I am of the age where the people I grew up with are beginning to spread their wings, fly the coop, and settle down in their cities of choice around the country. I know at least one individual in any given major city in the U.S., and even a few in some middle-of-nowhere towns thanks to oddly located liberal arts colleges. This circle of friends of mine has given me great insight into what it’s like to live in and visit various destinations- and believe me, I’ve heard it all. Every horror story, every negative remark, and every complaint has crossed my ears and serves as valuable information, especially to someone as admittedly pessimistic as I am! I can say with full confidence and pride, however, that I have never heard a single bad thing about New Orleans.
This decadent town has gone down in history as a highlight of the South. It continues to be one of the most visited cities in the world, and is second only to San Francisco in gay-friendliness. Its art and culture rival various international cities and is a prime example of the great American melting pot. New Orleans prides itself on its cross-cultural influences, languages, and practices, most notably those of French and Southern decent. Because of this, it has always been a place charged with political fervor. New Orleans was a center of focus during the Civil Rights movement, for it was where desegregation began in the South. This city continues to be a trendsetter for cuisine, fashion, arts, and culture. New Orleans is truly a not-to-be-missed American destination.
A main attraction of this Southern city is the French Quarter, the oldest neighborhood of New Orleans. Jackson Square has historically been a hub for arts and culture, a gathering place of artists wanting to share their work with the public. Don’t be surprised to find musicians, caricature artists, and street performers frequenting this square. It is also walking distance from Canal Street, one of the major shopping destinations in the city. In addition, Jackson Square is home to a scenic boardwalk overlooking the Mississippi River, so be sure to enjoy this riverfront promenade while soaking up the Louisiana sun! For some New Orleans nighttime adventures, the place to be is definitely Bourbon Street. This nightlife hub is known for its drinking establishments, so many tourists and eclectic characters frequent its bars and pubs. Some notable bars- and bars with unique histories for that matter- are Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, The Napoleon House, and Johnny White’s. While visiting these hotspots, be sure to soak up the history, for these are some of the oldest venues in the oldest buildings around town.
The gay center of New Orleans is also in the French Quarter. The Bourbon Pub and Oz are the largest gay clubs in the city- and Café Lafitte in Exile is the oldest continuously running gay bar in the country. These hotspots are among the many gay establishments that sponsor the notorious Southern Decadence Festival that happens every year in New Orleans over Labor Day Weekend; this event has come to be known as “Gay Mardi Gras”, and for good reason. Southern Decadence is one of the LGBT highlights of the summer season- and not just because New Orleans is one of the few U.S. destinations where alcohol can be consumed in open containers on the streets! On the flip side, THE event of the winter months, and perhaps of the entire year for residents and visitors of New Orleans, is Mardi Gras. This notorious Carnival festivity falls each year as a buildup to Lent. Mardi Gras has much secular and cultural meaning beyond its religious connotations, however- in New Orleans it is celebrated with a vengeance on the day lovingly known as Fat Tuesday and beyond. People take to the streets with food, drink, costumes, and good spirits. You might even get some colorful beads to wear around your neck, or be witness to some raucous chest-flashings! Needless to say, experiencing Mardi Gras in New Orleans should be on everybody’s bucket list. New Orleans has definitely adopted Mardi Gras as its signature celebration, and a Mardi Gras season wouldn’t be complete without its homage being paid by this super-city of the South.
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