I’ve recently read many instances in which historical figures and modern writers alike have said (more or less along the same lines) that every American must experience the culture of New Orleans to be considered a ‘real’ American. I have to say, I’ve traveled far and wide, and I agree that New Orleans is surely unlike any other place in the world. It most definitely has a culture all its own, from the weird myths and legends to the unique voodoo religion to the extremely old architecture and beyond! If you’re looking to escape somewhere truly unlike anywhere else inside the United States, New Orleans is most definitely the place for you! Here are a few of the things I loved most about it.
New Orleans: Its Legends and Its Voodoo
I can’t talk about this history and culture of New Orleans without bringing up its legends, lore, and, of course, the voodoo that can be found there. What I love most about New Orleans is that it embraces its weirdness. It’s a strange place, and it celebrates that. So, you can join ghost tours, voodoo tours, and a variety of other experiences that cover the strange history and myths of New Orleans. I participated in a tour that took us from famous voodoo spots to Marie Laveau’s famous haunts (you know, the queen of voodoo), past Delphine LaLaurie’s house and beyond. And I learned a lot about voodoo on this trip. Getting to embark on a nighttime tour of all things weird and paranormal in one of the most famously paranormal hot-spots in the country was definitely a real treat.
Different from Haitian Voodoo, the voodoo in New Orleans is a very unique branch that consists of Catholic and Voodoo practices combined. It’s a true religion filled with rituals, and while many of the stores and experiences pertaining to voodoo in the heart of the French Quarter may seem gimmicky and touristy, there are authentic places you can go to learn about voodoo, such as Voodoo Authentica.
New Orleans Gastronomy
As you would expect with a place rich in unique culture, New Orleans offers its very own special gastronomy of delicious treats. From traditional gumbo to spicy Cajun treats to Reveillon dinners at holiday time, New Orleans dining is unlike any other! It offers passionate flavors with a kick. One of my favorite places to eat was Muriel’s at Jackson Square. Despite having delicious cuisine, Muriel’s has its own lore. You see, this restaurant is supposedly haunted by the former owner after he took his own life in response to gambling away his beloved building. Today, the staff sets a table for him every night as to appease his spirit. I found myself journeying past his table and upstairs to the second floor to experience the Séance Lounge filled with vibrant ghostly artifacts. This is supposedly where he took his life and where a séance was held to speak with him. Despite being packed that night, the lounge was, ironically, pretty dead, so be sure to head up that way or ask a staff member to show you where to go so you can get the full experience.
If you’re interested in history, I also highly recommend Antoine’s Restaurant. Having been around since the 1840s, Antoine’s has 14 different dining rooms and an array of delicious food. It’s a classy place made to submerge you deep into the culture and history of dining in New Orleans.
Bars and Nightlife
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “When in Rome…”, well, I surely adapted the saying “When in New Orleans…” when I was there. Despite not being a big fan of nightlife, I changed that normal policy of mine and took a journey down Bourbon Street one night. Even in the quieter times of the year, you’ll always find bands playing, bars open all around you, and plenty of (sometimes debaucherous) activities around you at night. I found that eating a bit later and then walking the streets to see what was around was a must-do each evening I was there. I highly recommend eating on the balcony of Cornet’s so you can overlook the chaos of Bourbon Street, walking down to the Boot Scootin’ Rodeo to give the mechanical bull a try, and ending your journey at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop. That’s my advice on how to manage Bourbon Street.
Upon my adventures, I found a surprising love of local cigars and a new favorite bar: Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop. Looking like a set out of a pirate movie, Lafitte’s has been operating in the French Quarter of New Orleans since the early 1700s. The ambiance and architecture, alone, made me feel as if I was having a good time in an old-fashioned museum. The unique atmosphere of this dimly-lit vintage looking establishment brought a level of history and culture to Bourbon Street unlike any other, and I can’t recommend it enough.
From its local legends to its delicious food and wild nightlife, I truly hope that you visit New Orleans in the near future. Despite being an avid traveler for close a decade, I can honestly say that I had never experienced culture like it before. It’s uniquely its own and absolutely worth the visit.
