Favorite Attractions in the French Quarter 

Spend Time on Bourbon Street 

Bourbon Street is the party destination in the French Quarter. This street is thirteen blocks long. It goes from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue. You will find many of the popular restaurants and bars on Bourbon Street. Visit during the day with little ones to avoid the really big parties. Older kids will do fine on Bourbon Street in the early evenings.  

Bourbon Street is where many of the Mardi Gras celebrations take place in New Orleans.

Go Antique Shopping on Royal Street 

Royal Street in the French Quarter is the place to go when you want to do a little antique shopping during a family vacation. This is also one of the oldest streets in the city. So, walk along slowly while soaking in the ambiance.  

Out of all the antique stores, I recommend starting in Maison Royale or The Brass Monkey. When you have visited them all, consider popping into the art galleries or the gift shops.  

Check Out the Historic Architecture 

All the buildings in the French Quarter were constructed with a mix of Spanish and French architecture. Yet, it didn’t begin that way. In the beginning, the French constructed French-style buildings. After the fires of 1788 and 1794, Spanish-style buildings started popping up.  

I recommend taking one of the many walking tours of the French Quarter. This will allow your family to learn the history of the area, while seeing the unique architectural designs.  

Take a Tour of the St. Louis Cathedral 

One of my favorite attractions in the French Quarter is St. Louis Cathedral. The land this cathedral sits on was designated as the place for the church in 1721. Yet, the cathedral wasn’t completed until 1793. It was then rebuilt in 1849. Tours of the cathedral are offered daily. Just not when daily mass is being held.  

Visit the New Orleans Jazz Museum 

Jazz music is everywhere in New Orleans. You will hear it pouring out of the many bars you pass by, especially in the French Quarter. If your family wants to learn more about jazz music, I recommend visiting the New Orleans Jazz Museum. There are more than twenty-five thousand artifacts that share the story of this music genre and the people who perform it.  

Go Shopping at the French Market 

The French Market is another favorite attraction in the French Quarter. You will find this market right off Jackson Square. Inside is a flea market, produce market, and specialty boutiques. Don’t skip past the restaurants and cafes during your visit. They are excellent places to try some authentic New Orleans cuisine.  

Take a Walk Around Jackson Square 

Speaking of Jackson Square, one of the best things to do in the French Quarter is to walk around this square. Jackson Square is in the center of the French Quarter. The main focal point is a statue of President Jackson. If you time your visit right, you may find local artists displaying their work for sale.  

Visit Café du Monde 

Okay, you may not think Café du Monde is an attraction in the French Quarter. After all, it is just a café. However, this historical site is the best place to devour freshly made beignets. Stop in during your family vacation in New Orleans and see what you have been missing all these years!  

These are my favorite attractions in the French Quarter to check out when in New Orleans. There are many other things you can do there during your family vacation in New Orleans. If you are unsure of where to begin once you arrive, you can always take one of the popular ghost tours. These tours lead you all around the city, while sharing the legends and ghostly tales New Orleans is known for. I can easily arrange for your family to take one as I am planning the rest of your trip.  

So, are you ready to book a family vacation in New Orleans and see these favorite attractions in the French Quarter?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

Not ready to book your next family vacation? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share each week.  

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Attend These Festivals in New Orleans During a Family Vacation 

Spring Festivals in New Orleans 

There are plenty of festivals in New Orleans during the spring. So, you can easily attend one during your family vacation in New Orleans.  

Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day Parade 

This parade is on the second Saturday of March. First, a Mass is held at St. Mary’s Assumption Church. After that, the parade begins at the corner of Magazine and Felicity Streets. Dress in green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as floats and marching bands go down the street.  

If you cannot make it to the parade, try to have your family attend the Irish Channel Block Party. This party is held on the Thursday before St. Patrick’s Day. Although, in 2023, this event falls directly on St. Patrick’s Day. There is free music and entertainment to enjoy during the block party.  

NOLA on Tap 

The largest beer festival in Louisiana is NOLA on Tap. It is currently being held in the middle of March in Lafreniere Park. You can sample hundreds of different beers, as well as wine. Also, soft drinks and water are available for kids and non-drinkers.  

As you enjoy your drinks, listen to live music and watch a doggie drag competition.  

Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival 

Top playwrights, actors, and speakers arrive in New Orleans every spring for this literary festival. Literary panels and master classes are offered to those who attend. You should definitely go to the theatrical performances and cocktail parties. Keep in mind this festival is geared more toward older kids.  

Freret Street Festival 

There are more than two hundred vendors at the Freret Street Festival. You will find exactly what you are looking for from those vendors. I recommend you listen to live music, do a little shopping, and eat New Orleans cuisine all day long.  

French Quarter Festival 

This festival in New Orleans is held in the French Quarter. The entire area between the Riverfront and Jackson Square is filled with food, live music, and activities. This festival is one of the best ways to experience the French Quarter during a vacation in New Orleans.  

Summer Festivals in New Orleans 

The temperatures may rise in New Orleans during the summer, but that doesn’t mean the fun ends. Add one of these festivals to your to-do list when you vacation in New Orleans during this time of the year.  

New Orleans Wine and Food Experience 

This annual culinary event highlights local restaurants, as well as many fine wines from around the world. I highly recommend attending this five-day event that raises money for local non-profits.  

Bastille Day Fête 

This is a French national holiday festival and celebrates French heritage in New Orleans. This day is filled with delicious food, live music, and plenty of activities to keep families like yours busy.  

Running of the Bulls 

You don’t need to travel to Spain to experience the Running of the Bulls. You can join in on the fun right in New Orleans. Although, in New Orleans, people do the running and there are no bulls involved.  

Your family will run away from the New Orleans Roller Derby Girls as you try not to get knocked down by the bats on their rollerblades. But you can easily watch this event if you don’t feel like running.  

The attire for this event is all white with a little bit of red. 

Red Dress Run 

The Red Dress Run is held on the second Saturday in August every year. This charity runs normally begins in the French Quarter. If you register, you should dress in red and then follow the route to the end. You can even do the run with a drink in your hand.  

You must sign up for this event, even if you want to watch it. The reason for this is that only registered people find out the exact location of the Red Dress Run.  

Fall Festivals in New Orleans 

The fun doesn’t stop in New Orleans once the temperatures begin to drop. In fact, this is when the festivals really start to heat up.  

National Fried Chicken Festival 

The best-fried chicken is found in the South! Actually, you should be thrilled that they have dedicated an entire festival to it in New Orleans! 

All types of fried chicken are served at this festival. You can find it spicy, mild, crispy, extra crispy, and more.  Try a few different versions before deciding which one you think is the best.  

Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival 

Another type of food the South does really well is barbecue. This festival offers delicious barbecue options, as well as great music. Imagine spending up to three days eating the best barbecue in the world while listening to jazz and blues music.  

Oktoberfest 

Head over to Deutsches Hous in Kenner to experience a traditional Oktoberfest in New Orleans. Lots of cold beer will be waiting for you. Plus, you can eat German cuisine, do a little German folk dancing, and listen to traditional German music.  

Krewe of Boo 

This parade is in the French Quarter every year near the end of October. This is the official Halloween parade in New Orleans. People from the floats toss out items like candy, doubloons, and voodoo doll pins.  

Basically, think of this parade as a mini version of all the Mardi Gras parades.  

Oak Street Po-Boy Festival 

The Oak Street Po-Boy Festival is on the first Sunday of November. A po-boy is a submarine sandwich, sub, or hoagie in other parts of the country. No matter what you call it, you must eat at least one during this festival in New Orleans.  

Winter Festivals in New Orleans 

The holiday season in New Orleans means everyone is ready to get out and spend time with friends and loved ones. Plus, there is no better place to do that than one of the winter festivals.  

Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Levee 

On Christmas Eve, bonfires are started on the banks of the Mississippi River. They light the way for Papa Noël.  

You will find these bonfires in St. James Parish. But most of them will be in the communities of Paulina, Gramercy, and Lutcher.  

Luna Fête 

One of the favorite festivals in New Orleans during the holidays is Luna Fête. You will find thousands of lights included in the installations at the Convention Center Pedestrian Park.  

Mardi Gras 

The very first day of Mardi Gras actually begins on January 6th. This day is called Twelfth Night. The entire carnival season runs through the end of February, or the beginning of March, depending on the year.  

Mardi Gras is filled with parades, parties, and so much more. Arrive at any time during Carnival season and join in on the fun.  

These are the best festivals in New Orleans you can attend during a family vacation. There are many others you can choose from during a fabulous family vacation in New Orleans.  

So, are you ready to book a vacation and attend one of these festivals in New Orleans?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

Not ready to plan your next family vacation? Sign up for my newsletter and receive all the travel information I share.  

The post Attend These Festivals in New Orleans During a Family Vacation appeared first on integritylawfirmcmr.com.

Best Things to Do in New Orleans 

Spend Time in the French Quarter 

The French Quarter is usually at the top of the list for people on vacation in New Orleans. Start your day by standing in line at Café du Monde. They sell what is considered the best beignets in the city.  

After devouring those beignets, snap a few pictures of the St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square. Purchase souvenirs from the French Market. Wander around and enjoy the atmosphere. 

If you happen to be in the French Quarter at night, dine at Antoine’s. It’s one of the five oldest restaurants in the US. Or grab a drink at Jean Lafitte’s Old Absinthe House.  

Take a Ride on the Streetcar 

You cannot spend time in New Orleans and not take a ride on the streetcar. This mode of transportation is one of the best ways to get around the city. There are only four routes to choose from. So, getting lost isn’t possible.  

The streetcar routes include: 

The Saint Charles Streetcar Line – This is the oldest continuously operating streetcar in the world. This route is six miles long. It goes through the Central Business District. During your ride, you will pass by antebellum mansions, Audubon Park, and the universities of Tulane and Loyola.  

The Canal Street Line – This route is five and a half miles long. It also goes through the Central Business District. However, it extends to Canal Street and the Mid-City area. This is the best streetcar route when you want to visit the historic cemeteries in New Orleans.  

The Riverfront Line – This streetcar route takes you from the French Market past the Aquarium of the Americas. This is the perfect route for shopping adventures since it passes the Outlet Collection at the Riverwalk and Canal Place.  

Loyola/UPT Line – This streetcar route opened in 2013. It is only a mile and a half long. However, it is the perfect option for those people who arrive in the city by train or bus because they can take it to their hotel. This streetcar goes through the Warehouse Arts District, Financial District, and Medical District.  

The streetcar in New Orleans costs $1.25 per ride. You can also get a Jazzy Pass for $3. That pass allows you to ride the streetcar all day long for one low price.  

Take a Cruise on the Mississippi River 

Ferry rides to Old Algiers are popular amongst people on vacation in New Orleans. But if you want a unique experience, I recommend adding a river cruise on the Mississippi River to your itinerary.  

Eat Local Cuisine 

One of the best things to do in New Orleans is to eat the local cuisine. I know I mentioned the beignets above. During your vacation in New Orleans, you should also try the po-boys, red beans, gumbo, and traditional seafood dishes.  

The food scene in New Orleans is quite diverse. So, you will always find something you love.  

Wander Around New Orleans City Park 

There is plenty to do inside New Orleans City Park. You can simply wander around for an hour or make a full day of your visit. Inside this park, you will find the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Louisiana Children’s Museum, and the Besthoff Sculpture Garden.  

Take a Guided Tour of a Historic Neighborhood 

There are many historic neighborhoods to visit in New Orleans. One of the best things to do in New Orleans is to take a guided tour of one of these neighborhoods. I recommend choosing from the French Quarter, the Garden District, Uptown, or Tremé.  

Attend the Mardi Gras Festivities 

Okay, so you will need to plan your vacation in New Orleans carefully if you want to attend the Mardi Gras festivities. But it will be worth it when you get to be a part of all the action. Check out my blog post on celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans to learn more.  

If you happen to miss Mardi Gras in New Orleans, you can always check out Mardi Gras World. This warehouse is filled with floats, costumes, and the history of this tradition.  

Visit the National WWII Museum 

One of the favorite things to do in New Orleans visits the National WWII Museum. This museum is located in the Warehouse District. Inside the museum, you will find Higgin landing crafts, tanks, artillery, and WWII artifacts.  

There are six permanent exhibits, as well as a 4-D film you can watch.  

Go on a Swamp Tour 

Getting out of the city can be fun for a few hours. The Louisiana wetlands are filled with plants, flowers, and animals like alligators.  

During your swamp tour adventure, you can learn about the Cajun culture and history of the Bayous. In between, you will spot gators, minks, boars, and turtles.  

Listen to Live Music at Preservation Hall 

Live jazz concerts can be appreciated at Preservation Hall almost every day of the year. The non-profit organization that runs the music venue uses the revenues to teach kids all about jazz music.  

Visit the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve 

This park and preserve contain more than twenty-two thousand acres of land. It is divided into six areas. The Barataria Preserve is all wetlands. Those wetlands are comprised of swamps, marshes, and bayous.  

The Battle of New Orleans was fought in the area named the Chalmette Battlefield. And the French Quarter Visitor Center is the best place to learn about the history of the city.  

In the other three areas, you will learn about the Acadians.  

Get Scared at a Haunted Cemetery 

The cemeteries in New Orleans mostly have decorative vaults. This ensures a unique experience during your visit. Add in the haunted tales, and you may get scared inside one of these cemeteries filled with ghosts.  

I recommend starting with St. Louis Cemetery #1. It is closed to the public. However, you can enter during a guided tour. This cemetery opened in 1789. It is the oldest cemetery in the city.  

Other haunted cemeteries in New Orleans include St. Louis Cemetery #2 and Lafayette Cemetery.  

These are the best things to do in New Orleans. You can easily enjoy many of them with the kids during a family vacation. Plus, I can find other incredible things to add to this list if you have extra time to spend in this vibrant city.  

So, are you ready to book a family vacation and tackle these best things to do in New Orleans?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

Not ready to plan your next family vacation? Sign up for my newsletter and receive all the travel information I share once a week.  

The post Best Things to Do in New Orleans appeared first on integritylawfirmcmr.com.

Celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans 

When you arrive in New Orleans, you will want to be prepared for a lot of people. The streets of New Orleans get quite crowded. Especially when the parades are held. And at night, when the bars are open, and people are celebrating.  

A little prep work will ensure you don’t miss a minute of the excitement. And you won’t get lost in the crowd.  

Learn About Transportation in New Orleans During Mardi Gras 

Normal vacations in New Orleans usually have you traveling via car, bus, or taxi. You may even decide to hop on a streetcar to reach a destination in New Orleans.  

During Mardi Gras in New Orleans, you will spend much of your time walking. This is why it is so important to choose a hotel near all the action. Or at least the action you want to be a part of.  

You can also try to rent a bike to make it a little easier to get around.  

Yes, you can still use public transportation during Mardi Gras. Simply be prepared for service interruptions. And the fact you may need to walk if you need to be in a certain area at a specific time.  

Tips for Celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans Like a Local 

Download the Parade Tracker 

Not surprisingly, there are parade trackers for Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Download the parade tracker of your choice before you arrive.  

Not only will you know when the parades are taking place, you will also know how the parade is progressing. Super important for those times you need a restroom or a drink but don’t want to miss any action.  

Find the Perfect Parade Watching Spot 

It can be difficult to find a spot to watch the parades during Mardi Gras. The locals always have their favorites and will head to them every year.  

I recommend finding a spot near a restroom. This means you will need to arrive early for those prime locations.  

Set up your chairs if you have them. Keep everything at least six feet from the curb. Then settle in, meet your parade neighbors, and get ready for the party.  

Wear a Costume 

The locals always dress up for Mardi Gras. If you want to fit right in, wear a costume while celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans.  

There are plenty of options to choose from for your costume. Consider a bright-colored wig, sequined shirt, or a tutu. Or go the simple route and wear a mask.  

It doesn’t really matter what you wear. One item, or a full costume, will get you into the Mardi Gras spirit! 

Learn About Mardi Gras Traditions 

There are quite a few Mardi Gras traditions you will want to be aware of during your visit. If you want to catch all the beads like a local, you need to know what to say. So, call out, “Throw me something, mister,” and watch the beads fly towards you.  

Other traditions include the Mardi Gras doubloon, flambeaux carriers, balls, and king cakes. You can read about those traditions, and others, here.  

Pace Yourself During Mardi Gras in New Orleans 

Celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a marathon, not a sprint. You will need to pace yourself if you want the full experience.  

It is important that you eat regularly, stay hydrated, and get some sleep. This will ensure you are ready for the next round of parties and parades the next day.  

Best Things to Do During Mardi Gras in New Orleans 

There are so many things to do while celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans. You know you won’t be able to do them all. But make sure you check these items off your bucket list.  

Dance with the Marching Bands 

The local marching bands are always the highlight of the Mardi Gras parades. Have fun while dancing alongside them as they march down the road.  

Watch the Greasing of the Poles 

The Greasing of the Poles is the kickoff to Mardi Gras weekend in the French Quarter. The support poles of the Royal Sonesta New Orleans are greased to prevent anyone from climbing up them to the balcony.  

This was a basic thing when it started years ago. Nowadays, this event is filled with music and celebrity sightings.  

Catch a Doubloon 

A doubloon is a coveted Mardi Gras coin. They are thrown into the air from floats during the parades. Catching one is considered to be lucky.  

Other lucky items include a Zulu coconut, plungers from Tucks and a muse’s shoe.  

Toss Beads from a Balcony on Bourbon Street 

Catching beads can be fun during Mardi Gras in New Orleans. However, tossing them from a balcony on Bourbon Street is even better. If you want to check this activity off your bucket list, you must plan early. The only way you can do it is by booking a room at one of the hotels on Bourbon Street.  

Watch the Dance Groups 

There are at least thirty different dance groups that perform on the streets during Mardi Gras. The favorites include the 610 Stompers, Merry Antoinettes, Roux La La, and the Storyville Baby Dolls.  

Shake Paws with the King of the Mystic Krewe of Barkus 

Dog parades are a thing during Mardi Gras in New Orleans. The dogs are all in costumes. You can shake any of the dogs’ paws. However, shaking paws with the king is even more special.  

Attend the Bourbon Street Awards 

The Bourbon Street Awards have been given out for more than fifty years now. You should go to see which drag queen is considered the most fashionable.  

Eat King Cake 

Eating king cake is one of the best things to do while celebrating Mardi Gras. You can pick up a king cake from any bakery in New Orleans. I recommend trying cakes from at least three different bakeries. This way, you can join in on the conversations of who offers the best version.  

This is pretty much what you need to know to celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Your entire vacation in New Orleans during Mardi Gras will be an adventure you will never forget. The good news is that many of the Mardi Gras celebrations are family-friendly. Especially if you spend most of your time out of the French Quarter. This means you can easily visit for your next family vacation.  

So, are you ready to celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans for your next vacation?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

Not ready to start planning just yet? Sign up for my newsletter and receive all the exciting travel information I share each week.  

The post Celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans appeared first on integritylawfirmcmr.com.