As we all know, the French Quarter is probably the biggest attraction in New Orleans. There is always something to do, which means busy crowding. That's what comes with popularity. However, the crowd is not for everyone, and that is okay. There is plenty to do outside of the French Quarter for those people visiting who want to get away from it and try something else.
The city of New Orleans has so much to offer. To start, there are over 45 different museums to check out. To name a few, there is the National World War II museum, with thousands of artifacts, including Allied and Axis uniforms, weaponry, machinery, etc. There are special exhibits that get set up. Currently running until October 2014 is
From Barbed Wires to Battlefields: Japanese American Experiences in WWII. Other popular museums include Louisiana's Children's Museum, Louisiana's Civil War Museum, and Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World. Mardi Gras World is a great experience, with a complete history of Mardi Gras and exhibits consisting of old floats from parades past. This is something that everyone should check out at least once!
Not only does New Orleans have a ton of museums, but it also has an amazing nature institute. The Audubon Nature Institute has many fun features that are great for the whole family. There is the zoo, with different primates and animals from the African Savanna. There is the Butterfly Garden and Insectarium. And there is also the Audubon Aquarium. There are exhibits from all over the world, and because they are the coordinators of the Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue program, you can learn a lot about the sea turtles they rescue and prepare to send back to the wild!
Along with Audubon Nature Institute, New Orleans is home to another park that is very popular for all ages. City Park is a very unique experience, as it is over 1,300 acres and is one of the oldest urban parks in the country, having been in operation since 1854. There are many fun activities to partake in, which means this outing could easily turn into an all-day adventure. There is the beautiful Botanical Garden, with over 2,000 plants from around the world. Then there is the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. This is a really cool attraction because it has rides for everyone and it houses a 100-year-old wooden carousel. Who doesn't love carousels? Some other fun attractions you can find there are Stroyland, the New Orleans Museum of Art and Sculpture Garden, the Train Garden, and City Putt.
New Orleans is not just a city of modern attractions. There is a lot of history that goes along with it. That's why there are so many tours that happen on a daily basis. You can book swamp and plantation tours that will pick you up right from your hotel front door. There are city tours that take you to see areas such as the Garden District, with beautiful antebellum mansions and pristine gardens, or you can see the 9th Ward where reconstruction from Hurricane Katrina is still being done. There are also many different walking tours that you can go on to learn the history of the city, whether they go through the different districts or they're one of the famous haunted tours that so many people love to do. I know I can't wait to try one! It's a fun and informational way to learn about America's beloved city.
Probably the best way to get around New Orleans is to take a ride on the oldest running streetcar line in the world. And remember, here they are not trolleys! The St. Charles Line has been running for over 150 years. These cars will take you uptown where you can explore the different shopping areas and restaurants (Magazine Street has some amazing antique shops and boutiques!), you can see more of the amazing mansions, and you can even see Loyola and Tulane universities. There are also two other main lines throughout the city, the Canal Street Line which goes to City Park, and the Riverfront Line which, you guessed it, runs along the river. It really is a fantastic way to explore. And it's only $1.25 a person, so you won't find yourself breaking your bank to get around!
New Orleans is a very special place to be. That's why so many people come to visit and come back to stay. There is always something to do, whether it's going to the French Quarter or avoiding it all together. Nobody can ever come here and say they were bored! Make sure you get a chance to come down and experience what true Southern Hospitality is all about!
