It’s been a long time since the Gorilla was excited about a destination. It’s been an even longer time since that destination was worth getting excited about! But after reading about all the refurbishing going on in New Orleans, it is now the most exciting destination in the U.S. Yes, the Gorilla has visited New Orleans in the past and remembers well it’s pungent garbage-filled streets, smelling like urine and old beer. That memory is a thing of the past and those nasty smells have been replaced with scents of lemon and incense thanks, in part, to the new sanitation company which prides itself in its smartly dressed crew. And changes abound as the city has worked feverishly since Hurricane Katrina to restore, refurbish, and revitalize a city and economy that was on death’s doorstep.
Yes, it seems like the same old New Orleans of the past that we all knew and fell in love with. The street cars are rolling again, the museums are open. There are more culinary delights to choose from than ever before (many world famous chefs own restaurants in NOLA), and the mood is sublime. That is in the daytime. At night, the sounds, sights, and smells of one very exciting Bourbon Street come to life with the sounds of Jazz, the beautifully refurbished architecture, and the amazing smell of cajun-style food. It is everything the Gorilla remembers, except newer, better, cleaner. In the past 2 years since Katrina, there has been $400 million put into restoring some of the old classic hotels in the French Quarter and beyond. Historic Royal street reflects the city’s slow and steady recovery, with almost 75% of its foot traffic having been restored.
M.S. Rau Antiques, a 25,000 square foot treasure house, has enjoyed 15% growth throughout 2006 and 2007. And, convention business has rebounded tremendously, causing businesses all over New Orleans to thrive. There are so many festivals planned in the city for the spring and summer months, that one could never run out of things to do here for the entire summer! The famed New Orleans Jazz Fest just ended a few days ago, and featured 600 musicians on 11 stages. It showcased such artists as Stevie Wonder, Tim McGraw, Billy Joel and Santana.
If you are a lover of food, than you would be interested in the New Orleans Food and Wine Experience which takes place May 20th-24th. The festival, which is celebrating 17 years of good taste with 175 wines from all over the world, is being billed as “A Five Day Feast For All The Senses”. June 13th-15th is the new Vieux To Do weekend, which rolls three festivals into one-the Cajun Zydeco Festival, the Louisiana Seafood Festival, and the Creole Tomato Festival. WOW! The Gorilla’s mouth is watering. Finally, it wouldn’t be the Big Easy without celebrating the cocktail, which is rumored to have originated in New Orleans. Tales of the Cocktail is the 6th annual Culinary and Cocktail Festival, and it runs from July 16-20. So with all of these exciting events planned for a city on the cusp of a comeback, what are you waiting for? Hop on a plane and get there already. It’s time to be wooed once again by the southern charm of an old historic city that hasn’t changed in charm, but has become better with age and past trauma!