Welcome to New Orleans, also known as, “Nawlins,” “Big Easy,”  “the City that Care Forgot,” and “the Crescent City.” Founded in 1723, New Orleans is one of the nation’s greatest ports. The city preserves the flavor of the Old South with a distinctly French accent. It is famed for its filigree wrought iron balconied Vieux Carre (French Quarter) and festive Mardi Gras celebrations. Considered the birthplace of jazz, it is also home to some of the best restaurants in the world.

Below are some cultural attractions that you can experience while in New Orleans.

Essence Music Festival

The Essence Music Festival began in 1995 as a celebration of the 25th birthday of Essence Magazine, during the July 4th weekend in New Orleans. The three days of cultural activities and three nights of performances, has grown in stature and attendance every year and is an annual destination.  Many consider it the largest African-American music and empowerment event in the country.

For more details visit: http://www.essencemusicfestival.com/index.html

New Orleans African American Museum

Located in Treme, the oldest surviving black community in the United States, the New Orleans African American Museum is dedicated to protecting, preserving, and promoting through education the history, art, and communities of African Americans in New Orleans and the African diaspora. Exhibits change regularly, so call ahead to find out what is on display.

Website:  www.noaam.org

Audubon Nature Institute

Audubon Nature Institute is a family of ten museums and parks dedicated to nature. We serve our visitors, our community and our world as an educational resource, an environmental guardian, a leader in economic development and a venue for family entertainment. The success of the Audubon family lies within the individual strengths of its facilities. Working together, they are helping to create a bright future for generations to come.

For more details visit: http://www.auduboninstitute.org/

Preservation Hall

Preservation Hall is located in the French Quarter, just three blocks from the Mississippi River. The Hall has served many functions over the years. The inside of the hall contains portraits of the musicians who first filled it with the beautiful sounds of New Orleans Jazz.  Preservation Hall opened its doors in 1961. The hall was created as a sanctuary, to protect and honor New Orleans Jazz.

Website:    www.preservationhall.com/hall/index.aspx

The Louisiana State Museum Jazz Collection

The New Orleans Jazz Club was founded in 1948 on Mardi Gras by a group of local jazz enthusiasts and musicians, and has been going strong to this day. Almost immediately after it was founded the members began dreaming of opening a Jazz Museum, as many of them were collectors of jazz memorabilia and felt these should be made available to the public.

Website:   http://lsm.crt.state.la.us/collections/jazz.htm

New Orleans Wine & Food Experience

In 1991, a group of local wine and food professionals had a vision of creating a series of events to raise money for charity.  The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience was born, and has now grown into one of the most prestigious festivals of its kind. The five-day bacchanalia brings together world-renowned winemakers, celebrated chefs and industry insiders for a showcase of signature events designed to entertain, educate and inspire!

For more details visit: http://www.nowfe.com/

St. Charles Avenue, Canal Street and Riverfront Street Car Lines

The legendary St. Charles Avenue Street Car line begins its journey downtown on St. Charles Avenue then proceeds uptown where an amazing architectural tour unfolds before your eyes. The Canal Street and Riverfront lines provide access from the foot of Canal Street to City Park Avenue and along the mighty Mississippi River.

Website: http://www.neworleansonline.com

Café Du Monde

The Original Café Du Monde Coffee Stand was established in 1862 in the New Orleans French Market. The Café is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It closes only on Christmas Day and on the day an occasional Hurricane passes too close to New Orleans. The coffee is served Black or Au Lait. Au Lait means that it is mixed half and half with hot milk. Beignets are square French -style doughnuts, lavishly covered with powdered sugar.

Website:    www.cafedumonde.com

Riverwalk Marketplace

Riverwalk Marketplace is the premier retail attraction in New Orleans and is home to the city’s unique sights, tastes and sounds. With the best selection of nationally-known and locally-loved shops like Brookstone, Clarks, Gap, Crescent City Cooks! Cooking school and the Southern Food & Beverage Museum, the choice is always yours at Riverwalk. As you shop Riverwalk, see the Mighty Mississippi, savor the sweet taste of beignets and tap your feet to the local jazz beat.

For more details visit: http://www.riverwalkmarketplace.com