New Orleans
USA Deep South
Katrina and Levee – two words which everyone thinks destroyed the city of New Orleans. But make no mistake this city is very much back as a gay destination. You can still party in the gay bars and clubs of the French Quarter from dusk to dawn and back to dusk and several new venues have opened in the past few months. Testimony indeed to this city’s resilience and as our photos, taken just before Christmas 2007, show normality is normal.
This isn’t to deny that many of the destroyed neighbourhoods have yet to be rebuilt and it’s certainly worth taking a tour of these to witness the awesome power of wind and water, but the main tourist areas escaped relatively unscathed. Those that weren’t have used their insurance payouts well to spruce up their offering and all the hotels have some great deals to woo back the visitor.
Being on the delta of the Mississippi River, New Orleans was the southern gateway to the United States and it is the mix of cultures that makes it such a fascinating place to visit. Check out the Preservation Hall where the first jazz was performed and take in a nightly concert. Listen to R&B and every type of music since, performed live in the many clubs on Bourbon Street. Take the Natchez – the last paddle steamer to ply the Mississippi or tour of a Plantation House to see how cotton weaved its way into present day life.
Stroll the French Quarter and marvel at the wrought iron balconies and mix of architectural styles or take a cemetery tour to learn how the forefathers buried their dead in a city 10 feet below sea level. Shop till your drop along Riverside Walk or the many antique shops and art galleries of Royal Street – just remember to reclaim the sales tax as you leave at the airport.
Pick up a go-cup and take your beer outside to join the many crowds – the only city in the US where it is legal to drink in the street – pop in and out of the many gay bars on and around Bourbon Street, enjoy a Po-boy, Creole or Cajun dining.
Chill and have fun - this is the Big Easy.
Accommodation
Group Tour