New Orleans Spring Travel Guide
The magnolia blooms are out in full force and the warm, humid air has begun to settle in with the everyday afternoon showers of a New Orleans spring. This season, we challenge you to indulge in a new culinary experience, escape inside a new gallery or journey to a new experience along the cobblestone streets of the Crescent City. Follow this Spring Travel Guide for a little inspiration...
Bayou Boogaloo - Photo Credit: @williamkirsch76
Spring Festivals
Arguably one of the biggest free music festivals in the country, French Quarter Festival kicks off April 11, filling the heart of downtown with the sounds of big-name artists and local musicians alike, along with the intoxicating scent of Cajun cuisine.
Known to the locals as "Jazz Fest", the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival features a spectacular lineup of artists that will knock your socks off. During the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May, the stages at the Fair Grounds will be graced with the likes of Dave Matthews Band, Katy Perry, Jimmy Buffett, Chris Stapleton, Santana, Diana Ross, Al Green, and Earth, Wind & Fire, just to name a few. Insider Tip: Be sure to wear rain/hiking boots or shoes that are machine-washable. In case of rain, the fairgrounds become notoriously muddy and will not be kind to your choice of footwear.
From May 17–19, grab a paddle-board, canoe, kayak or even a foam noodle and take to the cool waters of Bayou St. John. Bayou Boogaloo is a casual, free and fun-filled three-day music festival that's all about floating around and having a good time (pictured above).
Street Musician on Royal - Photo Credit: @trevor_mark
Royal Street (French Quarter)
Every block of Royal Street is an Instagram-worthy moment, so grab your walking shoes and take a stroll. The wrought-iron, elaborately designed balconies are an iconic architectural motif all throughout the French Quarter, painted in lovely hues and often decorated for the season. As you admire the urban scenery, hop inside one of the many local shops, museums and galleries along this route. Dine inside a hidden courtyard at Cafe Amelie, discover the secret room inside M.S. Rau Antiques or explore the famous "Blue Dog" artwork at the George Rodrigue Gallery. One can always find a band or street musician playing on Royal, often accompanied by a spontaneous dance party. And if there isn’t... wait five minutes and come back!
Bayou St. John & Magnolia Bridge - Photo Credit: @coloringneworleans
Bayou St. John
For a springtime excursion, venture into Bayou St. John and take a leisurely walk across Magnolia Bridge in Mid-City (pictured above). Grab a couple of po-boys from Parkway Bakery and Tavern and settle yourself down by the banks to watch the meandering current and the passersby. If you're in the mood for a little European diversion, walk down to the newly opened Deutsches Haus serving brews on tap, hot pretzels, and other German fare every day of the week.
Warehouse District & CBD - Photo Credit: @chara_stagram_
Warehouse District
A diverse collection of wonderfully eclectic coffee shops reside in this neighborhood, all easily walkable from Loews New Orleans. Pop on over to Drip Affogato Bar for a magical combination of craft espresso and artisanal ice cream you won't soon forget. An ideal space for coffee-sipping and daydreaming, this is a great place to watch the Warehouse District world go by from a seat next to one of their big picture windows. As an added bonus, when the sun sets and the breeze is blowing, take a slow stroll down Poydras Street, (where Loews New Orleans is located) and keep your eyes peeled for over 20 strategically placed, unique and beautiful sculptures. The Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition has become known as the “South’s leading rotating public sculpture exhibition” and it’s right outside our front door.
City Park - Photo Credit: @trevor_mark
City Park
If oak trees could talk, what stories they could tell. With over 1,300 acres of wide open spaces, winding walking trails, biking paths, and beautiful stone bridges, City Park is a welcoming, verdant respite that has something for everyone. The Botanical Garden, Besthoff Sculpture Garden, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, 26 tennis courts and an 18-hole golf course are only some of the offerings available to locals and tourists who come to explore this New Orleans gem.
