Slidell, LA

New Orleans invites you to experience 300 years' worth of stories, celebrations and one-of-a-kind culture. It is a melting pot of French, African and American cultures. New Orleans rebuilt itself into the strong community that it is today after a devastating fire started by gas lamps in 1788 that crumbled the city into a smoky pile of rubble. St. Charles streetcars (some electric) still travel past Creole cottages and shotgun houses. The city lives in a time warp, always unique, always popular and yet not totally discovered. 

You will want to take your time while exploring this wonderful city. Hop on a streetcar and explore on your own or let one of the many tour companies show you around. There are swamp tours, plantation tours, cemetery tours, culinary tours and garden tours to name a few. Regardless of how you get there, you can't miss the French Quarter, Riverwalk and the Garden District. Cemetery walking tours are particularly popular as are haunted tours. The center of all activity is Jackson Square, which is the perfect place to people watch. If you enjoy a good party with great music, food, parades and entertainment of all types, Mardi Gras (also called "Fat Tuesday") is an event to behold. Celebrations last about 2 weeks and there is at least one major parade per day.