New Orleans

​Be it the vibrancy of the music scene in New Orleans, the diversity of cuisine, or the ever popular Wine and Food Festival, the Big Easy is easy to love.

​Although, the city is bustling with visitors year round, you will generally find the largest crowds from February to May when the major festivals tend to occur. Hurricane Season, from June to November, offers some bargain hotel rooms, but from June to August you can also count on sizzling heat & stifling humidity. September to November offers bargains and milder temperatures but watch the weather reports.

Jazz & Heritage Festival New Orleans

​Our favorite time to visit New Orleans is late April. You will typically find sunny days and steamy nights to add to the delightful adventure of strolling the city.

​You may also get the added bonus of experiencing the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans
Typically held in the last week of April through the first week of May, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (Jazz Fest) is known around the world for its celebrations of music and the culture of Louisiana and the city of New Orleans. Next year’s festival will be held April 28-May 7, 2017.  In various celebrations throughout the city, this event pays tribute to music and art in all of their various forms. ​

​Still, many others prefer to plan their visits in February around the even livelier world famous New Orleans’ Mardi Gras celebration. Celebrated for the two week period preceding Ash Wednesday, Mardi Gras involves a series of parades, balls and other events throughout New Orleans. The events culminate in major parades on Mardi Gras “Fat Tuesday” which next year falls on February 28, 2017.

Does it seem a little early to start planning for Mardi Gras and other 2017 festivals? Don’t believe it.  The best accommodations can really fill up fast, so it’s best to plan several months to one year in advance.  So, if you haven’t booked already, now is the time to start planning your visit to the liveliest city in Louisiana.

In addition to the parties and celebrations, you can really lose yourself in the beauty of the city and the study and exploration of the Big Easy’s mélange of American, European and African cultures. ​While many tourists still flock to the French Quarter and Bourbon Street to experience New Orleans, I find I meet more locals and enjoy great jazz in the charming historic Faubourg Marigny neighborhood. This neighborhood is home to Louis Armstrong park which is a charming place for a picnic. Otherwise if you're peckish, there are a number of small friendly places to eat. 

Throughout the city you'll find no dearth of cultural and historical attractions and amusements.

​Jackson Square in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter is brimming with beauty and history making it one of the city’s top attractions. Currently honoring the hero of the Battle of New Orleans—Andrew Jackson, the plaza originally served as a military parade ground and public square under French rule. The epicenter of New Orleans life for centuries, the park is still vibrant with musicians, vendors and portrait artists. With its iron fence, formal gardens, walkways and benches this is also an amazing place to enjoy a stroll, some ice cream, and quality people watching.

St. Louis Cathedral overlooking Jackson Square is reminiscent of the city’s French heritage. As the oldest Catholic Church in continual use in the United States, the history, architecture, and character of the structure enthrall many. ​

​City Park is a wonderful attraction for families visiting New Orleans with its 1300 acres of beautiful landscapes, lakes, and other amusements, including: mini golf, gardens, playgrounds, museums, and amusement parks. 

For active travelers the park offers stables, bike and boat rental, and a running track. The park welcomes visitors all year round.

There is so much more to this city than most people realize.
Other destinations to visit in New Orleans include the infamous Audobon Zoo and Audobon Aquarium of the Americas, Louisiana Children’s Museum, The National WWII Museum and French Quarter among others.

By all means you should add #NewOrleans to your #MustExploreList!  Don’t forget to book as far in advance as possible and call Enlighten Excursions to plan your trip to the beautiful and lively city of New Orleans.