New Orleans, Louisiana
My Visit to New Orleans
New Orleans was a very fun place to visit because it brings back memories of the old south on the plantations. I went to Mardi Gras, visited Bourbon Street and went to the old U.S. Mint. I had a wonderfull time.
The Old U.S. Mint
The mint is a great historical site to visit. The mint is the only building to have served as both a United States and Confederate Mint. It was built in 1835 when Andrew Jackson was the President. He wanted it built to help finance the developement of the westen frontier. In 1838 the minting started and when Louisiana seceded from the Union in 1861 state authorities seized the building and used it to mint Confederate currency and house troops. After the Civil War it started minting U.S. coins, but it stoped in 1909. I had a wonderful experience at the mint.
Bourbon Street
Bourbon street is, by far, New Orleans most popular tourist attraction. It isn't a very appropiate place for children, though. The drinking laws in Louisiana are very liberal, and so you can do a lot of stuff you wouldn't normally be able to do in other sates. You can ask for a "go cup" which is what you ask for when you want to go somewhere else and you want to bring your drink with you. Bourbon Street is a very loose place where there is partying all day and all night.
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is very fun for adults because of the very festive nature. Called "The greatest free show on Earth" it is a very fun thing to do. It is famous for it's colorfull masks, parades, and beads that people use to celebrate the holiday. Fat Tuseday is the last day before Lent starts, and since Lent is supposed to be such a somber time, the main part of Mardi Gras takes place then so you could have a huge party right before Lent. I don't recomend Mardi Gras as a family event because there is a lot of drinking and other stuff going on that isn't suitable for children, but for adults it is very fun.