New Orleans, Louisiana-once again a top vacation destination

May 14, 1:53 AMProvidence Destinations Travel ExaminerRaymond LoCicero

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Photo courtesy of Alex Demyan/Neworleansonline

Over the course of the last few years, few cities have had to overcome more than New Orleans, Louisiana. The “Big Easy” or “Crescent City”, as it is frequently called, was devastated in 2005 by an extremely destructive hurricane. I, like so many, will forever remember the horrible loss life and property that New Orleans sustained as a result of Hurricane Katrina. While the memory of that day and those weeks immediately after the storm will never be forgotten, New Orleans is moving forward, has reenergized, and should be once again included as one of your top vacation destinations.

New Orleans, known for its unique history, past cultural influences, spectacular Mardi Gras celebrations, streetcars, and unique foods such as beignets and crawfish, is an enchanting destination that has a great deal to offer its visitors. New Orleans boasts numerous family friendly attractions, exceptional arts and music venues, and pampers all those who yearn for exceptional nightlife activities. When visiting with the family in the crescent city, you should ensure that you stop over and see over 15,000 sea creatures at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, go explore and learn about all of the insects at the Audubon Insectarium, relive the second World War at the National World War II museum, witness the nation’s largest collection of live oaks at the Botanical Gardens, come aboard and take boat ride on the Steamboat Natchez, let the kids discover more than 30,000 square feet of hands-on, interactive exhibits at the Louisiana Children’s Museum, and enjoy the peace and tranquility of two outstanding municipal parks, Audubon and City Park. Don’t forget to journey to the French Quarter or Vieux Carré , and when you do, make sure to buy some goods at America’s oldest market, the French Market, have some cappuccino and eat some beignets at Café Du Monde, gaze at the bronze statue of Andrew Jackson at Jackson Square, and go discover the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic Cathedral, St. Louis Cathedral.

For those of you who love art and music, take some time to explore a multitude of private art galleries, visit an art museum that houses over $200 million dollars worth of art and has 46 different galleries, the New Orleans Museum of Art, go listen to some classical music courtesy of the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra, watch live performances at the New Orleans Opera, catch a show at numerous theatre and performances spaces, and see a recital presented by the New Orleans Ballet Association.

For those individuals who yearn for exceptional nightlife activities, the crescent city certainly is your destination. If you're looking for fine dinning and entertainment, go relax and enjoy the cuisine and jazz music at the Bombay Club. More exceptional entertainment can be discovered by visiting Mulate’s, the House of Blues, Kerry Irish Pub, and Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. Also don’t forget to explore Bourbon Street after dark, stop over at Pat Obrien’s for a hurricane cocktail, have a cold one at the Crescent City Brewhouse, venture out to one of the many Cabaret/Burlesque Clubs, and gamble the night away at Harrah’s Casino. For even more nightlife please visit the nightlife guide.

For much more information on this unique and exceptional travel destination, please visit NewOrleansOnline.com.