Blog

When the holidays approach, most people see a snowman and think of Frosty, but not in New Orleans. The Big Easy has its very own beloved snow character, and he’s called Mr. Bingle. But where did this famous NOLA legend come from and why is he such a big deal?

New Orleans festivals celebrate anything you can imagine, including art, crawfish, po-boys, beer, music, fried chicken, playwrights, and much more. The French Quarter Fest is one of the Big Easy’s most anticipated events, giving locals and visitors a chance to experience some of the city’s best music and food.

New Orleans is one of the most haunted cities in America and for good reason. The Big Easy is steeped in tales of ghosts, vampires, and eerie happenings. Therefore, it’s no surprise that thousands of people flock to NOLA for Halloween each year. The only holiday that beats those numbers is Mardi Gras.

Are you planning on spending Father’s Day in New Orleans? Lucky for you, there are tons of ways to celebrate Dad’s big day with food, fish, festivals, and of course, non-stop fun. Show Dad how much he means to you, NOLA-style, with these top-notch Father’s Day activities in and around the Big Easy.

Yes, summertime in New Orleans gets hot, but that doesn’t stop the fun. In New Orleans, every season is the best time for a festival, and summer is no exception. Plus, it’s one of the best times to visit New Orleans if you want to snag some great travel deals. 

Things start to kick off the Wednesday before Labor Day and stretch through the Sunday before. However, many participants hang around until the following Tuesday because the party’s just that much fun. In 2023, Southern Decadence takes place in New Orleans from August 31st through September 4th. The celebration is one of the city’s most significant annual events, joining the ranks with massive spectacles like Mardi Gras, Essence Fest, and Jazz Fest.

You were the lucky ones to score Taylor Swift Eras Concert Tour tickets in New Orleans, now what should you do?   Taylor Swift is coming to New Orleans in October 2024 for three shows at the Caesar’s Superdome. Before you head to the Big Easy, here is everything you need to know about where to stay in NOLA.

Ask anyone in New Orleans what they consider the most haunted house in the city, and you’ll likely hear the name The LaLaurie Mansion. A fire in 1834 led to the reconstruction of the home in 1838, but the site still holds one of the city’s eeriest mysteries. 

But what is it about this seemingly normal French Quarter home that makes it so unsettling?

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in one of the world's most exciting and vibrant cities, New Orleans. Between the incredible food, dynamic music, and non-stop festivities, you’ll find something for everyone when you’re spending the New Year in the Big Easy.

If you’re ready to wine and dine your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day, you’ll need a romantic setting to do it. Lucky for you, when you’re in New Orleans, you have your pick of some of the most amazing restaurants in the world. From cozy, intimate booths in the back to quaint courtyards to sparkling chandeliers, there’s a place for every kind of romantic.

It’s unsurprising that New Orleans is home to many Easter parades. After all, every year during carnival, parade after parade rolls through the city and surrounding areas, culminating in the greatest free show on earth on Mardi Gras Day. One of the most iconic Easter traditions in New Orleans is the Historic French Quarter Easter Parade.

Are you planning to spend Thanksgiving in the French Quarter this November 24, 2022? You can always whip up some tasty New Orleans fare at home, whether jambalaya or a muffuletta piled high with goodies. But there is no better place to find some of the most satisfying and mouth-watering Thanksgiving dinners than in the Big Easy. With so many fantastic options, your biggest dilemma will be choosing one.

A second line parade is a festive New Orleans tradition when people march and dance in a line waving highly-decorated umbrellas and handkerchiefs to celebrate special events. The most popular occasions are weddings and jazz funerals. It’s always an exciting experience to witness a second line parade passing by, and also a great photo op. But where exactly did this social custom come from, and when exactly do people have second-line parades in the Big Easy?

Each Labor Day weekend, New Orleans hosts one of the biggest annual events in the world that many fondly call the “Gay Mardi Gras.” Southern Decadence started over 50 years ago as a small going-away party and has exploded into one of the top Labor Day Weekend destinations for thousands of members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Sure, NOLA gets hot and humid in the summer, and it's the kick-off of hurricane season. But it's also a great time to snag amazing deals on hotels and food and catch some very special events. Visiting New Orleans in the summer means COOLinary restaurant deals, Essence Fest, Satchmo Fest, July 4th celebrations, and so much more.

Essence Fest will be back in full force this summer, celebrating black culture through music, food, and a series of empowering events. The legendary celebration welcomes everyone to experience black joy, with special guests and so much more. You can check out Essence Fest in New Orleans in 2022 from June 30th through July 3rd, which promises to be one party-filled weekend.

Nothing says New Orleans like a strong drink, but a frosty frozen cocktail gets the final say in the sweltering summer heat. Sipping on a classic NOLA daiquiri or a Voodoo Grape Slush at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop is the perfect way to unwind and take a break during the summer months.

Between the outstanding food, world-famous music scene, and nonstop entertainment, New Orleans overflows with unique cultural experiences. The city's also no stranger to incredible art, both from local and global artisans and cr

There’s no denying that Jazz Fest is one of the most legendary festivals, spanning 10 days in NOLA. Visitors flock to the Big Easy from all over the globe to experience the fantastic music, complete with mega headliners. But Jazz Fest isn’t just about music; there’s a whole other side to this festival that can’t be missed -- the food.

Looking to add some flair to your Instagram feed or consider yourself a bit of an influencer? Then New Orleans is the perfect place to liven up your photographs while on vacay.

Planning a trip to New Orleans in 2022 is full of possibilities. There are so many different things to do and places to see that you’ll never get bored. Use our list of 22 things to do in NOLA as a jumping-off point, no matter what time of year you decide to visit The Big Easy.

Anywhere else, Easter might mean going to mass, participating in an egg hunt, and chowing down on candy from the Easter Bunny. But, in New Orleans, Easter is a fabulous all-out affair, featuring fantastic brunches, colorful parades, and egg-citing extras.

It’s no surprise that a city known for its celebratory nature has its own special ways of enjoying St. Paddy’s Day. This day o’ green, and the days leading up, are usually marked by parading, lots and lots of beer, and cabbage. For an unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day experience, enjoy some of the uniquely Irish events and places NOLA has to offer. 

Mardi Gras in New Orleans is one of the biggest parties in the world, and the festivities last much longer than a day. Carnival season kicks off on January 6th every year and stretches through the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. During this time, the Big Easy is full of revelry, fun festivities, king cake, colorful costumes, and more. And, in the historic French Quarter, you can experience some fantastic parades, walking krewes, and after-parties.

There’s a reason locals say “Every day is Valentine’s Day in New Orleans.” NOLA is one of the most romantic cities in the world, so it’s the ideal destination for Valentine’s Day 2022. You’ll find some of the best music, food, and people in the world here. So, show the love of your life just how special they are with a romance-filled New Orleans vacation or staycation.

If you’re planning to visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras 2022, you might assume you have to be there on March 1st. But, the carnival season lasts a lot longer than one day, so it all depends on what you want to experience. If you’re going to enjoy some parades, eat king cake, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere, you have plenty of options.

National Dog Day is right around the corner on August 26th. If you’re planning on taking a vacay to New Orleans to celebrate, you don’t need to leave your furry friend at home. La Galerie Hotel is proud to be a pet-friendly hotel, and there are plenty of ways to spend time with Fido in the Crescent City.

Time to dine at Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar, Evangeline, Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse, and so many more!

If you don’t know anyone who knows their way around a grill or are simply in NOLA on vacation, don’t worry! Good barbeque is not hard to find in this city, so be sure to check out any of these restaurants for your grilled and saucy fix. 

 Satchmo Summerfest will take place the weekend of July 31 through August 1 at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, celebrating the life of beloved New Orleans musician Louis Armstrong. 

New Orleans has an incredibly culturally rich history. The New Orleans area was claimed for the French in the late 1600s and officially became La Nouvelle-Orleans in 1718 when it was founded by Jean Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville.

The 4th of July is just around the corner, and the festivities lined up for that weekend are the perfect way to celebrate! 

If you’re a wine lover, then you may have already marked your calendar for National Wine Day on May 25th. Or, perhaps for you, every day is wine day!

Doberge cake didn’t come to New Orleans; it was born here.

Every year on May 10th, America honors its most-loved seafood, shrimp. Yep, of all the seafood we eat in the US, we eat shrimp the most.

This May 5th, make your way to one of these hot spots for some delicious Mexican cuisine and inspired cocktails.

If you're spending your vacation in NOLA, you might refer to these small crustaceans as crayfish, mudbugs, or crawdads, but if you're a Louisiana native or local, it's 100% crawfish.

While there are countless cocktails filling the menus of the Big Easy’s restaurants and bars, there are a few that are undoubtedly classic New Orleans standouts.

Brunch is as common a meal in the Big Easy as breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a springtime must is enjoying a fabulous Easter Brunch. 

 If you're planning a family vacay, New Orleans delivers some fun, kid-friendly attractions too.

And as springtime approaches, those pleasant days start to increase in number. It’s the perfect time for some picnics in the park, featuring delicious food and fabulous surroundings, two things that NOLA has in abundance.

In a city as vibrant and diverse as New Orleans, it’s no surprise that it has a rich and celebrated LGBTQ culture.

Every year, millions of tourists visit the city to try the fabulous cuisine, experience the incredible architecture and soak in the rich and dynamic culture.

Some of NOLA's classic desserts include things like bananas foster, bread pudding, and of course, the ever-popular beignets.

Here’s a handy guide to some of the most popular words and phrases you’ll hear throughout the carnival season!

Well, lucky for you, there are several socially-distanced ways to celebrate and some special events that are planned to ring in the New Year in New Orleans. 

Whether you’re a local New Orleanian who has some Christmas shopping to do, or you’re a visitor to the Big Easy looking for some seasonal souvenirs, the French Quarter is a great place to find some Christmas magic.

‘Tis the season for Christmas lights all aglow, singing carols, and if you’re lucky, catching a glimpse of Mr. Christmas himself, Santa Claus.

Whether you’re a Big Easy local or planning to visit NOLA for a much-needed getaway, something is spellbinding about this unique city!

Whether it’s a starter of oyster soup, a side of jambalaya, or a delicious remoulade sauce to top off your favorite dish, you’re sure to have more than enough to eat when you celebrate Thanksgiving NOLA style. 

If you choose to get together with family and friends this holiday season, ensure you follow these helpful tips to do so as safely as possible.

If you’re a die-hard Saints fan, then you’re likely struggling with the fact that you don’t get to watch your beloved football team from their home in the dome. 

You don’t have to be a native New Orleanian to be a fan of the Black and Gold! The New Orleans Saints are one of the country’s most-watched NFL teams and have even been dubbed “America’s Team.”

If you had to pick just one thing that makes New Orleans truly stand out, it would have to be its people. NOLA’s culture is so diverse and rich, that the different people with their vast array of traditions, beliefs, and customs all weave together to create a beautiful web of authenticity that gives New Orleans its soul.

One of the great features you can enjoy when you stay in the Big Easy is the convenient access to the authentic New Orleans Streetcar. Besides being a go-to form of public transportation for locals, the streetcars are also a tourist destination all their own. Here’s a closer look at everything you need to know about NOLA’s iconic mode of transportation.

The Big Easy is full of tales of the supernatural, mysterious, and downright puzzling. When you take a stroll through the French Quarter, pop into a neighborhood restaurant, or even browse through one of the many local shops, you’ll likely find yourself exploring a haunted place (whether you realize it or not). This darker side of the city is part of what gives NOLA such a rich and colorful story and enticing charm.

New Orleans is no stranger to restless souls and ghostly residents; the city possesses a haunted history rich with intrigue, mystery, and even fun. Our third eerie tale in our Haunted Legends and Mysteries Series takes you to one of these very restaurants, reputed to be one of the Crescent City's most haunted places: Muriel's Jackson Square

When you visit New Orleans, in addition to the fantastic food and amazing sights and sounds, you’ll also discover endless opportunities to discover art and music. Furthermore, during Halloween, there are no exceptions to this rule. In fact, you’ll be treated to a bevy of design that celebrates the spooky season with the newest addition to the NOLA art scene, JAMNOLA. 

New Orleans is touted as one of the most haunted cities in the United States, and for good reason. The Big Easy is full of stories about restless spirits, ghostly pirates, vampires, and a legendary voodoo queen, and you don’t need to wait for Halloween to try and catch a glimpse of these famous spirited residents. 

It doesn’t have to be Halloween to enjoy a spooky tale or two when you’re in New Orleans. The city is full of history of the haunted kind, from restless souls to ghostly pirates to a Voodoo Queen, and everything in between. In fact, New Orleans is believed to be one of the most haunted cities in the United States. 

New Orleans might be known for its fun atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, and Creole culture, but there are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors!

Whether you’re a seasoned visitor, staycation-loving local, or a first-timer to the Big Easy, you’re sure to fall for NOLA when you stay in the heart of the city.

The pandemic may have shut down the bars, but it definitely didn’t squash NOLA’s love affair with beer. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, you can still enjoy some of the most fantastic beers from several of the city’s top breweries.

If you’re ready for a night on the town with your best girls, there’s no place quite like NOLA for great food, fun, and excitement. Whether you want to party all night, have the ultimate shopping spree, or indulge in a gourmet dinner and wine tasting, the Big Easy has you covered.

A closer look at COOLinary participants: The Bower, The Commissary, Annunciation Restaurant, and Coterie Restaurant and Oyster Bar

COVID-19 has changed how we do things in New Orleans, but it definitely hasn’t changed the fact that the Big Easy has some of the most incredible cuisine on the planet. For years, NOLA has been indulging in a fabulous culinary tradition to support local restaurants during the slow summer months, known as COOLinary.

New Orleans is a welcoming city for people and pets alike. It’s filled with dog-friendly restaurants, activities, and so much more. There’s even a dog parade, Barkus, during Mardi Gras! This pet-friendly destination is one of the best places to travel—not just because you can bring your pet along with you, but because there is so much to see and do. However long you plan your stay, there’s always more to experience. Our dog-friendly guide to New Orleans provides you with all the information you need to plan an amazing stay with your dog in the Crescent City. Get insider tips on accommodations, restaurants, things to do, and important information for your next trip to New Orleans.

If you’re planning to make a visit to New Orleans, then you’re in for a real treat. There is no other city that is quite as unique and vibrant as the Big Easy; from the people to the architecture and the vast array of eclectic entertainment options that you’ll discover at every turn. Another element of NOLA that possesses its own special charm is the language. New Orleans natives and self-made locals speak a whole different vocabulary that can make you feel like it’s a foreign language.

There’s no place that can match the magic and romance of New Orleans, but if you’re traveling to the Big Easy during the summer, it can get hot and steamy (which isn’t always a good thing)! Lucky for you, NOLA is packed with possibilities for all sorts of fun, including many attractions that keep you nice and cool while you explore.

One of the biggest draws of New Orleans is its rich culture and opportunities to experience incredible art. La Galerie makes it easy to channel your inner art-lover.

Stretching an astounding six miles long as it winds through the city, Magazine Street is a destination unto itself. You can easily spend a day (or days) traversing this amazing thoroughfare and still barely make a dent in seeing everything it has to offer. Luckily, we’ve put together a comprehensive Magazine Street itinerary as a handy guide to some of the street’s best bars, boutiques, restaurants, art galleries and more, so you can spend less time looking up places to visit and more time enjoying the endlessly fun Magazine Street!

Whether you came to town for a Saints game or you are a long-time resident of the city, you’ll want to have the best tailgating experience. Read our complete New Orleans tailgating guide and you won’t miss a beat.

Can't quite figure out the streetcar yet? View our guide to learn about the routes closest to La Galerie, where they go, and what you can do on each line.

Don't miss out on all the natural beauty New Orleans and the surrounding areas have to offer. Discover the best outdoor activities in New Orleans today!

Crawfish is a staple of Louisiana culture and cuisine, and its peak season is early March through mid-June. Crawfish boils and fests celebrate the mini lobster in all its forms, whether as etouffee, pie or boiled.

New Orleans is home to a wide variety of artists and art galleries. From the famous blue dog paintings to rare antiques, innovative conceptual pieces, body paintings, sketches, sculpture, and much more, every art lover can find something to enjoy at these top 10 Royal Street art galleries.

Millions flock to New Orleans each year for Mardi Gras, but this festive celebration is much more than one day. In 2023, Mardi Gras is on February 21, but the Carnival season kicks off every year on January 6th.