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Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Hindustan Times
New Orleans: A travelogue through history, music and culinary delights
As you step foot into the Southern American city of New Orleans, you are enveloped into a world where the air is filled with a vibrant kind of energy that almost feels tangible. It is a city where history, music and culinary traditions come together to offer a unique experience for the discerning traveller, making it an absolute must-visit for anyone planning a trip to the United States of America. Christened the 'birthplace of Jazz', New Orleans offers a unique blend of African, European, and Caribbean influences. Each of these are felt in its streets that buzz with the soulful rhythm of jazz right from the intimate clubs of Frenchmen Street to the historic bounds of Preservation Hall. Beyond the well-trodden paths, New Orleans also offers a world of refined indulgences for the off-beat traveller, whether it is tasting traditional Creole fare served up by celebrity chefs, attending festivals like Mardi Gras, or simply strolling under the oak trees savouring beignets, a New Orleans' staple. One of the top factors that make a city a traveller's delight is its food – and New Orleans ranks high, offering a complete feast for the senses. Here, Creole and Cajun traditions intertwine to create exceptional dining experiences. From the iconic Café Du Monde, which has been serving café au lait and beignets daily since 1862, to Antoine's, the oldest family-run restaurant in New Orleans, or a neighbourhood po' boy joint like Parkway Bakery and Tavern, and Pascal's Manale – the birthplace of the classic New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp – the options are endless. Dig into traditional favourites such as shrimp Creole, jambalaya, red beans, gumbo, and étouffée, or take a private culinary tour through one of the city's historic kitchens. Of course, no visit is complete without indulging in freshly made beignets, best enjoyed with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of coffee. New Orleans' culinary landscape offers something special for those who seek more than just a meal – it's a dining experience that will leave you awestruck with its artistic presentation and aromatic flavours. Experience the roots of jazz music In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, New Orleans was a melting pot of musical traditions, including African, American, Creole, Spanish, and Caribbean influences. This rich cultural diversity provided fertile ground for the development of the jazz art form, for which the city is now world-famous. Jazz is everywhere – on the streets, in clubs, whether you're strolling through the French Quarter, the Marigny, Tremé, Uptown on Oak Street, or along St. Claude Avenue. Jazz clubs fill the air with music throughout the day and night. The city also hosts special music festivals that attract visitors from across the United States and around the world. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (Jazz Fest) is the crown jewel, attracting global audiences with legendary performers and a vibrant celebration of local culture. The French Quarter Festival offers a more intimate, local flavour, showcasing homegrown talent across scenic venues in the heart of the city. Another gem is the Satchmo SummerFest, held in honour of jazz legend Louis Armstrong, featuring live music, seminars, and traditional cuisine. You can take a bespoke jazz tour that guides you through some of New Orleans' most legendary musical landmarks – from the historic Preservation Hall, where traditional jazz lives on, to Louis Armstrong Park, home to Congo Square, the spiritual birthplace of jazz. Along the way, discover hidden gems like the Fritzel's Jazz Club, and learn how the genre evolved in the very streets you walk. For a taste of the city's modern rhythm, explore the Faubourg Marigny and Bywater districts, where lively clubs like The Spotted Cat Music Club and d.b.a. offer an eclectic mix of jazz, blues, funk, and traditional New Orleans soul. This buzzing city's entertainment scene beats to a different rhythm after the sun goes down. It won't be off the mark to say that New Orleans – where Jazz and cocktails were born – is a city that never sleeps! Discover hidden gems that offer unique cocktails amidst an ambience for a truly unforgettable evening. When in New Orleans, be sure to sample the iconic 'Hurricane' cocktail, a flavourful rum-based concoction served in a special glass that embodies the city's spirited atmosphere, perhaps in a historic bar with a storied past. Stroll down Royal Street or Frenchmen Street to feel the energy of the place, and perhaps catch a performance at a historic theatre, or enjoy a private box at a performance in the French Opera House. Those seeking a more relaxed experience can consider a twilight river cruise, enjoying cocktails and music as the city lights reflect on the Mississippi river or take a Cajun dancing lesson. New Orleans isn't all about jazz and cocktails — the city offers a thoughtfully curated array of experiences perfect for the discerning traveller. History and architecture buffs can embark on a private guided tour through the Garden District and French Quarter, where grand mansions, Creole townhouses, ornate wrought iron balconies, and lush courtyards tell stories of the city's storied past. Look out for architectural gems like the Gallier House or the Hermann-Grima House, which offer a deeper dive into 19th-century life in New Orleans. For a sweeping view of the city, head to the Vue Orleans observation deck atop the Four Seasons Hotel, located in the former World Trade Center. From this stunning vantage point, enjoy panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the city skyline — a breathtaking experience, especially at sunset. And, of course, no trip to New Orleans is complete without experiencing the spectacle of a Mardi Gras parade, a dazzling display of artistry and tradition, or a private viewing of the parade from a balcony. If your visit doesn't coincide with the parade, make sure you visit the Mardi Gras museum or Mardi Gras World to get a glimpse into the history and artistry of this iconic street celebration. Tracing its origins to 1718 by the French, New Orleans boasts of a multicultural heritage, which is beautifully reflected in the city's architecture, with its artistic wrought iron galleries and pastel coloured buildings seen in the French Quarter, one of the city's oldest neighbourhoods, which is popular with tourists for the myriad experiences it offers. The Spanish influences are evident in the grand plazas and the robust architecture of the Cabildo and the Presbytere. Later, the city embraced American styles, with grand Victorian mansions gracing St Charles Avenue and the Garden District. This city's rich history and diverse cultural influences are woven into its very fabric. You can relive its past at one of the many local art galleries, or plan a trip to its world-class museums, including the National WWII Museum, or even explore its art districts. Those looking to take back a true taste of New Orleans' elegant past can walk through its antique shops, where you can discover old treasures, like a rare piece of French furniture or a vintage jazz record. All in all, New Orleans is a place that you don't just visit – you experience it! It's the few destinations in the world that spells pure celebration and where old-world charm meets vibrant energy. You have to get to New Orleans to experience it and create memories that will last a lifetime! Visit to plan your trip to this vibrant city or click here to Visit The USA
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Beyond Bourbon Street: A Whirlwind Week in New Orleans
New Orleans is one of the most culturally significant cities in the United States, and it's been on my must-visit list for years, inspired by some of my favorite films (Interview With the Vampire; A Streetcar Named Desire, Princess and the Frog) and L.A. friends who fell in love with it and moved there. Many visit for the revelry of Mardi Gras in February —but the beads, booze and tourists can overshadow some of the city's warmth and are other events to plan trips around, Jazz Fest which just wrapped up, for example, but I chose to go during the French Quarter Festival, which focuses on local music and food. With virtually every major restaurant in the area participating and serving the region's signature dishes — from crawfish and po-boys (Acme Oyster House) to alligator nuggets, beignets (Café Du Monde) and jambalaya — popping in and out of this particular event makes for a multifaceted immersion and sampling of NOLA's cultural mojo, and a week I'll never forget. Whimsical architecture blends French, Spanish and Caribbean styles, from colorful Creole townhouses to charmingly narrow 'shotgun' homes with Victorian touches. Airbnb might be your first thought for a stay, but the hospitality-driven services at area hotels make a getaway feel a bit more special. There are plenty of Vegas-y accommodations here as gambling is legal, Caesars and Boomtown being the most popular. For my trip, the One11 Hotel is a perfect choice. Just outside the French Quarter, the small boutique destination is housed in a century-old former sugar refinery and features exposed brick walls, wood beams and large steel structural bones. Melding its industrial past with its trendy present, it's got a great bar — including happy hour — and continental breakfast in the morning, plus an 8th-floor deck with scenic views of the Mississippi River. New Orleans has always conjured exotic images and alluring activities that piqued my imagination. Voodoo, ghosts, cemeteries, swamps, the bayou, art, music, bars … all are on my to-do list. I start with historic graveyard environments — the Metairie Cemetery, where Vampire author Anne Rice is entombed inside a beautiful stained glass-adorned mausoleum, and the Greenwood Cemetery, featuring an array of historic Civil War monuments. Voodoo priestess Marie Laveau is interred in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, the city's oldest, which many consider NOLA's most haunted grounds. Speaking of spooky stuff, voodoo dolls make cute souvenirs, and I snatch some great ones at the Voodoo Museum and Voodoo Authentica, which also sell other mystical merch. In the French Quarter, on Magazine Street and in the Garden District, a host of unique mom-and-pop shops and fascinating exteriors beckon from every corner. A jaunt to the Hotel Saint Vincent reveals a classic Southern Gothic environment and two thematic cocktail spaces, one red-hued and sexy, the other green, bright and friendly. Considered the birthplace of jazz, NOLA might have more musicians per capita than anywhere in the world. For an authentic immersion into its instrumental soul, visit Preservation Hall, where local legends go to jam. In general, though, NOLA residents steer clear of Bourbon Street and go to bars on Frenchman Street. Also in the Garden District, there's Tipitina's famous for Cajun and Zydeco music as well as fais do-do dancing; and the , not far from Tulane University, which also draws a college crowd. There are also street players everywhere, including the French Market, a farmers market for locals and tourists alike with food, art and activities.A visit to the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) reflects the city's spirit as well, with an impressive showcase of international and local works, including, through Aug. 10, 'New African Masquerades: Artistic Innovations and Collaborations,' a collection that feels very Mardi Gras-adjacent in terms of costuming and pageantry. I also recommended the on the museum grounds for a lovely and eye-grabbing statue-specked art stroll. When the Super Bowl was at Caesars Superdome (home of the New Orleans Saints) in February, NOLA got a lot of attention, especially for its dining scene. Fanciful French eaterie Lilette is where Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift had a hot date night, so my partner and I follow suit, enjoying the white-tablecloth hotspot's succulent steaks and inviting atmosphere. The next night, the old-school scene at Brennan's in the Quarter is even more my speed. The pink-and-green-schemed restaurant is where the iconic Bananas Foster dessert was invented, and the tableside demo/history lesson is fiery fun. My favorite dining discovery, the Vampire Apothecary, makes for a fanciful lunch, delicious sandwiches and soothing tea drinks amid seductive decor like dried flowers and witchy natural furnishings. NOLA staples like spicy beet-pickled eggs are served with Vampire brand tea to wash it down. Also deserving of note, though I couldn't fit them in this time: Deanie's Seafood in the Quarter for crawfish; , which nurtured chefs Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse and is renowned for its weekend Jazz Brunch and 25-cent martinis on certain weekdays; Antoine's, founded in 1840, the oldest restaurant in the city; and Algiers Central Market, home of the muffaletta, an Italian sandwich made with round sesame seed bread, cured meats, provolone and mozzarella and a tangy olive salad Orleans allows drinking in public, and you'll see a lot of it on Bourbon Street via plastic drinking vessels, often from Pat O'Brien's, which created the notorious Hurricane. (Cannabis, though, is still illegal.) But beyond touristy takeout sippers, a bar tour is a must, whether you're looking for dive vibes or award-winning mixology. Jewel of the South, which won the James Beard Foundation's award for best bar program, is aptly named, while Latitude 29, makes the tastiest tiki drinks in town, as created by the king of tropical cocktails — Beachbum Berry. For down-and-dirty atmosphere, locals love , a dark hovel with a heavy metal soundtrack, with live music and campy themes nightly, and , a gritty and gregarious hangout with a free jukebox that rocks, which is where I end the whirlwind all goes by far too fast, and I still feel like I'm under the city's spell, which is likely to pull me back sooner than later. In the meantime, here are a few more Big Easy bullet points to note for your next trip, below. - Get an up-close and personal look at the local swamps and gators! - Like San Francisco's cable cars, they're an exciting and organic way to travel around the city. (The St. Charles line is the one featured in A Streetcar Named Desire). - Family fun with botanical gardens, rides and National WWII Museum - Everything you ever wanted to see and learn about World War II in one mind-blowing, multi-building facility. - The creamiest sno-cones you'll ever get a brain freeze from, and where all the locals go. Prepare to wait in a long Daiquiris- There are plenty of walk-up outlets, but for a cold buzz in your car, roll though a drive-thru. A version of this story appeared in the May Travel issue of Los Angeles magazine, on stands now. See the photo gallery below for images of everything mentioned above and much more. (Photos 1-14 by Lina Lecaro; photo 15-37 courtesy Visit New Orleans. View the 37 images of this gallery on the original article
