We were recently invited by family to attend the French Quarter Festival in New Orleans.  Three days of  culture, music, sights and wonderful cuisine.  What an experience!  We often hear of Southern hospitality, It’s so true!  We experienced this everywhere we went.

The annual French Quarter festival is Louisiana’s largest free festival.  With over 200 hundred performing musical acts over 4 days in the French Quarter and along the Mississippi River.  Put on your walking shoes.  You’re in for a wonderful experience…….. everywhere you go there is music as you stroll down their streets and walkways.

While in Louisiana we  tried several different restaurants.  I never knew there were so many different versions of Gumbo and Jambalaya!  You know what?  They are all wonderful!  Mmmmm…..how can I recreate these dishes at home?  Anyone knows of a really authentic, good cookbook?

Their architectural style is lovely.  So much history.  Balconies and courtyards are found everywhere.  I would love to transplant a courtyard home!

While in Louisiana we enjoyed a visit to Avery Island on the Southern Louisiana Coastline.   Avery Island is home to the Tabasco Factory, Jungle Gardens, 1000′s of nesting White Egrets and lot’s of wildlife.  Fantastic!

If you get a chance, go experience New Orleans for yourself.  You’ll be glad you did.

For a small taste of what we experienced please enjoy our online gallery of this trip.