United Country Breaks Down Top Ten New Orleans Attractions

United Country Real Estate celebrates its 90-year anniversary, February 24-26, at our National Convention. Where better to celebrate than the unique and historical city of New Orleans, La.? In honor of United Country’s celebration, we’ve broken down the top 10 things to do in the Big Easy.   

• 10. Cemetery Tours. Known as “cities of the dead,” many of the tombs in the New Orleans cemeteries are above ground to help with rising water levels. The eerie walls of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 are recognized from films like ‘Interview with the Vampire’ and ‘Double Jeopardy.’ Guided tours generally last around an hour and cost $20 per person.
• 9. St. Louis Cathedral. St. Louis Cathedral is the centerpiece of the French Quarter and is one of New Orleans’ most recognizable landmarks. It was built in the 1700’s and is the oldest cathedral in North America. You can purchase a brochure for a self-guided tour for just $1.
• 8. Mardi Gras World. Go behind the scenes of one of the most popular celebrations in the U.S. Mardi Gras World gives a close-up look at some of the floats and costumes used during Mardi Gras. You can even try on authentic costumes before the tour! Admission costs $19.95 for adults and $12.95 for kids.
• 7. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. From the colors of the Caribbean Reef to the penguins and Southern sea otters, the Aquarium of the Americas takes you to an underwater world. Get a combination package to visit the aquarium, zoo and insectarium for $35.
• 6. The National World War II Museum. The museum has an impressive collection of artifacts and educational films documenting all aspects of the war. It also features oral recantations of civilians and soldiers’ experiences throughout the 1940s. General admission costs $23 with World War II veterans getting in for free.
• 5. Swamp Tours. Experience the Louisiana bayous by airboat or flatboat. Bayous are home to a multitude of birds, crawfish, shrimp, snakes, alligators and crocodiles. Through a swamp tour, you can learn all about the ecology, the wildlife and how the natives live everyday life.
• 4. Bourgeois Fishing Trip. This trip requires early reservations and is first-come, first-serve until they run out of boats. Charters include fishing on the bayous of south Louisiana. A fishing license is required and costs $10 for three days.
• 3. Festivals. Attend one of many festivals for anything from legendary jazz music to food and drink festivals and even film festivals. Festivals vary in times and dates.
• 2. French Quarter. You can’t visit New Orleans without stopping in the French Quarter. It’s a National Historic Landmark and the heart and soul of the city. The main draw – Bourbon Street. The street is crawling with street performers, artists, fortune tellers, rowdy bars and a lot of other unique sightings.1
• 1. FOOD. All kinds of food. Fresh oysters, crawfish boils, gumbo, jambalaya and other incredible Cajun food. The one thing we do know is you won’t leave New Orleans hungry. Don’t miss out on beignets (French donuts) at Café Du Monde or enjoying a meal sitting by the Flaming Fountain on the patio at Pat O’Brien’s. Honestly, you can’t go wrong just about anywhere.

For more information about the United Country National Convention and for more information about attractions in New Orleans, visit UCConvention.com.

Sources: www.UCConvention.com http://travel.usnews.com/New_Orleans_LA/Things_To_Do/ http://www.neworleanscvb.com/