N'AWLINS IS THE PARTY CAPITAL OF AMERICA. WE HAVE, TO MENTION A FEW,
MARDI GRAS, FRENCH QUARTER FEST, JAZZ FEST, ESSENCE FEST, VOODOO
FEST, LOUIS ARMSTRONG FEST, HURRICANE FEST, SWAMP FEST, HALLOWEEN,
NEW YEAR AND SUGAR BOWL, IF YOU WANT A QUIET TIME, DONT COME DURING
ANY OF THE ABOVE!
YOU CAN TAKE A SWAMP TOUR OR A PLANTATION TOUR. THE HISTORIC FRENCH
QUARTER IS ALIVE AND KICKING, ALTHOUGH NOT QUITE THE SAME AS BEFORE
KATRINA. WE LIKE OUR VISITORS TO TAKE A KATRINA TOUR ALSO. RECOVERY
IN AREAS OUTSIDE OF THE 'SLIVER BY THE RIVER' ARE STILL STRUGGLING TO
REBUILD, AND WE FEEL OUR TOURISTS NEED TO KNOW THIS.
THE APARTMENT IS SITUATED IN AN HISTORIC DISTRICT, IT IS OPPOSITE ST
AUGUSTINE CHURCH WHICH IS WHERE TRADIONAL JAZZ FUNERALS START,
ALTHOUGH THEY ARE QUITE RARE THESE DAYS. THE BACK ST MUSEUM IS RIGHT
NEXT DOOR, WHERE THE ELABORATE BEADED AND FEATHERED COSTUMES OF THE
MARDI GRAS INDIANS ARE HOUSED. GOOGLE THEM AT NEW ORLEANS MUSEUMS.
MARDI GRAS
Last year our street was full of tv cameras from all over the world,
largely due to Katrina. WWOZ broadcasted all day from the porch of
the museum, not sure if this will happen in 2007.
This lower French Quarter is awesome on Mardi Gras day, with really
inventive costumes and improptu second line parades. Bead throwing
from the large floats can get a bit exhausting after you have seen a
few of them. It is also only a 15-20 min walk to Canal St, where the
big parades go up one side and down the other. About 6-7 blocks to
the the fun on Frenchman St. One block from the French Quarter, 4
blocks from Bourbon St. Bring your costme if you dont want to like a
tourist. The wilder the better. What looks totally outrageous in your
home town won't even be noticed here on Mardi Gras day.
NEW YEAR/SUGAR BOWL
With free live music on a stage in Jackson sq, fireworks, and the
constant party of Bourbon St, celebrate New Year where it is a bit
warmer! Then go to the newly restored Superdome for the Sugar Bowl,
which is about 30 min walk (or a short cab ride) from the apartment
FRENCH QUARTER FEST
A free music event that happens over the week end sometime in Arpil.
About 12 stages are errected in and around the French Quarter, with
bands playing all day.
JAZZFEST
Situated at the fairgrounds, about a 30 min walk, or take the shuttle
bus staight up Esplanade. Two weekends of world class music combined
with local music. 100's of artists take part.
SOOUTHERN DECEDANCE
Huge gay festival weekend at the end of August. The gay section of
Bourbon is just a few blocks away. If your not gay, dont go there
this weekend......unless you're kinda curious and not easily offended!
HALLOWEEN
Just awesome! We are just 6 or 7 blocks from 'Frenchmans' where the
party is in the street, with music bars visited by Paul McCartney and
Bill Clinton. Or go to Bourbon St which is also wall to wall costumed
party goers. Or do both!
VOODOO FEST
Around Halloween, two days, 6 stages. Located in City Park, about 2
1/2 miles away.
| 
