2.
Just how many nicknames does one place need? In New Orleans' case, the answer is obviously many. Some know her as the "Crescent City," an allusion to the route the Mighty Mississippi takes through the city on its way to the Gulf. To many, she's the always laid-back and casual "Big Easy. Others, meanwhile, honor her legendary joie de vivre by calling her "The City that Care Forgot." And it doesn't stop there! Depending on what brochure you read, New Orleans is also known as the The Paris of the Americas, America's International City, The Gateway to the Americas and "The Queen of the Mississippi."
3.
Love Potion #9? If it exists, you can find it in New Orleans. Historically known for its voodoo practices, the city is still home to adherents of the religion. A good place to embark on a voodoo tour is at the Voodoo Spiritual Temple, where spiritual healing rituals, based on Afro-centric American voodoo, are practiced by a priestess.
4.
And all that jazz! In New Orleans, around the turn of the century, country blues met stylistic European sounds, and jazz was born of the two. A focal point in the genre, Congo Square, is where slaves would gather on Sundays to sing together. Today, the square is dedicated to New Orleans native and jazz legend, Louis Armstrong.
5.
Lagniappe? French for "a little something extra", a lagniappe is typically an unexpected treat. Sometimes it may come in the form of a small gift, like a tiny bottle of Tabasco, Louisiana's signature hot sauce, or it may come as a monetary discount. Whatever the form of the "extra," it's a tangible example of New Orleans' hospitality and warmth!
6.
It's often difficult to believe that Mardi Gras has religious roots. The almost-anything-goes event takes place each year during the two weeks prior to Ash Wednesday always 47 days before Easter. The marathon celebration is filled with drinking, parades, music, beads, and costumes, and anyone who's been there can "ga-ron-tee" it's not anything you'll quickly forget! "Throw me something, Mister!"
7.
Brennan's Restaurant is practically synonymous with New Orleans. Its most fabulous, well-known dessert was created by a chef who was bet he couldn't create an elegant dish from fruit. His culinary retort was Bananas Foster, a sweet tooth's dream come true! Brennan's is also famous for breakfast, and even eggs are served 20 different ways. However, you gotta pay to play. Brennan's isn't cheap, but since Big Easy comes and Big Easy goes, indulge yourself and SPLURGE!
8.
When it comes to nightlife, Bourbon Street is where it's at! Closed to traffic after 7pm, the celebrated street opens to pedestrians looking for a little adult entertainment "adult" being the key word. Bars and strip clubs line the sidewalks, so leave the little ones at home when you come to play!
9.
With New Orleans' irresistible allure and enticing history, it's guaranteed that her sons and daughters carry their own brand of mystique. Among the famous folks who've been born or lived there are novelist Anne Rice, musician Harry Connick, Jr., R&B artist Fats Domino, singer Aaron Neville, saxophonist Branford Marsalis, chef Emeril Lagasse, and comedian Ellen DeGeneres. And that's just a start!
10.
Tennessee Williams wrote his Pulitzer Prize-winning play, "A Streetcar Named Desire," in his French Quarter apartment. Helping to inspire the work was the clanging of the Desire Street streetcar, which he could hear through his open window. Today, he would undoubtedly be thrilled to know that the efficient streetcars are regaining popularity and making a comeback in New Orleans.
