We have
created memorable tours for guests that
showcase New Orleans, its rich culture,
cuisine and music. This unique
city--America's European
masterpiece--will delight and intrigue
you. Your registration fee includes
the History, Highlights and Hope: City
Tour and one additional tour of your
choice. Additional tours may be
purchased. Enjoy the wonderful city
that is Forever New Orleans!
History, Highlights and Hope: City
Tour
From the sultry history of the
French Quarter to the majesty of St.
Charles Avenue’s stately mansions,
this is a thorough and fascinating
introduction to the endless variety
of sights found in the “Big Easy.”
Hit hard by Hurricane Katrina, New
Orleans has suffered greatly but is
now rising to new found glory. Come
on a fascinating roundabout of
neighborhoods viewing those
unaffected by the Hurricane as well
as several which sustained major
damage and are now in a rebuilding
mode.
Your journey begins downtown in the
Vieux Carré, moves past Jackson
Square and the old French Market,
all virtually untouched by Katrina. Ride through the
Upper and Lower 9th
Wards…neighborhoods ravished by
wind and water. Witness for yourself
the inspiration of Harry Connick,
Jr…. The Musicians’ Village,
a symbol of hope and renewal. See Fats Domino’s
home in the Lower
9th recently refurbished
by a local foundation dedicated to
keeping the music of New Orleans
alive.
Travel along Esplanade Avenue to
visit one of the unique little “Cities of the Dead.” View the
sites of major levee breeches in Lakeview,
where floodwaters
stood for three weeks. Through sheer
guts, determination and hard work of
the owners, homes and business are
springing back to life.
Next, sit back and relax as you
journey back downtown via St.
Charles Ave., and rejoice in the
return of the oldest streetcar line
in the county. All of the stories
and facts will leave with you a real
sense of New Orleans’ true spirit,
its proud history and rich culture.
Dates:
Wednesday, July 23 Thursday, July
24 Friday, July 25
Time: 1:30
pm- 4:30 pm 1:30 pm – 4:30
pm 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Walking: Light
A Taste of the Vieux Carré
Explore the heart of New Orleans
then, indulge in and enjoy the
flavor of Creole Cuisine at the New Orleans School of Cooking.
The Vieux Carré introduces you to
the historic beginnings of the
city. Discover the folklore,
customs and unique architecture of
this European corner of America.
Stand in Jackson Square and take in
the sweep of structures that
comprise the largest concentration
of historic buildings to be found in
North America…St. Louis
Cathedral, Cabildo, the Presbytere
and Madam Pontalba’s row
houses. Madam Pontalba was
responsible for placing the imposing
equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson
at the center of her French
Strolling Park.
Step across the street and hear
scarifying stories of Voodoo Queens,
pirates, haunted houses and watch
artist and colorful street
performers clown and dance. Atop the
levee catch the breeze, look up…look
down and learn why New Orleans is
known as The Crescent City.
At the
New Orleans School of
Cooking, learn how to recreate
the magic that is New Orleans
cuisine. Enjoy highly entertaining
patter about life in New Orleans as
our lively Chef teaches you the
steps in preparing Creole delicacies
– the world famous cuisine that
combines the finest elements of
French and Spanish cooking with rich
indigenous seafood, spices, and
produce. Local specialty dishes such
as Gumbo, Andouille Jambalaya and
Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce
will be demonstrated. Sample some of
these delicacies as you enjoy a
relaxing lunch, following the
presentation. Pralines and recipe
cards to take home are a perfect
finish to this cooking delight!
Dates:
Wednesday, July 23
Friday, July 25
Time: 9:00
am – 1:00 pm 9:00 am
– 1:00 pm
Walking: Moderate
Perspectives of Antebellum Life
Like a silver ribbon the Mississippi
River slips into the distance and
standing along its banks are great
houses awaiting discovery. River
Road turns and twists along the
levee as you ride back into a
splendid century... an era when
sugar was king, and experience two
different perspectives of life in
the Old South:
Laura Plantation, a true example of
life on a Creole Plantation, and Oak
Alley, which epitomizes the
elegance of the American style
Plantation home.
While most antebellum homes evoke
images of hoop skirts and white
columns, Laura Plantation, built in
1805, presents a different view of
Creole life. Laura Lacoul Gore,
mistress of Laura Plantation,
documented life through 1,400 pages
of a colorful and complete diary.
Spanning four generations, her daily
accounts reveal vivid stories of
love and greed, pride and betrayal,
excess, pettiness, violence and
heroism. Learn of major events and
the day to day lives of the
inhabitants; both slave and free. It
is here that the first written
record of the American fable Br’er
Rabbit was discovered.
Time has been good to
Oak Alley.
The Southern days of old are
captured at one of Louisiana’s most
photographed Southern Mansions,
which have been brought back to life
in numerous Hollywood movies. Its
magnificent allée of twenty-eight
well spaced Live Oaks form a
natural canopy and provide a
dramatic setting for the mansion
that Jacques Roman built for his
bride in 1837. Spared during the
Civil War, the plantation had a
succession of owners until she
finally faced the elements alone.
Then in 1925, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew
Stewart rescued the once proud house
of the young couple Roman and began
its extensive renovation. Once again
it serves as a gracious and happy
home.
Picture yourself standing on the
upper gallery gazing through the
quarter mile of oaks that leads to
Louisiana’s lifeline...the
Mississippi. Lunch will be served
at Oak Alley.
Dates:
Thursday, July 24
Friday, July 25
Time: 9:30
am – 3:30 pm 9:30 am
– 3:30 pm
Walking: Moderate
“O Happy Day!” Gospel Brunch Cruise
Enjoy a taste of the past, along
with a full plate of food, fun and
entertainment on this one-of-a-kind
leisurely brunch cruise. Join us
today for “Gospel and Grits” aboard
one of New Orleans luxurious
Riverboats as you cruise the mighty
Mississippi.
From the moment you step on board
this proud vessel the interaction
and fun will begin! This stately
paddlewheeler is part of an old
tradition of romance, luxury and
comfort. Authentically patterned
wrought iron trims the outer decks
inviting guests to stroll back in
time, as they settle into the mood
of a bygone era.
Enjoy a traditional Southern style
brunch buffet featuring local
delicacies such as Grillades and
Grits and a host of traditional
brunch items as you listen to the
sweet, soulful sounds of Gospel
singers. Their vast repertoire and
people pleasin’ personalities will
bring home a sure-fired hit! With
the picturesque banks of the
Mississippi River in the background
and the energy in the air, you might
find yourself standing up and
clapping. “O Happy Day!”
Date:
Thursday, July 24
Time: 10:00
am - 1:00 pm
Walking: Light
Tour will depart from the Morial
Convention Center at HALL C.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior
to departure time.
Questions? Email
NOLA@ncsl.org
Tel: 504-524-0188 - ext 2
