New Orleans, Louisiana
The historic French Quarter, the elegant Garden District, lively music, and sights of Bourbon and Frenchmen Street--the thoroughfares of New Orleans are absolutely brimming with charm. The City that Care Forgot is full of incredible musicians, eateries, historical attractions, and more.
From Jazz and Blues to Country and even Rock'n'Roll, you'll be tempted inside any number of restaurants, lounges, and clubs. Cozy up to the bar and enjoy a beverage with dinner. Creole, Cajun, and other Southern culinary favorites are a specialty in this town. Tuck in for a po' boy sandwich, a steaming dish of gumbo, étouffée, or jambalaya. Finer fare options include swordfish steaks, lobster, scallops, or blackened barracuda. For dessert, grab some fresh beignets to go at the famed Café du Monde.
Learn about New Orleans' unique history when you sign up for a variety of historic tours. Walk the peaceful aboveground cemeteries to view ornate tombs and gravestones, some dating back to the late 1700s. If architecture strikes your fancy, Southern Louisiana is well-known for its historical homes. Down on the riverfront, you can indulge your romantic side with lunch and scenic city views from the water aboard a real 19th-century paddlewheel steamboat tour.
Families will enjoy The Audubon Zoo and Aquarium of the Americas with exhibits including an exotic mix of animals from around the globe, engaging educational programs, hands-on animal encounters, and lush gardens. Get up close and personal with Amur leopards, tigers, orangutans, and alligators. Touch a sting ray, feed a parakeet, and marvel at gigantic sharks and rays in the 400,000-gallon Gulf of Mexico Exhibit. Souvenirs are a must when you visit six-mile-long Magazine Street. Here, the centuries-old cottages trimmed in Victorian millwork offer collections of local and regional art, crafts, specialized clothing, decor, and the best boutiques to be found anywhere in the city. Shop 'til you drop at Riverwalk Mall, hosting over 220 stores. Upscale shopping can be found at Canal Place, home of Saks Fifth Avenue, Brooks Brothers, Gucci, and more.