A recent MSN.com travel article named New Orleans among the 15 Coolest North American Cities to visit.  Their basis is the year around lively atmosphere of the French Quarter and the centuries old architecture that has been influenced by several nations that have owned the city in its early years.  Unfortunately the article is only a paragraph in length, restricting the opportunity to explore more of the culture, people, food and music that shapes life in New Orleans.  And at this time of the year it is criminal to overlook the activities and festivals that are right around the corner. 

First up is Mardi Gras.  We’ve all seen the pictures of the crowds on Bourbon Street.  But to a local that is not what Mardi Gras is about.  The locals look forward to the event to transform into a master host of friends and families in of all places, a neutral ground or sidewalk.  The social side of Mardi Gras is sometimes more meaningful than the parades and beads. 

This spring we also have French Quarter Fest.  This is a great opportunity to see the classic side of the French Quarter – history, architecture, scenery and classic music.  Great food and the most unique neighborhood in all of the United States make for a fantastic event.

Of course we have Jazz Fest.  Its fairly simple – combine authentic regional music, some national headliners, amazing food all in one location and add friends.  Its no surprise that it continues to grow each year, drawing bigger names and larger crowds. 

And in early summer we have the French Market’s Creole Tomato Festival, a celebration of the local tomato variety and the farmers who grow them. 

I could go on for pages but I think that you get the image of what most New Orleanians have on their schedule for the next few months.  Its not so much about the festival but the lifestyle.  To a local all of these events equate to enjoying life in the most cultural city in the U.S.  Its means spending time with friends and family, experiencing some of the greatest food ever created and listening to some amazing musicians create sounds that very few could image.  All within some of the most interesting, diverse and culturally rich neighborhoods in America.

So the MSN.com article is about travel.  But for most, New Orleans and what it continuously offers is more about life.  Or maybe I should say its more about living.

Eric