New Orleans: -- Le Bon Temps Roule!
Since 1699, when French explorers landed at the great bend of the
Mississippi River and celebrated the first Mardi Gras in North America,
New Orleans has brewed a fascinating mélange of cultures. It was French,
then Spanish, then French again, then sold to the United States. Through
all those years, and even into the 21st century, others arrived from
everywhere: Acadians (Cajuns), Africans, indigenous North Americans,
Germans, Vietnamese, Latin Americans, New Yorkers.
Today, 310-year-old New Orleans is the most celebrated city of the American South, and the largest city in Louisiana (some 300,000 in the city, 1.2 million in the metropolitan area as of late 2007, and still re-growing), as well as the state's top visitor destination. The city has a reputation for historical roots, hot and muggy weather, great food, great music, and great times. Despite being hit hard by Hurricane Katrina in late 2005, New Orleans is still the tourist hot-spot it always has been. Jazz music still rules the city's streets and there's still a bit of Mardi Gras all year round.
For complete information on New Orleans attractions, contact:
New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau
1520 Sugar Bowl Drive
New Orleans, Louisiana 70112 USA
800.672.6124
Getting to New Orleans
By air:
The city's primary airport is Louis
Armstrong International Airport
(MSY), located in the suburb of Kenner. The next closest airport (72
miles) is the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR).
To get into New Orleans from the airport, a taxi ($28 for one or two people) is quickest;
that's the flat fee from the airport to any spot in the French Quarter or Central Business
District. Taxis have recently added a $2 gas surcharge to cope with the rising cost
gasoline, making the cost $30 from the airport. Limo service is also available for
rates starting at $35. Airport shuttle to hotels is $15. See the airport website
for other options.
By car
The main artery into and out of town is Interstate 10, going to the east and west.
By bus or train
Bus and train stations are next to each other at 1001 Loyola Avenue, by the edge of the Central Business District and within walking distance of the Super Dome. Both Greyhound and Amtrak service the terminal. Three Amtrak routes pass through New Orleans: City of New Orleans, Crescent, and Sunset Limited.
Map
Map of French Quarter and surrounding area, showing conference hotel
Guides
The French Quarter (Le Vieux Carre)
Wikitravel Guide to New Orleans
Big Easy Maps
New Orleans Live
Image Credit: New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau (New Orleans CVB)