Known across the globe for its annual Mardi Gras celebration every February, New Orleans simply throws the world’s biggest party and the vibe continues year-round. The birthplace of jazz, a city wrapped in history and French tradition with an international cruise port, there are lots of reasons to spend a few days in this town. Whether you’ve been to New Orleans, Louisiana (also called NOLA) or this is your first trip, here are a few of my recommendations for must-dos in the city.
The newest treasure in New Orleans is the expansive National World War II Museum, which opened in 2000 as the “National D-Day Museum.” In 2004, it was designated as the National World War II Museum. Currently, the museum encompasses six multi-level buildings with a seventh re-opening soon.
Like the massive structure of this complex, it’s hard to wrap your head around this destructive conflict in which millions of innocent civilians and military personnel lost their lives. The war lasted more than four years, was fought by more than 16.4 million Americans, and resulted in over 414,000 deaths; servicemen and women who never came home.
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New Orleans was selected as the location for this museum because it was here that boatbuilder Andrew Higgins developed the landing craft used in the amphibious invasions. President Eisenhower believed this key invention was crucial in helping U.S. military operations and the Allies win the war.
Recently opened is the Liberation Pavilion, which explores the war’s impact in the post-war period. “Finding Hope in a World Destroyed” features the rebuilding of Europe, war crimes trials, and the future of American foreign policy. But it also deals on a human level with the people who came to America to rebuild their lives.
The museum is highly interactive with the audience in mind. You’ll begin by boarding the Train Car experience like the soldiers did on their way to basic training. You’ll be given a dog tag with the number to follow the soldier’s experience through the war and collect digital artifacts throughout the museum. Through oral histories, you’ll hear heroic stories from those who were there.
Don’t miss the movie, “Beyond All Boundaries” in the Solomon Victory Theatre, which is a 4D journey through the war with dazzling light and sound effects, animation, and voices of veterans giving testimony to their battles. You’ll see, hear, and feel unforgettable experiences from the war.
Cruise the Swamps
Another must-do is a Swamp Tour from Cajun Encounters that takes you deep into the trenches of the Pearl River to scout out alligators, snakes, birds, wildlife, and more. Board one of their gliders and speed down the river, then slowly navigate the shallow bayous. Discover the “wishing tree” from the Disney movie, “The Princess and the Frog.” The ride was quiet, peaceful, and relaxing. Surprisingly, there were few bugs because the trees give off an instant repellant. This is a fun and educational outing for the whole family.
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Shop at the French Market
On the banks of the Mississippi stands the 200-year old, open-air French Market where you can stroll, shop and dine. Don’t miss Café du Monde for its famous beignets and coffee. It’s a great place to pick up a box or two of pralines, buy fresh seafood or discover Cajun and Creole cooking. Don’t forget your T-shirts and other NOLA souvenirs like colorful beads in purple, green and gold, the official colors of Mardi Gras since 1872.
Learn More about The March for Civil Rights
The Louisiana Civil Rights Museum has been a project 30 years in the making, finally opening just last year. Now located at the Ernest Morial Convention Center, I learned more about the people’s rights for education, the right to assemble and a right to vote. Their major accomplishment was a march to the state capitol in 1967 to petition for their rights. Fortunately, they were accompanied by state officials so the 3-day march was non-violent and they arrived safely. The museum’s theme, “Making Rights Real” tells the stories of those individuals who stood up to make a difference.
Right next to the convention center is the Riverwalk Outlets, great for shopping on a hot day. Filled with 75 luxury brand stores and dining, the center overlooks the Mississippi River. Grab a coffee and a beignet and relax out on the river.
Celebrate the Tradition at Mardi Gras World
If you can’t be here for Mardi Gras in February, then Mardi Gras World is a must-see. On the tour, you start with a movie showcasing the 70 parades that take place during the 12-day period, involving more than 3,000 participants. Then, you get to taste a King Cake, the traditional Mardi Gras treat, a cinnamon-type roll with colorful icing. Head into the warehouse to see how the floats, props and characters are put together. Each year, there are more than 500 floats built. Artisans begin designing the new floats right after the last parade ends. A new theme is slated, and a prototype created. Most of the parade elements are constructed here. It’s fascinating to see these larger-than-life creations up close, something you can’t do while the parade passes by.
Enjoy City Park – An Oasis in the City
With an expanse of over 1,300 acres, this urban park is home to the New Orleans Botanical Garden, Sculpture Garden, the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Louisiana Children’s Museum, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, and more. I spent a lovely afternoon here walking through the Botanical and Sculpture Gardens, then made my way over to the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) to see its collection of French, American, African, and Japanese art. The museum also hosts a variety of cultural festivals throughout the year.
Dine Sublime
Make Brennan’s Your First Stop – The Best in the French Quarter
Of course, no visit to NOLA is complete without a walk through the iconic 18th century French Quarter, the beating heart of the city. You’ll stand in awe of the beautiful French and Spanish architecture as well as the bustling, nonstop nightlife on Bourbon Street. The music beckons from early morning until the wee hours. It reminded me of Beale Street in Memphis, then I realized New Orleans is probably where it originated.
There’s a good reason why Brennan’s remains such a coveted dining spot; authentic cuisine, impeccable service, a sophisticated ambiance, and a menu that evolves with the seasons. Each course offers a variety of flavors enhanced by a colorful presentation. I appreciated their non-alcoholic cocktail menu and sipped on an Ibezia made with coconut juice. The rolls practically melted in my mouth. The best value is their three-course, prixe fixe menu which features a starter, an entrée, and a dessert. I chose the Gulf Almondine with Marcona almonds. It was light, flaky, and creamy. I loved watching their famous signature flambe desserts being made – bananas foster and crepes Fitzgerald. I opted for the bread pudding so I could get a taste of those rich pralines, something I don’t get in the Midwest. It was the perfectly sweet ending to an exquisite meal.
Indulge in a Royal Treat – Napoleon House
This French Quarter icon has been serving guests since 1914, renowned for its New Orleans classic cuisine — refreshing Pimm’s Cup cocktail, Jambalaya, and Po Boys. I tried their signature dish, a warm muffuletta sandwich of cured meats and cheese, slathered with a tangy olive salad dressing piled onto a sesame-crusted Italian loaf, which I enjoyed, along with a Summer Salad. What a fabulous New Orleans lunch!
Enjoy Comfort Food at the Ruby Slipper
The Ruby Slipper was recommended to me for breakfast and I even considered returning the next morning. I ordered the breakfast sandwich on a beignet that’s made fresh every two hours with egg and chicken sausage. But the French Toast Bites and White Chocolate Bread Pudding Pancakes also looked amazing!
Feel Victorious at the Higgins Hotel
The Higgins Hotel offers upscale luxury, located directly across the street from the National World War II Museum, and is the official hotel of the museum. Walking into the Higgins Hotel is like being transported to a different era. It carries through the 1940s theme in décor with posters, pictures, and music. The ambiance transports you to a bittersweet time in American history when the world was at war.
This full-service hotel features Café Normandie, open for breakfast and lunch, Kilroy’s for cocktails, and Rosie’s on the Roof for exquisite views of the New Orleans skyline with awesome burgers and sandwiches. Provisions offers grab-and-go options, souvenirs, and snacks.
Discover More to See and Do in New Orleans
Other sights to see in the Crescent City include plantation homes, ghost and cemetery tours, live music pub crawl, steamboat cruises on the Mississippi River and many other family-friendly venues. These are all the more reasons to come back. As I mentioned earlier, New Orleans is a thriving port with Disney, Royal Caribbean, Carnival and other lines departing from here. Spend a few days in NOLA, then make waves from the ole Mississippi. Come visit New Orleans soon. For more information, go to neworleans.com
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