Here in this little corner of the America South, where European traditions blend with Caribbean influences, the history, art, architecture, music, and food are all worth exploring. The only challenge is deciding what to see and do!

A few attractions worth exploring in New Orleans:

• New Orleans School of Cooking
Offers entertaining classes in a renovated molasses warehouse built in the early 1800s in the heart of the French Quarter.

• The Steamboat Natchez
Offers dinner jazz and harbor jazz cruises on the only authentic steamboat in New Orleans.

• French Quarter
Aside from the Mardi Gras, the French Quarter itself is a wonderful free show. The French Market’s seven buildings, from the Bazaar and the Red stores to the Flea Market for souvenir bargains in local productions, tee-shirts, jewelry, masks and assorted oddities.

• Woldenberg Park
Walk the magnolia landscaped Woldenberg Park. See the vista in and from Spanish Plaza with its most refreshing fountain, pretty mosaics and a cinematic view of the great River. Window-shop upscale emporia at Riverwalk, the Jax Brewery and Canal Place.