New Orleans - The Beat Goes On

	Streets are Swinging with Jazz in New Orleans1

New Orleans is best known for its history, music, food, architecture and entertainment. The city, which was established in 1718 as La Nouvelle-Orléans, has never stopped changing and growing yet still manages to keep its original charm and reputation as a lively and culturally diverse place of gathering.

Situated in southeast Louisiana, surrounded by swamplands and straddling the Mississippi River, much of the sprawling city lies below sea level. New Orleans offers something for everyone, from back-country bayou tours and fishing expeditions to elegant restaurants and museums, and one can take in all the sights on a streetcar or riverboat cruise. Places to visit include the French Quarter and Bourbon Street areas for shopping, dining and entertainment, as well as many city parks, churches, golf courses and live music venues. It seems that excitement, history and good times can be found everywhere in New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz.

HISTORY & CULTURE

First claimed by France and named after Philippe, Duc d'Orleans, the city and its state of Louisiana—after being ruled by the French and Spanish—was eventually sold to the United States of America by Napoleon in what became famously known as the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. In 1812, the very first steamship to successfully navigate the Mississippi River from Pittsburgh arrived, sparking wealth through the growth of trade in tobacco and cotton. This time period also initiated the War of 1812 and the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, which resulted in very few American casualties and the conquer of the British army at the Chalmette Battlefield.

Soon one of the busiest ports in the nation due to its proximity to the Caribbean, New Orleans saw the arrival of many Haitian refugees and the mass importing of rum, sugar cane and fruit. Being a fairly accepting and tolerant society compared to the majority of the country at the time, many people of varied ethnic backgrounds were employed in trades such as carpentry, culinary arts and architecture.

The Creole and Cajun populations that dominate the area are both mixed cultures of race and religious beliefs. The term Creole has many meanings originating from the Spanish word criollo. When used as a reference to people in New Orleans, it is generally accepted that a person descended from the original French settlers of Louisiana is Creole. Cajun people are a more specific group of descendants born of French-speaking Catholic immigrants from Nova Scotia, and also have their own offerings of cooking, music and culture in the area.

St. Louis Cathedral from Jackson Square2

Music has always played a big part in the New Orleans scene. Creole influences brought about the birth of what we know today as jazz. Most famously introduced to the entire nation by the great Louis Armstrong, this style of music has become infinitely popular around the world.

Although the city has a culturally colorful and exciting background, New Orleans is no stranger to tragedy. Much of the city was twice destroyed by fire in the mid and late 1700s, and several hurricanes, including the catastrophic hurricane Katrina in 2005, have caused great devastation. But the determination and undying spirit of the locals has brought the city back to its full glory every time.

CLIMATE

New Orleans enjoys a warm and humid climate throughout most of the year. The average yearly daytime high in New Orleans is 78ºF (26ºC) and the average low, 59ºF (15ºC). Summer is hot and humid with an average high of approximately 90ºF (33ºC). Winter averages a daily temperature of 64ºF (18ºC).

Precipitation throughout the year falls at an average of 5.5 in (140 mm) per month, with summer being the wettest at up to 6.6 in (167 mm) of rainfall per month. New Orleans is extremely vulnerable to hurricanes, tropical storms and flooding due to its geographic location as well as its low altitude.

FEATURED ATTRACTIONS

French Quarter
The French Quarter district of New Orleans is the city's oldest neighborhood and most popular destination of tourists and locals alike. Historical sites to visit include the St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square and the New Orleans National Jazz Historic Park. Take a stroll and do some shopping along Canal Street, which meets up with the infamous Bourbon Street—where one will find oodles of restaurants, nightclubs, bars, live music and shows. Accommodation is plentiful in the area and close to most attractions.

	French Quarter Architecture on Bourbon Street3

Garden District
Explore the area on your own or take a horse-drawn carriage or guided walking tour. This well-preserved neighborhood is home to gorgeous mansions, many of them historic landmarks surrounded by lush foliage. Most of these exquisite homes were built in the mid-1800s and a great number are currently used as bed and breakfasts. Several of these properties, such as Mandevilla, Hubbard Mansion, Park View and the Grand Victorian, are conveniently located along the St. Charles Streetcar route.

Mardi Gras
Probably the most noted celebration of history and culture in New Orleans is the annual Mardi Gras celebration. Mardi Gras occurs in early spring every year, 46 days before Easter. The carnival itself, which overtakes the city, is a colorful and boisterous celebration held on Fat Tuesday—the day before Ash Wednesday—with parades, concerts, masquerade balls and streets full of events centered around ethnic cuisine and jazz music.

Music
There are numerous live jazz venues dotted throughout the city, offering everything from easy listening to all-out parties. Popular areas for a night on the town are Bourbon and Decatur streets. Harrah's Hotel and Casino hosts many big-name concerts and live shows, and every spring, New Orleans is host to the Jazz and Heritage Festival at the Fairgrounds Race Course.

Cemeteries
For a truly haunting experience take a stroll through the St. Louis Cemetery, which is home to the crypt of Marie Laveau, dubbed the Voodoo Queen. Religions and practices such as voodoo were adopted by many as part of their own Catholic customs, however, this was often controversial and today there is not much evidence of its influence.

Rollin' on the River
At one time, the only way to get to New Orleans was by boat on the Mississippi River. Try a romantic dinner and jazz night or buffet lunch with a guided tour aboard a paddle wheel steamship that travels along the scenic waterfront. Entire ships, complete with dance floors, can be privately chartered for weddings and other events.

A Paddle Steamer on the Mississippi River4

GETTING HERE & AROUND

New Orleans is accessed from around the globe via Louis Armstrong International Airport, which is about a 20-minute drive from downtown. There are several options for getting to downtown hotels, such as Jefferson Transit, airport shuttles, car rentals or taxis.

Amtrak offers rail service from Chicago or New York and points in between. For the leisure traveler, the Sunset Limited route from Los Angeles is a two-day scenic trip across the southern border.

Major highways lead to the city from all directions. Getting around town is easy, whether on foot or wheels. New Orleans Regional Transit operates buses and streetcars throughout the region with some services running 24 hours a day. The scenic St. Charles and Riverfront streetcar routes are an excellent way to see local attractions.


If you enjoyed this feature, take a look at these great WorldWeb.com articles:
• Mardi Gras in New Orleans
• How to Voodoo Big Easy Style

1. Jazz on the Street; New Orleans, LA, USA
2. St. Louis Cathedral from Jackson Square; New Orleans, LA, USA
3. French Quarter Architecture on Bourbon Street; New Orleans, LA, USA
4. A Paddle Steamer on the Mississippi River; New Orleans, LA, USA