New Orleans: Where great food and great music meet

New Orleans is a major US port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana; it is located in southeastern Louisiana, overlapping the Mississippi River.
New Orleans is named after a city in north-central France and coincidently they are both known for their great food, music and French architecture. The weather in the city is generally mild winters and hot, humid summers.
This city is one of the world’s most fascinating; the culture is influenced from Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and other nations. Many attest that it is say truly a melting pot of cultures, cuisine and music. Here are some of the things one must see and do in New Orleans;
Music and entertainment
For those who like Jazz music, New Orleans is the place to be. One will always see sax musicians and tap dancers preforming right on the streets. The nightlife is rich and amusing; most restaurants offer live bands and special meals for those who are in for the music.
New Orleans is also known for the best festivals, such as the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival aka Jazz Fest, held during the last week of April. Jazz Fest is the largest music festival in the US, as many people travel from all over the world just to experience the music, art, food and crafts.
This festival does not only feature jazz, but a large variety of music, including both native and international. Other festivals such as the Voodoo Fest and the Essence Music Festival, also feature many local and international artists, who come especially to perform in this fascinating city.
Cultural arts
New Orleans is known for it’s artistic culture and colorful personalities. There are many faces to entertainment ranging from opera, dance, to ballet and theater.
Opera in New Orleans is a long-established tradition and a favorite art form for many generations, dating back more than 200 years. There is always something new in the opera house, don’t miss out on their local stage performances.
Don’t miss out on the orchestra performances, as classical music has a long history in New Orleans, dating back to the French colonial era. Members of the city’s upper class used to have private entertainment in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and public performances by full orchestras took place in the city’s many acoustically ideal old theaters. Today anyone can buy a ticket and enjoy the classical composers’ music — Mozart, Brahms, Beethoven, Mahler, Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky and others — in addition to Broadway show tunes, pop standards and patriotic themes.
As for theater, the city is a crown jewel of theatrical performances, with around six touring Broadway musicals performing in the city each season. In addition to that, there are many community theater groups that stage theatrical performance in smaller venues.
Museums for everyone
Take a walk through history and visit the New Orleans museums anda homes that chronicle their past. Make sure to pass the American Italian Cultural Center, Amistad Research Center, The Backstreet Cultural Museum and the George and Lea McKenna Museum of African American Art, to experience the real multi culture of New Orleans.
Family museums made especially for those who are looking for a new adventure can have a live encounter with elephants and sharks, or enjoy a 3D and 4D theater experience. They can also take a towboat down mighty Mississippi to the Louisiana Children’s Museum or take a tour of the National World War II Museum.
Take your pick from Audubon Aquarium of Americas, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, The Audubon Zoo, the National World War II Museum and Louisiana Children’s Museum.
Retail therapy
International brands, antique shops, arts, vintage, furniture, jewelry and much more is available in New Orleans. Take a walk to Magazine Street and experience six miles long of the best antique stores, art galleries, crafts shops and classy boutiques. For many years, this street was a hub for bohemians and sophisticated people.
Magazine Street — one of New Orleans’ premier shopping and entertainment districts — is unparalleled in its diverse array of businesses, shops, restaurants and hot spots. It’s where people live, work and enjoy the good life that New Orleans has to offer. In short, ... it’s the place to be in New Orleans. Shopaholic and trendsetters are always found on Canal Place where designer boutiques and Saks Fifth Avenue are located. Aside from upscale clothing, Canal Palace also offers a food court, home items and salons where women can get their hair and nails done.
For those who are looking for something unique with cheaper prices, one must visit the French flea market, which is the oldest public market in the country. The open-air market offers a wide array of amusement including music, clothing, accessories as well as an art and crafts made by local artists.
Thee are many reasons why one must pay a visit to the French Quarter, it offers so much from colorful and homemade crafts, antiques shops, designer shops to an exciting food variety.
Food
A side from music, food in New Orleans is one of the main reasons why people visit this city. Po-boys, gumbo, jambalaya, muffulettas, beignets, red beans and rice, crawfish etoufee and banana foster are names of authentic New Orleans cuisine, so make sure you try them all.
You must also try Oceana Grill for the best Louisiana seafood and genuine New Orleans dishes; it is located on the corner of Bourbon and Conti Streets and has a New Orleans style courtyard for outdoor dining.
There are also famous festivals dedicated especially to the New Orleans cuisine. The Creole Gumbo Festival celebrates the long heritage of what is believed to be the oldest neighborhood of free African Americans in the US; this festival is held in mid-December every year.
Sightseeing
Only in New Orleans could cemeteries be major tourist attractions. Over time the cemeteries, with their elaborate sculptures and other decorative artwork embellishments have come to resemble small villages. They are also known as the “Cities of the Dead.” One of the most famous visited cemeteries is the Saint Louis Cemetery, which is a walking distance from the French Quarter. It is located on Basin Street; the place where Marie Laveau, the legendary “voodoo queen” was buried. Believers and non-believers alike make pilgrimages to her tomb to make offerings to her spirit in return for what they hope will be blessings.
For a great afternoon outdoors, visit one of New Orleans parks to admire nature and enjoy the quiet away from the city noise. The New Orleans City Park is located in the heart of the city and is a popular place for picnics, outdoor sports, boat rides and nature strolling. It is known to attract around 11 million visitors each year and is home to the New Orleans Botanical Gardens, the New Orleans Museum of Art, The Sydney and the Walda Bestoff Sculpture Garden, the Bayou Oaks Golf Facility, and the largest collection of mature live oaks in the world.

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