New Orleans
One of the most popular southern travel destinations in America is New Orleans, Louisiana. New Orleans is located along the Mississippi River, and it is the most populous city in Louisiana. New Orleans is popular for several reasons, such as the cuisine and a yearly festival called Mardi Gras.
For historical reasons, New Orleans is known for being the heart of the French Quarter because of its French and Spanish Creole architecture. New Orleans was founded in 1718 by French colonists, but was later traded to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803.
There are multiple popular tourist sights to visit while venturing New Orleans, even for younger people. People can explore the French Quarter, which has multiple shops and restaurants to try. New Orleans is known for voodoo, so there are a few voodoo shops in the French Quarter that are quite interesting to check out. The most interesting tourist sight would be the Saint Louis Cemetery, which is known for being large and crowded with above-ground caskets and tombs, that people can get toured through. The most famous voodoo practitioner Marie Laveau was actually placed in this cemetery when she died, so visitors can even look at her tomb, if they’re brave enough. Swamp and alligator farm tours are also a fun, outdoors activity to do while in New Orleans.
New Orleans has its own unique culture that people can enjoy while visiting as well. Jazz happens to be the most popular and well known music genre in New Orleans. If people are lucky, they can sometimes catch jazz bands playing music all around the French Quarter. The food is also a very important part of New Orlean’s culture. Seafood is the main thing eaten in New Orleans, especially crawfish. Beignets are also a very popular food in New Orleans; they can be found in many restaurants and cafes around the city.
One of the biggest and most popular events in New Orleans is Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is a traditional carnival themed parade that occurs every year, usually in the early spring. Mardi Gras is known for its bright, colorful parade floats and outfits that are worn by the people in the parades. With all the fantastic festivities and blasting jazz music, this parade is something that an entire family can enjoy together.
New Orleans is a great place to visit if you want to explore historical and cultural sights that you may not be too familiar with. There are so many new and different things in this southern city that you can find enjoyable. So try something new and go to New Orleans!