USA Travel Guide

It’s the first day of Carnival, and that means raucous Mardi Gras celebrations can’t be far behind.  We were a little late out of the gate last year, but this year we’re coming back strong with tips, suggestions and Mardi Gras 2010 hotel recommendations.

Officially, Mardi Gras 2010 takes place on February 16, “Fat Tuesday”, but in reality that’s just the final day in a weeks-long smorgasbord of parades, costumes and merriment. As early as January 31, flamboyant Carnival krewes will be hitting the streets, spreading cheer and handing out “throws” like beads, toys, stuffed animals and doubloons by the sack-load.

For that reason, you really don’t have to wait until Fat Tuesday to celebrate the Carnival with the locals. However, most experts will tell you (and we’ll happily agree), that visiting the weekend before Mardi Gras and staying through Tuesday is, hands down, the way to do it. All the biggest and best krewes host their parades during this time – ZULU, Bacchus, Endymion, Rex – all of them famous for over-the-top floats, delightful costumes and celebrity guests. View the parade schedule.

You’ll want to see as much as you can, but the one show you cannot miss is the Krewe of Bacchus Parade, Sunday at 5:15 p.m. in Uptown. The krewe spends all year constructing jaw-dropping super-floats like Bacchasaurus (pictured). Add in a roster of celebrity kings that has included Bob Hope, Charlton Heston, William Shatner and Dick Clark and it’s obvious that “go home” isn’t in this krewe’s vocabulary. They only go big.

Mardi Gras Tips
Most importantly, you must separate Mardi Gras from what happens in the French Quarter. That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with what happens in the French Quarter (not at all), it’s just to say that’s not technically Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is floats, festivity and family fun. It’s also highly policed with zero tolerance for debauchery. You can and should bring along the kids if able; they’ll have more fun than you.

Be prepared. Check the weather ahead of time, wear comfortable shoes, bring a bag to collect all the throws, and find a parade spot early to ensure a good seat. Some people bring ladders to stand on to improve their view, and it’s allowed, but we urge you to be very careful.

Collecting throws is fun. They’re cool souvenirs that convey instant meaning to whoever sees them. But, they’re not worth a trip to the hospital. If a throw hits the ground, we say let it go. If you reach for it, you have a much higher chance of getting trampled than you do coming up with a fun prize.

Enjoy New Orleans. The Big Easy is a joyous destination at any time of year, so use your time to experience the city. Stroll the French Quarter (during the day), dance to some live music, sample the incredible food, shop your heart out.

View more tips at this family-geared Mardi Gras Web site.

Mardi Gras Hotels
Mardi Gras hotels fill up fast, and some may already be sold out. Two of our favorite New Orleans hotels still have vacancies, however, so get yourself a room before it’s too late:

• Holiday Inn New Orleans French Quarter Hotel – affordable, well-located, kids eat free
• Chateau LeMoyne – historic ambiance, scenic views, well-located

Don’t settle for stories any more. Experience Mardi Gras in New Orleans for yourself in 2010.

Hard to believe we’ve been doing all these haunted house stories and haven’t yet traveled to New Orleans. This multicultural mélange of architectures, lifestyles, beliefs and generations is maybe the most active destination in the country. It’s an ideal place to find top-quality haunted attractions and, if you like, perhaps something much more real.

Haunted hotels in New Orleans are particularly common, with more than twelve in the city limits widely accepted to be haunted. We don’t have time for them all today, but in honor of the season, here are five of our favorite Haunted Hotels in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Hotel Monteleone
A regular on even national lists, Hotel Monteleone is a New Orleans French Quarter landmark, with a history dating back to the 1880s. Its incredible edifice and elegant halls have attracted eras of celebrities, authors, politicians, filmmakers and, yes, even ghosts. Stories run the gamut, from the fading apparition of an ancient clockmaker to a door that opens and shuts despite all efforts to lock it. Few stories speak of hauntings in the rooms, however, so sleep soundly and enjoy a marvelous building.

Dauphine Orleans Hotel
From the burnt orange façade to the wrought iron balconies to the French flag cresting meekly in the wind, this place just looks haunted. It’s everything you want it to be. Like most haunted buildings, Dauphine Orleans Hotel’s history goes back, as far back as 1775, in fact, when records explain the construction of the properties oldest sections. The former bordello still manages to keep guests up at night, only now it’s the ghostly moan of an unoccupied room that fills the halls. Make sure you keep your essentials on hand, as doors tend to inexplicably lock themselves.

Hotel Provincial
This charming French Quarter hotel used to be a hospital. And not just any hospital – a wartime hospital. During the American Civil War, confederate soldiers arrived, suffered and in many cases died in rooms all throughout the older portions of the property.

At this point, anyone who steps foot at Hotel Provincial is asking for it, and that’s a good thing! Reams of stories paint the Provincials history in gorgeous detail. Tales range from Confederate soldiers roaming the halls and grabbing at guests to appearing and disappearing blood stains.

Lafitte Guest House
For me, the smaller, the creepier. Lafitte Guest House is a 14-room Civil War-era mansion gives each guest the experience of owning a private villa in the heart of the French Quarter. Just don’t be surprised when the ghosts don’t obey that privacy. Young “Marie”, who allegedly died of yellow fever in Room 21 the mid-1800s, is popularly thought to roam the halls, flipping light switches as she goes. Meanwhile, her distraught mother can still be heard crying from time to time.

Le Pavilion Hotel
From remarkably ornate statues and flourishes to the rare marble washtub in the Palace Suite (a one-time gift from Napoleon himself), Le Pavilion Hotel blends history with sheer magnificence. After all, any hotel that serves free peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and hot cocoa every night is a hotel dedicated truly to the promise of comfort and hospitality.

It’s so nice, in fact, that even the dead won’t leave. Unexplained noises, apparitions of an older gray-haired lady and stories of bed sheets tugged off the bed are only a few of the experiences reported by guests over the years.

There you have it: five exceptional haunted hotels in New Orleans.

Of course, we understand that you may also want to stay in New Orleans more affordably and without the nagging sensation that you’re being watched every time you walk down the hall. For that, we have two great suggestions: 

• Chateau LeMoyne
• Holiday Inn French Quarter Hotel 

Both hotels are located in the French Quarter (in walking distance to most of the others, actually) and offer low-end rates. The unique Chateau LeMoyne even offers the boutique feel of New Orleans luxury properties at a reasonable cost.

Some friends in New Orleans asked us to do a post for the fast upcoming Southern Decadence. I’ll admit that it’s not my scene, but this blog’s only boundaries are geographical. Who am I to say no?

Mardi Gras with a decided twist, Southern Decadence in New Orleans, Louisiana is a massive GLBT festival and event packed with parades, street fairs, dance parties, drag queens, comedy, costumes, beads, more than a little bit of drinking and just about everything else. I’ll put it this way, in a list of visitor tips, organizers of the festival felt compelled to remind people to eat. The action is that non-stop.

The six-day event goes hard from open to close, not that anything ever really closes in New Orleans, where bars can legally sell alcohol 24 hours a day. Like its Fat Tuesday cousin, Mardi Gras, Southern Decadence takes place primarily in the famous French Quarter along Bourbon Street and St. Ann Street. It’s primarily an adult scene. Most indoor events have age minimums of 18 at least. Though, if you’re really concerned about content, this probably isn’t the event for you.

Also like Mardi Gras, Southern Decadence culminates in a grand parade that leaves the historic walls of the French Quarter rocking with noise and excitement. Due to an unfortunate 2008 cancellation in the face of Hurricane Gustav, this year’s festival promises to be bigger, stronger and more ridiculous than ever. It’s even in the theme: “HURRICANE – This year, they blow back!”

Theme colors are silver, black and red, so dress accordingly (and yes, clothing is required).

Southern Decadence takes over New Orleans Labor Day weekend starting September 2 – 7. Many events are free. The festival is predominantly gay male, but organizers welcome all from the GLBT and straight communities, and diverse attendance is on the rise. Learn more.

We checked with our two regular French Quarter hotels, and both still have rooms available, but they’re going fast: 

• Chateau LeMoyne – a historic French Quarter hotel just moments from the action
• Holiday Inn French Quarter Hotel – an affordable, convenient option that will serve your needs

Have fun at Southern Decadence 2009 in New Orleans!

Looking for something a little different for Summer Family Vacation 2009? Tired of Disneyland, Universal Studios, New York, D.C., California and boring same-old cruises, or just don’t want to stomach the cost? It’s time to expand your and your family’s horizons, then, with a family vacation to New Orleans, Louisiana, one of the most exciting places there is!

Fascinating history, unrivaled energy, lively personality, world-renowned attractions, stop-worthy sights and, of course, the food (are you noticing a pattern?), New Orleans has entertainment opportunities on par with anywhere else in the country if you only know where to look!

Where do you look, then? Glad you asked. Here are some of our favorite things to do with family in New Orleans: 

• Audubon Zoo – #10 on our Heisman Trophy-winning article “The Top 10 Zoos in America“, the Audubon Zoo is truly a world-class institution blending impressive animal exhibits with historic grounds that have an effortless charm.
• Aquarium of the Americas – Equally renowned, and rebounding in a big way post-Katrina, the Aquarium of the Americas is a kid-favorite with tanks featuring the aquatic wildlife of North and South America (love the Jellyfish exhibit!)
• Mardi Gras World – Weird, and weirdly awesome! Mardi Gras World is the actual manufacturing facility where Blaine Kern Studios produces around 80% of the floats, costumes and decorations that visitors see during Mardi Gras. Tours offer the chance to see the floats being built as well as learn about the classic Big Easy holiday and the studios.

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A reader asked about this, oh, awhile ago, and with Spring Break 2009 winding down, I finally have time to catch up on some topics I’ve been neglecting (thanks, Michelle). Don’t say USA Travel Guide never gets to your questions. We may not get to them quickly, but we get to them

As a devout Food Network and Good Eats fan, the notion of clarifying a culinary conundrum is like the proverbial slow pitch, especially when the case in question is “Creole vs. Cajun“. Not only are we big fans of both cuisines, we never pass up an opportunity to talk New Orleans.

As the “vs.” no doubt gave away, Cajun cuisine and Creole cuisine are not the same thing, not even a little bit. They share some ingredients, they even share some dishes, but when you consider that German Schnitzel and Texas Chicken Fried Steak are basically the same thing, you’ll realize that a dish, or a cuisine, is more than the ingredients that made it.

Both Creole and Cajun cuisine vary greatly in history, attitude, style and flavor. Let’s take a closer look:

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There is one more side of Spring Break that I’ve been neglecting, which is regrettable because it’s probably the most important of all: the Alternative Spring Break & Voluntourism.

Alternative Spring Break, or just Alternative Break, is when an organized group of people, often college students, travel to a destination in order to provide service and help with restoration efforts, rather than to vacation. While the term and concept began in the 1980’s, the Alternative Spring Break has seen recent prominence in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Voluntourism is the same in spirit, but differs from Alternative Break by consisting of individuals and city programs, rather than group efforts by schools and universities. Voluntourists will travel to a destination, join a local program and provide assistance as needed and requested, commonly working with strangers. Many Voluntourism programs provide room and board for participants, even in the homes of those being helped.

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It’s not too late!

New Orleans Mardi Gras is only twelve days away, and believe it or not you can still find quality reservations in town, but I assure you this will not be true by Monday. This may be your last chance to heat up your winter with some out-of-control fun.

We contacted a couple of our favorite New Orleans hotels and we’re pleased to find they’re still offering rooms for at least the 24^th. If nothing else, you’ll have a safe place to pass out. Both are located in the French Quarter.

One of the most historic French Quarter hotels, the Chateau LeMoyne has been around for every single Mardi Gras celebration, having been built 10 years before the first Mardi Gras parade in 1857. What a place to stay!

Another good choice is the Holiday Inn French Quarter Hotel. Affordability is the name of the game. See if you can score one of their last minute deals, but don’t wait too long. Again, Mardi Gras reservations go fast!

Mardi Gras Day is February 24, 2009, which is by far the wildest night, however the celebration lasts for weeks beforehand, so arrive early if you can. The preceding weekend is especially exciting. Learn more about parade routes, weather and other advice here.

Tip: Despite its reputation, the Mardi Gras of today is about 90% family-friendly, so you shouldn’t be afraid to bring along everyone for a good time. The parades are especially great for the kids, because the Krewes pass out fun toys by the handful. However, the 10% of Mardi Gras that isn’t so family-friendly, the part you see commercials about at three in the morning on Comedy Central, that part happens to be the French Quarter, so bear this in mind when making reservations.

Have Fun!

We’re back with more fantastic Valentine’s Day ideas!

If you’re the kind to find romance in history, this is most definitely the set for you. We’ve scanned over our favorite historic hotels and chosen three that are featuring Valentine’s Day specials for you to consider. Once again we’re all over the map, so hopefully there’s something for everyone.

Chateau LeMoyne – A French Quarter Hotel

A historic Valentine’s Day getaway awaits you in sultry New Orleans at the Chateau LeMoyne. With buildings dating back 1847, the Chateau encapsulates the stateliness of the city’s grand history while a choice French Quarter location makes it easy for vacationing couples to experience the full breadth of the Big Easy. A nice Valentine’s Day hotel special helps, too:

Heart to Heart 

• Free Upgrade to Suite or Balcony Room
• Breakfast for Two at Hotel

Learn more about the specials at the Chateau LeMoyne here.

Mills House Charleston Hotel

According to their Web site, “Charleston is a city that defines romance like no other,” and who are we to argue? The legendary history of the Mills House Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina stretches back to 1853 and is today one of the purest expressions of mid-Victorian architecture in the city. A bold, inviting city that not near enough people think to visit, a rewarding Valentine’s Day vacation is the perfect opportunity. The package:

Romantic Getaway Package 

• Room with Canopy Bed
• Nightly Turndown Service
• Breakfast for Two
• Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride through the Historic District

This package requires a minimum two-night stay, so it’s not exactly a Valentine’s Day special, but we just couldn’t let the unrivaled romance of historic Charleston go unnoticed. Learn more here.

The Silversmith Chicago Hotel

We’ve already discussed the Silversmith as one of the finest boutique hotels in Chicago, but I maybe didn’t do it justice as the ideal choice for romantic getaways. Situated in the authentic razzle-dazzle of Jeweler’s Row and complemented by traditional white glove service, the Silversmith Hotel uncannily captures the life, energy and comely spirit of one of America’s most beloved cities. Add that extra touch of sweetness with this package:

Sweet Heart Chicago 

• Luxury Suite
• Chilled Champagne and Strawberries
• Long Stem Roses
• Breakfast in Bed

Bundle up and head over to Navy Pier for an old-fashioned Ferris wheel ride, one of our favorite things to do on Valentine’s Day. Nostalgia and romance are like chocolate and peanut butter. Learn more about this package here.

More Valentine’s Day getaway ideas on their way for tomorrow.

Thanks for reading.

I have to admit, I’ve got a thing for ghosts. While the rest of the country is watching America’s Funniest Home Videos, I’m watching Ghost Hunters on Sci-Fi.

I especially like ghost and haunted history tours. For one thing, they’re fun and usually family-friendly, but more importantly, they offer a one-of-a-kind perspective on the city or town they explore. Just think about it: the overblown tourist traps of most cities are so rote, so produced, so canned that you can hardly in good conscience call them attractions. More like work, if you ask me.

On the other hand, a spooky nighttime ghost tour is a sneak peak into the soul of a place. Sometimes it’s the haunting stories of past residents, sometimes it’s just the way the otherwise normal buildings seem to churn with menace in the nighttime glow. Either way, ghost tours are a great opportunity to experience a city, and high quality ghost tours are becoming more and more prominent, so I thought I’d take this moment to share a favorite: the New Orleans Haunted History Tours.

Declared the “#1 Tour in New Orleans” by the Travel Channel and featured on countless others, the Haunted History Tours Company is the leading authority on ghosts, vampires, voodoo and all the other creepy comings and goings of The Big Easy. Their daytime tours are full of academic goodness, but if you can only choose the one, wait for the official French Quarter Ghost Tour, departing twice nightly.

And don’t forget your camera!

Two exciting hotel options for you in the French Quarter:

A candidate for hauntings itself, the Chateau LeMoyne is a historic New Orleans hotel with architecture dating back to 1847.

Among French Quarter hotels, we also like the Holiday Inn New Orleans – French Quarter for its inexpensive accommodations and standard Holiday Inn perks.

Get hunting, travel fans!