Tag: new orleans

Exploring New Orleans Through Its Museums

New Orleans is celebrated for its music, cuisine, and festivals, but the city also features an impressive collection of museums that capture the depth of its history and culture. From immersive wartime exhibits to intimate cultural spaces tucked inside the French Quarter, each institution provides visitors with a distinct lens into the Crescent City. Whether exploring the vibrant streets of the New Orleans tourism district or wandering through the storied French Quarter, travelers discover that the city’s museums reveal layers of heritage shaped by resilience, artistry, and innovation. The following destinations, curated in this article from Adventures Passport,  stand out as meaningful stops for anyone eager to better understand Louisiana culture.

The National WWII Museum ranks among the most elaborate and emotionally powerful museum experiences in the country. Although its subject matter extends beyond local culture, it remains deeply connected to the city’s legacy. Historian Stephen Ambrose, a key advocate for the museum’s creation, has strong ties to New Orleans. Additionally, Higgins Industries, headquartered in the city, produces more than 20,000 landing craft used during World War II. General Dwight D. Eisenhower later credits those vessels with playing a decisive role in Allied victory. The museum functions as far more than a collection of artifacts; it operates as a fully immersive experience complete with multimedia presentations, personal narratives, and expansive galleries. Visitors often find that even a full day is barely enough to explore its exhibits in their entirety.

Located inside a historic Creole townhouse in the heart of the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, this landmark offers a fascinating glimpse into early American medicine. The building once served as the residence and apothecary of Louis J. Dufilho Jr., the first licensed pharmacist in the United States. Operating until 1855, the apothecary leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. Today, more than 18,000 pharmaceutical and medical artifacts fill the rooms, ranging from antique surgical instruments to early medicinal bottles. Situated just steps from Bourbon Street, the museum balances the lively atmosphere outside with a quiet, contemplative interior that transports visitors back to the early 1800s.

Few experiences feel more distinctly New Orleans than stepping inside Mardi Gras World. Dedicated to the artistry behind the city’s legendary carnival season, the museum introduces visitors to the craftsmanship of parade float design. Operated by Kern Studios, the facility showcases towering float figures, vibrant props, and works in progress destined for parades like Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Guests receive beads upon entry and often sample traditional king cake while touring the warehouse-style studio. Guided tours, typically lasting about an hour, highlight the engineering and artistry required to bring each float to life.

The 1850 House Museum, part of the Louisiana State Museum system, offers a window into antebellum domestic life. Located in Jackson Square, the fully furnished row house illustrates how upper-middle-class families live in the mid-19th century. Carefully curated interiors feature period furniture, decorative arts, and architectural details reflective of the era. The museum’s registration on the National Register of Historic Places underscores its historical significance. Visitors interested in architecture, interior design, or social history find the experience both educational and immersive.

Housed within the historic New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint, this institution celebrates the city’s identity as the birthplace of jazz. The building itself once operated as part of the United States Mint from 1838 to 1909. Exhibits trace the evolution of jazz through instruments, photographs, recordings, and tributes to icons such as Louis Armstrong. Rotating art displays and live performances further enrich the experience. The museum illustrates how jazz shapes—and is shaped by—the cultural rhythms of New Orleans.

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New Orleans Recognized as Second-Best U.S. City to Visit in 2025

New Orleans, Louisiana, has once again earned national recognition, this time by securing the number two spot on Travel + Leisure’s 2025 list of the best travel destinations in the United States, as per this article from The Shreveport Times. Each year, the magazine’s World’s Best Awards survey gathers input from readers around the globe, inviting them to rank their favorite destinations based on a range of criteria. For this particular category, readers evaluated cities according to walkability, cultural richness, historic significance, and the overall quality of the culinary experience.

Topping the list this year was Santa Fe, New Mexico, with New Orleans trailing close behind in second place. Readers overwhelmingly praised the Crescent City for its legendary food culture, which remains deeply rooted in its diverse heritage. According to the survey results, what truly set New Orleans apart was its vibrant and distinctive culinary scene, where bold flavors and multicultural traditions converge in unforgettable dishes.

As Travel + Leisure highlighted, the essence of New Orleans cuisine lies in the harmonious blend of Cajun and Creole influences. Creole cooking draws from French, Spanish, West African, and Native American traditions, resulting in iconic dishes like gumbo, shrimp Creole, and red beans and rice. Meanwhile, Cajun cuisine, which originated with the French-Canadian Acadians who settled in Louisiana’s rural bayous, brought forth flavorful offerings such as crawfish étouffée, jambalaya, and classic seafood boils. These culinary traditions remain central to the city’s identity and offer travelers an edible window into Louisiana’s layered history.

Yet food is only one part of what makes New Orleans so magnetic. The city’s deep sense of history is evident at every turn, from its cobblestone alleys and wrought iron balconies to its lovingly preserved architecture. Historic landmarks are woven seamlessly into everyday life, offering visitors countless opportunities to engage with the past. A walk through the French Quarter immerses guests in a timeless atmosphere, punctuated by jazz music drifting through the air and the sight of centuries-old buildings surrounding Jackson Square, a National Historic Landmark.

From there, tourists often find themselves exploring nearby icons such as St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States, or venturing out to the Garden District, known for its majestic oak trees and antebellum mansions. Other stops that allow for deeper historical engagement include Chalmette National Historical Park, which preserves the site of the Battle of New Orleans, and storied structures like Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, Napoleon House, and the LaLaurie Mansion, each offering a window into the city’s multifaceted past.

Beyond architecture and cuisine, New Orleans excels in cultivating an immersive cultural experience. Museums, galleries, and performance venues reflect the city’s ongoing commitment to the arts. Yet even outside of formal institutions, culture pulses through the streets—whether through second line parades, street performers, or neighborhood block parties. The city’s rhythm is both literal and metaphorical, inviting travelers not only to observe but to participate.

In recognizing New Orleans as one of the top travel destinations for 2025, Travel + Leisure placed it in the company of other celebrated cities such as Charleston, Savannah, Honolulu, and New York City. Still, what distinguishes New Orleans is the way it blends heritage and hospitality, wrapping history, food, music, and storytelling into every visitor’s experience.

To better appreciate the feedback from readers who voted in the Travel + Leisure survey, it’s worth clarifying the distinction between Cajun and Creole food. While both are unique to Louisiana and often overlap in flavor and ingredients, they reflect different cultural lineages. Creole cuisine is urban, often associated with New Orleans, and traditionally uses tomatoes, rich sauces, and a wider variety of ingredients. In contrast, Cajun cuisine is more rural, typically relying on hearty ingredients, robust seasoning, and slow-cooked methods. Together, they define the state’s culinary legacy and help explain why food played such a decisive role in the city’s ranking.

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Breeze Expands in New Orleans with Routes to Top South Carolina Cities

Travelers departing from New Orleans now have convenient access to two standout destinations on the South Carolina coast: Charleston and Myrtle Beach. As per this article from The Advocate, these cities, which are celebrated for their distinct cultural offerings, historical landmarks, and scenic landscapes, are now within easier reach thanks to nonstop flights offered by Breeze Airways.

Breeze Airways, a low-cost carrier that began operations in 2021, has expanded its New Orleans offerings. Starting September 4, the airline introduced new direct service to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with flights available on Thursdays and Sundays. One-way tickets start at $59. Additionally, Breeze resumed nonstop flights to Savannah, Georgia, beginning September 5, available on Mondays and Fridays, with fares starting at $49.

Kevin Dolliole, Director of Aviation at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, noted that these new routes enhance travel accessibility for the region’s residents while demonstrating the airline’s dedication to serving the local market. He emphasized that Breeze’s growth at the airport signals confidence in New Orleans as a travel hub.

Echoing that sentiment, Breeze Airways founder and CEO David Neeleman acknowledged the importance of New Orleans in the company’s expanding network. He expressed optimism about the airline’s continued growth in the city, pointing to the addition of Myrtle Beach and the return of Savannah as key steps forward.

Breeze Airways now operates more than 275 year-round and seasonal routes across 72 cities in 32 states, using a fleet of Airbus A220-300 aircraft. These aircraft are designed for comfort and efficiency, helping make shorter trips like those from New Orleans to Charleston or Myrtle Beach even more seamless.

One of the highlights of the current Breeze lineup is Charleston, South Carolina—a destination that shares architectural and cultural similarities with New Orleans. With its cobblestone streets, antebellum mansions, and marshland scenery, Charleston has long served as a picturesque backdrop for films such as The Notebook. Visitors often compare its charm to the historic French Quarter in New Orleans.

The city’s vibrant culture is reflected in its culinary offerings. Signature dishes such as she-crab soup, fresh oysters, and Hoppin’ John—a combination of rice, black-eyed peas, pork, and cornbread—highlight the region’s Gullah Geechee heritage. Local lore suggests that enjoying Hoppin’ John on New Year’s Day brings good fortune for the year ahead.

Charleston’s fine dining scene includes restaurants like Fig, which has produced two James Beard Awardwinners. Other standout spots include Frannie and the Fox, which specializes in inventive Italian cuisine, andPeninsula Grill, renowned for its coconut cake.

For panoramic South Carolina views, visitors can relax at Joe Riley Waterfront Park, home to the iconic Pineapple Fountain, or walk the Ravenel Bridge to neighboring Mount Pleasant for more coastal vistas. Shopping enthusiasts often gravitate to King Street, where high-end stores and local boutiques line a street often traveled by horse-drawn carriages.

Charleston, South Carolina also serves as a gateway to golfing destinations like Hilton Head and Kiawah Island. Breeze operates nonstop flights to Charleston from New Orleans on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Myrtle Beach, located just up the coast, offers a different but equally vibrant experience. With a shoreline known as the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach features 60 miles of beaches and countless activities—from water parks and aquariums to amusement parks and golf courses.

One of the city’s most notable attractions is the SkyWheel, a 187-foot Ferris wheel offering sweeping views of the coastline. For a tranquil and artistic excursion, Brookgreen Gardens blends sculpture and nature across 9,000 acres. More secluded stretches of sand can be found at North Myrtle Beach’s Windy Hill Beach, where scenic views meet cozy restaurants and boutique shops nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway.

As Breeze Airways continues to expand its footprint in Louisiana, residents and visitors alike can enjoy increased options for exploring the southeastern coast.

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Increased Tourism and Safety Make Mardi Gras 2025 One to Remember

Mardi Gras 2025 proved to be one of the most successful in recent years, despite facing an unexpected challenge in the form of severe weather that cut festivities short by a few hours, as per this article from Nola.com. According to local hoteliers, restaurant owners, and hospitality leaders, the city experienced a significant surge in visitors compared to the previous year’s celebration.

Hotel occupancy rates downtown and in the French Quarter reflected this increase, with nearly 87% of the 26,000 available hotel rooms filled from February 28 through Fat Tuesday, as reported by New Orleans & Co. The weekend’s peak occurred on Saturday night, when occupancy reached an impressive 95%. These figures did not even account for the city’s approximately 6,000 short-term rental units, which, if included, would likely push the overall occupancy rate even higher.

By comparison, Mardi Gras 2024 saw a lower turnout, with an average hotel occupancy rate of 81% over five nights, never reaching the 90% threshold. The growth in numbers was encouraging for the city’s tourism industry, particularly considering the rise of short-term rental properties in recent years. Walt Leger III, President and CEO of New Orleans & Co., confirmed that the high occupancy rates indicated a strong Mardi Gras season and a positive trajectory for the hospitality sector.

However, while the numbers were encouraging, they had not yet reached the levels seen in the years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to 2020, hotel occupancy rates for Mardi Gras regularly exceeded 95% across the city. Although the tourism industry has not fully rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, steady improvements in hotel and restaurant business suggest that recovery is ongoing.

Beyond tourism and business figures, the success of Mardi Gras 2025 was particularly meaningful given the public safety concerns that loomed over the event. Earlier in the year, on January 1, a ramming attack on Bourbon Street had raised concerns about safety in the French Quarter. In response, city, state, and federal officials took significant steps to bolster security ahead of Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl on February 8. Enhanced security measures included additional bollards and barricades along the streets and sidewalks, an increased law enforcement presence, and the deployment of new crime-fighting technology. These efforts were designed not only to improve actual safety but also to give visitors and locals a greater sense of security.

Several French Quarter and boutique hotels significantly outperformed the market average in occupancy. The six hotels owned by the Valentino family in the French Quarter reported a 95% occupancy rate, marking a notable increase from 2024. Hotel St. Vincent, located in the Lower Garden District, maintained full occupancy throughout Mardi Gras, as it had in 2024. Owner Zach Kupperman also noted that the hotel achieved a 14% increase in room rates compared to the previous year, further highlighting a strong financial performance.

The boost in tourism was not limited to visitors within driving distance. Many hotel owners, including Kupperman, observed that the majority of guests were out-of-town tourists who had flown in for the festivities, rather than regional visitors arriving by car.

Restaurants also enjoyed a profitable Mardi Gras season, with local enthusiasm playing a significant role. One of the biggest days for dining establishments was “Friday Gras,” the Friday before Mardi Gras, which is traditionally marked by celebratory brunches and lunches. This day has become the single busiest lunch service of the year for many French Quarter restaurants.

Ultimately, Mardi Gras 2025 delivered on all fronts. Visitor numbers climbed, businesses prospered, and security measures ensured a smooth and safe celebration. While there is still room for growth, particularly in reaching pre-pandemic tourism levels, the success of this year’s Carnivale was a promising sign for the continued revitalization of New Orleans’ hospitality industry.

 

 

Sail Away from New Orleans: A Rising Trend in Cruise Travel

In 2023, an increasing number of travelers opted to commence their cruise adventures from the vibrant port city of New Orleans, marking a notable resurgence in the cruise travel industry post-pandemic. As per this article from The Daily Advertiser, statistics revealed that the Port of New Orleans experienced a significant uptick in cruise passenger traffic, almost reverting to pre-pandemic levels, signifying a promising rebound for the sector.

Closing the curtains on 2023, the Port of New Orleans boasted nearly 1.2 million cruise travel passenger movements, a reassuring indicator of the industry’s recovery trajectory. Port NOLA also underscored the reaffirmation of commitments from both oceangoing and river cruise lines, highlighting the enduring appeal of New Orleans as a cruise hub.

Standing tall as the sixth-largest cruise port across the United States, New Orleans continues to attract cruisers seeking diverse itineraries spanning the Caribbean and the Mississippi River. From the sun-kissed shores of Montego Bay, Jamaica, to the cultural richness of Cozumel, Mexico, and the quaint charm of Key West, Florida, cruise enthusiasts find themselves spoiled for choice with a myriad of destinations.

A staggering ninety percent of cruise guests hailed from out-of-state, with a substantial portion—73%—opting to extend their stay in New Orleans for one or two days either before or after their cruise escapades. This influx of visitors translates into over 300,000 hotel room nights booked in New Orleans annually, injecting over $125 million into the local economy—a boon for businesses and tourism alike.

Reflecting on the city’s allure as a pre- and post-cruise destination, Walter J. Leger III, President and CEO of New Orleans and Co., expressed gratitude towards the collaborative efforts driving the city’s tourism industry forward. Leger emphasized the pivotal role played by the Port of New Orleans and the relentless dedication of the New Orleans and Co. team in ensuring the city’s prominence in the competitive travel landscape.

Leger remarked, “New Orleans is one of the most popular pre- and post-cruise destinations in the country, which is a tribute to our excellent partners at the Port of New Orleans as well as the work of our team at New Orleans and Co. Travel drives our economy, but visitors don’t just show up. In a highly competitive marketplace, travelers have choices, and we have to earn their business through aggressive sales and promotion.”

As the cruise industry charts a course towards recovery, New Orleans emerges as a beacon of resilience and revival, beckoning travelers with its captivating blend of history, culture, and hospitality. With each passing year, the city solidifies its status as a premier embarkation point for unforgettable cruise experiences.

Delving into the annals of history, the tradition of passenger cruises out of New Orleans stretches back over a century, intertwining the city’s narrative with the romance of seafaring adventures. The Port of New Orleans has long served as a gateway to the world for travelers, its storied docks witnessing the comings and goings of countless ships.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, steamships laden with passengers embarked from New Orleans, bound for exotic destinations across the globe. These vessels, adorned with opulent décor and offering luxurious amenities, symbolized the epitome of elegance and indulgence. However, it was in the latter half of the 20th century that New Orleans truly emerged as a prominent cruise port. With the advent of modern cruise liners, the city’s port facilities underwent expansions and upgrades to accommodate the burgeoning demand for leisure travel by sea.

Today, as New Orleans continues to evolve as a dynamic cultural hub, its maritime heritage remains an integral part of its identity, underscoring the enduring allure of setting sail from the Crescent City.

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Delicious New Orleans BBQ Shrimp Recipe

Get ready to explore the vibrant flavors of a beloved Southern classic dish with this recipe for NOLA BBQ Shrimp from Louisiana Cookin. This iconic dish encapsulates the essence of Southern cuisine with its bold spices, succulent seafood, and rich, flavorful sauce. Join us as we uncover the secrets to creating a dish that’s sure to delight your senses and transport you to the heart of New Orleans.

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. In a Dutch oven, melt 1 cup of butter with olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the butter begins to foam, add the white parts of the green onions, minced garlic, and shallot. Sauté until softened, stirring occasionally.
  2. Incorporate the rosemary, basil, parsley, oregano, and thyme into the mixture. Cook, stirring frequently, until the herbs are softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Pour in the lager, Worcestershire sauce, juice of 1 lemon, and hot sauce to your desired level of heat.
  3. Increase the heat to high and allow the liquid to reduce by half, typically taking around 10 to 15 minutes. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, pepper, and additional lemon juice if needed.
  4. Add the colossal fresh shrimp, lemon slices, and Creole or Cajun seasoning to the pot. Gently stir to coat the shrimp evenly with the flavorful sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 6 minutes.
  5. After 6 minutes, stir the shrimp and continue cooking until the shrimp tails curl, ensuring not to overcook them. This usually takes another 6 minutes. Turn off the heat and gently fold in the green parts of the green onion and the juice of the remaining lemon.
  6. Serve the succulent BBQ shrimp on a platter, drizzled with its cooking liquid. Use the remaining ½ cup of butter to generously spread on toasted French bread, perfect for soaking up every last bit of the flavorful sauce.

There you have it – a tantalizing journey through the flavors of New Orleans with this NOLA BBQ Shrimp recipe. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a taste of the South, this dish is sure to impress. With its bold spices, succulent shrimp, and rich sauce, it’s a true celebration of Louisiana’s culinary heritage. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to experience a taste sensation like no other. Enjoy!

This recipe is a testament to the richness and diversity of Southern cuisine. From the bustling streets of New Orleansto the comfort of your own kitchen, it’s a dish that brings people together and leaves a lasting impression. So, the next time you’re craving a culinary adventure, why not give our NOLA BBQ Shrimp recipe a try? Your taste buds will thank you!

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