Earlier, I’ve told you of my first trip abroad – to New Orleans. As an eleven-year-old, I thought it was an exciting and exotic city; the colours, the smells, the people, the jazz, the streets, the shops, the horse-drawn carriages…
I’ve always had a strange yearning to see the city again – through grown-up eyes, yet despite living in the USA for five years in my teens and early twenties, I never returned to New Orleans.
Well, it was about time. Besides, my youngest daughter Cat is now 11. Of course, an eleven-year-old in 2013 is much worldlier than I was more than 30 years ago. But still: what would her impression be?
So… we’ve just returned from New Orleans for a look at its more family-friendly sides. This vibrant city offers much more than parties and beads, y’know. (Although you can’t really escape beads). There are heaps of things to see and do here – very quirky things.
Articles will be coming up on paddle steaming on the Mississippi, on the crazy and colourful world of Mardi Gras, on New Orleans eats, and more. Alex even headed out of town for a look at a few southern plantations, including a unique Creole one, and will tell you all about it. We’ll also delve into the darker side of this most unusual of North American cities, with ghosts, haunted houses and horrible histories from its sinister and sinful past.
For now, as an apéritif: here’s New Orleans by Instagram. And we’ll begin, of course, in the French Quarter.
Can’t be in New Orleans without trying beignets and cafe-au-lait at Cafe du Monde:
… and browse art for sale at Jackson Square:
New Orleans is a different city at night, intriguing, thrilling, spooky…
…as is the Andrew Jackson Hotel, where ghosts of children roam. Rumour has it; they mess with your camera, too. Who knows what the naughty boys might do with your Instagram account…
Cat thought this gorgeous falabella named Autumn was more interesting than the ghosts. Autumn hangs out at a bar called Lafitte’s Blacksmith shop, another haunted house.
Cafe Maspero was once a slave exchange:
… today locals queue for the enormous muffaletta-sandwiches and other Cajun fare:
Up the Mississippi a bit, is the Malus-Beauregard House, a small plantation on what was once the site of the last battle of the War of 1812:
View from the plantation: Chalmette battlefield
Can’t do New Orleans by Instagram and not mention Mardi Gras
We arrived in town a little late for Mardi Gras, but left-overs were all around, like beads in trees. In fact, heaps of beads, everywhere.
Preparations for next year’s event is in full swing at Mardi Gras World, one of 18 warehouses chock full of weird and wonderful accoutrements:
… and there’s always King cake:
Have you been in New Orleans?
Disclosure: In New Orleans, we were guests of New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau. As ever, we’re free to write about anything that takes our fancy.
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I’ve never been to New Orleans unfortunately. It looks like such a lively, vibrant city.
Mette – Italian Notes recently posted..Abruzzo national parks: Castles and pastures
Full of life, for sure.
I Wish I Was In New Orleans.
So here’s my cover of this song by Tom Waits: https://sites.google.com/site/tomwaitsiwishiwasinneworleans/
Nice song.
Love New Orleans – such a fantastic city. Love the photos, especially that first spooky picture – the shadow looks so cool.
Alouise recently posted..Road Trip Memories 20 – Crossing The Confederation Bridge
I quite like image, too.
Beautiful photos
Muza-chan recently posted..Unusual statue, Hotei Daibutsu from Konan City
Thanks, Muza-chan.
I adore NOLA! One of my best friends went to university there, so I would join her for Mardi Gras…have been outside of Mardi Gras as well and loved it just as much. John and I have been watching Treme and I’m dying to take him there…
Andrea recently posted..30 Things You Should Know Before Moving To Norway
I bet New Orleans would be a fun place to study.
It’s been on my list for year, not sure why I haven’t gone. But thanks for reminding me that I should go, Mardi Gras or not.
Can’t wait to hear about the rest of your adventures.
InsideJourneys recently posted..Jamaica’s Fascinating Fretwork
Hope you go soon
I’ve never been to New Orleans and would love to go one day. I’ll live vicariously through your photos and tales until then.
Jackie Smith recently posted..Searching for Catania Sicily’s “Pescheria”
New Orleans is a great city! I’ve never taken a paddle steamer on the Missippippi and am looking forward to reading about it. You’re right can’t miss Cafe du Monde but lets talk about how good that muffaleta looks!
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted..Art Around Town – Statues & Fountains
Definitely yummy – and different – food in New Orleans.
New Orleans is one area that has always fascinated me, but we have not been there yet. Loved your instagram captures.
budget jan recently posted..Marooned on the Mekong
Thanks.
So colorful! Mardi Gras in New Orleans is definitely on my travel bucket list. Maybe next year?!
- Maria Alexandra
Maria Alexandra @Latinabroad recently posted..Puerto Rico travel video and photos: my first hosting bid!
Mardi Gras would be such fun…
I was in New Orleans last September and the trees still had beads.
I wish I would have had more time to explore the area, two days simply was not enough time to fit it all in. I really regret not visiting a plantation home.
Tonya @ The Traveling Praters recently posted..The World’s Second Largest Gator Roadside Attraction in Kissimmee Florida
I think some of those trees have beads all year around
These are great Instagram pictures and really captured the city. I last visited New Orleans when I was in high school over 20 years ago and loved it. I’ve longed to return one of these days with the kids and seeing it as an adult . Great to hear it’s family-friendly too.
Mary {The World Is A Book} recently posted..5 Free Things to do in Rome with Kids
Yes, lots of interesting things to see and do with kids there.
Wow great instagramming. I want a muffaletta-sandwich …… now!!
Charli l Wanderlusters recently posted..Long Term Travel: Losing A Cagoule
Thanks
Nice tour, Sophie. I’ve never been, but one of these days
Nancie recently posted..Through the Sandbox Travel Lens #53 — An Enchanting Burmese Puppet
Very different city from the rest of the USA, I think.
I’ve been wanting to go to New Orleans for ages! Your pics remind me that I need to work this place in into my future travel plans.
jill recently posted..My Kind of Beach in Belitung, Indonesia
Glad to remind you
Love the composition of that first photo with the flag and the skyline. It drew me in instantly.
I quite like that shot too
We’re were there in New Orleans about a week ago (of course had to instagram everything =P)
We LOVED Cafe du Monde. We figured it was a food trip since the food in NOLA is amazing. We also really liked the parks, like Audobon and the City park. Very pretty. =)
nicole | the wondernuts recently posted..Not My Purse, Monsieur Pickpocket
Such great food in New Orleans, isn’t it… (sigh).