New Orleans

The City of New Orleans encompasses some 365 square miles of tamed swampland. Despite the size of the Big Easy, it does not have a big city "attitude." New Orleans is made up of dozens of distinct and intimate neighbourhoods. Each area has its own ambiance and attractions. Although New Orleans has much to offer all year round, the months of September through May are the peak tourist season for New Orleans. Many of the Crescent City's more popular festivals and events take place during these months and most conventions are scheduled during this time. If you plan oncoming to New Orleans during these months, it is critical that you plan in advance. New Orleans is a very popular travel destination and you'll be able to ensure the best rates and rooms by planning ahead.

If you are interested in coming to Mardi Gras (late February), Southern Decadence (Early September) Halloween or The Jazz and Heritage Festival, plan ahead. Many people come to these festivals year after year and reserve their rooms a year or more in advance. However, it is possible to get a room at the last minute if you know the right people. Like I said, call French Quarter Reservations, they'll be able to help you better than anyone.

Summers in New Orleans are, shall we say, "sweltering." If you love hot, humid weather and thunder storms, you'll love New Orleans in the Summer. If you don't like to wear tank tops and shorts, you better visit the Big Easy some other time. The advantage of coming to New Orleans in Summer is that most hotels drop their rates from June through August and room availability is wide open.

The French Quarter The French Quarter is the heart and soul of old New Orleans. The Vieux Carreor "Old Square" is one of this country's most remarkable and beautiful historic locations. The Quarter is, a living historical monument. Unlike many historic sights, the French Quarter remains a true city. Many French Quarter residents don't own cars. Why own a car when everything you could ever want or need is within walking distance? The French Quarter definitely an area you will want to visit many times over.

The Marigny The Faubourg Marigny, adjacent to the French Quarter, is a parcel of land originally owned by Bernard Marigny, one of the city's more colorful historic characters. Marigny, the son of rich nobility who hobnobbed with such minor characters as the King of France, was generous with his money - especially in pursuit of pleasure - and a terrible gambler. As a young man he had travelled abroad and brought back to New Orleans the game that came to be called "craps." As a result, Marigny eventually went through a million dollars (remember, this was in the early 1800s - so imagine the fortune he wasted!) and was forced to subdivide and sell part of his plantation, which became the Faubourg Marigny.

Today the area is a colourful, mostly residential area boasting a huge gay presence, a number of trendy restaurants, coffee shops and clubs. The Bywater is a quiet gay residential neighbourhood adjacent to the French Quarter action. Many of the bars, clubs and the famous gay restaurant Lorenzo's are here as well as the Barn Theatre, home of the Drama Theatre Company. The proximity of Frenchmen St. restaurants and music clubs, and the festive atmosphere, make it a prime destination for the Gay visitor. Marigny, in the opinion of many, has become the more bohemian extension of the French Quarter, increasingly becoming the neighbourhood of choice for writers, painters, musicians, street entertainers and artists of all sorts.

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