New Orleans bounces back with new crowdpullers

Whether you enjoy partying, jazz, history or sport, there is no argument that New Orleans is one of the most compelling destinations in the US. 

I've visited twice and know that the city is both fascinating and resilient, having bounced back not only from Hurricane Katrina, but also from Covid. 

The city bills itself as "the Cultural Capital of the South". All Ciovid restrictions have now been lifted and there are several new attractions to explore.

The ESSENCE Festival of Culture Live is returning for the first time in two years from June 30-July 3, while Vue New Orleans, located on the 33rd and 34th floors of Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, is an indoor and outdoor observation deck and exhibit featuring 360-degree panoramic riverfront views of New Orleans and beyond.

The Southern Food & Beverage Museum (SoFAB) is offering an in-depth look into how to create delicious, traditional dishes that can be found nowhere else in the world. Both the Cajun and Creole classes include a tour of the museum. 

For adventure lovers, Zip NOLA is a new swamp zipline attraction located 45km from downtown New Orleans on the banks of Lake Pontchartrain, in the historic town of Frenier. 

The Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, located in the Warehouse District, opened in early 2021 while the Liberations Pavilion at The National WWII Museum, currently under construction, will mark the final major addition to The National WWII Museum.

The Louisiana Children's Museum (LCM) has moved  to City Park and includes five interactive exhibits. 

The Frenchmen Hotel was remodelled and opened in February. Originally built in 1860, it has a rooftop bar and a courtyard plunge pool. 

Four Seasons Hotel & Private Residences New Orleans opened its doors in August 2021. Located on the Riverfront at the foot of Canal Street, the hotel is the latest addition to the city's luxury accommodations. The 34-storey, mixed use development houses a 341-key hotel on the lower floors and 81 luxury condominiums on the upper floors.

Virgin Hotels New Orleans and the Hotel Saint Vincent are other new arrivals, while One 11 Hotel, the first new hotel in over fifty years in the French Quarter, opened in December 2020. 

For gourmets, the local tourism officials from New Orleans and Co. highlight the likes of Mister Mao, a new tropical roadhouse on Tchoupitoulas Street in the Garden District and Saint John, a new restaurant on Decatur Street in the French Quarter. 

The former Claret Wine Bar space was renamed The Bower Bar and opened in early January. 

For more details visit www.neworleans.com