New Orleans: Fun Facts and Information

• Buffer
• Tweet

Are you headed to the land of jazz and jambalaya? Perhaps aside from the tourist traps, you’re looking for the real New Orleans experience. Below is a list the top ten things to do while visiting New Orleans:

1. Swamp and Bayou Tours: New Orleans is rich in wildlife, and if you love nature, taking a swamp and bayou tour is the perfect way to spend some time this great city. Hear about Louisiana tradition and how gumbo has become a tradition now. In custom built, all-weather boats you’ll see alligator nests, nutria, and several species of snakes. Many of these tours offer a wildlife show by a local naturalist, who explains the steps being taken to protect the vanishing swamps and wetlands of Louisiana. Don’t forget your camera!

2. Post Hurricane Katrina Tour: New Orleans was left devastated in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. This tour takes you through the French Quarter, which was barely touched by the hurricane and tells you the history of the area. See the levees and flood walls used to protect the city below sea level. Houses as old as the 1700′s are shown in this tour and you’ll learn how their architecture is significant to its relation to sea level. You’ll still be a witness to the devastation to the 9th Ward and see the levee that failed. The Superdome and Convention Center will be your last stop.

3. Faulkner House Books: Remember the legendary author William Faulkner? Visit the home where he wrote his first book, Soldier’s Pay, that has now been turned into a bookshop. You’ll find first editions of his work here and other local lore books. You also won’t find paperbacks. Joe DeSalvo, owner of the bookshop is a purist and began collecting books years ago. Quiz the bookseller on literature when you go in to test their knowledge!

4. Visit the Mississippi: The Mississippi River flows from Minnesota all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. The river is over 200 feet deep and is a half of a mile wide in New Orleans. Shipping was an important part of the city’s growth. If you get directions from a local, make sure you know the direction of the river, because it’s not north, east, south or west, it’s upriver and downriver. Take an Algiers ferry to the Mardi Gras area on the Mississippi. Take this forty five minute ferry at dusk and return to port to see the gorgeous skyline of New Orleans lit up in all its glory.

5. Don’t miss the Cajun Cooking: New Orleans abounds with tasty and local flair. Instead of eating in just one place, consider doing a progressive dinner. Have pre-dinner drinks at Napoleon House, Bella Luna, or Vizard’s. Order appetizers at NOLA, Emeril’s, or Hana. Eat your main course at Bayona, Brigtsen’s, or The Rib Room in the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel. Desserts are fabulous from Gabrielle’s, Pelican Club or Sapphire. Top off your evening meal with post-dinner drinks at the revolving bar at the Monteleone Hotel or the Old Absinthe House. Progressive dinners give you the best of everything!

6. Jazz Music: Jazz was practically born in New Orleans and in order to experience the true Cajun experience, you must stop to list to the players that line the street and venues that offer sounds from zydeco to jazz. Remember that most of these places are standing room only and some do not serve refreshments. Call ahead to know what you’re getting into and bring your own food if the establishments allow it.

7. Cafe Du Monde: As if cajun cooking wasn’t enough, you have to experience the powdered sugar doughnuts called “beignets.” This cafe dates back to 1860 and offers the perfect retreat after a long day of sightseeing. Kick back with a cup of java and a beignet and relax. Just remember to wear white, because the doughnuts are messy!

8. Psychics and Vampires: There are many psychics and tarot readers that make their living in New Orleans. You’ll also find crystal gazers, bone throwers, palm readers and people who analyze auras. Most of these gypsies can be found in the back of Mardi Gras paraphernalia stores and French Quarter shops. Vampires are also said to run rampant in New Orleans, perhaps because of it’s location to sea level or the dark tone of the city. Take a vampire tour and hear about all the fascinating and eery tales of the undead.

9. Audubon Zoo: Have you ever seen a white tiger or a Komodo dragon? You will at the Audubon Zoo. This zoo is rated one of the top zoo’s in the United States. Visit the newest addition, Jaguar Jungle to explore the people and animals of Central America and the unique and mysterious Mayan culture. If you’re looking for a family friendly place to take the kids and make memories, this zoo will amaze you with all its different exhibits and animals.

10. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas: Part of the most devastating of all the Katrina victims was the ten thousand fish that died during the hurricane. The Aquarium had a rigid and near-perfect hurricane plan and the building withstood the initial impact of the storm. But as the evacuations continued, government relief efforts needed the building for a staging area. Generators failed and most of the fish died, much to the staff’s heartbreak. Only a few animals survived, including the otter pair, penguins, sea dragons and Midas the sea turtle. The aquarium opened its doors again in May of 2006. The new Insectarium, a museum dedicated to over 900,000 species of bugs, opened in 2008. An IMAX theater was also installed. Slowly, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, this Aquarium has rebuilt its reputation and still offers a great family fun day as well as a retreat from a rainy day. Explore the wonder of this museum and remember that with your ticket, you contributed to the upkeep and refurbishing of a wonderful landmark.

Resource by A.Evans

Related Research For Teachers, Students, and Kids