By Carolien Egan


Gumbo, Jambalaya, Po-Boys, Muffulettas, Shrimp and oh those spices are a few of the culinary draws to New Orleans.  My husband and I thought it would be a great destination to go to for a long weekend getaway.  Just a 2 1/2-hour flight from Denver it was a prefect choice.  It was great to be back in the air supporting America after the September 11th tragedy and we did feel comfortable flying.
We were expecting New Orleans to be quiet, not many tourist.  Boy, were we surprised, tourism is the number one industry in the New Orleans area and that's anytime of the year. 

We stayed at the Radisson Hotel on Canal Street. This was an Ideal location to visit many sites within walking distance or by the trolley car system.

There is an abundance of shopping along the Riverwalk area on the bank of the Mississippi River.  Here you can find the Riverwalk shopping mall, Aquarium, Imax, and a variety of restaurants.  If gambling is what you want to do. Harrah's has a beautiful casino right at the end of the rivewalk.

We enjoyed some great seafood in the French Quarter. No matter how full we were, we were determine to clean our plates.  New Orleans has so many restaurants with prices for all tastes. The roots of of Creole and Cajun cooking is what is makes New Orleans- NEW ORLEANS.   Creole cuisine originated in the kitchens when the slaves cooked for the aristocrat French inhabitants. Thus this is how the Creole people were named. Cajun on the other hand was derived from the country folk.  In time they have been mixed and the taste of it all is not like any other cooking you'll find in the good old US.

We op-ed to go on two Greyhound bus tours. Our first was a trip back into the swamplands with a local Cajun guide. Just a 20-minute bus ride and you are in the swamps lands. We boarded a boat for an overview. Our guide had lived in the area all his life along with generations before him.  He explained to us the history of his people coming from Canada, and how they lived in the swamplands, we enjoyed hearing about this unique culture within the United States. The ecology and nature of the area was just as interesting, we even saw a few alligators coming toward our boat.
 
That afternoon we went on a tour of Oak Alley, which is a restored sugar cane plantation dating back to 1839.  In the early 1700 a French settler planted 28 oak trees, which still stand.  It is quite inspiring to see such impressive canopy of large oak trees.  The home does have a long history of different owners, some made the plantation work and other did not have such luck.  A first time visit of the south must include a tour of a plantation.

No trip to New Orleans would be complete without touring the French Quarters. Taking in the sites and sounds of the French Quarter is exhilarating. Jazz Clubs,
Bourbon Street Bars, charming hotels, and great restaurants will make your head spin.  We felt very comfortable walking around this historic district located along the river. Souvenir shops (had to bring the kids something), Daiquiri Bars,
Street performers, yes, there is always something to do or see.  You can not be in the French Quarter without a break at Café du Monde for a coffee au late and beignet.  You feel like your in a french café, relaxing and enjoying the people watching.  Another great find in this part of town was the local Farmers Market.  We found some unique arts and crafts and local cooking products at great prices.

Our last full day we took the trolley car to the Garden District. A beautiful neighborhood with the American influence of georgious mansions. We enjoyed walking around and seeing these stunning houses and the architecture.  We found ourselves wondering "What is behind those impressive gates and who lives there".  We did see the above ground cemeteries which is what has inspired the New Orleans writer Ann Rice.  If you are one of her fans you will defiantly enjoy seeing some of the sights she writes about in her books, I know my husband did.  You can just image vampires, ghosts, and voodoo magic..

We found our weekend getaway to New Orleans to be a great destinations for adults.  We enjoyed to historic romance of the city.  Great meals out with no kids,
is always a treat. New Orleans has so much to offer food, history and charm. It should be added to your "must list" on places to visit.  When you ve been living in the western United States for such a long time, it's sure nice to know that so much diversity can be just a few hours away.  Call Carolien or one of our other specialist at James TravelPOINTS to book a great weekend to New Orleans or the place of your choice, 303 442-2340.