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New Orleans is proud of its well-known
nickname, "Big Easy", because it so aptly describes the attitude of
this lovely city, steeped in history and intertwining cultures.
The glamorous city of New Orleans had quite an inauspicious
beginning. Though founded by French Creoles, she actually began as a
crude settlement beset by hurricanes, floods and hostile Indians.
By 1762, Louisiana had been transferred from French to Spanish
hands. Thus, New Orleans was in the hands of the Spanish at the time
the New England colonies revolted against George III. Following the
Louisiana Purchase, more and more Americans came downriver to make
their fortunes in New Orleans. During the War of 1812, General
Andrew Jackson arrived on the scene and defeated the British in the
Battle of New Orleans - the last battle of the last war ever fought
between the U.S. and Great Britain. |
Today, New Orleans continues to
flourish. It is one of the largest ports in the United States and in
the world. Millions of dollars are being spent in development and
renovation. Yet, with all the modern innovations, the city retains
its Old World aura, carefully preserving its history, its reputation
for world-famous jazz and cuisine, and its romantic Creole heritage.
From art galleries and museums to professional sports, from the high
life on Bourbon Street to enchanting riverboat cruises, New Orleans
offers every visitor hundreds of entertaining and enjoyable
destinations. No wonder it's known throughout the world as a city
where hospitality never ends! |
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1850 House
This house is one of the loveliest old homes in New Orleans. The
well-preserved town house and courtyard features lovely ironwork on the
balconies, a gift shop and a bookstore.
Aquarium of the
Americas
More than 7,000 aquatic creatures swim in 60 displays in this
world-class aquarium. There are four major exhibit areas: the Amazon
River Basin, the Caribbean Reef, the Mississippi River, and the Gulf
Coast, each with fish and animals native to that environment.
Woldenberg Riverfront Park
This park surrounds the aquarium, and it is a great spot for viewing the
active Mississippi. Water tours leave from the park frequently.
Audubon Park
Once a plantation, the park is now one of the largest (340 acres) and
most acclaimed metropolitan parks in the United States. It has a
world-class zoo, picnic and play areas, a golf course, a miniature
train, riding stables, a tennis court, and a river view.
Audubon
Zoo
This wonderful zoo is a great place for families to visit. The zoo has a
tremendous number of exhibits, including a Louisiana Swamp,
tropical-bird house, butterfly exhibit, flamingo pond, sea lions, and
white tigers.
Beauregard-Keyes House
This grand 19th-century mansion was once the home of Confederate General
P.G.T. Beauregard. The famous novelist Frances Keyes wrote 40 novels
here. A beautiful walled garden is another feature of the home.
Blaine Kern's
Mardi Gras World
As the name suggests, this attraction is dedicated to the most famous
party in America, Mardi Gras. Visitors can watch floats being made, view
a film about Mardi Gras, and buy Carnival memorabilia in the gift shop.
Kids will enjoy trying on a trunk full of costumes.
Bourbon Street
This famous street takes you past some of the typical bars, restaurants,
music clubs, and novelty shops that have given this strip its
world-famous reputation. Families will enjoy the street during the day,
while revelers will enjoy the night scene.
Brennan House
Built in 1852, this house is a wonderful example of the Greek Revival
style. Magnificent columns support the outside structure, and the inside
features a magnificent gold ballroom.
Brown House
The Brown House was finished in 1902 after five years of construction.
It is the largest mansion on St. Charles Avenue, and it is a model of
Romanesque Revival architecture.
City Park
City Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country. Within its
1,500 acres, the Casino, Botanical Garden, Storyland, Carousel Gardens,
New Orleans Museum of Art, tennis courts, and a golf course attract and
entertain visitors.
Confederate
Museum
This imposing building, covered in ivy, houses an extensive collection
of artifacts and records from the Civil War. This museum is the oldest
in Louisiana.
Contemporary Arts Center
The center has won prizes for its own good looks, and the art inside is
even better. The center also hosts concerts, films, theatrical and dance
performances, and art-related workshops and seminars.
Custom House
Built in 1849, this staunch structure occupies the whole block and is a
major city landmark. The building has identical entrances on all four
sides, and visitors are welcome to look around.
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Elms Mansion
Built in 1869, this magnificent home features marble fireplaces and
stained-glass windows. The house has been carefully restored and
furnished with period pieces.
Energy IMAX Theater
With a screen 5-1/2 stories tall, this is one of the most thrilling
cinema experiences around. The theater shows breathtaking nature films
related to the sea, Earth, and outer space that are meant for the whole
family to enjoy.
French Market
The French Market contains shops, offices, and eating places, and it is
an important part of the life of New Orleans. Street performers enliven
the marketplace, and visitors can choose from the best of New Orleans
delicacies.
Hermann-Grima House
This house is one of the French Quarter's largest and best examples of
American architecture. Cooking demonstrations, held in the city's only
open Creole kitchen, delight visitors all day long.
Jackson
Square
Occupying the heart of the French Quarter, the square was built in 1718.
A statue of Andrew Jackson commemorates his victory at the Battle of New
Orleans. Artists hang their paintings on the park fence and set up
outdoor studios, as do musicians, dancers, and magicians.
Louisiana Children's
Museum
One of the best children's museums in the country, the Louisiana
Children's Museum has lots of hands-on activities. It also features a
playscape for very young children, and lots to do for the whole family.
Musee Conti Wax
Museum
This wax museum features famous residents and natives of Louisiana. More
than 100 wax figures are featured.
New Orleans Botanical Garden
While the garden may be relatively small (10 acres), it is a lovely spot
to visit and has lots to offer. The gardens include a tropical
conservatory, a water-lily pond, a formal rose garden, azalea and
camellia gardens, and horticultural gardens. Fountains and sculpture are
found throughout, and everything can be seen during a guided tour.
New Orleans
Museum of Art
One of the best museums in the country, the NOMA has a large permanent
collection that specializes in pre-Columbian, African, and local art.
World-class traveling exhibits also come frequently to the museum.
Robinson House
The house was built in the 1850s, and it is one of the largest and most
elegant in New Orleans. The architecture is styled after an Italian
villa, and it may have been the first house in New Orleans with indoor
plumbing.
Storyland
This theme park is designed almost exclusively for children. It features
26 storybook exhibits built around fairy-tale characters. Child Magazine
has rated Storyland one of the ten best playgrounds in the country.
The Casino
Built to be a casino, this Spanish-style building is now an enlarged
concession stand selling New Orleans delicacies, including the
world-famous po'boys. A band stand has frequent performances, kids enjoy
the playground, and paddle boats are available for rent in the lagoon.
Woldenberg Riverfront Park
Offering an incredible view of the Mississippi, the park has a wooden
promenade and many stores and restaurants. It is easily one of the best
river front developments in the nation. |
