Rediscover The Magic of New Orleans

Tonight, I got a taste of what New Orleans is like now – four years after the city was devastated by Katrina. I was watching the New Orleans Saints play the New England Patriots in the Super Dome and it was the most lively football game I have seen in years. Exciting, inspirational, spirited, alive and jubilant – the same words best used to describe the city itself. Watching the face of New Orleans come alive tonight inspired me to plan a trip there in 2010. I've not been since before Katrina hit, and when I went I saw some amazing places and left feeling happy and alive. Here are some of my favorite places in the Big Easy.

The Garden District – This beautiful area outside of the French Quarter is home to some of the most historic and captivating homes in New Orleans. Ironically, I did not visit the Garden District until my last trip to New Orleans, but I found it to be my favorite part of the city. I took a seven-mile run through the area, but you can take guided tours to see the amazing homes and gardens that will bring you back to another time period where you will want to drink ice tea while swinging in a rocking chair on the porch.

Riverwalk Marketplace – Another one of my favorite places is the Riverwalk in New Orleans. Step away from the craziness of the French Quarter and breath in fresh air, eat lunch, do some shopping and take a long walk along the river. You will feel relaxed, in tune and at ease while enjoying an afternoon by the water.

Mardi Gras – You are probably aware that Mardi Gras is the big annual celebration that kicks of lent in the spring. The big day is Fat Tuesday and the city of New Orleans celebrates Fat Tuesday and the days preceding it with daily parades, costume parties, beads thrown from balconies and parties galore that celebrate life! Mardi Gras is definitely not for the homebodies who don’t like crowds, to really live it up you need to get out and enjoy it. But the experience is like no other! I will be hitting up Mardi Gras to visit my great friend Rayne in 2010.

King Cakes – I had a friend in school who was from New Orleans and she would always bring King Cakes for various celebrations. I loved King Cakes – like a big coffee cake with frosting. King Cakes are a big part of the Mardi Gras celebration and a staple in New Orleans. Throw in some jambalaya and a hurricane at Pat O’Brien’s and my day is made. Actually , Pat O’Brien’s is another big staple for me and New Orleans. Great food, fun drinks (a hurricane is a must) and a fun atmosphere, definitely mark this one on your list.

French Quarter – The French Quarter is the center of activity in New Orleans especially for tourists. Everything happens down there, and it is like nothing you have ever seen. If you have never visited the French Quarter, it is a must do. There are some lovely French restaurants and shops down here that really give the ambiance of a small town in France. But at night, the area becomes one big party place. I have spent evenings popping in wherever the music was loudest, singing with my friends at the Cat’s Meow, listening to jazz at the Lounge Lizards and trying to get as many beads as possible. It is an ever changing landscape that is sure to please any spirited women who is looking for an experience of a lifetime.

These are just a few of my favorite things and places in New Orleans, there are so many more I could tell you about. But you will just have to explore this magnificent city for yourself.

Monica Rohleder
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