New Oreleans, Louisiana
January 9-13, 2011
New Orleans was named after the Duke of Orleans who reigned here in the 1700's. It is well known for its distinct French and Spanish Creole architecture and for its cross-cultutral heritage. The city is famous for its food, its mardi gras festival and music particularly for jazz. New Orleans is often referred to as one of the most unique cities in America and we did indeed feel its incredible vibe. Our trip seemed to centre a lot around food but there were so many tasty temptations, we just couldn't help ourselves!
Our Accommodations - Saint Bernard State Park
We found a nearby campground called Saint Bernard State Park which had been affected by Katrina but had been fully restored. It was a nice park and was far enough away from the busy areas but close enough that we could get to the historic district of New Orleans within 15-20 minutes.
Photo's of New Orleans
Cafe du Monde
We started the day with a cafe au lait and an order of beignets (a delicious french pastry) at a famous cafe along the waterfront called Cafe du Monde.
Magazine Street
We walked Magazine Street which is off the beaten path but loaded with cute shops and cafe's.
Mulatte's Cajun Restaurant
Mulatte's is a well known Cajun restaurant so we tried a typical dish of "red beans and rice" and "jambalaya and crawfish".
Le Croissant d'Or Cafe
Another day starts with a cafe au lait and an almond croissant at this famous joint called Le Croissant d'Or Cafe.
Bourbon Street
We walked the famous Bourbon Street. Lots of bars and pubs and it was easy to imagine how that street would be transformed during Mardi Gras.
Royal Street
Royal street is a well maintained and more upscale area and seemed to host many street musicians.
House of Blues
It was only mid-afternoon when we stopped inside the House of Blues Bar and Restaurant so we didn't get a chance to experience the night life so famous here where "music feeds the soul".
Mississippi River
We took a stroll along the waterfront that followed the Mississippi River. The Mississippi is a very wide river and you really get the sense of it when you're actually standing there.