VISITS AND VACATIONS: NEW ORLEANS

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NEW ORLEANS

1. French Quarter

What is it: The Crescent City’s oldest and most famous neighborhood has much more to offer than the neon debauchery of Bourbon Street. But everyone has to walk Bourbon with a boozy to-go cup in hand at least once in their life.

Why go: The French Quarter, also known as the Vieux Carré, has been the heart of New Orleans for all 300 years of its existence, built on the banks of the Mississippi River on higher ground. Today, Bourbon Street anchors the party and food scene, while the other elegant streets house galleries, shops and music clubs, so wander around and take it all in. 

Be sure to stop at one of the city’s oldest restaurants here, like Antoine’s, where oysters Rockefeller were invented. Don't miss Preservation Hall, the venerable hole-in-the-wall jazz club, and Jackson Square, the French Quarter's historic hub named after the Battle of New Orleans victor (and later US president) Andrew Jackson, where his statue leads to the St. Louis Cathedral, a sacred place that is juxtaposed with street performers playing everything from Dixieland to funk and artists hawking their works on the sidewalks.

2. Marigny

What is it: The lively neighborhood to the east of the Quarter, where Frenchmen Street's music clubs go off all night. Pronounce it like the locals do: Mer-in-knee.

Why go: Not long ago, Frenchmen in the Marigny was a locals' hangout spot, but these days, in-the-know tourists turn up for the live music offered at The Spotted Cat, d.b.a., The Blue Nile, Cafe Negril, Snug Harbor and others, with bands playing until 4am. The restaurants in the Marigny keep serving into the wee hours, too. And Mardi Gras Day is an epic experience on Frenchmen, just be sure to be in costume when you arrive.

3. National WWII Museum

What is it: This world-class museum is a treasure trove of World War II information and insight, with the war materiel and memorabilia of that terrible conflict on display.

Why go: Founded on the 56th anniversary of D-Day in 2000, this museum has drawn visitors from around the world to learn about WWII from the American point of view. The museum is located in New Orleans because of Andrew Higgins' contribution to the Allied victory; he invented the flat-bottomed Higgins boats that allowed those forces to storm the beaches at Normandy. 

The collection includes those boats and much more, from documents, uniforms and weapons to fully restored period aircraft. Don't miss the dramatic 4-D theatre experience, complete with simulated gunfire and artillery explosions, narrated by Tom Hanks; and on offer once again in 2020 is the PT-305 boat experience. The fully restored patrol-torpedo boat zooms onto Lake Pontchartrain three times on Saturdays. Each 90-minute ride feels like history coming alive.