Located on Magazine Street, National World War II Museum is made up of multiple sections, each containing a different exhibit that explores the events of the Second World War. A variety of artifacts, testimonies and documents, particularly those chronicling the World War II period, are on display here. The Arsenal of Democracy features a variety of artifacts, interactive displays, and memorabilia that tell the story of the people who helped win the war. Other exhibits include the Road to Tokyo, Road to Berlin, Bayou to Battlefield, and more. An on-site restaurant and soda shop offer a variety of dining options and beverages.
Cajun Pride Swamp Tour is a fun and informative way to see a scenic swamp and wildlife refuge. You might see a whole zoo's worth of creatures including: alligators, bald eagles, waterfowl, owls, beavers, raccoons and even black bears. Tours generally last about an hour and a half.
Idyllically laid within the ambit of New Orleans' famous French Quarter district, Jackson Square is steeped in a rich history associated with the epoch-making Louisiana Purchase. An arsenal of historic landmarks, including the three-steepled St. Louis Cathedral, The Cabildo and the Presbytere stand amid vast landscaped gardens, with the bronze statue of the heroic Andrew Jackson forming a compelling centerpiece. Although now buried under layers of history, the square harks back to a fascinating past, when it was originally known as the Place d'Armes. An erstwhile site for public executions, this square saw a dramatic shift at the turn of the twentieth century. At the height of the Roaring Twenties, this National Historic Landmark became widely known for its association with the arts, allowing artists to gather and participate in the exchange of ideas. Through the years, Jackson Square has been touched by fleeting, yet enduring associations with tarot-readers, jugglers, street artists, and paraders, echoing the very unbeatable ethos that New Orleans is known for today.
A glorious jewel gleaming in the heart of the city, the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis is one of the most prominent landmarks in the French Quarter. Illustrious in the extreme, the Cathedral has often single-handedly solidified New Orleans' identity. Lording over the historic landscape of Jackson Square, this magnificent cathedral is a soulful amalgamation of culture, history and an inextricable French legacy. The Cathedral of St. Louis was first built in 1718 but became an established parish in 1720. The current cathedral is not the original, but a rebuilt expansion of the third version of the cathedral, built-in 1789. In 1964, Pope John Paul II designated the cathedral as a Minor Basilica. The graceful beauty of the St. Louis Cathedral and its surrounding courtyards in the French Quarter makes it a sight to behold. Cradled on the banks of the Mississippi River, the cathedral is considered one of the greatest symbols of Catholicism on the North American continent. Upheld by beautiful blue steeples and interiors which are just as ornate, this cathedral is an edifice hewn with an indelible French heritage.
The Ogden Museum of Southern Art is a repository of many of the things that make this area of the United States great. Fine art, architecture, folk art, and artifacts of the bygone Southern era can be found here. You can also find unique exhibitions, such as Looking Back, Looking Forward, Becoming Ida Kohlmeyer, Walter Anderson and Friends, Clementine Hunter and Melrose, the Treme Storytelling Quilt Project, and The Jazz. Take a guided docent tour of the museum to explore unique artwork and new exhibitions enriched with interesting conversations.
Established in the year 1961, Preservation Hall has become a haven for traditional jazz fans. Even if you are not a jazz lover, the unique old-school decor and the heady ambiance which is attributed to the stellar music performances will ensure you have a fantastic time here and may even become a fan before you leave. The interior of the club is sparse and does not feature much in the way of comfort, but comfort is easy to ignore with such great musical entertainment. They do not serve food or drinks here, however, feel free to bring along your own drinks to enjoy while you watch the show.
Originally known as Rue Bourbon, New Orleans' infamous Bourbon Street runs the length of the city's French Quarter, although it is the eight-block stretch of "Upper Bourbon Street," lined with bars and clubs of every genre, that is known for its lively nightlife scene. Initially a sought after residential neighborhood, shifting borders and demographics saw Bourbon Street succumb to the same vices the city had come to be known for, becoming famous for its restaurants, nightclubs and other risque establishments. Today, this street is best known for its involvement in the Big Easy's greatest festival, Mardi Gras, and its love affair with live jazz and blues. Each night, revelers throng the street with drinks in hand, their smiling faces lit by the multi-colored glow of neon lights. By day, the avenue's quaint architectural heritage comes to the fore, with time-honored eateries doling out traditional po'boys, beignets and other quintessentially, local eats.
In 1823, the first licensed pharmacist in the United States, Louis J. Dufilho Jr. opened an apothecary shop here. This Creole-style town house doubled as his home, and he cultivated herbs needed for medicines in the interior courtyard. Exhibits highlight milestones in pharmacy and medicine. The exhibits include various medical widgets, gizmos and gadgets, some practical and some not.
Historic New Orleans Collection was established in 1966 by General and Mrs. L Kemper Williams. The history and culture represent New Orleans and the entire state of Louisiana with regional, national and even international influences through a collaboration of historic supporting materials. The Louisiana History Galleries are housed in historic Merieult House that has stood since 1792.
Harrah's is New Orleans' only non-riverboat casino. Centrally located in the heart of the tourism and business district, the New Orleans branch of this well-known national chain offers world-class gaming and entertainment. The casino itself is 100,000 square feet and features 2,900 slot machines and 10 different games with 125 tables. The casino is alive with small stage shows and eye-catching rooms of various themes.
Natchez Steamboat features full-service catering from the on-board galley and is docked at the back of JAX Brewery. This three-decked stern-wheeler offers two cruises daily with narration by a professional guide. For your dining and listening pleasure, there is a cocktail bar, live jazz and an optional Creole buffet. Dinner prices are not included in the cost of admission. Children under three ride free. Reservations are required, so call to confirm schedule and prices.
This is one of those places that make you wonder if they ever close. Open doors and no cover charge lure tourists and locals to listen to some of the best music in town. Authentic jazz that is loud and lively is almost non-stop from mid-afternoon to the wee hours of the morning at Maison Bourbon. Players include Wallace Davenport, Steve Slocum and Tommy Yetta. Patrons must be 21 or older. There is a one-drink minimum.