Festival spirit makes New Orleans getaways an experience like no other – 225 Travel East – Special advertising section
The Crescent City … The Sportsman’s ?Paradise … The City of Chefs … The Birthplace of Jazz … Rich in Culture and History … Teeming with Music and Delicious Cuisine … Immersed in Art and Architecture … A Feast for the Soul.
New Orleans is famous for many things, including its incredible cuisine, incomparable music scene, unique architecture, and rich history ?and culture. Though the city may be less than 100 ?miles southeast, it is, in many ways, a world away. ?It’s no wonder many consider the Crescent City a destination imbued with a European feel.
Combine all those great elements with a slate of festivals and unique events, and there is no shortage of things to do when considering New Orleans as a quick getaway destination.
“What some cities consider their yearly calendar of events, we call spring,” said Stephen Perry, President and CEO of the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau. “As we kick off the ?beginning of festival season, we look forward to welcoming visitors from far and wide and inviting them to celebrate these great cultural events. It’s what the residents of New Orleans enjoy the most and do best, and we are eager to share our spirit of hospitality.”
A living museum with so much to do
The French Quarter is a living museum in itself. It is the heart of New Orleans, the original city, with an Old World charm that is legendary, yet hard to describe. It’s block after block of classic hotels, hidden courtyards, fine dining and casual restaurants, music venues, charming boutiques, antique shops and art galleries. Spend a day in the “Quarter” and immerse yourself in the rich history and exotic architecture that have been a source of inspiration for so many, in this place that literally nourishes the soul.
At night, the French Quarter comes alive! Dimly ?lit clubs offer world-class music that proves why the city is known as the birthplace of jazz. Preservation Hall, with its legendary jazz musicians, presents soulful concerts many nights of the week. Snug Harbor on Frenchmen Street, just steps away from the Quarter, regularly features local favorites and nationally known artists. From smooth jazz to Dixieland to improvisation—the music clubs of this city offer an unforgettable experience.
Speaking of unforgettable, if cuisine is the lure, then New Orleans—considered by many to be America’s most delicious city—has just the menu to please any palate. It’s not just food, it’s cuisine. It’s not just cooking, it’s creating a masterpiece. Whatever your tastes, New Orleans’ dining scene will satisfy, and with more restaurants open today than ever in the city’s history—nearly 1,000—dazzling your taste buds from early morning until late at night.
If family fun is your fare, there’s never a dull moment. The Audubon Nature Institute includes in its family of attractions three world-class venues. The Audubon Zoo, located uptown just off St. Charles Avenue, is considered one of the finest in the nation. The Aquarium of the Americas and IMAX Theater, located at the foot of Canal Street at the Mississippi River in the heart of the Central Business District, is among the most popular family destinations in the city. And just one year ago, Audubon Nature Institute added to its roster the Insectarium, the largest free-standing museum of its kind in the U.S. Explore the Louisiana Children’s museum, relive history and celebrate the American spirit at the National World War II Museum, or indulge in an urban adventure in City Park, where the Besthoff Sculpture Garden, the Botanical Gardens and Storyland and amusement park, featuring a historic carousel, are sure to delight.
Festival fun
Take a short drive for a long weekend and enjoy an array of festivals and events that celebrate the music, drink, food and culture that can only be found in New Orleans. Some of the exciting events filling the 2009 calendar through the summer include:
May 19-23: New Orleans Wine ?and Food Experience
www.nowfe.com
One of the most prestigious festivals of its kind, NOWFE celebrates 18 years of wine and food, bringing together world-renowned winemakers, celebrated chefs and industry insiders for a showcase of signature events.
Begin your long weekend Wednesday night with a Wine Maker Dinner at one of more than 35 of New Orleans’ finest restaurants, followed by the Vinola Tasting & Auction, the Royal Street Stroll and FEASTiVAL on Thursday. The Ritz-Carlton hosts the Vinola Tasting & Auction, giving 200 wine enthusiasts the chance to mingle with notable winemakers, while sampling elite wines from around the world. Later, sample wines while meandering through antique shops and art galleries on the famous Royal Street Stroll and top off the night with NOWFE’s newest event, FEASTiVAL. Hosted by Chef John Besh, celebrity chefs, including Hosea Rosenberg, Bravo’s Top Chef, Season 5 Winner, will present signature dishes paired with select wines in this upscale tasting event.
Friday and Saturday allow ?you to bring out your inner ?wine connoisseur as NOWFE ?presents seminars such as “Party Like it’s 1999,” “WOW: Women on Wine” and “Bubbles & Bites.” Evenings end with Grand Tastings at the Louisiana Superdome and Friday night’s silent wine auction. End the weekend by attending Saturday’s Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off with chefs from Bravo’s Top Chef, Season 5.
July 3-5: ?The ESSENCE Music Festival
www.essencemusicfestival.com
In its 15th year, the biggest African-American festival of its kind showcases a stellar lineup of musical talent with concerts in the Louisiana Superdome, inspiring seminars, history and a marketplace.
Known as the “Party with a Purpose,” ESSENCE ?offers its attendees an ESSENCE Empowerment Seminar Series and nights featuring one of the best ?concert series offered. Located at the New Orleans ?Morial Convention Center, the empowerment seminar series will host inspirational speakers who offer spiritual and motivational messages. This year’s guests include Dr. Juanita Bynum, Roland Martin, Marvelyn Brown, Bill Cosby and Steve Harvey.
ESSENCE brings three nights filled with musical performances by several of the world’s greatest African American musicians. This year’s lineup includes Beyoncé, Maxwell, John Legend, Ne-Yo, Lionel Richie and more.
July 8-12: ?Tales of the Cocktail
www.talesofthecocktail.com
Described as “the most spirited event of the summer,” the festival, now in its seventh year, celebrates cocktails, cuisine and culture with more than 100 separate events and seminars.
Wednesday through Sunday is everything cocktails and cuisine. Attend Toast to Tales of the Cocktail at the Hotel Monteleone, take the New Orleans Cocktail Tour and attend the Vintage Bar Ware Collectors Symposium. Wake up in the morning to cocktails and coffee and end the day with one of Tales of the Cocktail’s famous Spirited Dinners. The festival also offers a Beer Garden, Vintage Book Auction & Sale and a special Wedding Cakes & Cocktails event.
July 30-August 2: ?Satchmo SummerFest
www.fqfi.org
This is an entertaining and educational weekend in the French Quarter honoring New Orleans’ native son Louis Armstrong.
With New Orleans as Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong’s musical inspiration, it is only fitting that the festival named in his honor celebrates his life and the culture he loved so much. Named after the way in which Louis signed his correspondence, the “Red Beans and Ricely Yours” Luncheon offers a fabulous four-course meal featuring special guests and speakers at Antoine’s Restaurant. Lounge at the Old U.S. Mint while listening to music by brass bands and traditional and contemporary jazz bands. Thursday through Saturday there are seminars teaching the culture of New Orleans and the history and life of Louis Armstrong.
And don’t forget about the food … Satchmo SummerFest offers cuisine from some of New Orleans’ best restaurants and dinner specials at local restaurants.
