New Orleans has something for everyone. It is a multi-faceted city and so complex in offerings that it would take years to experience even a fraction of what makes this the Paris of the South. The unique culture of N’awlins extends beyond the city to the areas all around Lake Pontchartrain, too. Our tip for visiting New Orleans and vicinity: Advance planning is important and necessary, but leave room for the spontaneous, too. That’s when the good times really roll!
Our home base for the area was the beautiful Fairview Riverside State Park. We were minutes away from the Lake Pontchartrain Bridge which made day trips easy to both the city of New Orleans (aka “The Big Easy”) as well as some of the smaller towns in the surrounding area.
National World War II Museum
High on our list of attractions to visit in New Orleans was the National World War II Museum. This state-of-the-art, multi-media museum is comprised of several buildings, a WWII themed hotel, movie theater, restaurants, and an entertainment stage. The immersive exhibits often included replays of radio broadcasts, sound effects, newsreels and films, artifacts, replicas, maps, active lighting and thoughtful progression through the themed areas. It was almost sensory overload trying to see everything in one day!
Replica newsstand and one of the many warnings of the time.
The exhibits were designed to immerse the visitor into the sights and sounds of the location.
Around the perimeter of each display room were artifacts from the time.
The day we visited, a middle school band was playing 1940’s swing music at the entry way. The facility is expanding as well. The complex is a fitting tribute honoring the lives and sacrifices of the Greatest Generation.
Abita Springs
Located north of New Orleans is the town of Abita Springs. Once a famous retreat for upper class city dwellers to escape the sultry summers and to partake of the healing properties of the artesian springs, it is now home to several micro breweries, artist collaborations, and a weekly farmers’ market.
Located next to the Abita Springs Pavilion, the farmers’ market offered fresh produce, canned specialty items, jams, jellies, seafood, eggs, crafts, jewelry, and clothing as well as a selection of prepared foods and food trucks plus live music. Picnic tables and benches throughout the space invited visitors to sit and stay awhile and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Abita Mystery House
A few blocks away, we couldn’t resist a visit to the Abita Mystery House. Eclectic and quirky, the pop culture museum is jammed wall to wall with mind boggling displays and dark humor. Our trip through the place left us smiling and nostalgic. The pictures don’t do it justice and it’s one of the places you have to see to believe.
The French Quarter
New Orleans is enchanting. And we were quickly under her spell from the moment we drove past the iconic wrought iron balconies and colorful residences.
The narrow brick streets, the zany traffic patterns, the crowds moving along the sidewalks past a kaleidoscope of storefronts contribute to the excitement of this city. We headed toward the Mississippi River waterfront for some easy access parking within walking distance to Jackson Square.
Early in the morning, the artists were setting up their wares along the exterior of the Square, the line at the famous Cafe du Monde was already out of the building, and the St. Louis Cathedral glistened in the sunlight.
The majestic interior of the Cathedral.
Walking the streets of the French Quarter…
So many wonderful places to eat — Po’boys and Beignets!
Fantastic bluesman near Cassibry Square
The parks along the Mississippi River provide great views of the river traffic as well as a calm respite from the multitudes.
At day’s end, we left The Big Easy with great appreciation for the extraordinary scope of activities awaiting the visitor, the beauty of the architecture, the mystique, and the quality dining and entertainment.
We hope you enjoyed this look at New Orleans and vicinity with TheirRVtravels. Please be sure to subscribe and we’ll send you an email notice each time we explore a new area.
CAMPGROUND REVIEW: Fairview Riverside State Park
We stayed at Fairview Riverside State Park in Madisonville, LA for a week. This is a beautiful Louisiana State Park located on the Tchefuncte River with nearby access to Lake Pontchartrain. A boardwalk through the swamp along the river’s edge provided great wildlife viewing opportunities and the boat launch and docks provided for the vigorous watercraft traffic. Our site was an easy back-in on a long concrete pad, level and partially shaded. Sites are water and electric only with a picnic table and fire ring. Dump stations in the campground. The restrooms and showers were air conditioned and sparkling clean. Park roads were in good condition; however, driving through Madisonville we encountered road construction near the boat launch area. Easy access to Lake Pontchartrain bridge over to New Orleans.
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