what I was told by locals, is what present-day Bourbon Street used to be (minus the strip clubs, t-shirt joints, and drunken tourists. Hey, I'm certainly not judging! I was one of those tourists...). I definitely felt the sense of community and the airy vibe on Frenchman. If you want to experience New Orleans away from the craziness of Bourbon, make sure Frenchman Street is on your itinerary.

The Garden District; Buckner Mansion: Yes, that's the house they filmed in during American Horror Story: Coven.

Jackson Square was my astonishing baby-love-child-dream plus all of thee above. I am an artist so what immediately drew me in was the open air artists market on the weekends. Immediately, bliss set in with overwhelming joy. While walking around the square admiring the artists and their work, bands filled the air with true New Orleans jazz. I purchased three prints so I could take a little bit of NOLA home with me. Any artist that visits Jackson Square can hear the language of art that you would never hear anywhere else.

Oh, and Bourbon Street again. Remember, have an open mind. Regardless of its infamous reputation, Bourbon was quite safe. Before my trip, I had comments such as: "Don't forget to bring a weapon." "You're going to get robbed." Of course in any major city, it isn't safe to wander around aimlessly. Know your surroundings and where you are at all times. I didn't get any unsafe vibes the entire time we were there.

Remember I mentioned that open mind? Use it now for this one. Also, the Golden Statue Man can be seen all over the Quarter.

The different post-Katrina neighborhoods of the city are flowing with culture and life. That same culture and life engulfs the entire city. Whether it is the local Walgreens cashier, a dive bar employee, a tour guide, or a friendly local; expect only kind words and good vibes from them. If a place like New Orleans can come back to life at full force, other places can also. Sometimes, spirits cannot be broken. If you've never had the pleasure of traveling there,what are you waiting for? Make your plans, pack your walking shoes, even your fur baby, and don't look back! New Orleans has a multitude of dog-friendly rentals, bars, stores, and even restaurants! Also, while Mardi Gras is a huge celebration and tradition, any time of the year in NOLA is a good time. Upon arrival, throw down your bags, get your hurricane flavored daiquiri to-go, and let the Crescent City speak to you, too.

Be ready to encounter music around every corner of the French Quarter. Compliments of YouTube.