Day 12 – Free as a bird in New Orleans
Your day is free to soak up the many splendors of New Orleans.
Known the world over as the Deep South's party city, due to its
dazzling Mardi Gras celebrations, there is a year-round sense of
spirited adventure and playfulness. A wander through the colourful
streets offers an excellent introduction to NOLA's eclectic
architecture that stretches back centuries. For example, the
stunning St. Louis Cathedral, North America's oldest cathedral. For
an authentic New Orleans experience, you could hop on a streetcar
on St Charles' Avenue, taking in the city sights as you travel from
uptown to downtown, or maybe spend some time in the peaceful green
space of one of the city's great parks.
The French Market, which we visit on our first day, has an
amazing history. It started in 1791 as a Native American trading
post along the Mississippi, then - as French and Spanish colonists
arrived - it gradually evolved into a commercial hub for New
Orleans. Over three centuries, immigrants from Europe, Africa and
the Caribbean opened up shop here, adding to the colourful array of
goods on display, from Caribbean coffees and native American spices
to hand-made crafts and unique jewellery.
As you will have discovered, the French Quarter has an endless
choice of enticing eateries for your last evening in the Deep
South. Most places offer traditional Southern food, from po-boys
(meat, seafood, or crawfish-filled bread rolls) and jambalaya to
fresh oysters - served raw, baked, or char-grilled!
Includes
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