Celebrating St Patrick’s Day In New Orleans |

Celebrating St Patrick’s Day In New Orleans

October 31st, 2010Blog, Foodie Destinations, Travel & Tourism0 comments

When people think of visiting New Orleans, usually what comes to mind is Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest and Halloween but as many know, The Big Easy is always throwing a party and if you limit yourself to only experiencing the larger, tourist packed festivities – you’re missing out on the best that New Orleans has to offer!

One of my most favorite times to visit New Orleans is St. Patrick’s Day, not only is the spring weather perfect for outdoor fun but New Orleans’ twist on this traditional Holiday is not to be missed. Aside from the usual marching bands on parade there are highly decorated floats for miles down Magazine Street from which flow a never ending supply of beads and treats with many carrying live bands and insanely dressed party goers. This convivial family friendly celebration is just the beginning; there is a secondary parade of floats that travels through the residential section of the Garden District that is equally captivating to watch but without any barricades to separate you from the action.

Word of caution to all those standing on the side lines, keep a look out for flying objects! You’ll be expecting beads and trinkets, but the large head of cabbage speeding towards your head might catch you of guard. You will notice during the parade that many floats toss some strange things into the crowd, most notably, cabbage, carrots, Brussels sprouts and potatoes to name a few. Why you ask would they throw such things? Has the beer gone to their heads? The answer is simple; it is a long standing tradition for people to collect the veggies for the Irish stew that is to be made later that evening. You will see locals equipped with grocery bags awaiting the spoils and calling out to the passing floats for missing ingredients.

While in the area, make sure to drop by Parasol’s annual block party. Though a long standing favorite for Po’ Boys, on this day, everyone comes out to this neighborhood bar to hangout during the parades and socialize with old and new friends alike.

If all the action has left you thirsty and hungry, visit Big Fisherman on Magazine and pick up an order of boiled crawfish and head across the street to the Bulldog, a dog friendly beer bar that welcomes meals brought in from its neighboring seafood shop. Find a shady seat in their patio, order up a pitcher of ice cold libations and dig in!

There are many great places to stay in New Orleans, but the best are well kept secrets. My top pick cannot be beat, 1822 Bougainvillea House (http://www.1822bougainvillea.com/) is a private sanctuary run by a wonderful couple who are very active in the New Orleans community. They live in a historically restored main house in the residential section of the French Quarter and rent out two large apartments to guests for $125 per night, high season or low. Each apartment is extremely spacious, one is located beneath the main house and has its own courtyard and the other is a former slave quarter with private bougainvillea covered balcony. Both apartments are stocked with everything you could possibly need, you have access to a washer and dryer and one free parking spot in their secured lot. You would have a hard time finding a better living experience with kinder hosts at this price, just be sure to book well in advance for major holidays.

St. Patrick’s Day is only one of many amazing experiences to be had in New Orleans throughout the year. Easter is celebrated in a very traditional way complete with Easter Bonnets and horse drawn carriages. Christmas brings families and friends together at restaurants serving multi course feasts known as Reveillon dinners. New Years celebrants enjoy a free concert then line the banks of the Mississippi River to catch a grand fireworks display.

New Orleans is steeped in culture and tradition; they enjoy living and are eager to share their customs, their revelry and their food with guests. Every day is a joyous celebration in the Big Easy.