6 Things I LOVE about New Orleans

I love me some Big Easy. The culture, the jazz, the people.. New Orleans is one of the few places in the United States that has held fast to its heritage and identity, and also, one of the few places in the States that can feel like a third-world country at times.

You see, that’s part of it’s appeal. Here are some of the wonderfully unique things I adore about New Orleans.

1. Who Dat?

When I first started walking around New Orleans, I kept seeing all of these shirts that said “Who Dat or Get Out.” What? What you say? I had no idea what that meant, so I started asking around. Officially, “Who Dat” is a chant used to rally The Saints, NOLA’s football team.

The official phrase is “Who dat say dey gonna beat dem Saints.” Grammatically correct? Hell no! I love it!

It’s about culture. When the NFL tried to sanction the term claiming they owned it post-Katrina, NOLA put up a fight for their lives, and won. It’s a New Orleans thing, ya’ll.

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2. Food, Food and More Food

I gained 3.5 pounds in 3.5 days in New Orleans and I’m damn proud of it. How? Well, let’s see:

– Po Boys
– Jambalaya
– Beignets (Cafe Du Monde, how I love you so)
– Gumbo
– Daiquiris
– Muffalettas

Repeat, repeat, repeat. New Orleans is a foodie’s haven, but everything delicious is also deep-fried and typically bad for you. Meh. When I travel to a place with a cuisine that really can’t be mimicked, I dig in. Then I hate myself on the treadmill for the next two weeks (so worth it!).

3. Random Jazz Parades

I was strolling along in between the French Quarter and the Warehouse District on a slow Tuesday afternoon, and then BAM! Out of nowhere, I happened upon a jazz parade that seemed to be occurring for no apparent reason. Maybe it was a Second Line parade, put on to celebrate the life of someone who has passed, or maybe it was just a bunch of dudes with tubas and drums. Either way, it totally made my day.

4. Smokin and Drinkin in the Streets

It’s debauchery at it’s finest. No matter how many times I’ve been, I still always love that initial moment when I realize I can smoke and drink anywhere I want. ANYWHERE! I can take a beer out in the streets, take my smoke indoors (which still feels kind of wrong to me, truthfully) and I can chug a hurricane while waving to the hookers on Bourbon St.

Screw Las Vegas. New Orleans is the real Sin City.

5. Hostels

One great thing about New Orleans and the fact that it’s such a tourist destination, is that the city is home to great hostels. I stayed in the AAE Bourbon House for $19/night and it was great! They even gave you a free pancake breakfast every morning. I’ve also heard that India House is nice as well (and I think they have a rooftop pool).

6. Who Do Voodoo?

I’ll admit it: I’m a sucker for supernatural history, and New Orleans just feels so… haunted. From the old plantation houses to the overhanging trees in the Frenchman and the plethora of above ground tombs and cemetaries, the city has a diverse supernatural history that I love. And Voodoo, too. If you’re into it, you can visit several Voodoo shops, buy Voodoo dolls, or take classes to learn more about it.

Have you ever been to New Orleans? What do you love about it??