Great Destinations-New Orleans, “The Big Easy” by Purple Light’s Dave

As a young twenty-something my group of friends was deciding where to go on a group vacation.  One friend suggested New Orleans, to which another replied “that would be fun if you’re into humidity and vomit”.  That killed that idea and we ended up traveling elsewhere.  It wouldn’t be until my forties that I actually made it to New Orleans with my husband and a couple of friends.  While waiting for a cab at the airport the 90 degree plus temperature, with humidity at nearly the same level, was stifling.  As we pulled up to our hotel and were paying the cab driver, a young and obviously drunk man staggered over to the cab.  He planted his face against the window, heaved several times and threw up all over the glass.  But, even thru vomit stained glazing it was obvious that a sultry, alluring and amazing city awaited.  Despite some pitfalls, New Orleans would be more than worth its downsides.

For me the most enjoyable part of New Orleans is just walking around and experiencing the architecture and the people.  The decayed French/Caribbean splendor and moodiness of the French Quarter, the Victorian show stoppers of the garden district or the industrial and now trendy warehouse district all have their charms.  Carefree tourists who have left their inhibitions at home mingle with the sultry locals who always seem to know how to enjoy life.  Even in the off season there always seems to be a parade or a neighborhood party going on somewhere.  There is of course Mardi Gras, a world famous celebration that needs no description.  For gay travelers there is also Southern Decadence which is a mixture of Gay Pride, a small scale Mardi Gras and a bar scene that gets even raunchier than usual.  Decadence is a weeklong celebration that coincides with Labor Day weekend (so you already have a built in vacation day off).  It will probably be ridiculously hot, but it’s just another excuse to leave most of your clothes off.

New Orleans is deservedly famous for its music scene.  The French Quarter is loaded with places to catch a live act, but the adjacent Faubourg Marigny has more authentic venues.  Although its Frenchman Street is no longer a secret, you’ll still see more locals than tourists at its clubs.  Even the local street performers are worth stopping for and many have talents that would have them headlining at a club in many other cities.  This month (end of April) is also the famous New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.  Acts this year include Elvis Costello, Stevie Wonder, Flo Rida, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The New Orleans Swamp Donkeys and dozens of others.

Gumbo, Crawfish Etouffee, Po-boys, Jambalaya, Red Beans & Rice, Muffulettas and Beignets.  How many cities are famous for so many different dishes?  Fine dining in the French Quarter or Garden District, seafood shacks in Lakeview or new fusion cuisine in the Central City/Warehouse District; the options really are almost endless.  Unlike in most cities, even the touristy places can serve up a good bowl of comfort food that will make you glad you stopped in.  If you’re willing to do a little research, or use a good travel agent (shameless plug for Purple Light) you will find options that won’t break the budget and locals will wonder how you ended up finding them.  In addition to solid food, the city is as famous for its drinking.  Whether you want to enjoy a craft cocktail at a trendy club, or haul a two quart daiquiri down Bourbon Street; there really is something for everyone.

A final reason to visit New Orleans is the fact that the governor of Louisiana recently signed legislation that provides protection to state employees and contractors against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.  This in the face of surrounding states that have been approving anti-gay, discriminatory laws in the last couple of months.  (As if the food and nightlife weren’t enough of a reason to go on their own).