Nickel & Diming in New Orleans
New Orleans, the “Crescent City” and “The Big Easy”, is the largest city in Louisiana. It was called the Crescent City because the original French Quarter of the city was built at a sharp crescent-like bend. The nickname “The Big Easy” is a slightly harder origin to determine. Some argue that Betty Guilluad, a late columnist, popularised the term by her comparisons of the way of life of New Orleans to New York. James Conway would later title a crime novel set in the New Orleans “The Big Easy”. What is certain is the name refers to the city’s relaxed, laid-back nature. Whatever the time of year chances are there is something to do, and chances are it won’t cost you a dime!
- Second Line Parades
Second Line Parades originate from New Orleans historical jazz funerals, a way to celebrate the life of a deceased with the whole community. The second line refers to the people from the street who join in, with the first line being the family members or organisers of the parade. Now the parades are run for any kind of occasion, weddings, funerals, birthdays and more. Chances are if you are in New Orleans you will see one of these parades, they operate year round but you are more likely to spot one on Sunday afternoons. Remember, the point of these parades is for everyone to join in on the excitement as a second line, the more the merrier!
- St. Claude Art District
St. Claude Avenue is home to the St. Claude Corridor, a bustling street scene filled with all kinds of sculptures and art. Along the avenue are a plethora of affordable restaurants, bars and cafes, but the real highlight is the art. There are garages doubling as art galleries, walls covered in brilliant murals and larger performance areas – all with free entry. It’s the perfect street for a couple photos, or a hundred.
- Jazz in the Park
During Fall and Spring there’s always music on Thursdays at Louis Armstrong Park. Every Thursday afternoon a different local band is scheduled to perform at the park for the public’s enjoyment. There are always food and drink vendors available, and many local artists come to show off and sell their work.
- Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden
The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is free to enter, containing a staggering 11 acres of sculptures. Some of the work in the garden includes a giant skull, a giant safety pin, a mirror labyrinth, a ladder leading to a floating window and much more. There’s over 90 sculptures in the garden, and it forms the outside of the New Orleans Museum of Art, so if you’re hungering for more you can always head inside for a fee!
- A Night on Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street is possibly the most famous place in New Orleans. Originally the street was the centre of the old French Quarter in New Orleans, now it is the thumping heart of New Orleans. It is loud, wild and proud of it. Lined with bars, clubs, and restaurants the street is a great way to have a colourful and exciting night. Just be prepared to see anything, and more importantly – enjoy the night.