Nifty New Orleans

A CAJUN HOLIDAY was what our family experienced several years ago when we decided to rendezvous in New Orleans, Louisiana to celebrate Christmas together. Thanks to the generosity of our son, my wife and I - along with my parents - joined him in the Crescent City that December.

Our son had made arrangements for the accommodations. He had chosen a bed and breakfast only a short drive from Jackson Square and the French Quarter. His grandparents had their own small cottage; the other three of us had rooms in a large main house on the same property. The rooms and the beds were more than comfortable; the breakfast meals were scrumptious; and the family fellowship was nothing short of outstanding.

It was a great time to be in southern Louisiana. The crowds were relatively small in the "Big Easy" during the week of Christmas that year. And yet, in those pre-Katrina days, everything was still alive and well!

In addition to time for visiting at our living quarters, and the opening of presents on Christmas eve, our family enjoyed exploring the city and the surrounding area.

We were able to see several places of interest. One of these was the St. Louis Cathedral which stood majestically in Jackson Square. Another was Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre where we were in attendance for a special Christmas program. In addition, the Louis Armstrong Park, named after the musician and native son, was a pure delight.

Riding in a horse-drawn carriage for a tour of the city; taking a walking tour and seeing several landmarks and historical spots - including the St. Louis Cemetery; strolling down Bourbon Street with its many balconies above the sidewalks; and doing some shopping on St. Peters Street added to our pleasurable leisure activities.    

A few miles away from New Orleans in Vacherie, Louisiana was the Oak Alley Plantation. This gorgeous spot, located adjacent to the mighty Mississippi River, was a genuine highlight for all of us.

Delectable dining experiences made this particular family get-together one of the best ever. Every meal seemed to be unusually good. Commander's Palace was the restaurant of choice for our first night in the city. Other top eating spots where we feasted included the Court of Two Sisters; Emeril Lagasse's NOLA restaurant; and K Paul's Kitchen. And, there are no words to adequately describe the beignets at Cafe Du Monde or the pralines at Aunt Sally's!

To sum up: southern hospitality was in full display during our stay in New Orleans. The people, the food, the lights, the sites we visited; everything met - or exceeded - our expectations. All of us were pleased that we had gathered at this charming leisure destination. Now, after these several years have passed, memories tell us that Christmas in "Nawlins" was one of our family's best.
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-- In the photo above, carriages wait for passengers in front of Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, Louisiana.