NEW ORLEANS: A FRENCH PARADISE IN AMERICA
Mardi Gras, a festival primarily held at the French Quarter; and open to drink alcohol in the streets are some of the most well-known aspects of New Orleans. But there is so much more to this matchless city full of music, adventure, and romantic getaway. New Orleans is the most vibrant city in the State of Louisiana. This city of Louisiana is also the Mecca of good food, lively jazz music on the streets, day and night, and has romance in its air. If you are a music and food lover, then this city is one of the best honeymoon destinations for you not only in the United States but on the entire planet. New Orleans is located along the Mississippi river in the south eastern region of the United States. This city is the economic and commercial hub for coastline along the southern United States. From 1718 to 1803, New Orleans was under French and Spanish rules, before being sold to the United States in what is famously known as the Louisiana Purchase. The heart of this city known as the French Quarter has spectacular French and Spanish Creole architectural buildings. No wonder this city is nick named as “Big Easy” because of its round the clock night life, funky live music and mouth-watering cuisine which has blend of French, African and American culture, all in one plate. This vibrant city of the US is a beautiful and interesting honeymoon destination. We have our list of interesting things to indulge in New Orleans on your honeymoon.
Mardi Gras festival
New Orleans is best known for its Mardi Gras celebrations. Mardi Gras is the French for “Fat Tuesday”. The historic French Quarter attracts thousands of visitors from around the world during this carnival festival which runs for about two weeks before and on Shrove Tuesday, i.e., the day before Ash Wednesday. This means that the festival can last anytime from four to eight weeks depending on when Ash Wednesday falls. Mardi Gras Day is the main day of this festival. Mardi Gras Day’s date can vary between as early as 2nd February and as late as 9th March. During the festival, there is one parade everyday usually, while many days have more than one large parade. But the most stunning colourful and vibrant parade takes place in the final week of the celebration. Watching these parades can be once in a life time activity that would be a soulful memory for a newlywed couple.
Cajun Bayou & Swamp Tour
A captivating boat trip in the Louisiana Swamps & Bayous is one of the intimate activities across the Mississippi river, to get up close to some southern gator in Gator Country. A two-hour boat ride through swamps and bayous boasts a chance to see the natural wild life. These wetlands are nesting grounds for alligators, raccoons, egrets, many species of snakes, turtles, nutria, birds and many more. Local guides will tell you the secrets of these swamps and bayous. The river provides seafood for delectable local dishes. Some wildlife is more plentiful in the swamps during the summer months. You will learn about the Cajuns, a tribe that mainly lives in Louisiana and utilized the swamps and bayous to build a water-based lifestyle that includes hunting, fishing and trapping. You will also get an insight into why the Louisiana wetlands are gradually disappearing as well as the conservational efforts that are being carried out.
Spa Atlantis
Helicopter tour over the city
Spa at Atlantis is one of the best spas in New Orleans. If you’re looking for a relaxing couple spa, Spa Atlantis is the perfect place to go. Unwind yourself with their relaxing, rejuvenating
and therapeutic spa; which will give you a heavenly feel.
A helicopter ride is always an attractive option for a for a honeymooning couple, it is one of the most romantic activities in New Orleans. It will be an aerial tour of the city’s skyline including the French Quarter, the Mississippi River, the financial district, above ground cemeteries and historic cathedrals.
New Orleans City Park
City Park is New Orleans’ largest outdoor attraction since 1854. Spread in 1300 acres, New Orleans City Park is one of the largest urban and the 20th most popular park in the United States. This splendid park holds the largest number of mature iconic grove of live oak trees in the world, many of them being older than a few centuries. This park is a heaven for nature lovers. It’s filled with alligators, birds, fascinating art, botanical garden, golf course, horseback riding and many more attractions. City Park has water activities as well. One can also book a wheel fun rental near the park’s entrance area, and pick up white swan pedal boats.
New Orleans, a foodie's paradise
As they say, when you come to New Orleans, come hungry. This city has the cuisine which is result of a mixed culinary culture. The Creole culinary culture rules the Crescent City, along with French, Italian, Spanish, African, German, and local food traditions, all at one table. This is a city full of foodies who start thinking about what they’re going to have for dinner before lunch is over. The city is full with hundreds of renowned restaurants. New Orleans’ cuisine is built on a culture that runs from Paris to Port au Prince, and, from Cadiz to Congo. You can enjoy balcony dining from several restaurants in the French Quarter and other neighbourhoods. New Orleans has around 1400 eateries which are always ready to serve their foodie and enthusiastic guest. You have plenty of options to choose from, the only prerequisite being, learn the difference between Cajun and Creole cuisines from a local, which will help you find the best eatery!
We wish you a great honeymoon trip in the city of fun and food.
Nola Gondola tour at City Park
Nola Gondola was founded by Robert Dula to live his childhood dream of being a Gondolier. This 50-minute Gondola tour will wrap you up in the magic of romance with original flavours of New Orleans in the lake of city park boat ride. Nola Gondola’s Gondolier gracefully escorts lovebirds through a tour of City Park’s lake. Along with the soft splash of oars on water, you will be spellbound by Italian music seeping gingerly from the Gondola Bella Mae’s sound system. Since March 2004, he has been sharing
his love of the Gondola with all his guests in New Orleans’ City Park. Alcoholic drinks are not allowed on the tour, but you can bring your non-alcoholic beverages along. Your Gondolier will provide you glasses and ice.
The French Quarter
The French Quarter is a very happening and beautiful place in New Orleans which boasts plenty of things for couples on their honeymoon. Try these couple of things at French Quarter on your honeymoon.
(I) A Romantic and elegant dinner at Broussard
Intimate dinners are a must thing on your honeymoon. The Courtyard tables at
Broussard’s provide an old-world charm while the spicy food at Bayona is sumptuous.
If you’re really looking for seclusion and more over romantic moments; book a private
room at Antoine’s. But the option of hitting an oyster bar and truly getting in the New
Orleans spirit is one exciting thing on the honeymoon. Bourbon House has a fantastic
couple friendly bar.
(II) Horse drawn carriage ride
The legendary carriages that can be found lining up in front of Jackson Square are actually drawn by mules and offer a private tour of the district’s awe-inspiring architecture. Each stagecoach driver is a licensed tour guide as well and it’s just the cutest thing to cuddle and snuggle up with your love.
(III) Stroll in Jackson Square
Take a stroll in Jackson Square under the starry sky. Honeymooners may hear live music or watch a street performer dancing. You may also decide to hop in Cafe du Monde, a French Quarter landmark open round the clock for late night beignets and cafe au lait.
