Things to See and Do in New Orleans
by
Sean Tolliver
Arrange to take a lunch or dinner cruise on the Natchez Steamboat or the Creole Queen.
February 20, 2009
New Orleans is a wonderful historic city with much to see and do. While you’re in town for the National Brownfields Conference, make sure to set aside some time to get out and truly experience the city. Here are a few suggestions from those who live in or near the city.
- Tour the new Mahalia Jackson theatre and visit Armstrong Park that has come back to life since Hurricane Katrina.
- Take in the Historic New Orleans Collection. The Collection’s archives contain a wealth of before and after Hurricane Katrina photos.
- Visit the National Park Service’s French Quarter headquarters. The National Park Service provides great insight into the New Orleans of old - under both the French and the Spanish – as well as redevelopment after the fire in the 1700s and flood of early 1900s.
- Join a swamp tour. The unique ecosystem of a swamp is like nothing you’ll find elsewhere.
- Wander down to the Jean Lafitte Swamp and Barataria Preserve where people can walk along the paths. The National Park Service provides guides who can share the full story of the facility.
- Take a walking tour of the city’s famous (or some might say infamous) French Quarter.
- Ride a streetcar to City Park and the New Orleans Museum of Art / Sculpture Garden/ Botanical Garden.
- Arrange to take a lunch or dinner cruise on the Natchez Steamboat or the Creole Queen.
- Visit Mardi Gras World to learn about the history of New Orlean’s most famous party.