Tag archives for new orleans

There are some amazing events on tap all over the world, all the time. Here’s a taste of what you can see and do in April.

For New Orleans natives, it’s a hard-won honor to ride in a Carnival parade. So when I was offered the chance to ride with the Krewe of Orpheus this year, it was kind of like a childhood dream coming true. Especially because Orpheus is a super krewe.

When it comes to Mardis Gras, tourists are usually surprised to find that traditions dictate when to party, what to wear, and how to behave. From crowded parties to wild costumes, the revelry may appear chaotic, but locals know there’s a method to the madness.

There are some amazing events on tap all over the world, all the time. Here’s a taste of what you can see and do in February.

The chocolate chip cookie is about as American as it gets. Urban Insider Annie Fitzsimmons got the scoop from local luminaries around the U.S. on the must-eat cookies in their cities.

Cajun or Creole?

A brief primer on the difference between the two terms from National Geographic Young Explorer Caroline Gerdes, a New Orleans native.

National Geographic Young Explorer grantee Caroline Gerdes reveals the top five food quirks about her hometown of New Orleans.

“Get back in here!” Miriam stood in doorway watching an embarrassed man in his mid-30s shouting at a woman who was running down the street screaming. “What is going on with that girl?” she laughed. “Oh she… she just gets scared easily,” he said. Miriam shut the door and turned to me. “Some people these days, they’ve just gone crazy.” She smiled, but you could tell that her feelings were a little bit hurt. And you could tell that it wasn’t the first time something like this had happened. But, then again, when you run one of the most famous Voodoo temples in the U.S., you have to expect a few faint-of-hearts to cross your path.

I’ve been going about this all wrong, this looking for good in every city I visit. See, there was an assumption that if someone was doing some real good, then they’d have an office with a big sign, or a business card…something to suggest or confirm the goodness. But that’s not always true. When I jumped in a cab a few days ago in New Orleans, I met someone who was doing good without even knowing it.

“No.” I’m confused. Two days earlier, I had met filmmaker Brian Paul in New Orleans while he was promoting his documentary, Cure For the Crash, a fascinating look inside the minds of “train hoppers.” I told him I wanted to learn about the “art” of hopping, and he agreed to meet me across the river.

“What do you mean ‘No?,’” I ask, not even trying to hide my annoyance.

Dr. Seuss had one. Helen Keller claims they’re one of the best therapy dogs. Jon Stewart has two – and they watch over his young children. But these aren’t the stories you hear when you hear about pit bulls.

This spring brings the War of 1812 bicentennial to life in a most audacious way: with the kind of sailing ships that made the war a test of nerves for a young, unproven navy and civilian privateers. One way to relive that chapter in history is to head for the water. The Navy has collaborated with Operation Sail, the group that rounded up dozens of ghostly tall ships for the U.S. bicentennial in 1976, to arrange similar spectacles in U.S. cities this year.

By Monica C. Corcoran, senior photo editor at NationalGeographic.com I knew I had a problem when a coworker asked how long I’d been going to Jazz Fest and I couldn’t remember if it was 17 … or was it 18 years? It’s my annual pilgrimage to the promised land of lip-smacking food and hip-shaking music,…

Photos: Where You Went

Laissez les bons temps rouler! Our readers are always up to something interesting, somewhere interesting. That’s why we ask you the same question on Facebook every Friday: Where are you traveling this weekend? See photos of where you — or readers like you — went, and get inspired to plan your next trip. Want to share your…

The Radar: Top travel news, stories, trends, and ideas from across the Web. Got Radar? Follow us on Twitter @NatGeoTraveler and tag your favorite travel stories from the Web #ngtradar. Check back the next day for our daily roundup.

The Radar: Top travel news, stories, trends, and ideas from across the Web. Got Radar? Follow us on Twitter @NatGeoTraveler and tag your favorite travel stories from the Web #ngtradar. Check back the next day for our daily roundup.

Our Digital Nomad, Andrew Evans just got back from Louisiana where he spent four weeks fishing, chasing alligators, exploring spooky cemeteries, hanging out with vampires, and of course, eating amazing  food. He made us insanely jealous throughout this trip, tweeting photos of tasty crawfish, sugary beignets, and the world’s best jambalaya. Want to relive Andrew’s…

For this week’s #FriFotos* theme, “Trick or Treat,” we selected this photo of brooding skeletons on Bourbon Street. The photo was taken by our Digital Nomad, Andrew Evans who was in New Orleans for Halloween. Check out more photos of the spooky costumes and cemeteries Andrew encountered in Louisiana, and for more New Orleans dispatches…

Our Digital Nomad, Andrew Evans, is in New Orleans learning about voodoo, making beignets at Café du Monde, and listening to local musicians. Catch up with his travels by browsing 10 of his most popular Twitter photos in the gallery above. Don’t miss another minute! Discover New Orleans with Andrew in real time by following…

Parks, gardens, boat rides, beaches—get the most out of the great outdoors without spending a cent. We’ve got a list of 20 free outdoor activities in the U.S. Get a sneak peek of the list below, then find all 20 online. Plus, we want to hear from you. Tell us about a free outdoor activity in your neighborhood.…

Photos: Where You Went

We are always impressed by our community’s passion for travel and exploration. That’s why every Friday we ask you the same question on Facebook: Where are you traveling this weekend?

Sipping in Seersucker

For Dixie Travelers, Seersucker Springs Up for Summer By Andrew Nelson For Southerners of a certain class and composure, summer without sporting seersucker is like sipping gin without a tonic — as unthinkable as it would be unpalatable. In cities such as Palm Beach, Savannah and New Orleans, the trademark striped fabric appears as soon…

By: Susanne Hackett It’s Jazzfest season in New Orleans, and this year’s festival hosts the largest celebration of Haitian culture in the U.S. since the devastating earthquake one year ago.  New Orleans and Haiti have shared a deep cultural connection for over 300 years and many local traditions and customs have roots in this complex…

By: Lisa A. Walker “Actually, it’s a potential life-changing experience,” replied Danny Clinch, when asked what someone can expect when visiting the legendary jazz venue, Preservation Hall in New Orleans for the very first time. And honestly, I couldn’t agree more. Clinch, a photographer, filmmaker, and musician, recently finished filming a documentary about the Preservation Hall Jazz…

Parading Up to the Big Day

Associate Photo Editor Krista Rossow knows a thing or two about Mardi Gras. She sends us this colorful photo essay on the eve of the grand event. Tomorrow is not Tuesday in New Orleans. It’s Mardi Gras. Although Fat Tuesday may be the climax of Carnival season, that doesn’t mean the city has been idling…