Up until a couple of days ago, my favorite American city that I have visited was San Francisco, with Chicago a close second.
It might be time to update my rankings.
New Orleans, long a favorite of Super Bowl crowds, has a small town charm that belies its big city status. There's plenty to see and do, especially in the famous French Quarter, where a memorable time sits around every corner.
We were lucky enough to visit New Orleans at the beginning of Mardi Gras. The city's residents, rocked by several hurricanes, most notably Hurricane Katrina in 2005, have a steely, resilient nature.
Yes, they have endured hard times. No, that's going to stop them from living and it's not going to stop them from enjoying Mardi Gras.
Downtown New Orleans is a typical U.S. city. Looming skyscrapers. An impressive skyline. It's the least interesting section of the city. The French Quarter is a marvel. If you blindfolded someone, took them to any street on the French Quarter and removed the blindfold, the person would immediately know they were in New Orleans.
Bourbon Street lived up to the hype.
The iron railings. The architecture. The narrow streets. Even for first-time visitors, there's a sense of familiarity that is comforting. Jackson Square is a picturesque park just off Decatur Street. Down the street sit terrific restaurants.
In the mood for a fantastic breakfast? Check out Monty's. Try the beignets, of course, but don't wait in line for two hours. There are plenty of places that make beignets. There are unique shops. There is history. Most of all, there is music. Live bands were everywhere. Solo acts. Three-man bands. Larger groups. The sound of jazz fills the air. It may be 11 a.m., but it's time to hoist a drink and party. After the last two years of the pandemic, New Orleans was the perfect place for our first plane trip.
The Big Easy is easy to love.
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